Limes liquido. Aporia del continente

L’insularità è un costrutto problematico. Riferirsi a un’entità teorica o a un concetto dedotto dalla mente umana costituisce una perimetrazione del termine insularità in senso filosofico e geografico. Questi primi enunciati profilano una tensione verso quei riferimenti lessicologici che meglio si adattano a organizzare il sistema dialettico intorno al tema dell’insularità. L’individuazione di strutture significanti del testo, temporalmente e/o culturalmente asincrone, permettono di relazionare il tempo con il contenuto semantico dell’insularità. Per questo motivo, l’uso di testi descrittivi, narrativi, teorici, etc., costituiscono l’insieme dei frammenti di un sapere antico che, tradotto con le parole del poeta Rilke, significa non poter «immaginare nel sapere / che una sola beatitudine, questa: / diventare colui che inizia. / Uno che scrive la prima parola dietro / un punto di sospensione / lungo interi secoli» (Rilke, 2020, p. 27, v. 5-10)

Itinerari del concetto di identità nell'Ordinamento (Presentazione)

I riferimenti dell'espressione "identità" nei testi normativi. Il concetto-valore dell'identità individuale nel sistema costituzionale italiano improntato sul principio personalistico

Space--time Morawetz formulations for the wave equation

Most numerical schemes for the approximations of initial--boundary value problem (IBVP) for evolution PDEs rely on separate discretisations of the space and time variables, i.e. either the method of lines or Rothe's method. Space--time methods, instead, consists of simultaneous discretisation in both variables. Even if they require the solution of large algebraic systems, space--time methods can be advantageous in terms of local mesh refinement, adaptivity, parallelisation and treatment of moving interfaces and boundaries. For linear transient wave problems, most numerical schemes belong to the discontinuous-Galerkin (DG) family. Fewer conforming Galerkin methods have been proposed and almost all of them either rely on strong assumptions on the discrete space or on the space--time mesh, in terms of a CFL condition. Ideally, one would like a formulation that is unconditionally stable for a wide array of discrete spaces, on generic polyhedral space--time meshes. We propose two variational formulations for the wave equation with impedance and Dirichlet boundary conditions that are derived by multiplying the PDE with a special test function called the Morawetz multiplier and integrating by parts. We first present a conforming formulation that is well-posed on star-shaped impedance cavities and star-shaped Dirichlet obstacles. Coercivity and continuity are proved in a norm stronger than space--time $H^1$, with elementary vector calculus tools and explicit parameters. $H^2$-conforming finite element methods can be used to stably discretise the formulation. Furthermore, we derive an a-posteriori error estimator that is reliable and efficient, with explicit multiplicative constants, and we employ it in an adaptive numerical scheme based on hierarchical splines. The second formulation we propose is a C0-interior penalty discretisation of the first variational formulation introduced. Such formulation has the advantage that simpler finite element spaces (e.g. $H^1$-conforming) and arbitrary space--time meshes can be used. To prove well-posedness we introduce trace and inverse inequalities that are dimensionally consistent. Furthermore, we derive an a-posteriori error estimator for which reliability and efficiency are proved.Most numerical schemes for the approximations of initial--boundary value problem (IBVP) for evolution PDEs rely on separate discretisations of the space and time variables, i.e. either the method of lines or Rothe's method. Space--time methods, instead, consists of simultaneous discretisation in both variables. Even if they require the solution of large algebraic systems, space--time methods can be advantageous in terms of local mesh refinement, adaptivity, parallelisation and treatment of moving interfaces and boundaries. For linear transient wave problems, most numerical schemes belong to the discontinuous-Galerkin (DG) family. Fewer conforming Galerkin methods have been proposed and almost all of them either rely on strong assumptions on the discrete space or on the space--time mesh, in terms of a CFL condition. Ideally, one would like a formulation that is unconditionally stable for a wide array of discrete spaces, on generic polyhedral space--time meshes. We propose two variational formulations for the wave equation with impedance and Dirichlet boundary conditions that are derived by multiplying the PDE with a special test function called the Morawetz multiplier and integrating by parts. We first present a conforming formulation that is well-posed on star-shaped impedance cavities and star-shaped Dirichlet obstacles. Coercivity and continuity are proved in a norm stronger than space--time $H^1$, with elementary vector calculus tools and explicit parameters. $H^2$-conforming finite element methods can be used to stably discretise the formulation. Furthermore, we derive an a-posteriori error estimator that is reliable and efficient, with explicit multiplicative constants, and we employ it in an adaptive numerical scheme based on hierarchical splines. The second formulation we propose is a C0-interior penalty discretisation of the first variational formulation introduced. Such formulation has the advantage that simpler finite element spaces (e.g. $H^1$-conforming) and arbitrary space--time meshes can be used. To prove well-posedness we introduce trace and inverse inequalities that are dimensionally consistent. Furthermore, we derive an a-posteriori error estimator for which reliability and efficiency are proved

