Search results for "Density"

Robust refinement of initial prototypes for partitioning-based clustering algorithms

2007

Non-uniqueness of solutions and sensitivity to erroneous data are common problems to large-scale data clustering tasks. In order to avoid poor quality of solutions with partitioning-based clustering methods, robust estimates (that are highly insensitive to erroneous data values) are needed and initial cluster prototypes should be determined properly. In this paper, a robust density estimation initialization method that exploits the spatial median estimate to the prototype update is presented. Besides being insensitive to noise and outliers, the new method is also computationally comparable with other traditional methods. The methods are compared by numerical experiments on a set of syntheti…

Growth and yields of 'Arbequina' high-density planting systems in three different olive growing areas in Italy

2014

The sustainability of the traditional olive-growing sector in EU countries characterised by high production costs and a low selling price for the oil was mainly determined by EU subsidies available for the sector. With the opening of the free trade area by the Barcellona Declaration of 1995 and a cut in EU subsidies in 2014, crucial changes in the sector are now needed. In order to increase the competitiveness of EU olive production, attention should be given to new high-yielding and mechanized cultivation systems. In the 1990s, Spain introduced new high-density planting systems (1,200-2,000 trees/ha) using three low-vigour and early-fruiting cultivars ( Arbequina , Arbosana and Koroneiki )…

Efficienza produttiva, dinamica di maturazione e qualità dell'olio della cultivar Arbequina in cinque diversi distretti olivicoli italiani

2013

Effect of rootstock vigor and in-row spacing on stem and root growth, conformation, and dry-matter distribution of young apple trees

2003

The effects of M.9 and MM.106 rootstocks and in-row spacing (0.4, 0.7, and 1 m) on the vegetative behavior of three-year-old apple (Malus domestica Borkh) trees were studied. Analysis of digital images was used to estimate canopy and root growth and conformation (shape and size), whereas dry matter distribution was used to determine partitioning to various plant parts. Trees on less vigorous M.9 rootstocks showed reduced stem and root growth as they produced less and/or shorter shoots and less and/or shorter and thinner roots. Canopy spread area (CSA) and volume were similar for trees on both rootstocks and differences in stem length density (stem length per unit canopy volume; SLD) compens…

Morphological characterization of calanchi (badland) hillslope connectivity

2018

Calanchi, a type of Italian badlands created by a combination of water erosion processes and local geomorphological and tectonic controls, is a striking example of long-term landscape evolution. In small temporal/spatial scales, the calanchi exhibit many of the geomorphic processes and landforms that may be observed in fluvial landscapes; hence, they may be considered as microbasins where geomorphic dynamics and landscape features can be related. The goal of this research is testing the use of simple morphometric variables for assessing sediment connectivity of calanchi landforms. In order to detect the morphological characteristics controlling the landscape connectivity of calanchi basins,…

Leaf water relation traits in typical Sicilian varieties of Vitis vinifera L.

2014

In Italy, grapevines are extensively cultivated, with Sicily representing one of the most significant wine regions. The high number of autochthonous grapevine varieties represents an important source of genetic diversity, and the many Sicilian varieties have anatomical and physiological traits that allow them to resist to different levels of drought stress. We investigated the water relation parameters of four cultivars of Vitis vinifera L. (Catarratto, Corinto, Nero d'Avola and Zibibbo) and characterized their leaf hydraulics. Measurements were conducted during summer on plants growing in the experimental field of the IBBR-CNR near Palermo. Daily patterns of leaf water potential (Yleaf) an…

Leaf-like Structure in the Photosynthetic, Succulent Stems of Cacti

1991

This research examined the hypothesis that as cacti evolve to the leafless condition, the stem epidermis and cortex become more leaflike and more compatible with a photosynthetic role. All cacti in the relict genus Pereskia have non-succulent stems and broad, thin leaves. All members of the derived subfamily Cactoideae are ‘leafless’, having an expanded cortex that is the plant's only photosynthetic tissue. In Pereskia, leaves have a high stomatal density (mean: 50.7 stomata mm−2 in the lower epidermis, 38.1 mm−2 in the upper epidermis), but stems have low stomatal densities (mean: 11.3 mm 2, three of the species have none). Stems of Cactoideae have a high stomatal density (mean: 31.1 mm−2,…

Mussels as a model system for integrative ecomechanics.

2015

Copyright © 2015 by Annual Reviews. All rights reserved. Mussels form dense aggregations that dominate temperate rocky shores, and they are key aquaculture species worldwide. Coastal environments are dynamic across a broad range of spatial and temporal scales, and their changing abiotic conditions affect mussel populations in a variety of ways, including altering their investments in structures, physiological processes, growth, and reproduction. Here, we describe four categories of ecomechanical models (biochemical, mechanical, energetic, and population) that we have developed to describe specific aspects of mussel biology, ranging from byssal attachment to energetics, population growth, an…

Crushing predation of the spiny star Marthasterias glacialis upon the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus

2009

Literature data report that only fish predators are able to crush sea urchin tests in Mediterranean rocky reefs. This experimental study showed that the spiny star Marthasterias glacialis is able to break Paracentrotus lividus tests and that the breaking event is more likely to occur for small-sized sea urchins than for big ones. Our results show that the role of M. glacialis in regulating P. lividus population density can be important in specific locations. They may have important implications, moreover, for the use of tethering techniques aimed at identifying predator types of sea urchins.

LA DIMENSIONE FRATTALE DEI REEF A VERMETI

2012

Fractal geometry can be an useful tool to describe the structural complexity of a vermetid reef. Using fractal analysis of small surfaces, the fractal dimension for the outer rim of some vermetid reefs can be established. A positive correlation between fractal values and the density of Dendropoma petraeum is evident.