A 2-D FEM thermal model to simulate water flow in a porous media: Campi Flegrei caldera case study

Abstract. Volcanic and geothermal aspects both exist in many geologically young areas. In these areas the heat transfer process is of fundamental importance, so that the thermal and fluid-dynamic processes characterizing a viscous fluid in a porous medium are very important to understand the complex dynamics of the these areas. The Campi Flegrei caldera, located west of the city of Naples, within the central-southern sector of the large graben of Campanian plain, is a region where both volcanic and geothermal phenomena are present. The upper part of the geothermal system can be considered roughly as a succession of volcanic porous material (tuff) saturated by a mixture formed mainly by water and carbon dioxide. We have implemented a finite elements approach in transient conditions to simulate water flow in a 2-D porous medium to model the changes of temperature in the geothermal system due to magmatic fluid inflow, accounting for a transient phase, not considered in the analytical solutions and fluid compressibility. The thermal model is described by means of conductive/convective equations, in which we propose a thermal source represented by a parabolic shape function to better simulate an increase of temperature in the central part (magma chamber) of a box, simulating the Campi Flegrei caldera and using more recent evaluations, from literature, for the medium's parameters (specific heat capacity, density, thermal conductivity, permeability). A best-fit velocity for the permeant is evaluated by comparing the simulated temperatures with those measured in wells drilled by Agip (Italian Oil Agency) in the 1980s in the framework of geothermal exploration. A few tens of days are enough to reach the thermal steady state, showing the quick response of the system to heat injection. The increase in the pressure due to the heat transport is then used to compute ground deformation, in particular the vertical displacements characteristics of the Campi Flegrei caldera behaviour. The vertical displacements range from 1 cm to 10 cm in accordance with the mini uplift, characterizing the recent behaviour of the caldera. The time needed to move fluid particles from the bottom to the upper layer (years) is compatible with the timing of the mini uplift

La educación formal y el uso racional de la energía

Pocos temas científicos están recibiendo actualmente más atención popular que la excesiva demanda de energía (en particular eléctrica) y algunas de sus consecuencias: el calentamiento global y el cambio climático. A la excesiva demanda contribuye de manera importante la residencial y no se percibe en la misma, un uso racional de la energía. El trabajo muestra resultados de una investigación exploratoria, sobre el conocimiento del consumo energético de artefactos eléctricos domiciliarios, en estudiantes del nivel secundario. Se concluye en que si bien el conocimiento asociado a la instrucción formal no les permite diferenciar el concepto de “potencia” del de “energía”, el conocimiento social, resuelve parcialmente esta situación. Sin embargo, aún cuando la sociedad y los jóvenes interpretan adecuadamente los consumos asociados a distintos artefactos eléctricos, no exhiben un comportamiento orientado hacia el uso racional de la energía. Se estima que otras variables, sociales, impiden trasladar el conocimiento al comportamiento.Few scientific topics are currently receiving more popular attention than the excessive demand of energy (especially electricity) and some of its consequences: global warming and climate change. This issue is mainly caused by the residential use of electricity where it is not perceived a rational use of this resource. The work shows results of an exploratory research on the knowledge of the energy consumption of household electrical appliances in secondary students. It is concluded that even though the formal knowledge associated with formal instruction does not allow them to differentiate "power" from "energy", social knowledge partially solves this situation. However, even when society and young people properly interpret the consumption of various electrical devices, they do not exhibit a rational energy use behavior. It is estimated that other social variables prevent knowledge from becoming behavior.Tema 10: Educación y capacitación en energías renovables y uso racional de la energía.Facultad de Arquitectura y Urbanism

