How much traffic is too much? Finding the right vehicle quota for a scenic mountain road in the Italian Alps

An effective yet neglected option to limit the detrimental effects of car traffic in natural tourist destinations is the imposition of vehicle quotas. Defining the right quota for a road system, however, may not be straightforward because of the complex connection between the number of vehicles entering the system and traffic levels across space and over time. In this paper, we present a novel approach to tackle this issue that combines agent-based modeling and standards of quality, and we use it to define an hourly quota aimed at limiting traffic congestion and demand for parking along a scenic road in the Dolomites (Italian Alps). The model is designed and calibrated using geospatial and traffic data, and the acceptability of the quotas is further tested according to the hourly modal splits they might induce. Our model simulations highlight that, by redistributing morning traffic inflows, the quota can almost eliminate congestion with only a negligible impact on overall traffic figures. Further, while traffic reductions of up to 35% may be needed to eliminate traffic-related issues, more reasonable reductions (i.e. 10–25%) may be enough to address most of those. From an empirical perspective, the paper shows the effectiveness of quotas in sustainable transport and tourism; from a policy and management perspective, it proposes an approach for the definition of an ideal quota. The design of a quota system, however, requires detailed implementation and communication strategies, and more advanced simulation tools to capture circulation patterns induced by such strategies

A comparison of Random Set and Point Estimate Methods in Finite Element Analysis of Tunnel Excavation

Risk and Reliability in Geotechnical Engineerin

bim for public authorities basic research for the standardized implementation of bim in the building permit process

The building permit is an indispensable connection between the approval authority and the executive client within the construction process. Moreover, sustainability criteria do not have sufficient regard in the building permit process in the area of research. To lay the foundation for a state-of-the-art digitalization of the building permit process, the study identifies the information requirements relevant to implement the BIM methodology taking into consideration the available sustainability aspects relevant to the process. A detailed evaluation of the building permit process and the analysis of projects that have gained building permission in the last five years in the area of study of South Tyrol (Italy) gives us a better understanding of the organizational structure and responsibilities in the process. The authors use the data of in-depth process analysis to assess a defined catalogue of basic requirements for BIM methodology in the building permit process. As a result, the analysed BIM-integrated approach enables an early-stage identification of approval compliance, which can be evaluated in the building permit process. A good understanding of the current process must be considered a key factor of a successful introduction of BIM for the building permit procedure

Limited clinical efficacy of azacitidine in transfusion-dependent, growth factor-resistant, low- and Int-1-risk MDS:Results from the nordic NMDSG08A phase II trial

This prospective phase II study evaluated the efficacy of azacitidine (Aza) + erythropoietin (Epo) in transfusion-dependent patients with lower-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Patients ineligible for or refractory to full-dose Epo + granulocyte colony stimulation factors for 48 weeks and a transfusion need of ≥ 4 units over 8 weeks were included. Aza 75mgm -2 d-1, 5/28 days, was given for six cycles; non-responding patients received another three cycles combined with Epo 60 000 units per week. Primary end point was transfusion independence (TI). All patients underwent targeted mutational screen for 42 candidate genes. Thirty enrolled patients received ≥ one cycle of Aza. Ten patients discontinued the study early, 7 due to adverse events including 2 deaths. Thirty-eight serious adverse events were reported, the most common being infection. Five patients achieved TI after six cycles and one after Aza + Epo, giving a total response rate of 20%. Mutational screening revealed a high frequency of recurrent mutations. Although no single mutation predicted for response, SF3A1 (n = 3) and DNMT3A (n = 4) were only observed in nonresponders. We conclude that Aza can induce TI in severely anemic MDS patients, but efficacy is limited, toxicity substantial and most responses of short duration. This treatment cannot be generally recommended in lower-risk MDS. Mutational screening revealed a high frequency of mutations

Recycling manure as cow bedding: potential benefits and risks for UK dairy farms

Material obtained from physical separation of slurry (recycled manure solids; RMS) has been used as bedding for dairy cows in dry climates in the US since the 1970s. Relatively recently, the technical ability to produce drier material has led to adoption of the practice in Europe under different climatic conditions. This review collates the evidence available on benefits and risks of using RMS bedding on dairy farms, with a European context in mind. There was less evidence than expected for anecdotal claims of improved cow comfort. Among animal health risks, only udder health has received appreciable attention. There are some circumstantial reports of difficulties of maintaining udder health on RMS, but no large scale or long term studies of effects on clinical and subclinical mastitis have been published. Existing reports do not give consistent evidence of inevitable problems, nor is there any information on clinical implications for other diseases. The scientific basis for guidelines on management of RMS bedding is limited. Decisions on optimum treatment and management may present conflicts between control of different groups of organisms. There is no information on the influence that such 'recycling' of manure may have on pathogen virulence. The possibility of influence on genetic material conveying antimicrobial resistance is a concern, but little understood. Should UK or other non-US farmers adopt RMS, they are advised to do so with caution, apply the required strategies for risk mitigation, maintain strict hygiene of bed management and milking practices and closely monitor the effects on herd health

Austrian Research and Technology Report 2022

Der Forschungs-und Technologiebericht 2022 gibt einen Überblick über die aus Bundesmitteln geförderte Forschung, Technologie und Innovation (FTI) in Österreich. Neben der Darstellung aktueller forschungspolitischer Entwicklungen, die den Stand der Umsetzung der mit Ende 2020 verabschiedeten FTI-Strategie 2030, forschungsrelevante Teilstrategien und neueste Entwicklungen im Hochschulbereich behandelt, werden auf Grundlage rezenter Daten aus diversen internationalen Rankings, aus der F&E (Forschung & Entwicklung)-Erhebung 2019 und der Globalschätzung 2022 Analysen zur nationalen und internationalen FTI-Performance Österreichs erstellt

Der Notitzen und Bemerkungen über den Betrieb der Hohöfen und Rennwerke zur Verschmelzung der Eisenerze in verschiedenen Staaten : mit Genehmhaltung einer hohlöblichen kaiserl. königl. Hofkammer im Münz- und Bergwesen

bearb. von Franz Anton v. Marche

The special character of tourism innovation networks: The case of the regional innovation system of South Tyrol

The present study investigates the relevance of inter-organizational and cross-sectoral relations for innovation activities in tourism, analyzing whether networked innovation in tourism differs from other sectors. The aim is to highlight the special characteristics of tourism in the context of a Regional Innovation System (RIS) by means of a Social Network Analysis (SNA) carried out on small and medium sized enterprises in the Autonomous Province of Bolzano-Bozen (South Tyrol) in Italy. The analysis indicates that enterprises in the hospitality and tourism industry are strongly embedded in their regional context, showing a distinct tendency to prefer collaboration across sectors for innovation. The conclusions of this study highlight that the characteristics identified with regard to tourism innovation networks, territorially embedded but highly influenced by other sectors, may provide a possible explanation for some of the traits of tourism innovation identified (e.g. a high degree of imitation in destinations)