1,721,070 research outputs found
Preliminary studies to promote phytoremediation in underdeveloped countries (South Omo - Ethiopia)
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Il geomagnetismo e i suoi effetti sui sistemi biologici: cenni storici e primi risultati sperimentali
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Modelling system dynamics as a socio-ecological perspective to support human-beaver interactions
Full text linkBeavers are semi-aquatic mammals that significantly impact on freshwater ecosystems, creating benefits and challenges, particularly in areas with close human interaction. Managing human-beaver interactions is a multifaceted issue due to the many variables involved, but the complexity of these interactions can be analysed effectively using system dynamics models. These models are used in many contexts, including wildlife management, to simulate a variety of management policies and assess their effects. The present study addressed gaps in the literature by developing a system dynamics model that examined both the benefits and conflicts that arise from human-beaver interactions. The model, implemented using Vensim PLE software, synthesised qualitative and quantitative data to simulate four simulation scenarios: ecological, social, economic, and policy making. The study examined the dynamics of beaver populations, ecosystem service provision, social perceptions, and management strategies in a case study of the Ivrea lakes area in the Piedmont region (Italy). Model predictions highlights that beaver populations stabilized logistically, influencing ecosystem services and residual capital, while social acceptance stongly reduced management costs and social pressure. Optimal budget allocation and combined strategies emerged as key to sustainable management and conflict mitigation. Overall, predictions suggest that an integrated approach that prioritises prevention and actively engages local communities can improve both ecological outcomes and social acceptance of beavers. The model is a useful decision and discussion tool for assessing management strategies and facilitating stakeholder involvement. Future studies should expand on these results by exploring additional beaver-related conflicts and benefits in diverse contexts
Individuazione di una metodologia per la valutazione dell'impatto degli inquinanti derivanti da impianti di incenerimento su organismi vegetali
No full textEx-ante licensing in sequential innovations
No full textThe theoretical literature on the cumulative innovation process has emphasized the role of ex-ante licensing – namely, licensing agreements negotiated before the follow-on innovator has sunk its R&D investment – in mitigating the risk of hold-up of future innovations. In this paper, we consider a patent-holder and a follow-on innovator bargaining over the licensing terms in a context where the former firm is unable to observe the timing of the R&D investment of the latter. We show that the possibilities of restoring the R&D incentives by setting the licensing terms appropriately are severely limited
Experimenting growing media through local bio-resources valorisation: A design-oriented approach for living walls
Full text linkIn the context of densely populated urban areas, vertical greenery systems are gaining momentum for their role in reintroducing nature and enhancing buildings sustainability. Despite this trend, the absence of a standardised methodology for designing sustainable vertical greenery systems and guidelines for selecting appropriate growing media for this technology are two crucial gaps in academic research. This study addresses this by testing six alternative growing media derived from local bio-resources (dried M. spicatum, hazelnut shells, coffee grounds, hemp stalks, grinded cork, and raw sheep wool) and comparing them with a standard growing medium. The experiment was conducted over 120 days, monitoring the health and growth of three plant species - C. comosum, S. wallisii, and M. spicata. Innovative tools, such as a multi-criteria matrix and the Mean Leaf Growth Index, were introduced to assess sustainability and plant development. The findings highlight promising outcomes for hazelnut shells-based, hemp stalks-based, and grinded cork-based growing media, showcasing their lightweight and stable attributes compared to standard growing medium and assuring good plants health and growth. In contrast, raw sheep wool-based, M. spicatum-based, and coffee grounds-based growing media present challenges in plant health and growth, despite interesting attributes concerning lightweight and low water demand. This research contributes to shaping a design-by-components strategy for more sustainable vertical greenery systems, emphasizing the crucial role of circular bio-resources in nature-based technological innovations
Indicators-based spatial SWOT analysis: Supporting the strategic planning and management of complex territorial systems
Full text linkOptimizing the multiple uses of land represents a challenge for today’s governments and land managers.In particular, protected area planning should satisfy the demand for multiple land uses, while offeringoptimal protection of our natural resources. The present research aims at providing park’s managers, aswell as other stakeholders and decision makers, with a scientifically sound and practical approach to zon-ing protection levels and supporting the strategic planning phase in nature conservation. This paper thusproposes and tests the development of an indicators-based spatial Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunitiesand Threats (SWOT) analysis for a complex territorial system with exceptional multiple values. As a result,key conservation priorities and warning spots are identified to support the subsequent decision-makingphase. The innovative value of the research stems not only from the integrated methodological approachbased on the combination between spatial analysis, indicators systems and the traditional SWOT analy-sis, but also from the contextual characteristics and physical extension of the area under investigation.Moreover, the integrated and innovative framework proposed in the paper has also international signifi-cance, thanks to the possibility of replicating the research strategy and methodological approach in other contexts
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