Scientific publishing: the ambiguities of open-access policies

n/

Concerns about the boreal forest in Europe

n/

Preliminary evaluation of infrastructure and mobility services in mega-event: the Italian case study

Mega-events play an important role in the urban agenda of contemporary metropolises. This importance lies in the fact that such events are seen as possible catalysts for the urban development of a metropolis and more generally of a territory, and an opportunity to establish them as global cities. The planning and programming of a mega-event can be a country's showcase on the international landscape, and the mobility sector plays a significant role in defining its success or failure. Transport infrastructure generally requires high resources for both construction and maintenance even after the event. Therefore, in order to ensure a good outcome, it needs to be planned strategically at multiple levels; this condition brings a benefit to both the host city and the community. The main purpose of this study is to analyze a mega event like the Olympic Games by highlighting the relationship between existing mobility solutions and sustainable solutions considering also the surrounding area. This is to enable the creation of new intelligent transportation options. The Olympic Games, in fact, can represent a valuable opportunity to modernize the existing infrastructure of a country by improving the level of service and quality. The study considers, on the one hand, the expected demand for transport during the event and, on the other, the specific features of the different solutions that can be adopted to meet mobility needs

The final motion from the third Italian national congress of silviculture

n/

Thoughts on the Italian National University Council (CUN)

n/

Xylem Functional Traits as Indicators of Health in Mediterranean Forests

Purpose of Review: We conducted a literature survey and meta-analysis to assess, in Mediterranean forests impacted by drought, the role of xylem functional traits as indicators of tree health, and their potential to adjust over a range of climatic conditions to support tree performance and survival. We aimed also to depict the geographic variability of xylem functional traits among Mediterranean forest trees as a tool for regional scale-oriented vulnerability assessment. Recent Findings: Associations were investigated among xylem functional traits, hydraulic safety, and whole plant drought resistance for tree species in Mediterranean-type climates. Variable data were available from a number of study cases of Mediterranean forest communities impacted by intense drought, wherein tree growth and xylem functional traits were investigated along with tree decline and dieback episodes. Variable data were available from a number of studies that analyzed xylem trait adjustments to climatic conditions at different temporal scales. Summary: We observed differing growth patterns and xylem conduit area responses in healthy and unhealthy trees and we sketched hydraulic strategies that may fit observed patterns. Overall, a clear role of xylem conduit size as stand-alone tree health indicator did not emerge. We showed that xylem traits may adjust along different temporal scales and may support the performance and health of Mediterranean tree species over a range of climatic conditions. We outlined substantial geographic variability in xylem traits across the Mediterranean region, suggesting patchy responses to increasing drought. Knowledge gaps and needed lines of research are highlighted

Preliminary Assessment for a Sustainable and Integrated Solar-Powered Transport System in Asmara – Eritrea

As a result of the new political stability achieved among Eritrea and Ethiopia, even though not completely consolidated after one year from the peace signed on 8 July 2018, the role of Asmara, the Eritrean capital, is under investigation to understand its potential impact on the economic and technological development of the Horn of Africa. In a region such as the Sub-Saharan one, the main challenge in energy is to guarantee a reliable electric grid based on Renewable Energy Sources (RESs). This paper proposes the development of an integrated urban mobility plan in Asmara, monitored by a performance analysis, and then it was simulated to power the service exclusively by a microgrid provided by photovoltaic panels using the software Homer pro, to sustain the demographic and economic growth of the city. From the analysis carried out, the implementation of the service required 52 e-buses, 2 e-minibuses, 7 e-taxis and 50 e-bikes. Furthermore, to economically and environmentally maintain the Project, a PV (Photovoltaic) plant with a surface area of 94,972 m2, equipped with a rated capacity of 4,966 kW. Furthermore, energy will be available at 0.1547 $/kWh. The aim of this work is to propose a future scenario of electric mobility enhancement for developing countries, evaluating their evolution over time to offer an efficient and suitable service throughout the city of Asmara