Synchronization of non-chaotic dynamical systems

A synchronization mechanism driven by annealed noise is studied for two replicas of a coupled-map lattice which exhibits stable chaos (SC), i.e. irregular behavior despite a negative Lyapunov spectrum. We show that the observed synchronization transition, on changing the strength of the stochastic coupling between replicas, belongs to the directed percolation universality class. This result is consistent with the behavior of chaotic deterministic cellular automata (DCA), supporting the equivalence Ansatz between SC models and DCA. The coupling threshold above which the two system replicas synchronize is strictly related to the propagation velocity of perturbations in the system.Comment: 16 pages + 12 figures, new and extended versio

Piani di Mitigazione e di Adattamento congiunti per affrontare il cambiamento climatico sulla costa adriatica. Il progetto Joint_SECAP

Climate change adaptation is currently a "hot topic" on the global scene. In 2013, the European Commission adopted an EU adaptation strategy that sets out the framework for strengthening Europe resilience to the impacts of climate change and in 2014 Mayors Adapt - the Covenant of Mayors (CoM) initiative on Climate Change Adaptation, engaged cities in taking action to adapt to climate change. Nevertheless, this initiative is still at its dawn; most SEAPs only address the urban / municipal level, thus lacking the necessary territorial synergies that can make mitigation and adaptation policies and actions really effective. Some common factors have influenced the lack of effectiveness in the implementation of SEAPs and SECAPs. Energy plans are often too generic, sectoral and not well integrated into each city specific features, based on incomplete data and not always coordinated to other existing local policies and plans. Then there is a general lack of public awareness and qualified human resources and the same for funding opportunities. Another common obstacle is recognised in the incomplete, unshared, scattered information regarding energy efficiency and adaptation actions. There is the urgent need to take into account the specific territorial contexts (as for the Mediterranean and Adriatic regions), and, especially for adaptation measures, to define new opportunities to integrate common territorial challenges into Joint Actions and financial strategies. These common challenges are the ones the Joint-Secap project (Interreg Itally-Croatia) seeks to tackle by offering support to local authorities (specifically those in coastal areas with major vulnerabilities) in order to facilitate the implementation of specific adaptation measures (information, planning and monitoring). This Project reflects the necessity to operate at a wider district level (the Italian and Croation Adriatic Coast) to better define strategies and actions for climate change adaptation, for those weather and climate changes and hydrogeological risks affecting coastal areas.It is structured into two main phases; the first phase is developed to the common methodology for Joint Actions definition and implementation and to share the basic knowledge of climate change adaptation strategies and energy efficiency measures. The second phase regards the design of a web platform to share information, to support planning activities and even to monitor results and ongoing actions

A new cleaning method for historic stained glass windows

Historical stained glass has a clear tendency to form a crusted layer on its surface due to the environmental exposure. One of the most delicate aspects to be faced during the restoration of historic glass windows is the cleaning of these thick corrosion crusts.For several centuries, stained glass windows have been cleaned using damaging mechanical (scalpel) and chemical (high acidic or alkaline solutions) methods. Today's understanding of the cleaning process comprises two complementary aims: improving the readability of the glass and reducing the weathering process of the historical glass. The act of removing deposits and encrustations resulting from corrosion should not endanger the artwork itself. Mechanical methods, cleaning solutions or gel pads are now being developed. However, these methods could present further problems.In this study, we examine a new cleaning method that can be employed to remove encrustations in a quick and efficient way. Results up to now, obtained on specific stained glass windows are promising; further researches are in process for other cases. We propose an optimized solution to dissolve calcium carbonates and lead sulphates from Avila Cathedral glass windows crust. This system is tailored to control pH, temperature, conductivity and concentration of Ca2+. Continuous on-line analysis of these parameters allows us to monitor the cleaning process. In particular, the Ca2+ concentration in the cleaning solution is controlled by means of a Ca2+ ion selective analyz

Renewable Energy Planning in sub-Mediterranean mountain landscapes

The use of renewable energy sources is considered the best way to avoid the adverse effects of fossil fuels on the environment and human health. However, power plants produce different impacts on the environmental-landscape system, depending on the local context. The assessment of the land suitability for a power plant and of the environmental impact, are therefore key elements in the planning process of renewable energy plants. In the sub-Mediterranean mountain landscape, such assessment may involve several environmental disciplines. It is quite common that the local authorities consider sites with high-energy production potential unsuitable because environmental impacts cannot be adequately mitigated. The construction of plants in mountain landscapes may not be feasible even from an economic point of view. For example, the production of woody biomass for energy purposes is limited by the scarce accessibility of many mountain ranges, which makes it difficult to mechanise some phases of the production chain, limiting the possibility of planning long-term exploitation of this energy source