Activity report - Free University of Bozen · Bolzano
Activity report - Free University of Bozen · Bolzano
Activity report - Free University of Bozen · Bolzano
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Faculty <strong>of</strong> Science and Technology<br />
<strong>Activity</strong> Report<br />
First issue<br />
2009-2012
4 25<br />
14<br />
2<br />
13<br />
29<br />
1<br />
26 8<br />
18<br />
19<br />
6<br />
27<br />
20<br />
33<br />
for number person<br />
corrispondance<br />
see people at the<br />
faculty at page 4<br />
30
Faculty <strong>of</strong> Science and Technology<br />
<strong>Activity</strong> Report<br />
First issue<br />
2009-2012
Contents<br />
Welcome<br />
message<br />
The Faculty <strong>of</strong> Science and Technology<br />
<strong>of</strong> the <strong>Free</strong> <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Bozen</strong>-<strong>Bolzano</strong> was founded in<br />
2007 ...<br />
People<br />
at the<br />
faculty<br />
Laboratories<br />
An area <strong>of</strong> 500 m 2 in the main building <strong>of</strong> the <strong>University</strong> is equipped<br />
with modern analytical facilities ...<br />
teaching<br />
The Faculty <strong>of</strong>fers undergraduate and postgraduate<br />
study programmes in the agriculture and<br />
agriculture-related environmental area and in the<br />
industrial engineering ...<br />
7
agriculTure<br />
and Food<br />
research Focus 1<br />
enVironmenT<br />
research Focus 2<br />
9<br />
18<br />
reSearch<br />
This section describes the<br />
research activities focusing on<br />
four major thematic areas.<br />
in addition, fundamental research<br />
in chemistry, mathematics<br />
and statistics is also ...<br />
induSTrial<br />
producTion<br />
research Focus 3<br />
energy<br />
research Focus 4<br />
26<br />
33<br />
42<br />
FundamenTal<br />
ScienceS<br />
research Focus 5<br />
38<br />
FacTS<br />
currently, there are 72 research<br />
projects running amounting to<br />
a total research budget <strong>of</strong> ...<br />
SelecTed<br />
publicaTionS<br />
For a complete list visit<br />
www.unibz.it/en/sciencetechnology/<br />
research/publications/default.html<br />
45<br />
activity <strong>report</strong> <strong>of</strong> the Faculty <strong>of</strong> Science and Technology 1
Welcome<br />
message<br />
The Faculty <strong>of</strong> Science and Technology <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Free</strong><br />
<strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Bozen</strong>-<strong>Bolzano</strong> was founded in 2007.<br />
It started its activities under the aegis <strong>of</strong> an external<br />
Coordination Committee by <strong>of</strong>fering a Bachelor<br />
degree in Agricultural Science and Agricultural<br />
Economics, formerly <strong>of</strong>fered by the School <strong>of</strong><br />
Economics <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Free</strong> <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Bozen</strong>-<strong>Bolzano</strong><br />
and a Bachelor degree in Logistics and Production<br />
Engineering, in cooperation with the Politecnico di<br />
Torino (Turin, Italy). In 2008 with the appointment<br />
<strong>of</strong> the first Faculty Council, the Faculty started its<br />
activities autonomously.<br />
As a young scientific institution, we have grown<br />
rapidly by recruiting highly skilled scientific staff<br />
from abroad and from Italy, expanded our teaching<br />
<strong>of</strong>fer to the Master and PhD levels, developed a<br />
range <strong>of</strong> local, national and international scientific<br />
collaborations, and enlarged our research facilities.<br />
A wide range <strong>of</strong> scientific expertise in the agricultural,<br />
environmental and industrial engineering<br />
areas as well as in the basic disciplines are available<br />
at our institution. We see ourselves as a multidisciplinary<br />
“ideas factory” where we think about<br />
tomorrow today. Our main distinguishing feature is<br />
our interdisciplinary approach, essential for solving<br />
complex problems, such as the management <strong>of</strong><br />
alpine areas, energy efficiency, food production<br />
and quality, and process and product innovation for<br />
industry.<br />
The intensity <strong>of</strong> the research undertaken, the quality<br />
<strong>of</strong> our publications and the international pr<strong>of</strong>ile<br />
<strong>of</strong> our academic staff all contribute decisively to<br />
the quality <strong>of</strong> our teaching and allow the Faculty to<br />
attract significant research funding from national<br />
and international agencies. We are also deeply<br />
rooted in the local social community, are attached<br />
to the local economic sector and intend to contribute<br />
to local progress by creating and transferring new<br />
scientific and technological knowledge.<br />
I like to think that our students are people who believe<br />
in the importance <strong>of</strong> the role <strong>of</strong> science in society’s<br />
progress; they are curious and use rigorous<br />
scientific methodologies; they think critically; they<br />
love to reason, using their own ideas and knowledge;<br />
they do not take anything for granted; they<br />
believe that when a decision is taken, not only are<br />
the financial implications taken into consideration,<br />
but also the social and ecological consequences.<br />
Our commitment for an excellent education and<br />
high-quality interdisciplinary research intends to<br />
meet the real needs <strong>of</strong> the economy and allow our<br />
students to successfully enter the job market to<br />
the advantage <strong>of</strong> our society.<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>. Massimo Tagliavini,<br />
Dean<br />
<strong>Activity</strong> Report <strong>of</strong> the Faculty <strong>of</strong> Science and Technology 3
People<br />
at the faculty<br />
Contact<br />
Faculty <strong>of</strong> Science and Technology<br />
Universitätsplatz 5 – piazza Università, 5<br />
39100 <strong>Bozen</strong>-<strong>Bolzano</strong>, Italy<br />
Telephone +39 0471 01 70 00; Fax: +39 0471 01 70 09<br />
science.technology@unibz.it<br />
www.unibz.it/en/sciencetechnology<br />
Full pr<strong>of</strong>essors<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>. Massimo Tagliavini (1)<br />
(Dean)<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>. Stefano Cesco (2)<br />
(Vice Dean)<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>. Cristina Benedetti (3)<br />
(retired from January 2013)<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>. Maria Letizia Bertotti (4)<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>. Dominik Matt (5)<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>. Fabrizio Mazzetto (6)<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>. Stefan Zerbe (7)<br />
Fruit tree production, tree ecosystems<br />
Agricultural chemistry, soil fertility and plant nutrition, plant biochemistry<br />
Environmental design, timber construction<br />
Mathematical physics, dynamical systems, ordinary differential equations,<br />
qualitative analysis<br />
Industrial production systems<br />
Agricultural machinery and plants, information technologies for farm mechanisation<br />
and precision farming, life-cycle assessments.<br />
Applied botany, restoration ecology, landscape ecology and history<br />
Associate processors<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>. Filippo Ciarapica<br />
(moved to the Polytechnic<br />
<strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Ancona in 2012)<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>. Christian Fischer (8)<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>. Andrea Gasparella (9)<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>. Matteo Mario Scampicchio (10)<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>. Giustino Tonon (11)<br />
Industrial plants, life cycle assessments<br />
Agri-food economics, management and marketing<br />
Applied thermodynamics, heat transfer, building physics energy<br />
management, acoustics, lighting<br />
Food science, sensors and biosensors, nanotechnology<br />
Forest ecology, forestry, biogeochemistry, forest ecosystems<br />
Assistant pr<strong>of</strong>essors<br />
Dr. Carlo Andreotti (12)<br />
Dr. Sergio Angeli (13)<br />
Dr. Marco Baratieri (14)<br />
Dr. Stefano Benini (15)<br />
Dr. Lorenzo Brusetti (16)<br />
Dr. Francesco Comiti (17)<br />
Dr. Laura Levaggi (18)<br />
Dr. Pasquale Russo Spena (19)<br />
Dr. Armin Otto Schmitt (20)<br />
Pomology, viticulture, quality and biochemistry <strong>of</strong> fruits<br />
Entomology, chemical ecology, insect-plant interactions<br />
Thermodynamics and heat transfer, renewable energy, energy<br />
efficiency and green buildings<br />
Organic chemistry, structure and function <strong>of</strong> proteins, protein crystallography<br />
Agricultural and environmental microbiology, microbial ecology, bacterial<br />
genomics<br />
Watershed management, agricultural hydrology, river morphology and restoration<br />
Mathematical analysis<br />
Production systems, processing and characterisation <strong>of</strong> metallic materials,<br />
fracture mechanics<br />
Applied statistics, bioinformatics, molecular evolution
UNtenured assistant pr<strong>of</strong>essors<br />
Dr. Luigi Alberti (21)<br />
Dr. Calogero Capici (22)<br />
Dr. Tanja Mimmo (23)<br />
Dr. Massimiliano Renzi (24)<br />
Dr. Francesca Scandellari (25)<br />
Dr. Renato Vidoni (26)<br />
Dr. Silvana Revellino<br />
(moved to Copenhagen Business<br />
School, Denmark from October 2012)<br />
Electrical machines and drives, electrical engineering applications<br />
Agricultural chemistry, analytical chemistry, plant biochemistry,<br />
organic chemistry<br />
Agricultural chemistry, soil fertility and plant nutrition, biogeochemical<br />
cycles <strong>of</strong> soil nutrients, analytical methods in agriculture<br />
Fluid machinery, cogeneration systems<br />
Tree ecosystems, cycle <strong>of</strong> nutrients in ecosystems, agroecology<br />
Applied mechanics for machinery, mechatronics and robotics<br />
Business economics<br />
Administration<br />
Dr. Wilhelm Sapelza (27)<br />
Victoria Angerer (28)<br />
Michela Beraldin (29)<br />
Stefania Falconi (30)<br />
Renate Folie (31)<br />
Margareth Lercher<br />
Carola Mutschlechner<br />
Claudia Rossi<br />
Head <strong>of</strong> Faculty administration<br />
Administrative staff<br />
Administrative staff<br />
Administrative staff<br />
Administrative staff<br />
Administrative staff<br />
Administrative staff<br />
Administrative staff<br />
Laboratory Technicians<br />
Dr. Christian Ceccon (32)<br />
Dott. Elisa Poznanski (33)<br />
Laboratory technician<br />
Laboratory technician<br />
Research assistants (as <strong>of</strong> 1 January 2013)<br />
Dott. Daniela Campana<br />
Dr. Lorenzo Caputi<br />
Dr. Claudia Dadea<br />
Dott. Patrick Dallasega<br />
Ing. Rebeka Fijan<br />
Dr. Liping Li<br />
Dott. Ana Lucia Vela<br />
Dott. Enrico Marchese<br />
Dr. Leonardo Montagnani<br />
Dr. Daniele Penna<br />
Ing. Alessandro Prada<br />
Julia Ratajczak<br />
Dr. Marco Salomone-Stagni<br />
Dr. Maurizio Ventura<br />
Dr. Silvia Vitagliano<br />
Dr. Damiano Zanotelli<br />
Ph.D. Students (XXVII and XXVIII cycles)<br />
John Abraham (Ghana), Dimitrios Andreopoulos<br />
(Greece), Rigoberto Arambula Lara (Mexico), Luigimaria<br />
Borruso (Italy), Martina Boschiero (Italy),<br />
Valerie Bossi Fedrigotti (Italy), Daniela Campana<br />
(Italy), Andrea Dell’Agnese (Italy) , Michael Engel<br />
(Germany), Alfonso Esposito (Italy), Maria Celeste<br />
Fernandez Ferrari (Argentina), Valentino Floreancig<br />
(Italy), Raimondo Gallo (Italy), Marinus Gebhardt<br />
(Germany), Francesco Giammarchi (Italy), Guillermo<br />
Chavez Guerrero (Mexico), Solomon Lemma Mengistu<br />
(Etiopia), Martin Luccarelli (Italy), Marianna<br />
Marchesi (Italy), Francesco Patuzzi (Italy), Paola<br />
Penna (Italy), Leonardo Postacchini (Italy), Dario<br />
Prando (Italy), Anna Radtke (Germany), Nuerjimali<br />
Shaerbayi (China), André Terwei (Germany), Elisabetta<br />
Tomé (Italy), Cicik Udayana (Indonesia), Fabio<br />
Valentinuzzi (Italy), Elisa Varolo (Italy).<br />
We acknowledge the contribution <strong>of</strong> a number <strong>of</strong> excellent contract pr<strong>of</strong>essors in our teaching<br />
programs in addition to our permanent staff. Special thanks also to the local experts, in particular<br />
Wolfgang Drahorad, that have supported and helped us in developing cooperation with local<br />
agricultural and industrial sectors.<br />
<strong>Activity</strong> Report <strong>of</strong> the Faculty <strong>of</strong> Science and Technology 5
Laboratories<br />
An area <strong>of</strong> 500 m 2 in the main building <strong>of</strong> the <strong>University</strong> is equipped with modern analytical facilities in<br />
the form <strong>of</strong> research and teaching labs built around a multidisciplinary design. As <strong>of</strong> 1 January 2013, the<br />
Faculty’s laboratories include:<br />
Analytical Chemistry Lab<br />
Laboratory facilities are available for the chemical<br />
and physical characterisation <strong>of</strong> soil, fruit and<br />
vegetables and processed foods by the combination<br />
<strong>of</strong> isolation, separation and identification, reaction<br />
mechanisms. The laboratory instrumentations<br />
include: gas and liquid chromatography (GC-MS,<br />
HPLC), static and dynamic headspace analyzer<br />
(HS-GC-MS), inductively coupled plasma optical<br />
emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), UV, VIS and<br />
FT-IR and fluorescence spectrometer and an<br />
electroanalytical unit.<br />
Biochemical and Molecular Biology Labs<br />
Two labs are equipped with facilities certified with<br />
biosafety level II. Among the facilities available:<br />
quantitative real-time PCR, thermal cycler (for<br />
PCR), gel electrophoresis system and protein<br />
purification system (Äkta purifier).<br />
Stable Isotope Lab<br />
The lab is equipped with an isotopic mass spectrometer<br />
coupled with several peripherals. This<br />
setting allows for the analysis <strong>of</strong> the isotopic<br />
signature <strong>of</strong> H, C, N, O, and S, in solid, liquid<br />
and gaseous samples.<br />
Technical Physics Laboratories<br />
Dedicated to the study <strong>of</strong> the thermo-physical<br />
properties <strong>of</strong> materials, energy production and<br />
energy saving, equipped with facilities such as: differential<br />
scanning calorimeter, thermogravimetric<br />
analyzer with evolved gas analysis unit (TGA-DSC-<br />
FT-IR-GC-MS), light/laser flash analyzer.<br />
Universal testing machine to perform the main<br />
mechanical testing <strong>of</strong> materials (e.g., compression,<br />
tensile, and bending tests), hardness tester, equipment<br />
for metallographic analysis.<br />
“Mini-Factory”<br />
Laboratory for lean and agile production. The aim<br />
<strong>of</strong> the "mini-factory" lab is to simulate and to study<br />
different concepts <strong>of</strong> agility in a manufacturing<br />
and assembly environment, by means <strong>of</strong> a realistic<br />
design <strong>of</strong> a production. Main elements <strong>of</strong> this<br />
mini-factory are: a lean kanban flow rack, manual<br />
and flexible assembly stations, a SCARA robot<br />
(4 axis) for pick-and-place operations and a 6-axis<br />
industrial robot for manufacturing tasks as well<br />
as for handling assembly parts.<br />
Field equipment for ecological research: measurements<br />
<strong>of</strong> hydrological and sediment transport<br />
processes, root growth and soil-plant interactions,<br />
topographic surveys, field equipment for monitoring<br />
greenhouse gases coupled with GC-MS for the<br />
analysis <strong>of</strong> atmospheric gas such as methane and<br />
nitrous oxide.<br />
A Faculty asset is also represented by the laboratories<br />
designed to support the teaching activities for<br />
industrial engineering and agricultural-environmental<br />
subjects.
