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Constitutive Modelling of Tendons as Fibre-Reinforced Soft Tissues with a Single Fibre Family: Stress-Relaxation Tests for Parameter Identification
Get PDFBackground: Nowadays, flexor hand tendon repair represents a clinical need, and new
suture patterns or devices are commonly tested on animal surrogates. Considering the
literature, the most frequently adopted animal models for testing are the equivalent tendons
taken from porcine specimens. The constitutive modelling of these tendons could open
the way to the numerical testing of new repair techniques and the development of digital
twins, reducing the use of animal models. Methods: Uniaxial tensile stress-relaxation tests
at different strain levels during the loading and unloading phases on porcine tendons were
performed. Constitutive formulations based on the assumptions of incompressible and
nearly incompressible materials were evaluated. Results: The experimental data were evaluated considering the relaxation tests at different strain levels during both the loading and
unloading phases. The experimental tests were used for the material parameter calibration
of both models. Conclusions: The stress-relaxation tests conducted at different strain levels
during the loading phase showed good agreement with previous findings reported in the
literature. Both constitutive model formulations provided a reliable approximation for
numerical simulation
Investigations of non-visible features in archaeological sites: testing aerial remote sensing with UAV in Pompeii
Get PDFThe proposed study aims to confirm the potential of UAV-based multispectral imagery as a flexible and cost-effective tool for detecting possible buried archaeological structures, expanding upon previous approaches based on satellite or traditional airborne data. In parallel, the authors investigate the role of such imagery within a conjectured workflow that incorporates multispectral analysis as a preliminary, extensive, and non-invasive step in archaeological prospection strategies. The study evaluates the performance of a commercial sensor and analyses spectral signatures through the generation of index maps within the significant context of Iulia Felix Praediain Pompeii (Italy). A significant opportunity was the possibility of acquiring multispectral data in the hortus area, previously investigated through non-invasive geophysical surveys and archaeological excavations. The UAV photogrammetric flight and the subsequent analyses focused on the visual interpretation and geolocated examination of vegetation and soil index maps, accurately selected among those available, considering the UAV-acquired band dataset. This approach enhanced the feature of the complex hortus environment, where natural elements alternate with numerous man-made structures. These analyses led to the detection of anomalies, consistent with those previously identified by the aforementioned investigations, alongside additional anomalies distributed across the study area. Further analysis and synthesis of the detected anomalies involved the generation of a confidence map based on the frequency of the anomaly occurrence across the analysed index maps. The consistency between detected anomalies and previous investigations' results underlines the potential for continued research on processing multispectral data captured by UAVs. Such data provide a valuable alternative to satellite imagery due to their much higher spatial resolution, enabling rapid and cost-effective campaigns to plan more targeted geophysical and archaeological investigations. The findings also validate the hypothesised workflow involving the use of multispectral imagery as a preliminary, extensive, and non-invasive tool to define excavation areas’ perimeters and, subsequently, guide targeted analyses
An adaptive importance sampling algorithm for risk-averse optimization
Get PDFple size throughout the optimization process. However, they may encounter difficulties in riskaverse settings, particularly due to the challenge of accurately sampling from the tails of the
underlying distribution of random inputs. This often leads to a much faster growth of the sample size compared to risk-neutral problems. In this work, we propose a novel adaptive sampling
algorithm that adapts both the sample size and the sampling distribution at each iteration. The
biasing distributions are constructed on the fly, leveraging a reduced-order model of the objective
function to be minimized, and are designed to oversample a so-called risk region. As a result, a
