Potential shallow aquifers characterization through an integrated geophysical method: multivariate approach by means of k-means algorithms

The need to obtain a detailed hydrogeological characterization of the subsurface and its interpretation for the groundwater resources management, often requires to apply several and complementary geophysical methods. The goal of the approach in this paper is to provide a unique model of the aquifer by synthesizing and optimizing the information provided by several geophysical methods. This approach greatly reduces the degree of uncertainty and subjectivity of the interpretation by exploiting the different physical and mechanic characteristics of the aquifer. The studied area, into the municipality of Laterina (Arezzo, Italy), is a shallow basin filled by lacustrine and alluvial deposits (Pleistocene and Olocene epochs, Quaternary period), with alternated silt, sand with variable content of gravel and clay where the bottom is represented by arenaceous-pelitic rocks (Mt. Cervarola Unit, Tuscan Domain, Miocene epoch). This shallow basin constitutes the unconfined superficial aquifer to be exploited in the nearly future. To improve the geological model obtained from a detailed geological survey we performed electrical resistivity and P wave refraction tomographies along the same line in order to obtain different, independent and integrable data sets. For the seismic data also the reflected events have been processed, a remarkable contribution to draw the geologic setting. Through the k-means algorithm, we perform a cluster analysis for the bivariate data set to individuate relationships between the two sets of variables. This algorithm allows to individuate clusters with the aim of minimizing the dissimilarity within each cluster and maximizing it among different clusters of the bivariate data set. The optimal number of clusters "K", corresponding to the individuated geophysical facies, depends to the multivariate data set distribution and in this work is estimated with the Silhouettes. The result is an integrated tomography that shows a finite number of homogeneous geophysical facies, which therefore permits to distinguish and interpret the porous aquifer in a quantitative and objective way

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Criminal liability for the “unlawful” trafficking of waste in Italy: what relevance for the European Best Available Techniques?

The paper deals with a much-debated topic in Italian criminal law scholarship and jurisprudence, that of criminal liability for carrying on formally authorised polluting activities, with a focus on its EU law profiles. After an overview of the concept of “unlawfulness” in environmental criminal law, the paper turns on the Italian offence of waste trafficking, addressing in particular two recent rulings of the Court of Cassation that held that the violation of EU “Best Available Techniques” can determine the “unlawful” nature of conduct, even when the latter is formally authorised. The author argues that this approach cannot be shared in its absoluteness, but deserves attention in order to avoid that, in certain well-defined hypotheses, authorisation becomes a factor of unjustified impunity for environmental damage.The paper deals with a much-debated topic in Italian criminal law scholarship and jurisprudence, that of criminal liability for carrying on formally authorised polluting activities, with a focus on its EU law profiles. After an overview of the concept of “unlawfulness” in environmental criminal law, the paper turns on the Italian offence of waste trafficking, addressing in particular two recent rulings of the Court of Cassation that held that the violation of EU “Best Available Techniques” can determine the “unlawful” nature of conduct, even when the latter is formally authorised. The author argues that this approach cannot be shared in its absoluteness, but deserves attention in order to avoid that, in certain well-defined hypotheses, authorisation becomes a factor of unjustified impunity for environmental damage

Pushing Back - How to Limit Overcriminalisation of Assistance to Those in Need of Protection

The CJEU has pending before it a crucial case on the criminalisation of seeking asylum and assistance to those seeking protection. At this critical juncture, this blog post highlights a sample of important decisions in which courts, giving effect to constitutional and international legal principles, set legal limits on this form of criminalisation. These cases reflect not only the appropriate legal limits, but also acknowledge the character of irregular migration and smuggling. Rather than framing individuals as  dangerous illegal migrants and exploitative smugglers, they reassert the humanity of both those in search of refuge and opportunity, and those that assist them

The economics of research, consulting, and teaching quality: theory and evidence from a technical university

We investigate the effect of both research and consulting on teaching quality in higher education, at the individual level. We propose a theoretical model in which academics allocate effort between the three activities, over a two period time horizon, under the assumption of positive spillovers from research to both consulting opportunities and teaching, and of life-cycle effects on incentives. Propositions from the model are tested against data from a mid-sized Italian engineering faculty. We find that teaching quality is negatively related to consulting and positively related to research experience. However, both relationships are not linear, due to the importance of several mediating factors, such as seniority and the role of scientific publications as a signal for attracting consulting opportunities