scholarly journals A new rating system for hydrogeological risk management along railway infrastructures in Prealpine zone (northern Italy)

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Gattinoni ◽  
L. Scesi ◽  
L. Arieni ◽  
M. Canavesi ◽  
F. Zaffaroni

AbstractRailway infrastructures in mountain areas often develop along hillslopes affected by geomorphological and hydrogeological processes which might lead hazardous events. Therefore, specific tools for risk analysis and management are required. This paper develops a new rating system (Railway Hydrogeological Management System, RHMS), based on a heuristic method which considers the susceptibility to different types of slope instabilities, as well as the peculiar features affecting the railway vulnerability. The proposed method introduces an iterative approach for the risk assessment, based on the definition of acceptability thresholds for the residual risk. The application of this method to a test area pointed out its feasibility, as well as its operational capability to identify the critical sections of the infrastructure, in which protection or mitigation measures are needed in order to reduce the risk.

1986 ◽  
Vol 18 (4-5) ◽  
pp. 15-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. A. Segar ◽  
E. Stamman

Most historical marine pollution monitoring has proven useless in a management context. A strategy for development of effective marine pollution monitoring programs is outlined. This strategy is based on the following steps: 1) systematic evaluation of the management information needs, 2) identification of the hypothetical impacts associated with those management concerns, and 3) investigation of the feasibility of monitoring those effects such that the existence, or absence, of a specified level of effects can be established in a statistically-valid manner. There are two fundamentally different types of monitoring program: site-specific and regional. These two types of program differ markedly in scope and approach when designed through application of this strategy. The strategy requires development of null hypotheses which address management concerns and which are amenable to scientific testing. In order for the program to be successful, the null hypotheses selected for inclusion in a marine pollution monitoring program must address levels of effect which are predefined to be environmentally significant. The definition of environmentally significant effect levels is a difficult process which must be primarily the responsibility of the managerial community.


Author(s):  
Diego Pires Ferraz Trindade ◽  
Meelis Pärtel ◽  
Carlos Pérez Carmona ◽  
Tiina Randlane ◽  
Juri Nascimbene

AbstractMountains provide a timely opportunity to examine the potential effects of climate change on biodiversity. However, nature conservation in mountain areas have mostly focused on the observed part of biodiversity, not revealing the suitable but absent species—dark diversity. Dark diversity allows calculating the community completeness, indicating whether sites should be restored (low completeness) or conserved (high completeness). Functional traits can be added, showing what groups should be focused on. Here we assessed changes in taxonomic and functional observed and dark diversity of epiphytic lichens along elevational transects in Northern Italy spruce forests. Eight transects (900–1900 m) were selected, resulting in 48 plots and 240 trees, in which lichens were sampled using four quadrats per tree (10 × 50 cm). Dark diversity was estimated based on species co-occurrence (Beals index). We considered functional traits related to growth form, photobiont type and reproductive strategy. Linear and Dirichlet regressions were used to examine changes in taxonomic metrics and functional traits along gradient. Our results showed that all taxonomic metrics increased with elevation and functional traits of lichens differed between observed and dark diversity. At low elevations, due to low completeness and harsh conditions, both restoration and conservation activities are needed, focusing on crustose species. Towards high elevations, conservation is more important to prevent species pool losses, focusing on macrolichens, lichens with Trentepohlia and sexual reproduction. Finally, dark diversity and functional traits provide a novel tool to enhance nature conservation, indicating particular threatened groups, creating windows of opportunities to protect species from both local and regional extinctions.


Author(s):  
Cristina Portalés ◽  
Manolo Pérez ◽  
Pablo Casanova-Salas ◽  
Jesús Gimeno

Abstract3D modelling of man-made objects is widely used in the cultural heritage sector, among others. It is relevant for its documentation, dissemination and preservation. Related to historical fabrics, weaves and weaving techniques are still mostly represented in forms of 2D graphics and textual descriptions. However, complex geometries are difficult to represent in such forms, hindering the way this legacy is transmitted to new generations. In this paper, we present the design and implementation of SILKNOW’s Virtual Loom, an interactive tool aimed to document, preserve and represent in interactive 3D forms historical weaves and weaving techniques of silk fabrics, dating from the 15th to the 19th centuries. To that end, our tool only requires an image of a historical fabric. Departing from this image, the tool automatically subtracts the design, and allows the user to apply different weaves and weaving techniques. In its current version, the tool embeds five traditional weaving techniques, 39 weaves and six types of yarns, which have been defined thanks to close collaboration of experts in computer graphics, art history and historical fabrics. Additionally, users can change the color of yarns and produce different 3D representations for a given fabric, which are interactive in real time. In this paper, we bring the details of the design and implementation of this tool, focusing on the input data, the strategy to process images, the 3D modelling of yarns, the definition of weaves and weaving techniques and the graphical user interface. In the results section, we show some examples of image analysis in order to subtract the design of historical fabrics, and then we provide 3D representations for all the considered weaving techniques, combining different types of yarns.


