Applicability evaluation of draft test protocol for functional inspection of solid fumigant applicators.

The applicability of draft test protocol for functional inspection of solid fumigant applicators has been checked. Two widespread machine models, normally used in horticultural farm of Liguria Region (north-west Italy) for broadcast soil fumigation were tested. Pre-inspection phase does not show specific problems; also the functional inspection phase, both for visual check operation -presence or not of some devices on the machines- and for test of they function if present, does not show specific hurdles. In particular the test of distribution uniformity, performed using rubber granules as blank test, give some indications on how to modify the current test protocol draft. The modification consist in change the admissible threshold; the maximum deviation of each distribution pipe, relative to the mean value, have to be varied from 10% (current draft) to 15%. Furthermore, it is suggested an alternate method to assess the distribution uniformity of rubber granules; this method considers the use of horizontal patternator fitted by grooves similar to that used to check the distribution uniformity of boom sprayers. The proposed method will facilitate the coefficient of variation (CV) calculation.The applicability of draft test protocol for functional inspection of solid fumigant applicators has been checked. Two widespread machine models, normally used in horticultural farm of Liguria Region (north-west Italy) for broadcast soil fumigation were tested. Pre-inspection phase does not show specific problems; also the functional inspection phase, both for visual check operation -presence or not of some devices on the machines- and for test of they function if present, does not show specific hurdles. In particular the test of distribution uniformity, performed using rubber granules as blank test, give some indications on how to modify the current test protocol draft. The modification consist in change the admissible threshold; the maximum deviation of each distribution pipe, relative to the mean value, have to be varied from 10% (current draft) to 15%. Furthermore, it is suggested an alternate method to assess the distribution uniformity of rubber granules; this method considers the use of horizontal patternator fitted by grooves similar to that used to check the distribution uniformity of boom sprayers. The proposed method will facilitate the coefficient of variation (CV) calculation

Urban Sustainability: a holistic approach for energy planning and operational dimensions

Strategic energy planning in cities is an emerging research field that is key to shift toward smarter and more sustainable communities. Increased awareness of environmental risks and human engagement can promote the communities toward natural and social flourishing, regarding domains namely ecology, economics, politics, and culture. Therefore, cities energy planning must bring together all the sustainable requirements toward integrated solutions and it needs new methodologies with a multi-perspective and holistic approach regarding the subjects, objects, and spatiotemporal domain of the communities. While macro-scale energy planning methodologies are well consolidated, the small-scale application still faces technical challenges such as the dynamic of an energy system with increasing penetration of distributed RES and the interaction of different functional layers (technology, policy, environment and communication layers) as well as multiple and diverse stakeholders. There is also the need for long‐term cross‐sectoral analysis and a fine disaggregation of the energy demand on a spatio-temporal domain. In this regard, it is important to develop a method to analyze the technology penetration, in order to understand the adoption mechanisms and develop policy strategies to act on accordingly. To address the above-mentioned issues, there is the necessity of combining different modeling frameworks and ICT solutions. The aim is to integrate temporal and spatial aspects, capturing the interactions between energy technologies and the physical infrastructure that distributes energy from producers to consumers while keeping into account constraints and feedback from regulators, economic drivers, and social behavior. This will require a bi‐directional amalgamation of planning and operational perspectives, working toward the interoperability of models. In addition, Agent‐Based Modeling (ABM) approach should be addressed because it is a suitable modeling technique in order to study real-world Complex Adaptive System (CAS), such as the urban communities. Specifically, ABM can feature concepts like heterogeneity, complexity, autonomy, explicit space and local interactions. The final goal is better understanding and prediction of: i) how consumers use energy, ii) how individuals react to information about the costs and benefits of energy choices and iii) how energy policies affect the behavior of the individual and, consequently, of the whole society

Identification of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. basilici isolated from soil, basil seed, and plants by RAPD analysis

Fifty-two isolates of Fusarium oxysporum, obtained from infected basil plants, seed, flower residues, and soil from different growing areas in Italy and Israel, were analyzed by random amplified polymorphic DNA-polymerase chain reaction (RAPD-PCR), coupled to a DNA extraction protocol from colonies grown on Fusarium-selective medium. In a pathogenicity assay, 35 isolates caused 32 to 92% disease on seedlings of the highly susceptible basil cultivar Fine verde, while 17 isolates were nonpathogenic on basil. Thirty of the F. oxysporum f. sp. basilici isolates obtained from soil or wilted plants gave identical amplification patterns using 31 different random primers. All tested primers allowed clear differentiation of F. oxysporum f. sp. basilici from representatives of other formae speciales and from nonpathogenic strains of F. oxysporum. RAPD profiles obtained from DNA of isolates extracted directly from cultures grown on Fusarium selective medium were identical to those obtained from DNA extracted from lyophilized myceli

Supporting decarbonization strategies of local energy systems by de-risking investments in renewables: a case study on Pantelleria island