La educación formal y el uso racional de la energía

Pocos temas científicos están recibiendo actualmente más atención popular que la excesiva demanda de energía (en particular eléctrica) y algunas de sus consecuencias: el calentamiento global y el cambio climático. A la excesiva demanda contribuye de manera importante la residencial y no se percibe en la misma, un uso racional de la energía. El trabajo muestra resultados de una investigación exploratoria, sobre el conocimiento del consumo energético de artefactos eléctricos domiciliarios, en estudiantes del nivel secundario. Se concluye en que si bien el conocimiento asociado a la instrucción formal no les permite diferenciar el concepto de “potencia” del de “energía”, el conocimiento social, resuelve parcialmente esta situación. Sin embargo, aún cuando la sociedad y los jóvenes interpretan adecuadamente los consumos asociados a distintos artefactos eléctricos, no exhiben un comportamiento orientado hacia el uso racional de la energía. Se estima que otras variables, sociales, impiden trasladar el conocimiento al comportamiento.Few scientific topics are currently receiving more popular attention than the excessive demand of energy (especially electricity) and some of its consequences: global warming and climate change. This issue is mainly caused by the residential use of electricity where it is not perceived a rational use of this resource. The work shows results of an exploratory research on the knowledge of the energy consumption of household electrical appliances in secondary students. It is concluded that even though the formal knowledge associated with formal instruction does not allow them to differentiate "power" from "energy", social knowledge partially solves this situation. However, even when society and young people properly interpret the consumption of various electrical devices, they do not exhibit a rational energy use behavior. It is estimated that other social variables prevent knowledge from becoming behavior.Tema 10: Educación y capacitación en energías renovables y uso racional de la energía.Facultad de Arquitectura y Urbanism

La educación formal y el uso racional de la energía

Pocos temas científicos están recibiendo actualmente más atención popular que la excesiva demanda de energía (en particular eléctrica) y algunas de sus consecuencias: el calentamiento global y el cambio climático. A la excesiva demanda contribuye de manera importante la residencial y no se percibe en la misma, un uso racional de la energía. El trabajo muestra resultados de una investigación exploratoria, sobre el conocimiento del consumo energético de artefactos eléctricos domiciliarios, en estudiantes del nivel secundario. Se concluye en que si bien el conocimiento asociado a la instrucción formal no les permite diferenciar el concepto de “potencia” del de “energía”, el conocimiento social, resuelve parcialmente esta situación. Sin embargo, aún cuando la sociedad y los jóvenes interpretan adecuadamente los consumos asociados a distintos artefactos eléctricos, no exhiben un comportamiento orientado hacia el uso racional de la energía. Se estima que otras variables, sociales, impiden trasladar el conocimiento al comportamiento.Few scientific topics are currently receiving more popular attention than the excessive demand of energy (especially electricity) and some of its consequences: global warming and climate change. This issue is mainly caused by the residential use of electricity where it is not perceived a rational use of this resource. The work shows results of an exploratory research on the knowledge of the energy consumption of household electrical appliances in secondary students. It is concluded that even though the formal knowledge associated with formal instruction does not allow them to differentiate "power" from "energy", social knowledge partially solves this situation. However, even when society and young people properly interpret the consumption of various electrical devices, they do not exhibit a rational energy use behavior. It is estimated that other social variables prevent knowledge from becoming behavior.Tema 10: Educación y capacitación en energías renovables y uso racional de la energía.Facultad de Arquitectura y Urbanism

Cystic echinococcosis in water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

An epidemiological and molecular survey of cystic echinococcosis (CE) caused by Echinococcus granulosus in the water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) of the Italian Mediterranean breed was carried out in the Campania region of southern Italy. Out of a total of 799 water buffaloes examined at slaughterhouses, 80 (10.0%) were found infected. The molecular study was performed on 58 hydatid cysts in order to determine the E. granulosus strain(s) present in this host. A region of cytocrome c oxydase 1 gene (CO1) was amplified by polymerase chain reaction and the PCR products were then purified and sequenced. DNA amplification of the partial CO1 gene gave a 446 bp fragment for all isolates examined. After sequencing, a region of 419 bp was identified for each sample. Thirty-two isolates were identified as the common sheep strain G1, 15 as the buffalo strain G3, 3 as the Tasmanian sheep strain G2, and 3 as the G1 c genotype (GenBank AF458873). In addition, 5 isolates presented 99% identity with the G2 genotype (Tasmanian sheep strain)

SiPM: Characterizations, modelling and VLSI front-end dedicated development

In this work we describe the results of performance tests and measures of SiPM of several sizes (1×1, 3×3, 5×5) delivered from MEPHI. The SiPMs have been studied both in steady and pulsed stimuli. Aging and temperature behavior are also discussed. Another test has been performed in order to obtain an electrical model of the SiPM to be used in analog simulations. Finally, a design of a pilot chip with 0.35 μm technology implementing a front-end for SiPM aimed to TOF applications with adjustable thresholds and very high dynamical range is described