From heritage to sustainability: a systematic literature review of family wineries

Purpose: Family wineries are important drivers of economic development and cultural conservation, but despite the academic interest in them, a comprehensive literature review is missing. This paper aims to contribute to this gap and examine the current knowledge of family wineries to determine the main topics of the literature and the opportunities and challenges for the sustainability and competitiveness of family firms in the wine sector. Design/methodology/approach: This research uses a bibliometric and systematic literature review (SLR) to present a broad view of the academic contributions focusing on family wineries. It reviews a sample of 94 articles identified from the Scopus and Web of Science databases and selected through rigorous inclusion and exclusion criteria. Bibliometric mapping and qualitative content analysis highlight the field’s key topics and research gaps. Findings: Family wineries are characterized by strong heritage and deep relationships, which drive brand loyalty and market differentiation. Innovation, sustainability and digital transformation offer key growth opportunities to family wineries. However, excessive family control, slow adaptation to change and succession issues may challenge their capability to pursue these opportunities. Balancing global expansion with local identity, integrating sustainable practices and maintaining strategic agility are essential for long-term resilience. Success will depend on effective governance, eco-innovation and modernization while preserving tradition. Originality/value: This study provides the first bibliometric and SLR on family-owned wineries. It highlights key topics and identifies critical research gaps, suggesting future research directions. The findings have implications for family firms, policymakers and stakeholders

Traffic Control via Fleets of Connected and Automated Vehicles

In this paper, we propose three control strategies, based on different levels of cooperation (centralized, decentralized and quasi-decentralized), to improve density dependent traffic performance indexes, such as fuel consumption, by acting on a small number of Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAVs) operating as moving bottlenecks on the surrounding flow. We rely on a multi-scale approach to model mixed traffic of CAVs in the bulk flow. In particular, CAVs are individually tracked and they are allowed to overtake (if on distinct lanes) or queuing (if on the same lane). Controlling CAVs desired speeds allows to act on the system to minimize the selected cost function. For the proposed control strategies, we apply both global optimization and a Model Predictive Control approach. In particular, we perform numerical tests to investigate how the CAVs number and positions impact the result, showing that few, optimally chosen vehicles are sufficient to significantly improve the selected performance indexes, even using a decentralized control policy. Simulation results support the attractive perspective of exploiting a very small number of vehicles as endogenous control actuators to regulate traffic flow on road networks, providing a flexible alternative to traditional control methods

Pilgrimages, Sacred Places and Pathway to “Reconnecting With Your Culture (RWYC)” Vol. 2