Teaching<br />
The Faculty <strong>of</strong>fers undergraduate and postgraduate<br />
study programmes in the agriculture and agriculture-related<br />
environmental area and in the industrial<br />
engineering sector. Bachelor programmes<br />
are entirely <strong>of</strong>fered by the Faculty following the<br />
trilingual (English, German and Italian) teaching<br />
approach <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Free</strong> <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Bozen</strong>-<strong>Bolzano</strong>.<br />
Master courses are usually <strong>of</strong>fered as joint programmes<br />
in cooperation with Italian and foreign<br />
universities and their core subjects are normally<br />
taught in English. Ph.D. courses are <strong>of</strong>fered in English<br />
and benefit from a large range <strong>of</strong> international<br />
cooperation with partner universities, especially for<br />
student exchanges.<br />
Also thanks to the excellent ratio between students<br />
and teaching staff, the learning process takes place<br />
in an active learning environment.<br />
Small group sizes provide open and supportive<br />
working and studying conditions and allow students<br />
to participate in research. The courses<br />
include classic lectures, exercise classes and lab<br />
work. International summer schools are also regularly<br />
organised. Students, trained with a strong<br />
scientific and technological background, develop<br />
the skills necessary to face and solve new problems.<br />
Agriculture and Environment<br />
• Bachelor degree in Agricultural and Agro-Environmental<br />
Sciences (study course director:<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>. Stefano Cesco).<br />
• International Master <strong>of</strong> Fruit Science (in cooperation<br />
with the Universities <strong>of</strong> Ljubljana, Slovenia,<br />
and Brno, Czech Republic).<br />
• Master programme <strong>of</strong> International Horticultural<br />
Science (in cooperation with the <strong>University</strong><br />
<strong>of</strong> Bologna, Italy; Centre International d'Études<br />
Supérieures en Sciences Agronomiques – Montpellier,<br />
France; AGROCAMPUS Ouest – Rennes,<br />
France; Budapesti Corvinus Egyetem – Budapest,<br />
Hungary; Universität für Bodenkultur – Vienna,<br />
Austria; Technische Universität München – Munich,<br />
Germany; Humboldt Universität – Berlin,<br />
Germany) (in preparation).<br />
• Master programme in Environmental Management<br />
<strong>of</strong> Mountain Areas (in cooperation with the<br />
Leopold Franzens Universität Innsbruck, Austria).<br />
• Master programme in Food Technology and Food<br />
Chain Innovation (in preparation).<br />
• Ph.D. programme in Mountain Environment and<br />
Agriculture (doctoral course director Pr<strong>of</strong>. Stefan<br />
Zerbe).<br />
Industrial Engineering<br />
• Bachelor degree in Industrial and Mechanical<br />
Engineering (study course director: Pr<strong>of</strong>. Maria<br />
Letizia Bertotti). In addition to the standard<br />
three-year programme for full-time students,<br />
the course <strong>of</strong>fers a four-year study option for<br />
students that alternate their time at university<br />
with periods <strong>of</strong> paid work in local companies.<br />
• Master degree in Energy Engineering (in cooperation<br />
with the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Trento, Italy).<br />
• Master degree in Mechanical Engineering and<br />
Management (in preparation).<br />
• Ph.D. programme in Sustainable Energy and<br />
Technologies (doctoral course director Pr<strong>of</strong>. Andrea<br />
Gasparella).<br />
Executive Master Programmes<br />
• “CasaClima – KlimaHaus” aimed to complete architects’<br />
and engineers’ training in sustainable construction<br />
(course director: Pr<strong>of</strong>. Cristina Benedetti).<br />
• "Innovation Engineering" aimed at providing<br />
training and education needed for pr<strong>of</strong>essionals<br />
and managers working in small and mediumsized<br />
businesses (course director: Pr<strong>of</strong>. Dominik<br />
Matt).<br />
<strong>Activity</strong> Report <strong>of</strong> the Faculty <strong>of</strong> Science and Technology 7
Research<br />
This section describes the research activities focusing on four major thematic areas.<br />
In addition, fundamental research in chemistry, mathematics and statistics is also<br />
conducted. The description includes selected “Highlights” for some research topics.<br />
Faculty research areas:<br />
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD<br />
ENVIRONMENT<br />
INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION<br />
ENERGY<br />
FUNDAMENTAL SCIENCES
Research<br />
Focus<br />
1<br />
AGRICULTURE<br />
AND FOOD<br />
Agricultural production and food technologies<br />
Aims<br />
The focus encompasses studies along the food chain from primary production via processing technologies,<br />
logistics and distribution, food conservation to consumer behaviour, following a farm-to-fork<br />
approach. The studies in this research area emphasise advances and innovation concerning agricultural<br />
practices and novel processing technologies which will enhance the quality, traceability, sustainability and<br />
safety <strong>of</strong> food from alpine regions.<br />
Covered topics<br />
1. Soil fertility, plant nutrition and root physiology<br />
2. Insect-plant and microbe-plant interactions<br />
3. Carbon flux and C-footprint in agricultural systems<br />
4. Advances in farm mechanisation, precision agriculture and information management<br />
5. Quality and traceability <strong>of</strong> mountain food products<br />
6. Food processing and nanotechnology<br />
7. Food marketing and consumer behaviour<br />
<strong>Activity</strong> Report <strong>of</strong> the Faculty <strong>of</strong> Science and Technology 9
1. soil Fertility, plAnt nutrition AnD root physioloGy<br />
technical background<br />
The importance <strong>of</strong> preserving soil fertility for present and future generations’ food production cannot be<br />
underestimated. an adequate plant nutrient status is a requisite for increasing plant productivity<br />
and quality <strong>of</strong> agricultural products. however, fertilisers are a cost for farmers, so excessive nutrient<br />
supply should be avoided, also because <strong>of</strong> the risks <strong>of</strong> water and atmosphere pollution. The development<br />
<strong>of</strong> sustainable agricultural techniques requires the enhancement <strong>of</strong> the use efficiency <strong>of</strong> resources like<br />
water and fertilisers, and the ability <strong>of</strong> agricultural systems to temporarily store carbon in the soil. These<br />
aims can be achieved by improving our understanding <strong>of</strong> the root system, the “dark side <strong>of</strong> the plant”, and<br />
<strong>of</strong> the interactions occurring at the soil-root interface, the rhizosphere. This research topic benefits from<br />
interactive competences in agronomy, microbiology, physiology, ecology, biochemistry and soil science.<br />
Aims<br />
our goal is to provide scientific knowledge for maintaining and increasing soil fertility and nutrient use in<br />
agricultural systems, with special emphasis on the crops <strong>of</strong> interest for mountain areas. This highly<br />
multidisciplinary topic addresses several processes implicated in the mineral nutrition <strong>of</strong> plants, from<br />
mineral nutrient mobilisation processes in the soil to the quantitative assessment <strong>of</strong> the absorbed nutrients<br />
and their distribution in the plant. The effects <strong>of</strong> environmental, genetic and cultural factors on root<br />
growth and physiology, and on the biological and chemical composition <strong>of</strong> the rhizosphere and associated<br />
microorganisms, with particular regard to crops like apple trees and pasture grasses, are also investigated.<br />
due to the complexity <strong>of</strong> the root environment, several experimental techniques are adopted, including<br />
stable isotopes, rhizotrones and root image analyses.<br />
Main reference people<br />
Stefano cesco, Tanja mimmo, massimo Tagliavini, Francesca Scandellari, giustino Tonon and lorenzo brusetti<br />
highlight<br />
role oF MAGnesiuM (MG) in leAF necrosis AnD eArly leAF ABscission in<br />
cultivAr “nicoter” Apple trees<br />
d. Zanotelli, m. Tagliavini<br />
Fluxes rates [mg/(shoot*day), bottom <strong>of</strong> the figure] and partitioning <strong>of</strong> Mg<br />
(mg/shoot) within four organs <strong>of</strong> the bourse shoot: 4 basal leaves, median<br />
and apical leaves, shoot axe and fruit.<br />
Trees <strong>of</strong> the apple cultivar ”nicoter” (Kanzi ©)<br />
<strong>of</strong>ten show leaf necrosis in summer as well as<br />
early drop <strong>of</strong> basal and median leaves, a<br />
phenomenon that may depress tree productivity<br />
as well as fruit quality. in cooperation with the<br />
laimburg research centre, we have investigated<br />
the role <strong>of</strong> mg in this syndrome in South<br />
Tyrol. mg salts have been sprayed in contrasting<br />
periods <strong>of</strong> the season and we studied the<br />
dynamics <strong>of</strong> accumulation <strong>of</strong> mg and other<br />
nutrients in the bourse shoots <strong>of</strong> trees and their<br />
internal partitioning. mg sprays to the canopy<br />
have significantly reduced the number <strong>of</strong> leaves<br />
affected by necrosis as well as the degree <strong>of</strong><br />
severity <strong>of</strong> the symptoms, also enhancing the<br />
mg concentration <strong>of</strong> leaves. unsprayed, control<br />
trees <strong>of</strong>ten had leaf mg concentration below<br />
0.15% while leaves with severe necrosis<br />
symptoms had an average mg concentration <strong>of</strong> 0.08%. magnesium, calcium (ca), nitrogen (n) and potassium (K)<br />
influx to the bourse shoot occurred at the highest rates in a period <strong>of</strong> about 50 days starting one month after<br />
blossoming. later, ca and mg fluxes to the apple fruit strongly decreased, a fact that occurred only partially in the<br />
case <strong>of</strong> n, p and K. magnesium content in old leaves, differently from that <strong>of</strong> other nutrients, significantly decreased<br />
in summer, suggesting a net flux <strong>of</strong> mg from these leaves to other sinks like fruits and new leaves. We conclude<br />
that temporary mg deficiency <strong>of</strong> old leaves is responsible for leaf necrosis and early leaf drop in trees <strong>of</strong> cultivar<br />
nicoter. leaf spray <strong>of</strong> mg salt are effective in reducing the symptom intensity.
