From Paper Manual to AR Manual: Do We Still Need Text?

Abstract In this work, we proposed a method to reduce text in technical documentation, aiming at Augmented Reality manuals, where text must be reduced as much as possible. In fact, most of technical information is conveyed through other means such as CAD models, graphic signs, images, etc.. The method classifies technical instructions into two categories: instructions that can be presented with graphic symbols and instructions that should be presented with text. It is based on the analysis of the action verbs used in the instruction, and makes use of ASD Simplified Technical English (STE) for remaining text instructions and let them easier to translate into other languages

Antioxidant responses of edible and model plant species subjected to subtoxic zinc concentrations

Zinc (Zn) is a common heavy metal in polluted soils, as it is a widespread pollutant deriving both from natural sources and anthropogenic activities. The antioxidant tolerance/defence mechanisms against oxidative stress induced by subtoxic concentrations of Zn (50 and 150 μM ZnSO4) were studied in a widespread edible plant (lettuce; Lactuca sativa L.) and in an important model plant (Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh.). After 10 days (Arabidopsis) and 20 days (lettuce) of Zn exposure, Zn uptake/translocation was evaluated in both roots and shoots, while indicators of oxidative stress and stress intensity, total antioxidant capacity, and enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidative defence were measured in leaves. From an overall comparison of the two species, Zn root uptake in Arabidopsis subjected to 50 and 150 μM ZnSO4 was approximately 3- and 5-fold lower than in lettuce, while Zn translocation from roots to apical leaves was more efficient in Arabidopsis (23.7 vs 21.3% at 50 μM ZnSO4 and 19.3 vs 12.9% at 150 μM ZnSO4). Generally, a higher degree of Zn-induced oxidative stress (863.8 vs 21.3 μg g−1 FW H2O2 and 1.33 vs 0.75 μMg−1 FW MDAeq at 150 μM ZnSO4) and antioxidant response (441.2 vs 258.5mMg−1 FW TEAC and 91.0 vs 54.9% RSA at 150 μM ZnSO4) were found in lettuce. The aim of this study is understanding (a) if subtoxic Zn levels can affect Zn uptake and translocation in the studied species and (b) if this eventual Zn absorption can influence plant oxidative status/antioxidant response. Considering that soil contamination by Zn can affect crop production and quality, the results of this research could be important for environmental, nutritional and human health issues

Cover crop for a sustainable viticulture: Effects on soil properties and table grape production

Cover crops are increasingly adopted in viticulture to enhance soil quality and balance the vegetative and reproductive growth of vines. Nevertheless, this sustainable practice has been only recently used for table grape viticulture, with results often contrasting. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) cover crop on soil quality, yield, and grape qualitative parameters in a table grape vineyard (cv "Italia") located in southern Italy, comparing results with the conventional tillage. Soil organic carbon (C), total nitrogen (N), microbial biomass C (MBC), β-glucosidase (BGLU) and alkaline phosphomonoesterase (APME) activities were assessed during three growing seasons (2012-2014) and three phenological stages. The trend of soil chemical and microbiological properties was jointly influenced by the soil management system, growing season and phenological stage. Compared to conventional tillage, cover crops increased, on average, soil organic C, total N, MBC, BGLU and APME by 136%, 93%, 112%, 100% and 62%, respectively. Slight or no effects of cover crops were observed on grape quality and yield, except for 2012 (the driest season), when a yield reduction occurred. This study reveals that cover crops strongly enhance soil quality in the short-term, with potential advantages for grape production in the long-term

Dentro la 'rete'. Osservazioni sulla virtualizzazione di spazi, luoghi e territori

INSIDE THE WORLD WIDE WEB. SOME OBSERVATIONS ON THE VIRTUALIZATION OF SPACE, PLACE, TERRITORY. – The Telecommunication revolution and the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) both have created a new geographic category, that of cyberspace. At the same time ICT and the World Wide Web have contributed to the articulation and de-articulation of the material space. In that way the post modern geographic spaces become a «strict mix of territories and networks» in which the identity of places and population arises. Thanks to the new technologies those places can compare themselves with other territories within the cyberspace. What meanings give actors to the web? What kind of comparison they make? Which effects do they produce? In order to find an answer to those questions we propose a methodology based on the analysis of the main Public Administration and local systems web sites