Search results for "Conservation"
showing 10 items of 2328 documents
Targeting human {gamma}delta} T cells with zoledronate and interleukin-2 for immunotherapy of hormone-refractory prostate cancer.
2007
Abstract The increasing evidence that γδ T cells have potent antitumor activity suggests their value in immunotherapy, particularly in areas of unmet need such as metastatic carcinoma. To this end, we initiated a phase I clinical trial in metastatic hormone-refractory prostate cancer to examine the feasibility and consequences of using the γδ T-cell agonist zoledronate, either alone or in combination with low-dose interleukin 2 (IL-2), to activate peripheral blood γδ cells. Nine patients were enlisted to each arm. Neither treatment showed appreciable toxicity. Most patients were treated with zoledronate + IL-2, but conversely only two treated with zoledronate displayed a significant long-te…
Eliölajien uhanalaisuuden arviointi : arvoja vai ekologiaa?
2014
Scientific investigation to preserve our architectural heritage: experimental application in Sicily between 2002 and 2012
2014
The essay introduces the result of thermographic surveys and other scientific applications on some Sicilian monuments, and demonstrates the clear evolution of the method to support an effective conservation of ancient buildings. The method introduced is useful to get a metric thermal image to be edited with the photogrammetric image of the architectural surfaces simultaneously, and related with the results of other kind of diagnostic tests. Some examples of its application are introduced and critically commented to understand all the potentialities of the investigation in the discipline of the restoration of cultural heritage.
What are the factors driving the adoption and intensity of sustainable irrigation technologies in Italy?
2020
This paper aims to analyse the determinants of Italian farmers’ adoption of sustainable irrigation technologies such as micro-irrigation (drip and sprinklers) and sub-irrigation technologies. To improve farmers’ water management, climate variability adaptive behaviour should be incentivized. Italy, like other Mediterranean countries, has suffered the most for an increase in frequency and intensity of droughts, higher temperatures and fewer precipitations. Applying innovative irrigation systems, water scarcity and water stress may be overcome. Water conservation and saving technologies may help in supporting water-saving behaviour, increasing water conservation in the natural environment and…
What future for decommissioned historic irrigation canals? Crafting new identities in the Lower Ter (Spain)
2020
Historic irrigation canals are valuable socioecological systems capable of delivering several ecological and cultural services. However, ecological modernisation initiatives are leaving decommissioned ditches in limbo. A case study strategy is used to analyse the history of a decommissioned 700-year-old canal network in northeastern Spain and the unexpected intervention of several stakeholders who have attempted to redefine the former canals through new uses. The study relies on the analysis of documents and eight semistructured interviews with key stakeholders. We argue that this case reflects a policy failure in the application of multifunctionality, integrative planning and social partic…
Bridging Mediterranean cultures in the International Year of Soils 2015: A documentary exhibition on irrigation techniques in water scarcity conditio…
2017
The paper presents the activity performed at the University of Brescia by students and researchers, belonging to different Mediterranean cultures and different disciplines, to prepare a documentary exhibition on irrigation techniques in water scarcity conditions, on the occasion of the International Year of Soils 2015. Traditional irrigation techniques were identified as a key aspect of soil conservation and agricultural practices, to build living and autopoietic ecosystems, also in adverse climatic conditions, and to adapt to climatic changes. Being a structural source of ecosystem survival, and being based on long-lasting observation of the climate and of the environment, they have deep r…
Lagrangian dynamics and possible isochronous behavior in several classes of non-linear second order oscillators via the use of Jacobi last multiplier
2015
Abstract In this paper, we employ the technique of Jacobi Last Multiplier (JLM) to derive Lagrangians for several important and topical classes of non-linear second-order oscillators, including systems with variable and parametric dissipation, a generalized anharmonic oscillator, and a generalized Lane–Emden equation. For several of these systems, it is very difficult to obtain the Lagrangians directly, i.e., by solving the inverse problem of matching the Euler–Lagrange equations to the actual oscillator equation. In order to facilitate the derivation of exact solutions, and also investigate possible isochronous behavior in the analyzed systems, we next invoke some recent theoretical result…
Global review of recent taxonomic research into Isoetes (Isoetaceae), with implications for biogeography and conservation
2018
With the advent of cytological analysis, Scanning Electron Microscopy, the recognition of sterile hybrids, improved access to wild populations and increasingly comprehensive molecular investigations, there has been a revolution in Isoetes taxonomy in recent times. The last 40 years have seen an almost 100% increase in the diversity documented during the previous two centuries. Four geographic areas account for over 90% of this diversity: northern-central South America, eastern North America, western Eurasia (including the northern Mediterranean) and South to Tropical Africa. There is a significant global conservation concern for Isoetes, with many taxa being rare (known from one to a handfu…
Il cantiere di restauro della facciata barocca del palazzo Floridia-Bertini a Ragusa, patrimonio mondiale dell'umanità (UNESCO)
2018
Il contributo presenta le attività analitiche che hanno supportato l’elaborazione del progetto di restauro della facciata barocca del palazzo Bertini a Ragusa, inserito nella lista del Patrimonio Mondiale dell’Umanità UNESCO, e le fasi del cantiere di restauro, con particolare riguardo alle tecniche di pulitura, consolidamento e reintegrazione delle superfici architettoniche. Il palazzo è edificato alla fine del XVIII secolo lungo uno degli assi principali dell’impianto urbano sviluppato dopo il terremoto del 1693. L’originaria conformazione della facciata barocca viene modificata nel 1847, quando si esegue una significativa revisione dell’assetto stradale, con l’abbassamento della quota or…
La reliquia nello scrigno / The relic in the casket
2018
Il restauro persegue l’obiettivo di preservare il carattere autentico dell’architettura storica e le sue stratificazioni, rendere distinguibili le aggiunte e proporre un uso compatibile. Questa posizione culturale ha sostenuto l’intervento condotto sui resti dell’ex chiesa Madre a Santa Margherita di Belice in Sicilia, distrutta da un terremoto nel 1968, che oggi ospita il Museo della Memoria. Esclusa l’iniziale proposta di ripristino delle parti crollate, il progetto di restauro è stato indirizzato verso la conservazione critica del frammento autentico, la reintegrazione della fabbrica lacunosa e la ridefinizione dell’involucro architettonico con componenti strutturali dal carattere potenz…