reduction of the variance of the gradients is achieved, which permits to use fewer samples per
iteration compared to a standard algorithm, while still preserving the asymptotic convergence
rate. Our focus is on the minimization of the Conditional Value-at-Risk (CVaR), and we establish
the convergence of the proposed computational framework. Numerical experiments confirm the
substantial computational savings achieved by our approac
Two-stage anaerobic digestion of fruit and vegetable waste: optimization of dark fermentation through thermal pretreatment and co-digestion with sugar-rich wastewater
Get PDFFruit and vegetable waste (FVW) poses environmental challenges but can be valorized via dark fermentation (DF) and two-stage anaerobic digestion (TSAD) to produce H2 and CH4. This study evaluated the effects of culture medium and thermal pretreatment of inoculum in DF, testing various sugars and jam wastewater (JWW) as a renewable sugar source. Thermal pretreatment at 60 °C for 30 min enriched H2-producers, while culture medium had no significant effect. Glucose and sucrose allow H2 yield of 6.5 and 45.8 N mL/gVS, respectively. JWW proved suitable for DF of both raw and pretreated FVW, achieving H2 yields of 67.1 and 99.5 N mL/gVS, respectively. Volatile fatty acids after DF indicated active fermentation pathways reaching 7.2 g/L in JWW_FVW_1:1. In the TSAD, CH4 production reached 184 N mL/gVS, surpassing conventional single-stage digestion. These results demonstrate the potential of TSAD systems using FVW and JWW for efficient simultaneous H2 and CH4 production
From standalone to interconnected: Sector-coupled optimisation of La Gomera’s renewable energy portfolio for integrated energy planning
Get PDFSmall islands offer unique opportunities to test and implement energy system decarbonisation strategies. Their isolation provides a controlled setting to analyse renewable integration, sector coupling, and grid flexibility, while their reliance on imported fossil fuels highlights the urgency of transition. La Gomera, an island in the Canary Archipelago (Spain), represents a strategic case study given its ongoing shift away from conventional fuels and its planned interconnection with Tenerife. This study develops a replicable framework for small island decarbonisation planning, combining EnergyPLAN simulations with a MATLAB-based optimisation routine. A stepwise modelling strategy was applied, progressively expanding the system from a stand-alone configuration to increasingly complex scenarios. Initial optimisation focused on photovoltaic and wind capacities, followed by the introduction of: (i) a subsea cable to Tenerife; (ii) a waste-to energy facility; (iii) battery energy storage; and (iv) transport electrification at varying penetration levels. Each phase was re-optimised to reflect updated system conditions. A simplified representation of Tenerife’s electricity demand was integrated to assess interconnection performance and explore the role of offshore floating wind power generation. The results demonstrate that, even under conservative assumptions, optimised renewable portfolios for La Gomera are economically competitive and enable significant emission reductions. Interconnection and cross-sectoral coordination emerged as key enablers of system flexibility and renewable utilisation. While the analysed scenarios are subject to spatial and regulatory constraints, they provide a robust foundation for long-term planning. The methodology proposed here is transferable to other insular regions, offering a pathway towards resilient, integrated, and decarbonised energy systems
A Literature Review on the Integration of System Dynamics and Machine Learning/Artificial Intelligence in Addressing Environmental Matters
No full textEnvironmental challenges, such as climate change, energy inefficiency, emissions, and waste, pose significant threats to global sustainability. These issues are critical due to their impact on ecosystems, economies, and human health, necessitating innovative solutions. Despite extensive research, there is a gap in integrating system dynamics (SD) and machine learning/artificial intelligence (ML/AI) for holistic environmental management. This study addresses this gap by reviewing literature from 2014–2024 that combines SD’s feedback-driven modeling with ML/AI’s predictive and optimization capabilities. The findings reveal that this hybrid approach enhances long-term planning and decision-making in areas like waste, water, and energy management, though its application remains limited, highlighting opportunities for broader adoption
URDICO - Urban Dimension of Cohesion Policy and other EU Programmes. Annex 1: Case studies