Highlight<br />
Rhizosphere management for sustainable crop production:<br />
Iron mobilization from mineral soil constituents driven by Root exudates<br />
T. Mimmo, S. Cesco<br />
Most <strong>of</strong> the mineral nutrients present in the soil are in unavailable forms,<br />
plants have to mobilize them, for instance by actively releasing organic<br />
and inorganic compounds (root exudates) which can alter the chemical,<br />
physical and biological characteristics <strong>of</strong> the soil around the roots, the<br />
so-called rhizosphere, favouring the nutrient acquisition. Among these<br />
exudates organic acids (e.g., citric acid, malic acid, oxalic acid), phenolic<br />
compounds (e.g., flavonoids), amino acids and siderophores <strong>of</strong> microbial<br />
and/or plant origin can strongly influence and modify the biogeochemical<br />
cycles <strong>of</strong> sparingly soluble nutrients, thus causing changes in their<br />
availability for plant uptake. Chlorosis induced by Fe deficiency is a major<br />
nutritional disorder in crops and fruit trees, particularly when grown on<br />
calcareous soils. Plants react to iron deficiency stress adopting different<br />
kinds <strong>of</strong> adaptive responses, including the release <strong>of</strong> protons, organic<br />
acids and phenolic compounds or phytosiderophores, non-proteinogenic<br />
amino acids, highly efficient in binding Fe.<br />
In collaboration with partners <strong>of</strong> the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Udine and Bari we<br />
study the influence <strong>of</strong> several types <strong>of</strong> root exudates (citric acid, malic<br />
acid, oxalic acid, genistein, quercetin and phytosiderophores) on the<br />
mineralogy <strong>of</strong> different soils and evaluate possible synergic or competitive<br />
behaviours. X-ray diffraction (XRD) coupled with Electron Probe Micro<br />
Analysis (EPMA) is used to identify the crystalline and amorphous phases, which are subjected to mineral alteration<br />
when exposed to the action <strong>of</strong> root exudates. Solubilisation <strong>of</strong> Fe and trace metals such as Cu, Zn, Ni, Cr, Pb, Cd as<br />
well as <strong>of</strong> major elements such as Si, Al, Fe and Mn are assessed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission<br />
Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). First results showed that soil microorganisms decrease the active fraction <strong>of</strong> root exudates<br />
due to degradation processes. In some cases, exudates were completely degraded within 24 hours. It seems<br />
that the exudate/soil interaction induces mainly a solubilisation <strong>of</strong> amorphous mineral phases. Automated EPMA<br />
analyses on individual soil particles will give further details on the identification <strong>of</strong> the mineral phases involved in<br />
the weathering process. Results <strong>of</strong> this study will contribute to a better understanding <strong>of</strong> the biogeochemical cycles<br />
<strong>of</strong> Fe within the rhizosphere which play an important role in its availability for plant uptake. In addition, the information<br />
concerning the functionality <strong>of</strong> mechanisms involved in root exudate release obtained from soil-grown plants<br />
could allow to evaluate the efficiency <strong>of</strong> these mobilization processes in real field conditions.<br />
<strong>Activity</strong> Report <strong>of</strong> the Faculty <strong>of</strong> Science and Technology 11
2. Insect-plant and microbe-plant interactions<br />
Technical background<br />
Increasing demand for an adequate and safe<br />
food supply has led to the expansion <strong>of</strong> intensive<br />
agriculture worldwide. Intensive farming in Europe<br />
is one <strong>of</strong> the causes <strong>of</strong> the dramatic increase <strong>of</strong><br />
pest insects. Chemical ecology identifies chemical<br />
signals and determines how they affect behaviour<br />
and physiology <strong>of</strong> organisms, and the interactions<br />
between them. It mainly studies volatile organic<br />
compounds released by insects or plants. Insects<br />
strongly rely on their olfactory system for their<br />
dispersal, host plant finding and mate location. Unravelling<br />
the chemistry and the functions <strong>of</strong> these<br />
compounds may strongly contribute to the understanding<br />
<strong>of</strong> nature as well as to find new environmentally-friendly<br />
pest control strategies.<br />
The study <strong>of</strong> pathogen-plant interactions involves<br />
elucidating the role <strong>of</strong> proteins involved in the pathogenesis.<br />
The research is focused on the bacterium<br />
Erwinia amylovora, causing fire blight in apple<br />
and pear. The pathogen is studied at the molecular<br />
level to discover how its proteins interact with the<br />
host to cause the disease. The purified proteins are<br />
characterised by X-ray crystallography and spectroscopic<br />
techniques. The study <strong>of</strong> plant-insect and<br />
pathogen-plant interactions will provide new tools<br />
to increase food safety as well as a more environmentally-friendly<br />
agriculture.<br />
Aims<br />
The principal goal in insect chemical ecology<br />
and pest management is to find out how insects<br />
communicate in order to develop safer pest control<br />
strategies.<br />
The aim <strong>of</strong> the plant-pathogen interaction is to<br />
better understand the mechanism determining<br />
Erwinia amylovora pathogenicity towards apple<br />
plants by studying proteins that are essential for<br />
the pathogenicity.<br />
In summary, the 'insect- and microbe-plant interactions'<br />
topic deals with:<br />
• characterisation <strong>of</strong> volatile compounds released<br />
by herbivore-injured plants for the recruitment <strong>of</strong><br />
predators and parasitoids;<br />
• characterisation <strong>of</strong> pheromone compounds and<br />
pheromone communication in insect species;<br />
• development <strong>of</strong> new strategies in organic farming;<br />
• development <strong>of</strong> new pesticides with low toxicity;<br />
• bio-molecular characterisation <strong>of</strong> plant-pathogen<br />
interaction.<br />
Main reference people<br />
Sergio Angeli and Stefano Benini
3. Carbon flux and C-footprint in agricultural systems<br />
Technical background<br />
The rising interest in carbon (C) budgets on a global scale<br />
results from the effects <strong>of</strong> the increase <strong>of</strong> carbon dioxide<br />
concentration in the atmosphere on global warming.<br />
Terrestrial ecosystems, exploiting the capacity <strong>of</strong> green<br />
plants to use CO 2 , are theoretically capable <strong>of</strong> fixing C,<br />
accumulating it, at least temporarily, in the biomass and/or<br />
in the soil. While natural ecosystems are regarded as a net<br />
sink for atmospheric CO 2 , agricultural systems are <strong>of</strong>ten<br />
a source <strong>of</strong> C and/or other greenhouse gases. Besides the<br />
biological C fluxes between plant/soil and the atmosphere,<br />
a comprehensive C budget should also take into account the amounts <strong>of</strong> CO 2 that are directly or indirectly<br />
released as a consequence <strong>of</strong> the cultural practices adopted in the field, the storage and transport <strong>of</strong> the<br />
food products, that all together determine their carbon footprint.<br />
Aims<br />
The major aims <strong>of</strong> this research topic are (1) to study ecological parameters like the net ecosystems<br />
productivity and primary productivity <strong>of</strong> agricultural systems, with special emphasis on fruit trees ecosystems,<br />
and (2) to assess the C-footprint <strong>of</strong> agricultural products. Experimental techniques include<br />
micro-meteorological (eddy covariance) and eco-physiological approaches and life cycle assessment<br />
(LCA). LCA is also used to determine the amount <strong>of</strong> energy used along the food chain.<br />
Main reference people<br />
Massimo Tagliavini, Fabrizio Mazzetto and Francesca Scandellari<br />
Highlight<br />
Carbon fluxes and allocation pattern in an apple orchard<br />
D. Zanotellli, L. Montagnani, M. Tagliavini<br />
Agro-ecosystems may assume great importance in land cover<br />
especially at regional scale. Their ability to continuously exchange<br />
carbon, water and energy with the atmosphere, less investigated with<br />
respect to natural ecosystems, is still uncertain. Under debate is the<br />
capacity <strong>of</strong> this intensively managed ecosystem to behave as a sink<br />
or source <strong>of</strong> carbon to the atmosphere. An apple orchard located in<br />
the Province <strong>of</strong> <strong>Bolzano</strong> was investigated with ecophysiological and<br />
micrometeorological approaches: eddy covariance measurements<br />
were carried out over three years and were integrated by soil respiration<br />
and biometric measurements. The objectives <strong>of</strong> this work were to<br />
quantitatively assess the carbon exchange fluxes <strong>of</strong> an apple orchard<br />
at different time scales (daily, seasonal and inter-annual) and to partition<br />
the measured net carbon exchange, NEE, between its downward<br />
(Gross photosynthesis, Gp) and upward (Ecosystem Respiration, Reco)<br />
components. The measurements allowed to characterise the whole<br />
carbon cycle <strong>of</strong> the agro-ecosystem (see figure) and to assess quantitatively<br />
its cumulated net ecosystem production over three seasons,<br />
which was found to be about 400 g C m -2 y -1 , approximately balancing<br />
the amount <strong>of</strong> carbon annually exported with the harvested apples.<br />
The data support the hypothesis that if we do not consider the direct<br />
or indirect C emissions due to orchard management, the production<br />
<strong>of</strong> apple fruits implies a minimal or null impact on net CO 2 emissions<br />
to the atmosphere from the orchard ecosystem.<br />
Main C fluxes:<br />
GPP = gross primary production<br />
NPP = net primary production<br />
Reco = ecosystem respiration<br />
NEP = net ecosystem production<br />
Ra = autotrophic respiration<br />
Rh = heterotrophic respiration<br />
Allocation pattern <strong>of</strong> C<br />
NPPw_AG = NPP wood<br />
aboveground<br />
NPPl = NPP leaves<br />
NPPf = NPP fruits<br />
NPPu = NPP understory<br />
NPPw_BG = NPP wood<br />
belowground<br />
NPPfr = NPP fine roots<br />
Lateral transport <strong>of</strong> C<br />
OC_fert = organic carbon<br />
in fertilisers<br />
Fruit Harvest = exported<br />
apples<br />
Complete carbon cycle <strong>of</strong> the apple orchard.<br />
Arrow’s width reflects the size <strong>of</strong> the flux. Data are<br />
expressed in g C m -2 y -1 .<br />
<strong>Activity</strong> Report <strong>of</strong> the Faculty <strong>of</strong> Science and Technology 13
4. Advances in farm mechanisation, precision agriculture and information management<br />
Technical background<br />
The topic deals with issues related to the design,<br />
planning and use <strong>of</strong> farm and forestry machinery,<br />
including the applications <strong>of</strong> Information Technologies<br />
(IT) and Farm Information Systems (FIS) within<br />
the agri-environmental context to provide innovative<br />
tools for carrying out advanced approaches in<br />
tactical and operational tasks on farms.<br />
Both the operational and informational components<br />
<strong>of</strong> a FIS are here considered (both OLTP and<br />
OLAP devices – i.e., On Line Transaction and Analytical<br />
Processes). The former typically deal with<br />
the treatment <strong>of</strong> timely information for performing<br />
real-time controls, automation and monitoring<br />
tasks, whereas the latter are mainly focused on<br />
data storage, processing, analysis and evaluations<br />
<strong>of</strong> aggregate information.<br />
In such a context, farm and forestry machinery is<br />
changing its original role and also acts as information<br />
carriers (it both collects and uses information,<br />
with strong interactions with FIS), thus satisfying<br />
emerging needs such as site-specific land controls,<br />
environmental protection and traceability<br />
tasks. The concepts <strong>of</strong> safety and ergonomics are<br />
fundamental aspects <strong>of</strong> the whole process <strong>of</strong> designing<br />
and using the machines.<br />
Aims<br />
The purpose <strong>of</strong> the topic is tw<strong>of</strong>old:<br />
• to propose and test innovations in the field <strong>of</strong><br />
farm and forestry machinery, including the design<br />
and the development <strong>of</strong> prototypes able to<br />
satisfy specific mechanisation requirements; and<br />
• to provide both farm-suitable technologies and<br />
methods for applying a FIS-based management<br />
strategy to collect data from multiple sources<br />
and for using them to take proper decisions related<br />
to farm activities. These decisions can refer<br />
to more targeted management strategies and<br />
high-precision real-time control <strong>of</strong> field processes<br />
to perform more pr<strong>of</strong>itable and sustainable<br />
treatments <strong>of</strong> land variability.<br />
In this regard, automation solutions are applied<br />
to both monitoring and process control activities,<br />
through systems that typically can include GNSS<br />
devices, sensors and actuators, identification<br />
systems and ad-hoc s<strong>of</strong>tware tools to be used both<br />
on the machines and in the central management<br />
<strong>of</strong>fice.<br />
Main reference people<br />
Fabrizio Mazzetto and Renato Vidoni<br />
Highlight<br />
A tractor prototype for mountain agriculture<br />
F. Mazzetto<br />
A tractor prototype suitable to be used in extreme slope conditions <strong>of</strong> hilly and mountain areas has been developed<br />
to address the problem <strong>of</strong> working in vineyards trained with the so-called “pergola” system. “Pergola” involves<br />
many mechanization problems mainly due to need to deal with limited transit widths and heights (
5. Quality and traceability <strong>of</strong> mountain food products<br />
Technical background<br />
There is an increasing demand for high-quality food products with a definite and recognizable geographical<br />
origin. Alto Adige is rich in such typical foods, especially those with a mountain origin such as fruits,<br />
beverages and animal products. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop suitable techniques able to<br />
understand and characterise the intrinsic quality <strong>of</strong> such typical mountain foods.<br />
Aims<br />
To develop innovative methods, tools and approaches able to characterise, monitor and trace food quality<br />
changes <strong>of</strong> mountain food products during their processing and along their food chain, from farm to fork.<br />
This study in turn will valorise these foods, enhance their traceability and protect them against fraud.<br />
Main reference people<br />
Carlo Andreotti, Sergio Angeli, Lorenzo Brusetti, Stefano Cesco, Tanja Mimmo and Matteo Scampicchio<br />
Highlight<br />
Effects <strong>of</strong> the mountain cultural and environmental conditions on strawberry quality<br />
C. Andreotti<br />
The quality <strong>of</strong> strawberry fruits is known to be influenced by cultural and environmental conditions. This study focused<br />
on the effects <strong>of</strong> different site environments (especially altitude) on strawberries’ main quality traits (sugars,<br />
acidity, dry matter percentage) as well as on the final accumulation <strong>of</strong> bioactive molecules such as the phenolic<br />
compounds. The trial was conducted in South Tyrol, in an Alpine valley (Val Martello/Martelltal) characterised by a<br />
strawberry cultivation area that ranged in altitude from approximately 900 to 1,500 meters above sea level (m.a.s.l.).<br />
Four different plantation sites were selected at different altitude and exposition (1,100-1,.300-1,500 m. a.s.l. south<br />
exposed and 1.200 m.a.s.l. north exposed) and strawberry quality compared. The ripening process <strong>of</strong> strawberries<br />
harvested at higher altitudes were delayed by approximately 10 days and shortened by around four days. Fruits<br />
collected from the field at 1,500 m.a.s.l. were characterised by a significantly higher percentage <strong>of</strong> dry matter compared<br />
to the ones sampled at 1,100 m.a.s.l. (10.7 and 9.6% respectively), whereas the effects <strong>of</strong> altitude on soluble<br />
solids content and acidity was not clearly evidenced. Site altitude significantly affected the final accumulation <strong>of</strong><br />
phenolic compounds in fruits. As the single classes <strong>of</strong> phenolic compounds are concerned, the hydroxybenzoic<br />
acids and the flavanols were found generally higher at the highest altitude, whereas anthocyanins (known for their<br />
important role for strawberry red coloration and antioxidant potential) were found not to be significantly affected by<br />
the site altitude. Experiments conducted in the same cultural sites are presently under evaluation to gain knowledge<br />
on strawberry quality traits as a result <strong>of</strong> different seasonal climatic condition.<br />
Highlight<br />
Identification <strong>of</strong> origin and process-induced changes in foods by stable<br />
isotope ratio mass spectrometry<br />
M. Scampicchio, C. Capici, T. Mimmo, S. Cesco<br />
The ability to identify food products according to their geographical origin has always attracted considerable interest<br />
in the scientific landscape, as it has the main effect <strong>of</strong> improving the geographic discrimination and quality <strong>of</strong><br />
food products. Among different analytical techniques used for this purpose, isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS)<br />
is a technique which finds increasingly widespread use in various disciplines such as food authenticity. It is based<br />
on the determination <strong>of</strong> the fractionation <strong>of</strong> stable isotopes <strong>of</strong> hydrogen, oxygen, sulphur, nitrogen and carbon in a<br />
given sample. This technique is particularly helpful to characterise the geographical origin <strong>of</strong> food products, and to<br />
identify some specific agronomic practices such as the use <strong>of</strong> fertilisers, compost, etc. In our labs, we are currently<br />
establishing the authenticity <strong>of</strong> food products such as milk, dairy products, apples, meat, plums, eggs, etc. by<br />
isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS). Our goals are, first, to distinguish food products originating from South<br />
Tyrol from those produced outside this region. Second, we also aim to discriminate between different types <strong>of</strong> food<br />
processing. For example, carbon and nitrogen stable isotope values have been successfully used to discriminate<br />
between samples <strong>of</strong> milk coming from defined geographical areas <strong>of</strong> South Tyrol compared to the ones coming<br />
from other Italian regions. Furthermore, the same protocol developed by the FUB has also been used successfully<br />
to identify the type <strong>of</strong> treatments applied to produce the milk samples (such as HTST vs UHT).<br />
<strong>Activity</strong> Report <strong>of</strong> the Faculty <strong>of</strong> Science and Technology 15
6. Food processing and nanotechnology<br />
Technical background<br />
Research in food technology aims to optimise the way food is processed to obtain safer products with the<br />
highest nutritional and organoleptic content. Either traditional or novel technologies will be investigated.<br />
Aims<br />
To develop novel ways to protect bioactives (such as antioxidants, vitamins, polyphenols, colorants, aromatics<br />
etc.) and contrast their natural degradation. To understand the correlation between the processing<br />
variables and the quality <strong>of</strong> food.<br />
Main reference people<br />
Matteo Scampicchio, Carlo Andreotti, Sergio Angeli, Lorenzo Brusetti, Stefano Cesco and Tanja Mimmo<br />
Highlight<br />
Electronic tongue design<br />
M. Scampicchio<br />
A system to evaluate bitterness and sweetness <strong>of</strong> beverages has been developed. The system is a continuous flow<br />
system apparatus equipped with electrochemical and optical sensors (see scheme on the left), able to provide a<br />
pattern <strong>of</strong> signals which correlate with the sensory characteristic <strong>of</strong> food beverages. The system, called e-tongue<br />
(see picture), is fast, simple and reproducible, requires minimal maintenance and it allows high throughput <strong>of</strong> samples<br />
to be analyzed (60-90 sample/h), without suffering from the typical drawbacks <strong>of</strong> human sensory analysis. The<br />
system was successfully implemented in the quality control <strong>of</strong> beverage manufacturing as well as in the design <strong>of</strong><br />
new formulations even those fortified with bitter bioactive, such as epigallocatechin gallate (see PCA plot, right).