Insects ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 169
Author(s):  
Federico Lessio ◽  
Alberto Alma

This paper reviews the existing predictive models concerning insects and mites harmful to grapevine. A brief conceptual description is given on the definition of a model and about different types of models: deterministic vs. stochastics, continuous vs. discrete, analytical vs. computer-based, and descriptive vs. data-driven. The main biological aspects of grapevine pests covered by different types of models are phenology, population growth and dynamics, species distribution, and invasion risk. A particular emphasis is put on forecasting epidemics of plant disease agents transmitted by insects with sucking-piercing mouthparts. The most investigated species or groups are the glassy-winged sharpshooter Homalodisca vitripennis (Germar) and other vectors of Xylella fastidiosa subsp. fastidiosa, a bacterium agent of Pierce’s disease; the European grape berry moth, Lobesia botrana (Denis and Schiffermuller); and the leafhopper Scaphoideus titanus Ball, the main vector of phytoplasmas agents of Flavescence dorée. Finally, the present and future of decision-support systems (DSS) in viticulture is discussed.


1954 ◽  
Vol 4 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 84-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. B. Kerferd

Plato's Sophist begins with an attempt to arrive by division at a definition of a Sophist. In the course of the attempt six different descriptions are discussed and the results summarized at 231 c-e. A seventh and final account may be said to occupy the whole of the rest of the dialogue, including the long digression on negative statements. The first five divisions characterize with a considerable amount of satire different types of sophist, or more probably different aspects of the sophistic art. The sixth division (226 a–231 b) is very different. To quote Cornford's words, ‘satire is dropped. The tone is serious and sympathetic, towards the close it becomes eloquent’.


2021 ◽  
Vol 91 (8) ◽  
pp. 887-911
Author(s):  
Manuel F. Isla ◽  
Ernesto Schwarz ◽  
Gonzalo D. Veiga ◽  
Jerónimo J. Zuazo ◽  
Mariano N. Remirez

ABSTRACT The intra-parasequence scale is still relatively unexplored territory in high-resolution sequence stratigraphy. The analysis of internal genetic units of parasequences has commonly been simplified to the definition of bedsets. Such simplification is insufficient to cover the complexity involved in the building of individual parasequences. Different types of intra-parasequence units have been previously identified and characterized in successive wave-dominated shoreface–shelf parasequences in the Lower Cretaceous Pilmatué Member of the Agrio Formation in central Neuquén Basin. Sedimentary and stratigraphic attributes such as the number of intra-parasequence units, their thickness, the proportions of facies associations in the regressive interval, the lateral extent of bounding surfaces, the degree of deepening recorded across these boundaries, and the type and lateral extent of associated transgressive deposits are quantitatively analyzed in this paper. Based on the analysis of these quantified attributes, three different scales of genetic units in parasequences are identified. 1) Bedset complexes are 10–40 m thick, basin to upper-shoreface successions, bounded by 5 to 16 km-long surfaces with a degree of deepening of one to three facies belts. These stratigraphic units represent the highest hierarchy of intra-parasequence stratigraphic units, and the vertical stacking of two or three of them typically forms an individual parasequence. 2) Bedsets are 2–20 m thick, offshore to upper-shoreface successions, bounded by up to 10 km long surfaces with a degree of deepening of zero to one facies belt. Two or three bedsets stack vertically build a bedset complex. 3) Sub-bedsets are 0.5–5 m thick, offshore transition to upper-shoreface successions, bounded by 0.5 to 2 km long surfaces with a degree of deepening of zero to one facies belt. Two or three sub-bedsets commonly stack to form bedsets. The proposed methodology indicates that the combination of thickness with the proportion of facies associations in the regressive interval of stratigraphic units can be used to discriminate between bedsets and sub-bedsets, whereas for higher ranks (bedsets and bedset complexes) the degree of deepening, lateral extent of bounding surfaces, and the characteristics of associated shell-bed deposits become more effective. Finally, the results for the Pilmatué Member are compared with other ancient and Holocene examples to improve understanding of the high-frequency evolution of wave-dominated shoreface–shelf systems.


2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (5) ◽  
pp. 540-562 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joselle Dagnes ◽  
Davide Donatiello ◽  
Valentina Moiso ◽  
Davide Pellegrino ◽  
Rocco Sciarrone ◽  
...  