No full textThis comparative report analyses the role of eight European cities - Budapest, Florence, Ghent, Prague, Rot-terdam, Strasbourg, Valencia, and Warsaw - within the EU Cohesion Policy framework, across the 2014–2020 and 2021–2027 programming periods. The project examines how the urban dimension of Cohesion Policy has been implemented, how cities interact with national and regional authorities, and how they align EU funds with their long-term local agendas. This report indicates that cities are contributing to the implementation of the Cohesion Policy to some extent. Yet, their influence and capacity to act vary widely. In countries such as France, Italy, Poland, the Czech Re-public, and Belgium, cities such as Strasbourg, Florence, Warsaw, and Prague play strategic roles as Interme-diate Bodies. At the same time, Ghent has a co-steering role in the Antwerp-Ghent ITI (in the 2021-2027 pe-riod). Conversely, in a centralised system like Hungary, cities such as Budapest face limited autonomy. An exception is Rotterdam, which is the only city recognised as a Managing Authority. Methodologically, the analysis draws from harmonised case studies, expert interviews, EU data (e.g., Kohesio), and stakeholder workshops. It compares governance structures, funding instruments, administrative capacity, and institu-tional innovations. The report also reflects on the interplay between Cohesion Policy and the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), which has exposed governance asymmetries: while some cities (Florence, Valencia) used RRF to reinforce integrated strategies, others (Rotterdam, Budapest, Prague, Warsaw) were marginal-ised due to national-level gatekeeping or differences in perspectives between national and city level. Finally, the report provides a preliminary discussion on the role of cities in the new Multiannual Financial Frame-work, offering arguments in relation to the regulatory proposals
Multilevel Governance of Urban Climate Adaptation in the European Union: An Overview
No full textEurope is warming faster than the global average, making climate change adaptation a central concern for urban policy and planning. This article develops and applies an analytical framework to assess the maturity of multilevel adaptation governance across European Union Member States as of 2025. Governance is operationalised through eight dimensions: (i) National Adaptation Strategies/Plans; (ii) Regional Adaptation Plans; (iii) Local Adaptation Plans; (iv) Sectoral Adaptation Plans; (v) integration in National Urban Policies; (vi) adaptive content in Long-Term Strategies; (vii) adaptation relevance in climate laws; and (viii) participation in the Covenant of Mayors. The results reveal pronounced heterogeneity: many Member States have up-to-date national strategies but display incomplete territorial diffusion, weak legal anchoring, or limited urban policy standards. By linking auditable rules to urban-facing instruments, this study offers a practical tool for benchmarking governance capacities, prioritising reforms, and tracking progress towards integrated, multilevel adaptation systems that support resilient urban development across the European Union
Optimising green hydrogen production across Europe: How renewable energy sources shape plant design and costs
Get PDFGreen hydrogen is widely recognised as a key enabler for decarbonising heavy industry and long-haul transport.
However, producing it cost-competitively from variable renewable energy sources presents design challenges. In
this study, a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) optimisation framework is developed to minimise the
levelised cost of hydrogen (LCOH) from renewable-powered electrolysers. The analysis covers all European
countries and explores how wind and solar resource availability influences the optimal sizing of renewable
generators, electrolysers, hydrogen storage, and batteries under both current and future scenarios. Results show
that renewable resource quality strongly affects system design and hydrogen costs. At present, solar-only systems
yield LCOH values of 7.4–24.7 €/kg, whereas wind-only systems achieve lower costs (5.1–17.1 €/kg) due to
higher capacity factors and reduced storage requirements. Hybrid systems, combining solar and wind, emerge as
the most cost-effective solution, reducing average LCOH by 57 % compared to solar-only systems and 25 %
compared to wind-only systems, effectively narrowing geographical cost disparities. In the future scenario, LCOH
declines to 3–4 €/kg, confirming renewable hydrogen’s potential to become economically competitive