7. Food marketing and consumer behaviour<br />
Technical background<br />
At the core <strong>of</strong> the current EU agri-food policy, aiming at building the “knowledge-based bio economy”, is<br />
“consumer-driven agriculture” and the implementation and strengthening <strong>of</strong> the “fork-to-farm” approach<br />
to agricultural sector development. Implementing this approach requires in-depth knowledge <strong>of</strong> market<br />
requirements and consumer needs and wants.<br />
Aims<br />
To generate relevant market insights for the local agri-food sector in order to better understand customer<br />
and consumer requirements which serve as vital inputs for market-driven innovation and product and<br />
process optimisation.<br />
Main reference people<br />
Christian Fischer<br />
Highlight<br />
Local agricultural development <strong>of</strong> the Ega valley near <strong>Bolzano</strong><br />
C. Fischer<br />
The Val d’Ega, situated to the south-east <strong>of</strong> <strong>Bolzano</strong>, is characterised by a large number <strong>of</strong> farms (335, most <strong>of</strong><br />
them at higher altitudes) which represent a third <strong>of</strong> all registered valley enterprises. A local<br />
agricultural development project, in collaboration with the municipalities <strong>of</strong> Nova Ponente, Nova Levante and<br />
Cornedo all'Isarco, has been initiated to identify possibilities for increasing the value adding, competiveness and<br />
economic viability <strong>of</strong> the local agri-food sector. The project builds on two axes. First, on the production side, the<br />
identification and eventual production <strong>of</strong> a handful <strong>of</strong> typical food products or crops, in the future potentially<br />
carrying PDO or PGI geographic denomination labels, helping to secure farming and food processing jobs and to increase<br />
agricultural-sector value adding in the valley. In addition, by creating a food identity for the area, sustainable<br />
tourism and thus local income generation could be increased as well as income from agriculture. Second, on the<br />
marketing side, the creation <strong>of</strong> a new local marketing channel in addition to the existing farmers’ markets: a wooden<br />
subscription box filled with local fresh produce and food products which can be sold weekly to valley inhabitants,<br />
consumers in <strong>Bolzano</strong> and tourists to the area.<br />
<strong>Activity</strong> Report <strong>of</strong> the Faculty <strong>of</strong> Science and Technology 17
Research<br />
Focus<br />
2<br />
ENVIRONMENT<br />
Management and technologies for mountain environments<br />
Aims<br />
The mountain environment is sensitive and vulnerable<br />
to natural or anthropogenic ecological imbalances. The<br />
ecological management <strong>of</strong> the mountain environment<br />
is based on the understanding <strong>of</strong> the vulnerability and<br />
adaptation potential <strong>of</strong> mountain ecosystems with regard<br />
to both natural and socio-economic changes. We<br />
aim to understand the effects <strong>of</strong> natural and anthropogenic<br />
disturbances on the functioning <strong>of</strong> terrestrial<br />
and aquatic ecosystems at both local and global level.<br />
Basic and applied aspects <strong>of</strong> the ecosystems restoration<br />
and sustainable use <strong>of</strong> resources are also studied.<br />
Covered topics<br />
1. Ecosystem functioning and climate change<br />
2. Basic and applied aspects <strong>of</strong> mountain ecosystem<br />
restoration<br />
3. Services <strong>of</strong> mountain ecosystems and<br />
environmental economics<br />
4. River basin dynamics and natural hazards<br />
mitigation<br />
5. Management <strong>of</strong> microbial and insect<br />
communities in mountain land-use systems<br />
6. Mountain forest productivity and management
1. Ecosystem functioning and climate change<br />
Technical background<br />
The interactions between terrestrial ecosystems<br />
and the atmosphere are extremely important in the<br />
framework <strong>of</strong> issues connected to global change.<br />
We aim at improving the understanding <strong>of</strong> the<br />
effect <strong>of</strong> climate change on forest, agricultural and<br />
fluvial ecosystems. The effect <strong>of</strong> ecosystem manipulation,<br />
land use and land use change on biogeochemical<br />
and water cycles at a plot and regional<br />
scale is assessed.<br />
The feasibility <strong>of</strong> different climate change mitigation<br />
strategies, with special emphasis on the “biochar<br />
option” is an important part <strong>of</strong> this research area.<br />
Aims<br />
To study the functioning <strong>of</strong> semi-natural and managed<br />
ecosystems as affected by climate changes<br />
and to develop management systems that maximise<br />
the potential <strong>of</strong> climate change mitigation, without<br />
compromising other fundamental roles <strong>of</strong> ecosystems,<br />
such as protection <strong>of</strong> natural resources, food<br />
security and recreation.<br />
Main reference people<br />
Giustino Tonon, Massimo Tagliavini, Stefan Zerbe,<br />
Francesco Comiti, Lorenzo Brusetti, Francesca<br />
Scandellari, Tanja Mimmo<br />
Highlight<br />
Biochar: a new and simple strategy to mitigate climate change and<br />
increase food security<br />
G. Tonon<br />
Biochar is a product <strong>of</strong> the thermal<br />
decomposition <strong>of</strong> different organic sources<br />
under limited oxygen concentration at<br />
relatively low temperatures (pyrolysis)<br />
aimed at producing energy by syngas<br />
combustion. Soil biochar application has<br />
been proposed as a powerful means to<br />
incorporate carbon (C) in a stable form,<br />
avoiding or slowing its return to the<br />
atmosphere as carbon dioxide (CO 2). Other<br />
than increasing soil C storage, the<br />
incorporation <strong>of</strong> biochar into the soil has<br />
been shown to improve soil fertility in<br />
many agricultural contexts. However,<br />
uncertainties exist concerning the impact<br />
and environmental sustainability <strong>of</strong> soil<br />
biochar application at the global scale.<br />
Part <strong>of</strong> these uncertainties are related to the insufficiency <strong>of</strong> information about the biochar stability against microbial<br />
decomposition in real soil conditions. Although studies <strong>of</strong> natural-fire charcoal and ancient anthropogenic<br />
activity suggests millennial-scale stability, it is still a challenging issue to establish the half-life <strong>of</strong> fresh biochar.<br />
Since the beginning <strong>of</strong> 2011 the Faculty <strong>of</strong> Science and Technology is a scientific partner <strong>of</strong> the EuroChar Project ,<br />
the first European Project on Biochar. The principal aim <strong>of</strong> EuroChar is to investigate carbon sequestration potential<br />
<strong>of</strong> soil biochar incorporation, assessing the stability <strong>of</strong> the char after field application and identifying the mechanisms<br />
underlying increased crop yield. Three large-scale field experiments have been set up in Italy, France and the<br />
UK to analyse the fate <strong>of</strong> carbon in biochar and the effect <strong>of</strong> biochar on native soil organic matter decomposition<br />
and greenhouse gasses emissions. The first findings confirm the high potential <strong>of</strong> this geoengineering technology<br />
to store a large amount <strong>of</strong> carbon in agricultural soils without compromising ecosystem services and functioning.<br />
<strong>Activity</strong> Report <strong>of</strong> the Faculty <strong>of</strong> Science and Technology 19
2. Ecosystem restoration<br />
Technical background<br />
More than 40% <strong>of</strong> the terrestrial land surface is considered to be degraded or not suitable any more for<br />
land use after a long period <strong>of</strong> overutilisation. Consequently, the restoration <strong>of</strong> ecosystems and related<br />
services is one <strong>of</strong> the main challenges for our century.<br />
Aims<br />
On the basis <strong>of</strong> an understanding <strong>of</strong> ecosystem functioning and natural as well as anthropogenic processes,<br />
we address the concepts and approaches to the management <strong>of</strong> ecosystem restoration through botanical<br />
and microbial points <strong>of</strong> view. We deal hereby with a broad range <strong>of</strong> ecosystem and land-use types,<br />
respectively, including coastal ecosystems, peatlands, forests, and grasslands.<br />
Main reference people<br />
Stefan Zerbe, Marco Baratieri, Lorenzo Brusetti, Francesco Comiti, Giustino Tonon<br />
Highlight<br />
Do native or non-native plants do better? The impact <strong>of</strong> the non native tree species<br />
Robinia pseudoacacia and Prunus serotina on the tree and herb layer diversity<br />
<strong>of</strong> floodplain forests in the Biosphere Reserve Valle del Ticino (NW Italy)<br />
A. Terwei and S. Zerbe in cooperation with the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Göttingen<br />
Non native and invasive plant species are becoming an increasing problem for habitat and species conservation,<br />
changing ecosystems worldwide by replacing native flora and alternating key ecological processes. The negative<br />
impact on ecosystem structure, processes, and services are particularly relevant in nature conservation areas, e.g.<br />
in the Biosphere Reserve Valle del Ticino in NW Italy. Today being one <strong>of</strong> the largest remnants <strong>of</strong> native oak (Quercus<br />
robur L.) and hornbeam (Carpinus betulus L.) hardwood forests in the highly urbanised and industrialised Po Plain,<br />
the Ticino Biosphere Reserve represents an important ecological corridor, linking the Alps and the Apennines. As<br />
early as the end <strong>of</strong> the 19th century, non-native, invasive species, such as Black cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrh.),<br />
Black locust (Robinia pseudacacia L.), Tree <strong>of</strong> heaven (Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle), and Red oak (Quercus<br />
rubra L.) were introduced into the reserve. Today, these species are widespread and have contributed to significant<br />
ecological problems because <strong>of</strong> their impact on biodiversity and forest–ecosystem functioning. In cooperation with<br />
the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Göttingen, we are focusing on these non-native tree species in the reserve that have been known<br />
for their negative impact on forest ecosystems also in other parts <strong>of</strong> Europe. The goal <strong>of</strong> the project is to analyse<br />
effects <strong>of</strong> these species on the biodiversity and also on the dynamics <strong>of</strong> the floodplain forests. The first results <strong>of</strong><br />
the investigations on the vegetation, tree rejuvenation, and the soil seed bank show that management against the<br />
non-natives has an adverse effect, i.e. it even favours the establishment and dispersal <strong>of</strong> those species.