Nowadays, energy policymakers are asked to develop strategies to ensure an affordable clean energy supply while minimizing investment risks. Also, the rise of several community engagement schemes, and the uptake of user-scale technologies introduce uncertainties that may result in a disruptive factor for energy systems evolution. Energy planning and data-driven decision tools are required to support policymakers in delivering reliable long-term energy roadmaps that address future uncertainties. This paper introduces a novel scenario analysis approach for local energy planning that supports policymakers and investors in prioritizing new renewable power plant investments, addressing the risks deriving from citizens’ choices. Specifically, we perform a combined analysis on the adoption trends of distributed photovoltaic systems and electric vehicles, that are expected to heavily influence the evolution of energy systems. To this end, we develop an energy model for Pantelleria island and investigate its transition from an oil-based energy supply to a renewable one up to 2050. We explore different optimal energy systems introducing photovoltaic, onshore wind, floating offshore wind, wave energy, biomass power plants, and electrochemical storage in the island energy mix. The analyzed scenarios disclose the recommended investments in each renewable technology, considering their learning curves and the unpredictability of user-scale technology adoption. We find that the diffusion of distributed photovoltaic systems plays a major role for the achievement of high decarbonization targets and cost-effective energy supply. Consolidated renewable technologies are always cornerstones in future energy mix, while the needed capacity from novel technologies largely varies between scenarios. Also, a high diffusion of electric vehicles requires very large installed renewable energy capacity and leads to an increase of overall costs. Consequently, we stress the need for prioritizing the realization of renewable power plants, starting with the most resilient to future uncertainties, as well as promoting specific incentive measures for citizens’ commitment at a local scale

VALUTAZIONE ENERGETICO-FINANZIARIA DI UNA COMUNITA’ ENERGETICA CONDOMINIALE IN ITALIA

The urbanization process is expected to increase in the next year, so, in a foreseeable future, metropolitan cities will be the center of human activities. The building sector, which is among the most polluting sectors in the urban environment, will be at the center of future discussion. In this framework, the present paper focuses on the most diffused building typology in urban areas, the multi-family house, and mostly on its suitability in being transformed into an energy community. This configuration is particularly interesting because it allows to exploit the energy from renewables, sharing energy fluxes between members, and it directly involves consumers in their own energy choices. After the exposition of some legislative constrains, the paper analyses the financial benefits coming from the self-consumption of a community photovoltaic plant, running energy and financial evaluations, considering several scenarios of incentive measures and network charges applications. Results show that being part of the energy community will lead to an economic saving of 40% on the electricity bill with respect to the reference case

Autoxidation Products of the Methanolic Extract of the Leaves of Combretum micranthum Exert Antiviral Activity against Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV)

open7noTomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) is a new damaging plant virus of great interest from both an economical and research point of view. ToBRFV is transmitted by contact, remains infective for months, and to-date, no resistant cultivars have been developed. Due to the relevance of this virus, new effective, sustainable, and operator-safe antiviral agents are needed. Thus, 4- hydroxybenzoic acid was identified as the main product of the alkaline autoxidation at high temperature of the methanolic extract of the leaves of C. micranthum, known for antiviral activity. The autoxidized extract and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid were assayed in in vitro experiments, in combination with a mechanical inoculation test of tomato plants. Catechinic acid, a common product of rearrangement of catechins in hot alkaline solution, was also tested. Degradation of the viral particles, evidenced by the absence of detectable ToBRFV RNA and the loss of virus infectivity, as a possible consequence of disassembly of the virus coat protein (CP), were shown. Homology modeling was then applied to prepare the protein model of ToBRFV CP, and its structure was optimized. Molecular docking simulation showed the interactions of the two compounds, with the amino acid residues responsible for CP-CP interactions. Catechinic acid showed the best binding energy value in comparison with ribavirin, an anti-tobamovirus agent.openValeria Iobbi, Anna Paola Lanteri, Andrea Minuto, Valentina Santoro, Giuseppe Ferrea, Paola Fossa, Angela BisioIobbi, Valeria; Paola Lanteri, Anna; Minuto, Andrea; Santoro, Valentina; Ferrea, Giuseppe; Fossa, Paola; Bisio, Angel

Incidence of Cultural Practies on Incidence pf «Phytophthora nicotianae» var. «parasitica» Causing Root Rot of Lavender («Lavandula officinalis» L.)

The influence of cultural practices on the incidence of root rot of lavender (Lavandula officinalis L.), caused by Phytophthora nicotianae var. parasitica was evaluated in two trials carried out in 1996 and 1997. The effects of type of substrate, type of pot and cultivation site (open field or under shade) were evaluated on lavender plants grown in soils with and without artificial inoculation with the pathogen. Growing plants under shade significantly reduced disease incidence in both seasons. Plants in larger pots had lower disease incidence, irrespective of type of substrate, or the presence or absence of soil inoculation. The data obtained in this study highlight the importance of light, soil temperature and pot volume in the epidemiology of P. parasitica on lavender

Incidence of Cultural Practies on Incidence pf «Phytophthora nicotianae» var. «parasitica» Causing Root Rot of Lavender («Lavandula officinalis» L.)

The influence of cultural practices on the incidence of root rot of lavender (Lavandula officinalis L.), caused by Phytophthora nicotianae var. parasitica was evaluated in two trials carried out in 1996 and 1997. The effects of type of substrate, type of pot and cultivation site (open field or under shade) were evaluated on lavender plants grown in soils with and without artificial inoculation with the pathogen. Growing plants under shade significantly reduced disease incidence in both seasons. Plants in larger pots had lower disease incidence, irrespective of type of substrate, or the presence or absence of soil inoculation. The data obtained in this study highlight the importance of light, soil temperature and pot volume in the epidemiology of P. parasitica on lavender