Nuanced explanations of the factors underpinning the mafia’s movements across territories have recently been proposed. However, more light must be shed on the mechanisms through which mafiosi try to infiltrate the legal economy in non-traditional territories. Accordingly, this study aims to micro-found interactions and exchanges that mainly involve mafiosi, politicians and economic actors in expansion areas. Focusing on the local level, we will show how the misuse of several administrative tools generates a profitable opportunity structure for mafiosi. To this end, we present an in-depth comparative case study of three events involving the construction industry that took place in Northern Italy. The main findings show that: (i) mafiosi are skilled at smoothing social relations, enlarging and consolidating opaque networks predating their arrival; (ii) they give rise to different types of mutual exchanges and network structures.


2021 ◽  
Vol 76 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-29
Author(s):  
L. Samarska ◽  
◽  
N.M. Sas ◽  

The choice of the article’s topic is conditioned by the necessity to develop happiness management (such as knowledge management, time management, etc.). With considerable attention to the definition of “happiness”, the analysis of recent publications reveals that it is crucial to understand the deep foundations of happiness, create a typology, reveal the basic principles of different types of understanding of happiness, which was chosen as the topic research. Theoretical approaches to the definition of “happiness” are chosen sociology of imagination of G. Durand, the theory of archetypes of C. Jung, and the theory of images and dreams of G. Bachelard. In the context of this system of views, the idea of happiness is the result of a free play of the imagination, which, while being on the path from past to future, is transformed, revealed, comes accurate as a result of previous collective and individual intermediate ideas, and is enriched and concretised by individual people, social groups, individuals. The mythos of happiness across nations and people differs in the way, method, and tools of individuation, the discovery of the Self. The anthropological tract of happiness has an end to its existence. It is determined by the cessation of existence, the life of nations and individuals. The desire to experience pleasure (according to Freud), the desire to rise (according to Durand) are reflexive, which determines the physiological basis of happiness. Representations of happiness determine priorities, coordinate the direction of thinking, actions, reactions to external circumstances, and choose ways to achieve happiness. This is done through the transcendental function (according to Jung) – a psychological function that arises from the connection of the content of the unconscious with the content of consciousness. Achieving happiness allows one to strengthen the subjectivity and reveal their uniqueness, which allows them to identify typological features (archetypes) of behavioural reactions of people based on individual and group ideas about happiness. The authors reveal the basic foundations of such archetypes of happiness as hedonism, eudemonia, “rat racing”, nihilism, subjective well-being.


Author(s):  
Alexander Savchin

The article gives an analysis of problems of formation of skills in children of the senior preschool age to build stories of different types. On the basis of the theoretical analysis of psycho-pedagogical and special literature, based on the main definition of «building a story», a subordinate term is formulated in relation to the topic of the study: «building stories of different types» The psychological and pedagogical conditions of formation of sustainable skills of creation and expedient use of stories of different types in children of the senior preschool age are revealed and substantiated. The components, criteria, indicators and levels of formation of abilities to build a different type of narration in children of the sixth year of life are determined. The stages of formation of persistent skills for building different types of stories by senior preschoolers are singled out. The lack of effective pedagogical technologies in relation to the formation of skills in the children of the senior preschool age to build and expedient use of narration of comprehensive typing significantly reduces the effective preparation of children to school. The proposed pedagogical and motivational technology for the formation of children of the sixth year of a sustainable ability to create stories of various types provides the small person an effective communicative tool, which will definitely promote its self-realization both in school environment and in career, society, own life. The prospects for further research are outlined, such independent types of stories are presented as a story - an instruction and a story - a presentation.


2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 50-71
Author(s):  
María Vanessa Villasana ◽  
Ivan Miguel Pires ◽  
Juliana Sá ◽  
Nuno M. Garcia ◽  
Eftim Zdravevski ◽  
...  

Background: Mobile applications can be used for the monitoring of lifestyles and physical activity. It can be installed in commodity mobile devices, which are currently used by different types of people in their daily activities worlwide . Objective: This paper reviews and categorizes the mobile applications related to diet, nutrition, health, physical activity and education, showing the analysis of 73 mobile applications available on Google Play Store with the extraction of the different features. Methods: The mobile applications were analyzed in relation to each proposed category and their features, starting with the definition of the search keywords used in the Google Play Store. Each mobile application was installed on a smartphone, and validated whether it was researched in scientific studies. Finally, all mobile applications and features were categorized. Results: These mobile applications were clustered into four groups, including diet and nutrition, health, physical activity and education. The features of mobile applications were also categorized into six groups, including diet, anthropometric parameters, social, physical activity, medical parameters and vital parameters. The most available features of the mobile applications are weight, height, age, gender, goals, calories needed calculation, diet diary, food database with calories, calories burned and calorie intake. Conclusion: With this review, it was concluded that most mobile applications available in the market are related to diet, and they are important for different types of people. A promising idea for future work is to evaluate the acceptance by young people of such mobile applications.


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