3. Ecosystem services and environmental economics<br />
Technical background<br />
After the Millennium Assessment Report, ecosystem<br />
services related to functioning ecosystems are<br />
increasingly gaining importance in science and<br />
industry. Land-use systems as well as nature conservation<br />
areas provide a set <strong>of</strong> ecosystem services.<br />
Some <strong>of</strong> these services are characterised by<br />
the existence <strong>of</strong> underlying market mechanisms.<br />
The economic evaluation <strong>of</strong> market-supported<br />
ecosystem services is different to the one <strong>of</strong> nonmarket-based<br />
services in that only for the former<br />
is price information usually available. Nevertheless,<br />
different evaluation methods have been<br />
developed to estimate the willingness to pay for<br />
public goods such as non-market-supported ecosystem<br />
services.<br />
Aims<br />
We investigate modern and traditional land-use<br />
systems, natural and anthropogenic ecosystems<br />
with regard to the services they provide for human<br />
society. We always chose an interdisciplinary<br />
approach, e.g. including landscape ecology, environmental<br />
economics and environmental ethics<br />
in order to derive management recommendations<br />
on the regional and national level. In this way, we<br />
can support the public policy-making process in<br />
particular for agro-environmental issues by generating<br />
relevant information on majority preferences<br />
for public goods such as non-market-based<br />
ecosystem services.<br />
Main reference people<br />
Stefan Zerbe, Christian Fischer, Marco Baratieri,<br />
Lorenzo Brusetti, Giustino Tonon<br />
Highlight<br />
What do larch meadows, coppice forests, and chestnut orchards have in common?<br />
Project EcoRAlps, S. Zerbe in cooperation with the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Innsbruck<br />
All three land-use systems have a long tradition in mountainous areas. Due to the <strong>of</strong>ten steep terrain, their maintenance<br />
requires a lot <strong>of</strong> manual labour, so that the revenues gained are rather low. However, the extensive way in<br />
which they have been managed by humans for hundreds <strong>of</strong> years has preserved a high level <strong>of</strong> biodiversity. It means<br />
that many plants and animals find room to live in this ecosystems since they are less disturbed here than on more<br />
intensively used land. Furthermore, all <strong>of</strong> these systems are part <strong>of</strong> the cultural heritage <strong>of</strong> the region: people enjoy<br />
the larch meadows in autumn when the needles <strong>of</strong> the larches turn yellow, they collect their firewood from the<br />
coppice forests <strong>of</strong> their municipality and locals and tourists alike enjoy walking through the chestnut orchards after<br />
having enjoyed chestnuts for lunch. Assessing all the benefits that people can gain from this ecosystem, or in other<br />
words assessing the ecosystem services that these land-use systems provide, helps develop strategies to maintain<br />
or restore these systems. The comparison to alternative, more modern land uses shows how people’s benefits can<br />
be maximised not only in economic terms for the owner, but for society as a whole. Quantifying the ecosystem services<br />
facilitates the formulation <strong>of</strong> supporting tools (financial and political) to conserve traditional ecosystems.<br />
Highlight<br />
Ecosystem services <strong>of</strong> urban green spaces and human well-being in South Tyrol<br />
A. Russo and S. Zerbe<br />
Population growth in urban areas is a world-wide phenomenon. Numerous health and environmental issues arise<br />
from this unprecedented urbanisation. Urban green spaces play a role in improving both the aesthetics and the<br />
quality <strong>of</strong> life <strong>of</strong> residents. In particular, urban green spaces provide ecosystem services such as: urban air quality<br />
improvement by removing pollutants that can cause serious health problems, carbon storage, carbon sequestration<br />
and climate regulation through shading and evapotranspiration. Furthermore, epidemiological studies with<br />
controlled age, sex, marital and socio-economic status, have provided evidence <strong>of</strong> a positive relationship between<br />
green space and the life expectancy <strong>of</strong> senior citizens. We assess the ecosystem services and disservices <strong>of</strong> urban<br />
green spaces in the city <strong>of</strong> <strong>Bolzano</strong>. In particular, we quantified the cooling effect <strong>of</strong> urban trees, the hourly amount<br />
<strong>of</strong> pollution removed by the urban forest, and associated percentage <strong>of</strong> air quality improvement throughout the year.<br />
The information was gathered using field data collected through local hourly air pollution readings, tree inventory<br />
and meteorological and mathematical models. During the study, pollution removal for ozone, nitrogen dioxide,<br />
carbon monoxide and particulate matter (
4. River basin dynamics and natural hazards mitigation<br />
Technical background<br />
A sound management <strong>of</strong> river basins is crucial to mitigate adverse effects stemming from natural hazards<br />
such as floods, debris flows and landslides. At the same time, the re-establishment <strong>of</strong> natural geomorphic<br />
processes (including erosion and deposition <strong>of</strong> both sediment and large wood) is now widely recognised<br />
as necessary to achieve sustainable and ecologically meaningful river restoration goals.<br />
We investigate the interactions between water, sediment and wood in the field, in the lab and by numerical<br />
and conceptual modelling. The research activities deploy a suite <strong>of</strong> hydraulic, geomorphological and<br />
biological methods, taking advantage <strong>of</strong> several joint ventures with other research centres and public<br />
agencies. Experimental basins where water and sediment fluxes are continuously monitored have been<br />
established over the past years in South Tyrol, including high-elevation catchments providing the possibility<br />
to assess the effect <strong>of</strong> global warming on hydrological and sediment transport processes.<br />
Aims<br />
• To quantify the processes at play in river basins and their potential hazard in terms <strong>of</strong> sediment and<br />
in-channel wood transport, at different spatial and temporal scales.<br />
• To understand the interactions between physical and biological processes in river ecosystems.<br />
• To develop integrated strategies for river management and restoration complying with risk mitigation<br />
and ecological amelioration.<br />
• To provide scientifically-based guidelines for effective river management regulations and actions.<br />
Main reference people<br />
Francesco Comiti, Giustino Tonon<br />
Highlight<br />
A new monitoring station for debris flows in the upper Vinschgau valley<br />
F. Comiti<br />
Debris flows are a type <strong>of</strong> mass movement consisting <strong>of</strong> highly concentrated dispersions <strong>of</strong> poorly sorted sediment<br />
in water that may move at high speeds and have great destructive power. In South Tyrol, debris flows represent the<br />
most relevant natural hazard, as they have caused 5 million euros <strong>of</strong> damage and management costs over the past<br />
5 years. Between 2011 and 2012, the Autonomous Province <strong>of</strong> <strong>Bolzano</strong>, in collaboration with a scientific consortium<br />
led by the Faculty <strong>of</strong> Science and Technology <strong>of</strong> the FUB, has installed a new monitoring station for debris flows in<br />
the Gadria basin (upper Vinschgau valley, above Laas-Lasa). The station consists <strong>of</strong> rain gauges, radar sensors,<br />
geophones, and video cameras. In addition, water pore pressure is measured on three steep channel heads in the<br />
upper part <strong>of</strong> the watershed. In August 2011, a small magnitude debris flow occurred in the Gadria channel. Sediment<br />
deposition (
5. Management <strong>of</strong> microbial and insect communities<br />
Technical background<br />
The management <strong>of</strong> microbial and insect resources deals with the interaction <strong>of</strong> insects and microbes<br />
with the biological, chemical, and physical aspects <strong>of</strong> their environment, allowing a deeper knowledge<br />
<strong>of</strong> the presence <strong>of</strong> microbial and insect resources, with special reference to the alpine environment. The<br />
main challenge at present is to understand, maintain and manage the insect and the microbial resources<br />
to address particular technological issues in a more efficient and sustainable way. To do that, we firstly<br />
need to address the questions <strong>of</strong> who is there, who is doing what with whom and how can we modify,<br />
direct and drive these microbial and insect communities and consortia.<br />
Aims<br />
• Raising the awareness <strong>of</strong> the importance <strong>of</strong> insects and microbes in every-day life;<br />
• Microbial studies:<br />
--<br />
Understanding gene flow, microbial adaptation, nutrient cycling and plant growth promotion at high<br />
altitude and in cold environments.<br />
--<br />
Search for innovative techniques <strong>of</strong> bioremediation, by-product transformation, detoxification and<br />
biogas production.<br />
--<br />
Assessment <strong>of</strong> artworks and material biodeterioration and biorestoration.<br />
--<br />
Assessment <strong>of</strong> environmental safety linked to the antibiotic resistance gene spread in pristine<br />
mountain environments.<br />
• Insect studies:<br />
--<br />
Definition <strong>of</strong> human impact on natural ecosystems by studying insect conservation programmes in<br />
alpine environments.<br />
--<br />
Insect biodiversity conservation and selection <strong>of</strong> the most deserving populations (taxa) or conservation<br />
targets.<br />
--<br />
Development <strong>of</strong> innovative forest protection strategies against forest pest insects.<br />
--<br />
Increasing fundamental documentation <strong>of</strong> patterns <strong>of</strong> insect species distribution on a geographical<br />
scale.<br />
Main reference people<br />
Lorenzo Brusetti, Sergio Angeli<br />
SEM <strong>of</strong> a beetle:<br />
The head <strong>of</strong> the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum (Colepotera: Tenebrionidae), taken with a scanning electron microscope (SEM), the image has<br />
been artificially coloured.<br />
<strong>Activity</strong> Report <strong>of</strong> the Faculty <strong>of</strong> Science and Technology 23
Highlight<br />
Bacterial community structure as promising bioindicators<br />
for local catchment management<br />
L. Brusetti<br />
In the last years several bioindicators <strong>of</strong> freshwater environments have been studied. To study the impact <strong>of</strong> pollutants<br />
on the freshwater sediments, the analysis <strong>of</strong> microbial community’s structure can be considered a promising<br />
instrument to assess the quality and health <strong>of</strong> a water body. Microbial communities are sensitive descriptors <strong>of</strong><br />
ecological conditions because <strong>of</strong> their ubiquity and their rapid response to any environmental change. We analysed<br />
as case <strong>of</strong> study the city <strong>of</strong> Zhangye (Gansu province, China), with a population <strong>of</strong> 1-2 million inhabitants, located<br />
within a big oasis surrounded by the Gobi desert and the Qilianshan Mountains. Like many other Chinese cities,<br />
Zhangye is growing in various aspects including mining, the production <strong>of</strong> building materials, electric power, metallurgy,<br />
machinery assembly, transportation and agriculture. In recent years, environmental pollution has caused<br />
a decrease in water quality. The city area is also characterised by the widespread presence <strong>of</strong> Phragmites australis<br />
(Cav.) Trin (common reed), that covers virtually all the channels and the ponds within the urban area, the industrial<br />
zone and the surrounding agricultural area. Microbial communities strictly associated to Phragmites australis roots<br />
are thought to be crucial in the degradation, immobilisation and reduction <strong>of</strong> bioavailability <strong>of</strong> contaminants and<br />
therefore these communities may be considered promising candidates as bioindicators, due to their ubiquity and<br />
the direct interaction with the water chemical microenvironment.<br />
Samples <strong>of</strong> Phragmites australis root-associated sediments were carefully chosen from the flowing water <strong>of</strong> waste<br />
water treatment channels, as well as from industrial, urban and agricultural drainage channels. Microbiological<br />
analyses have been assessed by 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing and Automated Ribosomal Intergenic Spacer<br />
Analysis (ARISA). Chemical analyses <strong>of</strong> the concentration <strong>of</strong> heavy metals and nutrients were undertaken. Highly<br />
polluted sediments were found in the industrial area, where abnormal concentrations <strong>of</strong> zinc, arsenic, cadmium<br />
and lead, in particular, were monitored. A total <strong>of</strong> 50,000 bacterial DNA sequences were identified and used for the<br />
correlation analysis with the chemical and environmental data.<br />
Canonical Correspondence Analysis <strong>of</strong> the ARISA fingerprinting bacterial community showed a high similarity <strong>of</strong><br />
the replicated samples within the same sample site. Pyrosequencing showed that most <strong>of</strong> the agricultural area,<br />
as well as single occasional points in the urban and in the industrial zone <strong>of</strong> the city were characterised by quite a<br />
clean environment. Most <strong>of</strong> the urban area and the industrial zone was highly polluted: industrial areas were mostly<br />
affected by some heavy metals, while the urban area suffers from an extended organic pollution and an abnormal<br />
arsenic concentration.