Stimulated single-fiber electromyography (sSFEMG) in Lambert-Eaton syndrome

Objective: To report the clinical features and the neurophysiological approach of a patient with Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS), highlighting the diagnostic role of the stimulated single fiber electromyography (sSFEMG). Case report: A 60-year-old woman presenting with the LEMS triad (proximal and axial weakness, autonomic dysfunction and areflexia) was evaluated by neurophysiological tests (electroneuromyography, repetitive stimulation test (TSR), voluntary and stimulated SFEMG). We reported: 1) increase of compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude (>60%) following brief isometric exercise compared to the rest (baseline); 2) decremental/incremental response of CMAP amplitude at low- (3 Hz) and high-frequency (30 Hz) repetitive stimulation test (RST), respectively; 3) increased neuromuscular jitter and blocking at voluntary single-fiber electromyography (vSFEMG); 4) stimulation rate-dependent reduction of the neuromuscular jitter and blocking at sSFEMG. Diagnosis was confirmed by serological demonstration of circulating voltage gated calcium channels (VGCC) antibodies. Significance: The present case highlights the role of the sSFEMG in the diagnosis of LEMS, underling the stimulation rate-dependency of both neuromuscular jitter and blocks

Topography and structural heterogeneities in surface ground deformation: a simulation test for Somma-Vesuvius volcano

Abstract. We simulate the deformation of Somma-Vesuvius volcano due to some overpressure sources by means of a finite element 3D code. The main goal of these simulations is to investigate the influence of topography and structural heterogeneity on ground deformation. In our model the sources of deformation are embedded in an elastic linear isotropic medium and located at various depths. Geometry (shape and lateral extension) of the sources is mainly constrained by the results coming from recent seismic tomography studies. The structural heterogeneity has been modelled in terms of dynamic elastic parameters (Young's modulus) retrieved from previous seismic tomography and gravity studies. A high-resolution digital terrain model is used for the topography of the volcano subaerial edifice. Evidences from our results suggest that real topography and structural heterogeneities are key factors governing the ground deformation, which often turns being one of the most relevant problems in volcano monitoring. A large deviation from the axially symmetrical model of the displacement field is the main result of our modelling. Such an asymmetry is routinely unaccounted for when Mogi's simplistic modelling in a homogeneous medium with simplified topography is used. Our study clearly demonstrate that a better knowledge of deformation patterns can significantly help in the location of monitoring sensors as well as in the design of an efficient geodetic network

DGNSS-Vision Integration for Robust and Accurate Relative Spacecraft Navigation

Relative spacecraft navigation based on Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) has been already successfully performed in low earth orbit (LEO). Very high accuracy, of the order of the millimeter, has been achieved in postprocessing using carrier phase differential GNSS (CDGNSS) and recovering the integer number of wavelength (Ambiguity) between the GNSS transmitters and the receiver. However the performance achievable on-board, in real time, above LEO and the GNSS constellation would be significantly lower due to limited computational resources, weaker signals, and worse geometric dilution of precision (GDOP). At the same time, monocular vision provides lower accuracy than CDGNSS when there is significant spacecraft separation, and it becomes even lower for larger baselines and wider field of views (FOVs). In order to increase the robustness, continuity, and accuracy of a real-time on-board GNSS-based relative navigation solution in a GNSS degraded environment such as Geosynchronous and High Earth Orbits, we propose a novel navigation architecture based on a tight fusion of carrier phase GNSS observations and monocular vision-based measurements, which enables fast autonomous relative pose estimation of cooperative spacecraft also in case of high GDOP and low GNSS visibility, where the GNSS signals are degraded, weak, or cannot be tracked continuously. In this paper we describe the architecture and implementation of a multi-sensor navigation solution and validate the proposed method in simulation. We use a dataset of images synthetically generated according to a chaser/target relative motion in Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) and realistic carrier phase and code-based GNSS observations simulated at the receiver position in the same orbits. We demonstrate that our fusion solution provides higher accuracy, higher robustness, and faster ambiguity resolution in case of degraded GNSS signal conditions, even when using high FOV cameras