1,296 research outputs found
An optimal dynamic decision model for forest biomass exploitation
No full textA decision support system for forest biomass exploitation for energy supply is presented. The system allows supporting decisions on a finite time horizon, concerning the localization, sizing, and setting of a number of biomass-to-energy conversion plants in a small-medium region. The system is based on the formalization of an optimal decision problem stated with reference to a dynamic biomass model. In the proposed approach, geographic information system based techniques are integrated with mathematical programming methods yielding a comprehensive system which allows formalizing the problem, taking decisions, and evaluating their effects. The application to a real case study is considered
Correction to: When terminology hinders research: the colloquialisms of transitions of control in automated driving (Cognition, Technology & Work, (2022), 10.1007/s10111-022-00705-3)
No full textIn the original article, author affiliation published with error. The correct affiliations are: Davide Maggi—Institute for Transport Studies, Leeds, UK. Richard Romano—Institute for Transport Studies, Leeds, UK. Oliver Carsten—Institute for Transport Studies, Leeds, UK. Joost C. F. De Winter—Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands. The original article has been corrected.Human-Robot Interactio
Admiel Kosman, Siamo giunti a Dio
No full textInternational audienceSix poems from Israeli poet Admiel Kosman translated from the Hebrew into Italian. Selection of poems, presentation of the author, translation and notes by Davide Mano
A new experimental snow avalanche test site at Seehore peak in Aosta Valley (NW Italian Alps) - Part II: Engineering aspects
No full textThe estimate of the effects produced by the impact of a snow avalanche against an obstacle is of the utmost importance in designing safe mountain constructions. For this purpose, an ad-hoc instrumented obstacle was designed and built in order to measure impact forces of small and medium snow avalanches at Seehore peak (NW Italian Alps). The structural design had to consider several specific and unusual demands dictated by the difficult environment. In this article, the new test facility is described from the engineering point of view, discussing the most important aspects of the analyzed problems which were solved before and after the construction. The performance of the instrumented obstacle in the first two operating seasons, and some proposals for future upgrading are eventually illustrate
Abiotic Parameters and Pedogenesis as Controlling Factors for Soil C and N Cycling Along an Elevational Gradient in a Subalpine Larch Forest (NW Italy)
No full textMountain regions are vulnerable to climate change but information about the climate sensitivity of seasonally snow-covered, subalpine ecosystems is still lacking. We investigated the impact of climatic conditions and pedogenesis on the C and N cycling along an elevation gradient under a Larch forest in the northwest (NW) Italian Alps. The environmental gradient that occurs over short distances makes elevation a good proxy for understanding the response of forest soils and nutrient cycling to dierent climatic conditions. Subalpine forests are located in a sensitive elevation range—the prospected changes in winter precipitation (i.e., shift of snowfalls to higher altitude, reduction of snow cover duration, etc.) could determine strong eects on soil nitrogen and carbon cycling. The work was performed in the western Italian Alps (Long-Term Ecological Research-LTER site Mont Mars, Fontainemore, Aosta Valley Region). Three sites, characterized by similar bedrock lithology and predominance of Larix decidua Mill., were selected along an elevation gradient (1550–1900 m above sea level-a.s.l.). To investigate the effects on soil properties and soil solution C and N forms of changing abiotic factors (e.g., snow cover duration, number of soil freeze/thaw cycles, intensity and duration of soil freezing, etc.) along the elevation gradient, soil profiles were opened in each site and topsoils and soil solutions were periodically collected from 2015 to 2016.
The results indicated that the coldest and highest soil (well-developed Podzol) showed the highest content of extractable C and N forms (N-NH4+, DON, DOC, Cmicr) compared to lower-elevation Cambisols. The soil solution C and N forms (except N-NO3) did not show significant dierences among the sites. Independently from elevation, the duration of soil freezing, soil volumetric water content, and snow cover duration (in order of importance) were the main abiotic factors driving soil C and N forms, revealing how little changes in these parameters could considerably influence C and N cycling under this subalpine forest stand
Admiel Kosman, Siamo giunti a Dio
No full textInternational audienceSix poems from Israeli poet Admiel Kosman translated from the Hebrew into Italian. Selection of poems, presentation of the author, translation and notes by Davide Mano
Starchitecture: Scenes, Actors and Spectacles in Contemporary Cities
No full textHow and why do spectacular buildings get commissioned and procured? What are their visible urban effects? What can urban planners, architects, and policymakers learn in order to engage in more successful citymaking?
In recent years, media and critical attention has been lavished on famous architects, and the contributions of their designs to the branding of cities. The post-“Bilbao effect” global landscape is one where cities compete for the highest-profile skyscrapers, cultural projects, and high-profile developments designed by star architects whom even casual readers know by first name: Frank Gehry, Bjarke Ingels, Jean Nouvel, Zaha Hadid, Norman Foster, Rem Koolhaas. Far less is known about the decision-making processes behind these projects and their subsequent urban effects.
A unique combination of urban studies and photography, Starchitecture investigates projects designed by star architects in cities including Paris, New York, Abu Dhabi, Bilbao, and the architectural microcosm of the Vitra campus in Weil am Rhein, Germany. Author Davide Ponzini and photographer Michele Nastasi seek to explain and critique a growing global condition by revealing how starchitecture has been and continues to be deployed in cities around the world. The arguments they raise are vital to understanding the urban landscapes of today, and tomorrow
Design and characterization of a fractal-inspired multi-frequency piezoelectric energy converter
No full textA promising harvesting technique, in terms of simplicity and efficiency, is the conversion of ambient kinetic energy through piezoelectric materials. This work aims to design and investigate a piezoelectric converter conform to a fractal-inspired, multi-frequency structure previously presented by the author. A physical prototype of the converter is built and experimentally examined, up to 120 Hz, in terms of modal response and power output. Three eigenfrequencies are registered and the power output is particularly good at the fundamental eigenfrequency. Also the effect of the resistive load applied to the converter is investigated
Checking Flavour Models at Neutrino Facilities
No full textAbstractIn the recent years, the industry of model building has been the subject of the intense activity, especially after the measurement of a relatively large values of the reactor angle. Special attention has been devoted to the use of non-abelian discrete symmetries, thanks to their ability of reproducing some of the relevant features of the neutrino mixing matrix. In this Letter, we consider two special relations between the leptonic mixing angles, arising from models based on S4 and A4, and study whether, and to which extent, they can be distinguished at superbeam facilities, namely T2K, NOνA and T2HK
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