6. Forest productivity and management<br />
Technical background<br />
In spite <strong>of</strong> scientific advancements in forest management,<br />
most forestry practices are still based<br />
on empirical approaches. The knowledge <strong>of</strong> longterm<br />
forest dynamics in response to natural and<br />
human-induced perturbations is the scientific basis<br />
to develop modern forest management systems<br />
oriented to maximise multi-functionality <strong>of</strong> forests<br />
in the face <strong>of</strong> new environmental challenges. Both<br />
retrospective studies and long-term monitoring<br />
approaches can be used in this context. The use <strong>of</strong><br />
modern remote and proximal sensing technologies<br />
aimed at assessing forest biomass and structure<br />
is an important aspect <strong>of</strong> the technological background<br />
<strong>of</strong> this research area.<br />
Aims<br />
To study long-term forest dynamics in response to<br />
human-induced and natural perturbations in order<br />
to develop approaches and methods oriented to<br />
multi-objective forest management.<br />
Main reference people<br />
Giustino Tonon, Fabrizio Mazzetto, Francesco<br />
Comiti, Sergio Angeli, Stefan Zerbe<br />
Highlight<br />
The Project Centre on Mountain Forests (MOUNTFOR)<br />
G. Tonon<br />
A new Project Centre <strong>of</strong> the European Forest Institute (EFI) dealing with sustainable management <strong>of</strong> mountain forests<br />
will start its activity in 2013. MOUNTFOR has been built upon the experience and structures <strong>of</strong> a core network<br />
<strong>of</strong> research institutes, which are Associate Members <strong>of</strong> EFI: the Agricultural Research Council <strong>of</strong> Italy (CRA), the<br />
<strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Molise, the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Tuscia, the Centre for Research and Innovation <strong>of</strong> Edmund Mach Foundation<br />
(CRI-FEM), and the <strong>Free</strong> <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Bozen</strong>-<strong>Bolzano</strong>. The main goals <strong>of</strong> MOUNTFOR are:<br />
• monitoring and inventorying size and quality <strong>of</strong> forest ecosystem services (sensu Millennium Ecosystem Assessment,<br />
2005, and Mountain Forests in a Changing World, 2011), for a better understanding <strong>of</strong> the interactions<br />
between forests and water in mountain environments <strong>of</strong> Europe and overseas;<br />
• identifying tools and criteria to forecast the effects <strong>of</strong> global change on mountain forests and the water cycle,<br />
integrating research infrastructures in forested catchments and agr<strong>of</strong>orestry systems, transferring experimental<br />
results into technical recommendations;<br />
• assessing the potential impacts <strong>of</strong> forest management and land use and land-use changes on mountain hydrology<br />
and the availability/quality <strong>of</strong> water resources, implementing long-term experimental and demonstration sites,<br />
and developing site-specific adaptation strategies;<br />
• incorporating applied research and governance analysis to disseminate the benefits <strong>of</strong> forest ecosystem services<br />
to stakeholders, finding equilibrium between economic development (e.g., innovative wood technology and<br />
renewable energy sector) and environmental conservation (e.g., reduction <strong>of</strong> soil erosion and control <strong>of</strong> invasive<br />
species).<br />
<strong>Activity</strong> Report <strong>of</strong> the Faculty <strong>of</strong> Science and Technology 25
Research<br />
Focus<br />
3<br />
INDUSTRIAL<br />
PRODUCTIOn<br />
Engineering methods and technologies for<br />
product and process innovation<br />
Aims<br />
The focus studies the technical and organisational optimisation <strong>of</strong> production<br />
technologies and processes with the objective <strong>of</strong> quality and ergonomic<br />
improvements as well as cost and lead time reduction. Attention is<br />
given to the design and use <strong>of</strong> management technologies especially in the<br />
context <strong>of</strong> small and medium-sized industrial, construction and agricultural<br />
businesses.<br />
Major topics<br />
1. Innovation management and methods<br />
2. Design for environment and life cycle assessment <strong>of</strong><br />
industrial processes<br />
3. Lean and changeable production systems<br />
4. Mechatronics and intelligent techniques for industrial production<br />
5. Materials and manufacturing engineering<br />
6. Industrial engineering approaches to collaborative networks in the<br />
construction industry<br />
1. Innovation management and methods<br />
Technical background<br />
Innovation is one <strong>of</strong> the most important factors for a firm’s long-term success. Due to increasing customer<br />
expectations and growing international competition, companies are forced to <strong>of</strong>fer a huge product<br />
variety and at the same time reduce the product life cycles. On the one hand, the market success rate <strong>of</strong><br />
new products or services is strongly determined by creativity and a strict orientation towards value for the<br />
customer. On the other hand, a successful market introduction <strong>of</strong> a new product needs efficient innovation<br />
processes and management systems. This poses a controversial research question: the creative world <strong>of</strong><br />
innovation and marketing meets management and control systems which by nature belong to the world<br />
<strong>of</strong> rationality and measurement. The challenge <strong>of</strong> this research topic lies in the identification <strong>of</strong> a holistic<br />
approach which combines management and innovation methods in order to accelerate a firm’s innovation<br />
processes and to maximise the innovation success rate.<br />
Aims<br />
This research topic aims to develop a holistic innovation management approach which builds on the principles<br />
<strong>of</strong> axiomatic design and a set <strong>of</strong> management and control methods and extends these concepts to<br />
the cyclic model “from market to market”. It starts from a new approach in the customer domain which<br />
helps to predict new market trends, systematically identifies customer needs, shows how, on this basis,<br />
to define a consistent vision and strategy for the company (from the high-level targets to the lower-level<br />
strategies) and finally helps to successfully manage and control the phase <strong>of</strong> product realisation and<br />
market launch.<br />
Main reference people<br />
Dominik Matt, Silvana Revellino
2. Design for environment – and life cycle – assessment <strong>of</strong> industrial processes<br />
Technical background<br />
The concept <strong>of</strong> ‘design for environment’ (DfE) can<br />
be summarised in the principle <strong>of</strong> “do more, using<br />
less”, which is the incentive for reducing the quantity<br />
<strong>of</strong> energy and material used to provide goods<br />
and services. Problems regarding the use <strong>of</strong> scarce<br />
raw materials and the emission <strong>of</strong> substances that<br />
are harmful for the environment and for humans<br />
will also be taken into consideration.<br />
This research topic deals with issues related to the<br />
application <strong>of</strong> the ‘life cycle assessment’ methodology<br />
(LCA) to determine the carbon footprint and<br />
environmental emissions <strong>of</strong> different players involved<br />
in a supply chain.<br />
In the past decade, environmental design (‘eco design’<br />
or ‘design for environment’) has become one<br />
<strong>of</strong> the most significant agendas for many manufacturing<br />
companies. Yet, there is a wide variety<br />
in their approaches, strategies and in levels <strong>of</strong><br />
execution. In this topic, DfE concepts have been enlarged;<br />
the objective is not only to evaluate in which<br />
way the product design phase could influence environmental<br />
performances <strong>of</strong> a supply chain but also<br />
how a re-design <strong>of</strong> the supply chain could provide a<br />
reduction <strong>of</strong> environmental impacts.<br />
Aims<br />
This research topic aims at setting target specifications<br />
for the product and its life cycle, and to<br />
establish eco-design concepts. This emerged from<br />
the idea that DfE methodologies could be used as<br />
a tool for the development <strong>of</strong> a more sustainable<br />
supply chain. This idea led the researchers to focus<br />
their activities on the development <strong>of</strong> new procedures<br />
and techniques that allowed the designers to<br />
integrate DfE methods and ‘environmental supply<br />
chain management’.<br />
LCA techniques will be used to design more sustainable<br />
industrial products. This technique allows<br />
the researchers to reduce the environmental<br />
impact <strong>of</strong> products beginning at the design stage.<br />
During the early design stages <strong>of</strong> a product even<br />
a small environmental consideration can have a<br />
large effect on the environmental impact <strong>of</strong> a product<br />
throughout its life cycle.<br />
Main reference people<br />
Filippo Ciarapica, Fabrizio Mazzetto<br />
3. Lean and changeable production systems<br />
Technical background<br />
Globalisation <strong>of</strong> markets has driven industry to<br />
leave the security <strong>of</strong> mass production in favour <strong>of</strong><br />
lean and flexible manufacturing models. However,<br />
these concepts have already become state <strong>of</strong> the<br />
art in modern production system design. Their<br />
implementation is no longer a unique competitive<br />
advantage, but has become a vital prerequisite in<br />
global competition. Today’s challenges for manufacturing<br />
go beyond these concepts. Since sales<br />
figures are difficult to forecast, it is necessary to<br />
conceptualise not only flexible but highly adaptable<br />
systems which can be upgraded by more<br />
scale-economic solutions during the product’s life<br />
cycle, even under extremely difficult forecasting<br />
conditions. Unlike flexible systems, changeable<br />
ones are expected to be capable <strong>of</strong> actively varying<br />
their own structure.<br />
Lean "tools" can be used in order to assist in the<br />
identification and steady elimination <strong>of</strong> waste.<br />
Principles <strong>of</strong> waste elimination include: pull<br />
processing, perfect first-time quality, continuous<br />
improvement, agile material handling, building and<br />
maintaining a long-term relationship with suppliers,<br />
automation, load levelling and production flow and<br />
visual control.<br />
Aims<br />
The purpose is to investigate the mechanisms <strong>of</strong><br />
dynamic complexity in terms <strong>of</strong> internal and/or external<br />
drivers and the impact on a flexible production<br />
system’s performance. As a result, a framework<br />
for the monitoring and controlling <strong>of</strong> dynamic<br />
complexity can be derived that helps to anticipate<br />
operational performance losses by a timely definition<br />
and implementation <strong>of</strong> measures for a focused<br />
system redesign.<br />
Therefore, this research topic retraces a series<br />
<strong>of</strong> real-life production system redesign initiatives<br />
in order to identify the mechanisms that help to<br />
maintain and improve a firm’s production system’s<br />
competitiveness in terms <strong>of</strong> time, cost and quality<br />
even in turbulent environmental conditions.<br />
Main reference people<br />
Filippo Ciarapica, Dominik Matt<br />
<strong>Activity</strong> Report <strong>of</strong> the Faculty <strong>of</strong> Science and Technology 27
Highlight<br />
Mini-factory laboratory for agile production<br />
D. Matt<br />
Increasing customer expectations and turbulent global<br />
markets place high demands particularly on small and<br />
medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The competitive<br />
pressure in volume markets increases and forces many<br />
SMEs to retreat into niche markets. Thus, producers are<br />
<strong>of</strong>ten faced with the necessity to handle higher product<br />
complexity and smaller lot sizes within shortening<br />
product life cycles. As a consequence, manufacturing<br />
unit costs and investment risks increase, causing losses<br />
in pr<strong>of</strong>itability and liquidity that in the long run can even<br />
endanger the existence <strong>of</strong> the company. In order to<br />
reduce these risks, many SMEs have started to outsource<br />
manufacturing operations to highly specialised<br />
suppliers, concentrating their forces and competences<br />
on product design and assembly. Assembly is one <strong>of</strong> the most cost-effective approaches to high product variety.<br />
However, today’s assembly systems are increasingly required to quickly adapt to changing market requirements.<br />
The design <strong>of</strong> scalable assembly systems enables management to increase or decrease production capacity quickly<br />
and cost-effectively in response to market demand. However, a responsive assembly system is not only able to<br />
adjust its production capacity to demand variations but whose functionality is adaptable to new products and/or<br />
variants. One <strong>of</strong> the major challenges in assembly system design is thus to select a configuration that both satisfies<br />
the production <strong>of</strong> functional requirements and is easy and cost-efficient to operate, especially in terms <strong>of</strong> its<br />
adaptability to changing product and volume requirements triggered by a turbulent market environment.<br />
The “Industrial Production” focus area at the Faculty <strong>of</strong> Science and Technology studies the technical and organisational<br />
optimisation <strong>of</strong> production technologies and processes with the objective <strong>of</strong> quality and ergonomic improvements<br />
as well as cost and lead time reductions. Attention is given to the design and use <strong>of</strong> management technologies<br />
especially in the context <strong>of</strong> small and medium-sized industrial, construction and agricultural enterprises.<br />
In this context, the industrial production research group around Pr<strong>of</strong>essor Dominik Matt has set up the “Mini-Factory”<br />
laboratory in order to develop and test innovative assembly system design approaches. These approaches<br />
are based on the investigation <strong>of</strong> the sensitivity <strong>of</strong> assembly systems to volume fluctuations as part <strong>of</strong> the selection<br />
process <strong>of</strong> alternative design solutions for scalable assembly systems on the basis <strong>of</strong> a real industrial environment.<br />
Methods and best practice guidelines for the (re-)design <strong>of</strong> a scalable assembly system are developed on the basis<br />
<strong>of</strong> applied industrial research using Axiomatic Design (AD) for the top level structuring <strong>of</strong> the framework incorporating<br />
useful methods and insights from previous research work.<br />
In contrast to most research, this laboratory deals with varying configurations <strong>of</strong> assembly systems highlighting<br />
the significance <strong>of</strong> considering an assembly system design’s sensitivity to volume fluctuations. The results obtained<br />
are important to industry as they can serve as a guideline for the design <strong>of</strong> cost-efficient scalable assembly system<br />
configurations.<br />
So far, most attention has been given to manual assembly systems. In future research, special attention will be given<br />
to hybrid assembly systems and to systems with a higher degree <strong>of</strong> automation. Moreover, the impact <strong>of</strong> buffers<br />
and handling systems on the design <strong>of</strong> scalable assembly systems must be analysed in more detail; also for this<br />
AD is considered to be a helpful methodological support. Furthermore, the “mini factory” is used to teach student<br />
different approaches <strong>of</strong> assembly system design and optimisation within the lecture course “Production Systems<br />
and Industrial Logistics”.