throughout Europe. A key contribution of this work is the derivation of design guidelines by correlating
renewable resource quality with technical, energy and economic indicators
Avogadro, Cannizzaro e la nascita della chimica moderna, nei "Primati italiani" di Domenico Marotta
Get PDFDi Amedeo Avogadro si è già proposto nel 2016 il ritratto realizzato da Eligio Perucca, Rettore del Politecnico di Torino dal 1947 al 1955, in un articolo da lui pubblicato nel 1957. Il profilo dello scienziato piemontese proposto da Perucca è principalmente quello di un fisico, e non può essere altrimenti, perché Perucca è stato un valente fisico, uno dei primi ad intuire l’importanza dirompente della fisica dello stato solido nello sviluppo della società contemporanea. Adesso vediamo come Avogadro è stato ritratto da un chimico, Domenico Marotta, Direttore dell’Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS) dal 1934 al 1961, nello scritto “Primati italiani nella chimica” del 1943. Il testo di Marotta non si limita al solo Avogadro, ma illustra altri famosi chimici italiani, tra cui Stanislao Cannizzaro. Ed è proprio grazie a Cannizzaro che è stato riconosciuto il primato di Avogadro nella formulazione dell’ipotesi sullo stato molecolare degli elementi gassosi. Universalmente nota come “principio di Avogadro”, l’ipotesi molecolare divenne fondamentale per lo sviluppo della chimica moderna, dando ad essa lo schema teorico necessario per determinare le masse molecolari dei vari elementi chimici. Nella discussione che ora si presenta si propone anche una nota sulla figura di Marotta ed un accenno a Ernst Chain, Nobel per la Medicina insieme a Florey e Fleming. La penicillina è il legame tra Marotta e Chain, e coinvolge la questione dei brevetti. Le vicissitudini dell’antibiotico e del lavoro di Avogadro sono entrambe emblematiche per la storia della scienza in Italia. Nel 1895, il medico Vincenzo Tiberio aveva pubblicato uno studio “Sugli estratti di alcune muffe”, con potere antibiotico. La scoperta della penicillina avrebbe potuto essere un altro primato italiano, ma lo scritto di Tiberio non aveva suscitato l’interesse della comunità scientifica italiana, e non era circolato in quella internazionale. Tiberio non ha trovato una persona che, come Cannizzaro, ne riconoscesse il potenziale dirompente per la scienza. Nella discussione che ora si presenta, ampio spazio sarà anche dato alle Lezioni di Stanislao Cannizzaro, con cui si concluderà il testo.
Gemini Highlights
Il testo intitolato "Avogadro, Cannizzaro e la nascita della chimica moderna, nei ‘Primati italiani’ di Domenico Marotta" di A. C. Sparavigna, è una riflessione molto interessante sulla storia della scienza in Italia, con un focus particolare sul riconoscimento tardivo di alcune scoperte fondamentali.
Ecco alcuni punti chiave che emergono dalla lettura:
• Il primato di Avogadro e il ruolo di Cannizzaro: Viene sottolineato come l'ipotesi molecolare di Amedeo Avogadro del 1811 (la celebre "Legge di Avogadro") sia rimasta quasi ignorata mentre lui era in vita. Fu solo grazie a Stanislao Cannizzaro, nel 1860 al Congresso di Karlsruhe, che il valore di questa intuizione venne riconosciuto a livello internazionale, diventando il pilastro della chimica moderna.
• La visione di Domenico Marotta: Il documento analizza come Marotta (storico direttore dell'ISS) abbia ritratto Avogadro nel suo scritto del 1943, vedendo in lui non solo un fisico ma il vero fondatore della chimica fisica. Marotta evidenzia anche intuizioni di Avogadro meno note, come quelle sui "numeri affinitari" che precorsero le relazioni tra volumi atomici e natura elettrochimica poi chiarite da Meyer e Mendeleev.
• Il parallelo con la Penicillina (Vincenzo Tiberio): Un aspetto affascinante del testo è il confronto tra la vicenda di Avogadro e quella di Vincenzo Tiberio. Tiberio pubblicò studi sul potere antibiotico delle muffe già nel 1895, ben 35 anni prima di Fleming, ma non trovò mai un "Cannizzaro" che valorizzasse la sua scoperta. Questo viene citato come un classico esempio di "occasione persa" per la scienza italiana a causa della mancanza di supporto e diffusione internazionale.
• Scienza e Società: Il documento tocca anche temi più moderni, come il "caso Marotta" (una vicenda giudiziaria che lo coinvolse negli anni '60) e il legame con il premio Nobel Ernst Chain, che lavorò a Roma per avviare la produzione nazionale di penicillina senza vincoli di brevetto.
In sintesi, è un lavoro che celebra l'eccellenza scientifica italiana ma al contempo riflette criticamente sulle difficoltà storiche del nostro sistema nel valorizzare e "mettere a sistema" le proprie scoperte