The institution of pilgrimage to sacred places is an ancient and continuous tradition in most of the cultures. Pilgrimage is a sacramental process that symbolises the participation of the pilgrim in the spiritual realm and actively establishes a reciprocal relationship between the pilgrim and the divine; that’s how the transformation exists from ‘realisation’ to ‘revelation’. Pilgrimage as a rite of passage operates liminality, i.e., transitional space between the material world and the metaphysical reality. Sacred space, a destination in the pilgrimage system, is an extraordinary place where the sacred is linked to physical reality. The interrelatedness of sacred landscape combines the absoluteness of space, relativeness of places, and comprehensiveness of landscape, and all these altogether result in a ‘wholeness’ carrying the inherent and imposed spirit of ‘holiness’, called ‘sacredscapes’. Ultimately, the wholeness of the landscape creates a theosphere of ‘faithscape’ that encompasses sacred place, sacred time, sacred meanings, sacred functionaries, and sacred rituals and embodies both symbolic and tangible psyche elements in an attempt to realise humankind’s identity in the cosmos. Within the system of complex interconnectedness and interactions among cultures, heritage, and landscapes and their resultant attributes—all that are rooted in the past, together, we seek to search ways, paths, and means that are implied for framing and making a base for the UN Sustainable Development Goals Target 11.4, focussing on ‘Transforming our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development’. Together with community development, nature-based education, and pilgrimages to reveal the spirit of places are part of the cultural process of transformations. R W Y C - Reconnecting With Your Culture – is a visionary mission and movement, re- appraising interconnectedness between Locality and Universality – Holiness (humanity) to Wholeness (sublimity): Humanism to Spiritualism. The role of culture is vital to developing perspectives of shared and participatory policies and fostering the development of humanity through co-sharing ethics, spirituality, and the spirit of place

Kandinskij, Vasilij Vasilˊevič

Vita e opere di Kandinski

Exploring Mechanical Features of 3D Head and Neck Cancer Models

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) presents significant challenges in oncology due to its complex biology and poor prognosis. Traditional two-dimensional (2D) cell culture models cannot replicate the intricate tumor microenvironment, limiting their usefulness in studying disease mechanisms and testing therapies. In contrast, three-dimensional (3D) in vitro models provide more realistic platforms that better mimic the architecture, mechanical features, and cellular interactions of HNSCC. This review explores the mechanical properties of 3D in vitro models developed for HNSCC research. It highlights key 3D culture techniques, such as spheroids, organoids, and bioprinted tissues, emphasizing their ability to simulate critical tumor characteristics like hypoxia, drug resistance, and metastasis. Particular attention is given to stiffness, elasticity, and dynamic behavior, highlighting how these models emulate native tumor tissues. By enhancing the physiological relevance of in vitro studies, 3D models offer significant potential to revolutionize HNSCC research and facilitate the development of effective, personalized therapeutic strategies. This review bridges the gap between preclinical and clinical applications by summarizing the mechanical properties of 3D models and providing guidance for developing systems that replicate both biological and mechanical characteristics of tumor tissues, advancing innovation in cancer research and therapy

Nationwide Screening Unveils Endemic Ophidiomyces ophidiicola Presence in Northern Italy, Mainly Affecting Dice Snakes: Evidence from Contemporary and Historical Snake Samples

Ophidiomycosis, caused by the keratinophilic fungus Ophidiomyces ophidiicola (Oo), is an emerging threat to snake populations, yet its epidemiology in Europe remains underexplored. We investigated the distribution of Oo across free-ranging snake populations in Italy, integrating both recent field samples and historical museum specimens. Our survey involved 423 snakes representing 17 species from 17 regions, with Oo detected in 32 snakes from five different species. Additional molecular detection for Parananniziopsis spp. on a subset of 13 Oo-negative samples from snakes that exhibited clinical signs yielded negative results. Acknowledging the non-standardised sampling and the limited sample size, our findings highlight Oo’s persistent and widespread presence across diverse ecological zones, particularly affecting semi-aquatic species like Natrix tessellata. While Oo Clade I was primarily found in museum specimens, indicating a historical presence, Clade II prevailed in recent samples. This highlights a complex epidemiological landscape where different clades may influence the current disease dynamics. Our results underscore the importance of continuous surveillance and highlight the need for standardised sampling to better understand snake fungal disease ecology and epidemiology in Italy