4. Mechatronics and intelligent techniques for industrial production<br />
Technical background<br />
Nowadays, industrial research is heavily oriented<br />
towards system performance optimisation. This<br />
mainly concerns dynamic performances and productivity<br />
and cost-saving increases.<br />
The technological level that has been reached in<br />
the last years has allowed for the exploitation, in<br />
the design and management <strong>of</strong> products and manufacturing<br />
processes, the synergistic combination<br />
<strong>of</strong> industrial engineering principles and technologies.<br />
These include precision mechanical engineering,<br />
advanced materials and electronic components<br />
and also cover advanced and intelligent<br />
algorithms and techniques. The results are the use<br />
<strong>of</strong> ‘mechatronics’ and the application <strong>of</strong> intelligent<br />
techniques for manufacturing processes.<br />
Mechatronics is an interdisciplinary field <strong>of</strong> engineering<br />
that deals with the design <strong>of</strong> products by<br />
means <strong>of</strong> the integration <strong>of</strong> precision mechanical<br />
engineering, electronic components and control<br />
systems in the design <strong>of</strong> products and manufacturing<br />
processes, and the use <strong>of</strong> advanced and intelligent<br />
robots able to interact with the environment.<br />
In contrast, the application <strong>of</strong> intelligent techniques<br />
for manufacturing processes and industrial automated<br />
systems is a growing research area that<br />
aims at answering the challenges <strong>of</strong> flexible and<br />
adaptive manufacturing, which requires mass<br />
customisation instead <strong>of</strong> mass production.<br />
Thus, this research topic, taking into account<br />
recent developments in industrial mechanical<br />
plants, applied mechanics and manufacturing<br />
technologies, deals with issues related to the<br />
design and/or optimisation <strong>of</strong>:<br />
• intelligent techniques for flexible and adaptive<br />
manufacturing processes and industrial automated<br />
systems. Special focus is given to on-line<br />
diagnostics and automatic supply management<br />
issues for managing products and processes<br />
quality and reliability;<br />
• high-performance automatic machines. Special<br />
focus is given to the improvement <strong>of</strong> machines’<br />
and robots’ dynamic performances into industrial<br />
environments such as packaging, food processing,<br />
machine tools;<br />
• green mechatronic systems. Special focus is<br />
given on the energy efficiency improvements <strong>of</strong><br />
mechatronic and robotic systems and devices.<br />
Aims<br />
This research topic aims at the improvement <strong>of</strong> the<br />
performances <strong>of</strong> industrial and production systems<br />
taking into account different and even conflicting<br />
demands, i.e., productivity, precision, dynamic<br />
performances, optimal management <strong>of</strong> resources,<br />
resources and energy efficiency, re-configurability.<br />
These aims may be achieved by means <strong>of</strong> analysis,<br />
design and application, on one hand <strong>of</strong> mechatronic<br />
and robotic concepts and systems and,<br />
on the other hand, <strong>of</strong> intelligent algorithms and<br />
techniques.<br />
Main reference people<br />
Renato Vidoni, Pasquale Russo Spena<br />
Highlight<br />
Mimicking the climbing plants: a new robotic-grasping system<br />
R. Vidoni, T. Mimmo, S. Cesco<br />
Climbing plants, capable <strong>of</strong> grasping objects by coiling around them to achieve maximum vertical height to increase<br />
sun exposure while minimizing energy expenditure, have fascinated since Darwin’s time.<br />
The project, developed in cooperation with the Ariadna team <strong>of</strong> the European Space Agency (ESA), attempts to find<br />
and design innovative concepts and solutions to mimic the grasping and pulling behaviour <strong>of</strong> tendrils.<br />
Based on biological and chemical studies, we highlighted the main characteristics <strong>of</strong> Passiflora tendrils. Then,<br />
experimental evaluations allowed us to understand the plants’ climbing behaviour and to transpose them into an<br />
engineering language. A bio-inspired approach combining plant-based observations, robotic concepts and shape<br />
memory alloys will allow the creation <strong>of</strong> new effective bio-mimetic grasping systems.<br />
<strong>Activity</strong> Report <strong>of</strong> the Faculty <strong>of</strong> Science and Technology 29
5. Materials and manufacturing engineering<br />
Technical background<br />
Manufacturing engineering and technology is<br />
related to the application <strong>of</strong> engineering principles<br />
to produce high-quality goods efficiently that meet<br />
market demands and specifications, by using the<br />
most cost-effective methods while ensuring environmental<br />
sustainability.<br />
Manufacturing engineering covers the entire field<br />
<strong>of</strong> manufacturing processing such as forming<br />
and shaping processes, metal casting, machining<br />
processes, machine tools, advanced machining<br />
processes and equipment, joining processes,<br />
surface technology, sintering processes and rapid<br />
prototyping.<br />
Computer-based programs can also be used<br />
throughout industry to optimise operations, improve<br />
product quality and reduce costs, including<br />
simulation <strong>of</strong> manufacturing operations and processes<br />
(e.g., machining, forming, metal casting).<br />
The field also integrates knowledge from materials<br />
(structure, properties, processing and performance)<br />
with manufacturing processes to solve materials<br />
selection and design problems to meet the<br />
needs <strong>of</strong> modern industrial technology in construction,<br />
energy production, food processing, transportation<br />
and so on.<br />
Manufacturing engineering and technology also<br />
covers the improved and novel mechanical processing<br />
<strong>of</strong> materials configured to explore near net<br />
shape and zero-waste manufacturing processes<br />
and to develop new or improved materials with<br />
superior performance. Recycling, reprocessing and<br />
disposal <strong>of</strong> materials are also considered.<br />
Aims<br />
• Meet all design requirements, product specifications,<br />
and relevant national and international<br />
product standards.<br />
• Build quality into the product at each stage <strong>of</strong> its<br />
production.<br />
• Implement the most economical, timely and<br />
environmentally friendly (green) manufacturing<br />
methods.<br />
• Adopt production methods that are sufficiently<br />
flexible in order to respond rapidly to changing<br />
global market demands and to provide on-time<br />
delivery to the customer.<br />
• Undertake efforts aimed at achieving higher<br />
levels <strong>of</strong> productivity and eliminating or minimizing<br />
waste with optimum use <strong>of</strong> an organisation’s<br />
resources.<br />
• Continually evaluate advances in materials, production,<br />
methods and computer integration while<br />
realizing their appropriate, timely, and economical<br />
implementation.<br />
Main reference people<br />
Pasquale Russo Spena<br />
Highlight<br />
Arc and laser welding <strong>of</strong> innovative steels for automotive sheet components<br />
P. Russo Spena<br />
Along with the intensifying <strong>of</strong> environmental pollution problems and energy crises, energy saving has become the<br />
most important issue for automotive manufacturers. Among the many measures to reduce fuel consumption and<br />
CO 2 emissions, reducing the weight has been the most effective. A study has demonstrated that 10% <strong>of</strong> weight<br />
reduction leads to a 3-7% reduction in fuel consumption. Another important goal for manufacturers is to increase<br />
passenger safety, thus body car structures should have energy absorption capacities to improve frontal and side<br />
impacts and ro<strong>of</strong> crash performances. To address both these aspects, the amount <strong>of</strong> high-strength steels (HSSs)<br />
used in the automotive industry to manufacture sheet components is gradually increasing and new advanced highstrength<br />
steels (AHSSs) are under development. Research activity is focused on an increase in the mechanical<br />
strengths along with the preservation, or improvement, <strong>of</strong> ductility. The increase <strong>of</strong> material strength enables car<br />
manufacturers to reduce the overall weight <strong>of</strong> vehicles, while improved ductility allows for increased energy absorption<br />
during a crash as well as to produce components with more complex geometry.<br />
In the last years, new AHSS such as TRIP, USIBOR, and TWIP steels have recently received attention in the automotive<br />
industry on account <strong>of</strong> their high strength and ductility. Structural sheet components in HSSs lighten vehicles<br />
and therefore reduce fuel consumption, while ductility increases energy absorption during car accidents, thus<br />
improving passenger safety. Since many <strong>of</strong> the automotive structural sheet components (such as pillar reinforcements,<br />
front door panels, etc.) are traditionally assembled by welding before and/or after forming operations (tailor<br />
welded blanks), the evaluation <strong>of</strong> the mechanical and microstructural response <strong>of</strong> dissimilar joints <strong>of</strong> AHSSs is<br />
<strong>of</strong> primary importance for their full exploitation in the automotive industry. For this reason, a research activity, in<br />
collaboration with the Centro Ricerche Fiat S.C.p.A. - Group Materials Labs, aims at investigating the response <strong>of</strong><br />
dissimilar joints <strong>of</strong> HSSs and AHSSs sheets after arc and laser welding. The welded joints are studied from a mechanical<br />
(e.g., tensile, micro-hardness, formability tests) and micro-structural (e.g., EDX, SEM, optical microscopy,<br />
residual stress analysis) standpoint, as a function <strong>of</strong> the involved welding process parameters.
6. Industrial engineering approaches to collaborative networks<br />
in the construction industry<br />
Technical background<br />
The sustainability <strong>of</strong> the building environment is<br />
affected by many factors including the construction<br />
materials chosen and the arrangement <strong>of</strong> living<br />
and working spaces. However, each building project<br />
is unique, with different requirements, constraints<br />
and client personalities. Thus, combined<br />
with the fact that building planning is not integrated<br />
with production, construction results in a loss<br />
<strong>of</strong> efficiency unknown in any other industrial sector.<br />
Therefore, we must consider both the environmental<br />
and economic sustainability <strong>of</strong> construction<br />
projects and learn how to apply lessons learned<br />
from successful projects within the construction<br />
industry and beyond on a larger scale.<br />
Aims<br />
The aim <strong>of</strong> this research topic is to apply innovative<br />
approaches like mass customisation to construction<br />
and integrate the concept <strong>of</strong> value stream engineering<br />
into the process. This will allow a highly<br />
efficient way <strong>of</strong> construction for highly sustainable<br />
buildings.<br />
Main reference people<br />
Dominik Matt, Cristina Benedetti<br />
Highlight<br />
Re-engineering <strong>of</strong> a hotel building in South Tyrol<br />
D. Matt<br />
To develop a methodology (production method) which solves the previous mentioned problems a process re-engineering<br />
<strong>of</strong> an existing building was done in collaboration with the participating key-players (architect, construction<br />
manager, foreman <strong>of</strong> the masons, and so on).<br />
The analysed case is a hotel building with an overall cost <strong>of</strong> 3 million euros in South Tyrol.<br />
In a first step the design and planning process was strengthened by using the expertise <strong>of</strong> the mentioned participating<br />
stakeholders in a structured and iterative manner leading to an improved product design.<br />
On this basis a general process map was elaborated, visualized and optimized using an adapted value stream<br />
engineering methodology. Then the mentioned building was subdivided into specific work sections to balance the<br />
workload <strong>of</strong> craftsman teams on the construction site. In these sections the workload was subdivided into construction<br />
pitches which have a work content <strong>of</strong> one week or one day per craftsman teams like electricians or masons. As<br />
a result, an optimized construction schedule was elaborated (figure) which incorporates different “lean construction”<br />
strategies.<br />
In the on-going research field a real construction prototype will be realised using the developed methodology and<br />
integrating an information management system to support the coordination process for the involved crafts.<br />
Lean construction schedule<br />
<strong>Activity</strong> Report <strong>of</strong> the Faculty <strong>of</strong> Science and Technology 31
Research<br />
Focus<br />
4<br />
ENERGY<br />
Energy resources and energy efficiency<br />
Aims<br />
The challenge <strong>of</strong> introducing a sustainable lifestyle combining environmental protection and social and economic<br />
improvement is directly connected with a better exploitation <strong>of</strong> energy resources. In strict contact with the local<br />
reality <strong>of</strong> the mountain territory <strong>of</strong> South Tyrol, the two classical paradigms <strong>of</strong> energy efficiency in energy production,<br />
distribution and utilisation and <strong>of</strong> replacement <strong>of</strong> traditional fuels with renewable energy sources are considered<br />
here. Accordingly, research activities cover, on the side <strong>of</strong> energy production, the management <strong>of</strong> renewable<br />
energy resources and energy production technology, and, on the side <strong>of</strong> energy efficiency, energy efficiency in<br />
buildings and energy efficiency in production systems.<br />
Covered topics<br />
1. Analysis <strong>of</strong> the energy performance <strong>of</strong> the building envelope and HVAC systems<br />
2. Renewable energy resources management<br />
3. Energy production technology<br />
4. Energy efficiency in production processes<br />
<strong>Activity</strong> Report <strong>of</strong> the Faculty <strong>of</strong> Science and Technology 33
1. Analysis <strong>of</strong> the energy performance <strong>of</strong> the building envelope and HVAC systems<br />
Technical background<br />
The energy use <strong>of</strong> buildings accounts for 35-40%<br />
<strong>of</strong> final consumption in Europe and requires in<br />
particular thermal energy for heating (70%) and<br />
hot water production (20%). A major concern is the<br />
increasing summer energy consumption and the<br />
passive behaviour <strong>of</strong> the building envelope to limit<br />
this growth.<br />
European policies are oriented towards energy<br />
saving. For new buildings, the aim is to obtain<br />
near-zero energy or passive buildings able to efficiently<br />
use renewable sources (solar, geothermal,<br />
...) available on site. For existing buildings,<br />
energy diagnosis and refurbishment measures are<br />
the most important actions to save at least one<br />
third <strong>of</strong> the final uses.<br />
In the international context, the research on building<br />
energy performance is oriented towards:<br />
• solutions for new near-zero energy buildings:<br />
• opaque and transparent envelope behaviour<br />
(with numerical and experimental analyses)<br />
in steady state and in dynamic evolution;<br />
• passive and active use <strong>of</strong> renewable energy<br />
sources (geothermal, solar, …);<br />
• thermal comfort and relative energy costs in<br />
particular for ventilation;<br />
• solution for existing buildings renovation:<br />
• on-site energy diagnosis;<br />
• new material and plant systems for<br />
retr<strong>of</strong>itting.<br />
Aims<br />
This topic deals with the evaluation <strong>of</strong> the energy<br />
performance <strong>of</strong> the envelope components, <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Heating Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC)<br />
Systems and <strong>of</strong> the whole building system, both<br />
from an experimental and a theoretical point <strong>of</strong><br />
view. The activity deals with the definition and<br />
application <strong>of</strong> innovative experimental investigation<br />
methods to characterise both the stationary and<br />
the dynamic behaviour <strong>of</strong> the building envelope.<br />
The research also aims to find the definition and<br />
application <strong>of</strong> experimental investigation procedures<br />
to characterise both the nominal and the<br />
exercise behaviour <strong>of</strong> the HVAC systems. In particular<br />
the analysis considers generation systems<br />
exploiting renewable sources (solar energy, geothermal<br />
energy, biomasses) such as conventional<br />
and sorption heat pumps and the systems for<br />
energy efficiency in ventilation, which represent the<br />
main areas <strong>of</strong> future equipment development for<br />
near-zero energy and zero emission buildings.<br />
The methodologies will be used for single component<br />
lab evaluation, and for on-site energy auditing<br />
<strong>of</strong> whole building systems and results will be used<br />
for the validation <strong>of</strong> simulation instruments.<br />
The energy evaluation will be extended from operational<br />
needs to the consumption linked to the<br />
whole life cycle <strong>of</strong> the building.<br />
Main reference people<br />
Andrea Gasparella, Marco Baratieri
highlight<br />
BuilDinGs AnD BioMAss coGenerAtion systeMs: inteGrAteD siMulAtion ApproAch<br />
a. gasparella and m. baratieri<br />
combined heat and power production (chp) systems based on biomass gasification represent a promising technological<br />
solution and a feasible alternative to biomass combustion, especially for small-scale applications. in this<br />
perspective, the integration <strong>of</strong> biomass gasification with high efficiency power generation systems is able to define<br />
competitive scenarios if compared with conventional biomass cogeneration systems.<br />
The aim <strong>of</strong> this study is the energy efficiency assessment <strong>of</strong> cogeneration systems based on biomass gasification<br />
for residential application, using a coupled multistage modelling approach. The gasification stage has been<br />
modelled through a thermodynamic approach and the efficiency <strong>of</strong> the whole chp system has been evaluated<br />
supplementing the simulation <strong>of</strong> the gasification stage with the energy balance <strong>of</strong> the cogeneration set (i.e., internal<br />
combustion engine). The chp plant supplies thermal energy to residential buildings considering different plant<br />
size and operational times. dynamic simulations were performed concerning three main building configurations.<br />
The building-system interactions were analysed for a southern european climate considering three different<br />
thermal resistances for the opaque building envelope and also considering the domestic hot water consumption.<br />
The resulting building-system scenarios were also compared with a conventional scenario <strong>of</strong> separated production<br />
by means <strong>of</strong> peS (primary energy saving). The results show the optimal operating conditions and the system size<br />
range for the chosen residential applications. The economical return <strong>of</strong> such a power plant was also assessed. The<br />
gasification-based chp technology represents a field <strong>of</strong> study <strong>of</strong> great interest, as it can have substantial room for<br />
improvement with respect to conventional separated generation systems at the same size. Further developments <strong>of</strong><br />
this study foresee an experimental campaign already planned for 2013 on real size chp gasification plants.<br />
activity <strong>report</strong> <strong>of</strong> the Faculty <strong>of</strong> Science and Technology 35
2. Renewable energy resources management<br />
Technical background<br />
Scientific research in energy production aims to improve energy efficiency in energy conversion, both from<br />
fossil and renewable energy sources, and to diversify the sources so as to obtain a larger use <strong>of</strong> renewable<br />
energy sources.<br />
The final energy consumption in South Tyrol comprises electrical energy at 29% and thermal energy at<br />
71%. The renewable energy sources cover around 54% <strong>of</strong> the overall energy consumption but only around<br />
one third <strong>of</strong> the thermal energy needs. Two thirds <strong>of</strong> the South Tyrol heat consumption still depends on<br />
fossil fuels.<br />
The region is oriented towards renewable energy sources (biomasses, hydroelectric, solar, geothermal,<br />
wind) both for developing new technologies and to enhance the exploitation <strong>of</strong> natural resources for<br />
traditional plane and fossil fuels substitution.<br />
Aims<br />
This topic deals with:<br />
• Analysis <strong>of</strong> energy generation chains from renewable sources. The availability and the potential <strong>of</strong><br />
each resource is contrasted with the sustainability <strong>of</strong> its utilisation.<br />
• The processes connected with the technological availability <strong>of</strong> the resources (biomass extraction,<br />
hydraulic works, etc.).<br />
• The study <strong>of</strong> the processes is supplemented with the analysis <strong>of</strong> the systems for the combined heat and<br />
power generation, also considering the integration <strong>of</strong> different generation technologies from renewable<br />
sources.<br />
• Identification <strong>of</strong> the main sources <strong>of</strong> energy waste in production devices and processes, the relevant<br />
energy saving potentials and the design and development <strong>of</strong> methodologies and technologies for<br />
energy saving.<br />
• The definition <strong>of</strong> development models and tools capable to support the design and decision procedures.<br />
Main reference people<br />
Marco Baratieri, Andrea Gasparella, Fabrizio Mazzetto, Giustino Tonon
3. Energy production technologies<br />
Technical background<br />
Scientific research in energy production aims to improve energy efficiency in energy conversion, both from<br />
fossil and renewable energy sources, and to diversify the sources so as to obtain a larger use <strong>of</strong> renewable<br />
energy sources. The final energy consumption in South Tyrol comprises electrical energy at 29% and<br />
thermal energy at 71%. The renewable energy sources cover around 54% <strong>of</strong> the overall energy consumption<br />
but only around one third <strong>of</strong> the thermal energy needs. Two thirds <strong>of</strong> the South Tyrol heat consumption<br />
still depends on fossil fuels. The region is oriented towards renewable energy sources (biomasses, hydroelectric,<br />
solar, geothermal, wind) both for developing new technologies and to enhance the exploitation <strong>of</strong><br />
natural resources for traditional plane and fossil fuels substitution.<br />
Aims<br />
This topic deals with different resources (hydropower, solar, wind and biomass). As far as biomass is<br />
concerned, specific targets are:<br />
• Theoretical and experimental analysis <strong>of</strong> innovative thermochemical energy conversion processes <strong>of</strong><br />
biomass.<br />
• Fuel upgrading paths – to reduce the environmental impact <strong>of</strong> traditional thermal processes – which is<br />
crucial for solid biomass energy exploitation.<br />
• Transformation <strong>of</strong> biomass into intermediate fuels (solid, liquid and gaseous), in order to enhance the<br />
efficiency <strong>of</strong> the energy generation processes.<br />
• Complete plant chain, including the process residues and by products management and valorisation<br />
and the impact assessment <strong>of</strong> the different processes on the environmental components.<br />
As regards solar energy, the target is to study and design high performance solar concentration energy<br />
conversion systems for thermal and electrical power production.<br />
As far as the electrical energy is concerned, the target is to analyse and to design high performance electrical<br />
machine and drives so as to optimise global system efficiency.<br />
Main reference people<br />
Marco Baratieri, Andrea Gasparella, Luigi Alberti, Massimiliano Renzi<br />
4. Energy efficiency in production processes<br />
Technical background<br />
For decades energy efficiency in industrial systems<br />
has involved factory energy audits and retr<strong>of</strong>its<br />
on industrial energy services (lighting, heating,<br />
compress air, and so on). A large amount <strong>of</strong> the<br />
saving potential by sizing, replacing and optimising<br />
those services has already been realised as they<br />
could be implemented by the people working in<br />
the industrial plants. The next step in industrial<br />
energy saving necessarily involves the new design<br />
<strong>of</strong> production systems including energy efficiency<br />
concepts and requirements. This can be accomplished<br />
in cooperation with the manufacturers <strong>of</strong><br />
the production plants, moving the energy saving<br />
responsibility from the final users <strong>of</strong> those systems<br />
to their suppliers.<br />
Energy efficiency in production processes is also<br />
involved in the primary sector (agriculture and<br />
forestry) and food production processes. In both<br />
sectors, the analysis <strong>of</strong> energy efficiency is connected<br />
with the mitigation <strong>of</strong> environmental impact<br />
through life cycle assessment techniques.<br />
Aims<br />
This topic deals with the energy efficiency in the<br />
industrial processes. Starting from the definition<br />
<strong>of</strong> an energy audit approach at district, factory and<br />
single plant level, this topic aims to analyse the<br />
energy saving potential. This can be achieved both<br />
by using more efficient production systems or by<br />
adopting distributed generation and combined heat<br />
and power systems. Moreover, the redesign the<br />
production systems is considered to be in synergy<br />
with the green-mechatronics concepts. Similar<br />
targets can apply to the agriculture and forestry<br />
sector.<br />
Main reference people<br />
Marco Baratieri, Andrea Gasparella, Renato Vidoni,<br />
Fabrizio Mazzetto<br />
<strong>Activity</strong> Report <strong>of</strong> the Faculty <strong>of</strong> Science and Technology 37
Research<br />
Focus<br />
5<br />
FUNDAMENTAL<br />
SCIENCES<br />
Covered topics<br />
1. Mathematical models and methods for complex systems<br />
2. Variable structure control: theory and applications<br />
3. Biostatistics and bioinformatics<br />
4. Bioorganic chemistry and crystallography
1. Mathematical models and methods for complex systems<br />
Technical background<br />
Broadly speaking, complex system science designates<br />
a new approach to research concerning a<br />
variety <strong>of</strong> disciplines. Some <strong>of</strong> the main features <strong>of</strong><br />
complex systems are that (i) they are composed by<br />
a high number <strong>of</strong> different units (e.g. individuals,<br />
animals, particles) which are nonlinearly interacting,<br />
(ii) they exhibit a self-organizing behaviour which<br />
does not result from the existence <strong>of</strong> a central<br />
controller, (iii) the collective properties are not obvious<br />
from those <strong>of</strong> the constituent entities. Examples<br />
<strong>of</strong> complex systems are given by bird swarms,<br />
ant colonies, markets and human economies, social<br />
structures, living cells and so on. The study <strong>of</strong><br />
similar systems is currently receiving a renewed, fast<br />
growing interest all over the world. This is partly<br />
due to the power <strong>of</strong> modern computers, which allows<br />
us to undertake simulations that were simply<br />
unthinkable a few decades ago. In studying these<br />
systems, a main goal is to understand and explain<br />
the emergence <strong>of</strong> the macro-level properties and<br />
patterns as a result <strong>of</strong> the micro-level interactions<br />
taking place between single components. Methods<br />
inspired to statistical physics and kinetic gas theory<br />
provide some suggestion as to how to try and<br />
tackle the problem. In the available literature,<br />
typically agent-based methods, Montecarlo simulations<br />
and network theory are employed, combined<br />
with phenomenological information. The attempt<br />
to construct a mathematical framework, based on<br />
rigorous grounds, suitable for a general approach<br />
to complex systems dynamics is a challenging and<br />
fascinating one and provides the motivation for the<br />
present investigations. It may be that new tools<br />
will be necessary for the mathematical kit for the<br />
study <strong>of</strong> complex systems. A possible technical<br />
background comprises competencies ranging in<br />
the fields <strong>of</strong> dynamic system theory, <strong>of</strong> the qualitative<br />
theory <strong>of</strong> nonlinear differential equations, <strong>of</strong><br />
elements <strong>of</strong> probability and statistics, <strong>of</strong> stochastic<br />
game theory, <strong>of</strong> kinetic gas theory and, <strong>of</strong> course,<br />
<strong>of</strong> some computational s<strong>of</strong>tware programs.<br />
Aims<br />
Among the major goals in the study <strong>of</strong> a complex<br />
system, a special role is played by the identification<br />
<strong>of</strong> the mechanisms and the processes occurring<br />
at the micro-level, which determine the properties<br />
and behaviours which are observed at the macrolevel<br />
and characterise the system as a whole.<br />
In this connection, models have to be formulated,<br />
and this may require having a general suitable<br />
framework. The behaviours <strong>of</strong> the single elements<br />
<strong>of</strong> the complex system cannot be forecast, in view<br />
<strong>of</strong> their huge number. Accordingly, a natural idea<br />
is to replace the deterministic description <strong>of</strong> their<br />
dynamics by an essentially probabilistic one at the<br />
microscopic scale. Then, the evolution <strong>of</strong> some<br />
probability distribution over a suitable (scalar or<br />
vectorial) variable which characterises the elements<br />
<strong>of</strong> the system becomes the object to be investigated.<br />
The description <strong>of</strong> such evolution can be expressed<br />
for example by an integro-differential equation or<br />
by a system <strong>of</strong> differential equations with stochasticity<br />
elements. Typically, a great deal <strong>of</strong> parameters<br />
enters in the general abstract equation systems,<br />
related e.g. to probability transition rates. This provides<br />
a high flexibility for the modelling <strong>of</strong> different<br />
specific systems. Having formulated a precise<br />
model, its dynamics has to be analyzed: this typically<br />
means to try and identify dynamic equilibrium<br />
or periodic solutions, to investigate their stability<br />
and attractivity properties, to check whether there<br />
exists a particular asymptotic trend.<br />
Main reference people<br />
Maria Letizia Bertotti<br />
<strong>Activity</strong> Report <strong>of</strong> the Faculty <strong>of</strong> Science and Technology 39
2. Variable structure control: theory and applications<br />
Technical background<br />
Variable Structure Systems are systems characterised<br />
by the presence <strong>of</strong> switching manifolds: these<br />
define regions <strong>of</strong> the state space where the system<br />
dynamics evolve according to different nonlinear<br />
differential equations. When the boundaries <strong>of</strong><br />
these regions are reached, the system switches<br />
from one structure to the other. By exploiting this<br />
feature is thus possible to design systems whose<br />
trajectories are created by piecewise pasting those<br />
<strong>of</strong> different systems and belonging to none <strong>of</strong> them.<br />
In control theory these ideas have been exploited<br />
to create the so-called 'sliding mode controls': the<br />
aim is to deliberately create a variable structure<br />
by using a discontinuous controller in order to<br />
constrain in finite-time the motion on a prescribed<br />
sliding manifold. This surface has to be defined in<br />
order to fulfil the given control goal. This method<br />
has two main advantages: 1) once in sliding (i.e.<br />
when evolving on the manifold), the system is <strong>of</strong><br />
reduced order and 2) the evolution is independent<br />
<strong>of</strong> matched external disturbances.<br />
Aims<br />
To provide a sound mathematical background for<br />
the application <strong>of</strong> VSC techniques to both finite and<br />
infinite dimensional systems. The use <strong>of</strong> discontinuous<br />
controllers poses in fact several problems<br />
from the point <strong>of</strong> view <strong>of</strong> the well-posedness <strong>of</strong> the<br />
closed loop system.<br />
To explore the possibility and potential advantages<br />
<strong>of</strong> extending SMC methods outside the classical<br />
areas <strong>of</strong> application. These techniques are in fact<br />
relatively simple to implement, while being very<br />
robust with respect to unmodeled dynamics and<br />
external disturbances, an appealing feature for<br />
their application to complex systems.<br />
Main reference people<br />
Laura Levaggi<br />
3. Biostatistics and bioinformatics<br />
Technical background<br />
The physical appearance <strong>of</strong> living beings, i.e. the phenotype, is shaped by the genotype and the environment,<br />
including nutrition. Depending on the phenotypic trait, the contributions <strong>of</strong> these two sources can<br />
vary enormously. There is significant interest in many scientific fields to quantify precisely the impact <strong>of</strong><br />
the genotype on the one hand and <strong>of</strong> the environment on the other hand. In the medical and pharmaceutical<br />
sciences, for example, it is <strong>of</strong> importance to know if, and if yes, to what extent, an unfavourable phenotpye<br />
can be improved by a medical treatment or by a change in the environment. Another example is<br />
the agricultural sciences. Knowing the genetic basis <strong>of</strong> a trait <strong>of</strong> interest, e.g. milk quality or yield, would<br />
mean to apply more efficient breeding schemes. The exact biological mechanisms as to how a genotype<br />
affects a phenotype are typically unknown, but biotechnologically high throughput methods have been<br />
developed during the past two decades that make a better understanding <strong>of</strong> the genotype-phenotype relationship<br />
tangible. The most influential <strong>of</strong> these methods include genome-wide association studies (GWAS)<br />
and next generation sequencing (NGS).<br />
Aims<br />
The output that is generated by the aforementioned high throughput techniques consists <strong>of</strong> a tremendous<br />
amount <strong>of</strong> data stored in flat files. The interpretation <strong>of</strong> these raw data constitutes a major challenge to<br />
the “life scientist”. A serious <strong>of</strong> successive steps is necessary to achieve manageable lists <strong>of</strong> biological entities,<br />
for instance genes or polymorphisms. The aim is to extract the essential features <strong>of</strong> such data and<br />
at the same time to control the reliability <strong>of</strong> this analysis procedure. Furthermore, various public databases<br />
have been set up that permit to extract the information that is necessary to understand the impact<br />
<strong>of</strong> polymorphisms, like single nucleotide polymorphisms or genomic insertions or deletions.<br />
Main reference people<br />
Armin Schmitt
4. Bioorganic chemistry and crystallography<br />
Technical background<br />
The research on structure and function <strong>of</strong> proteins<br />
is focused on the study <strong>of</strong> those important for the<br />
pathogenesis or survival <strong>of</strong> plant pathogens during<br />
their interaction with the plant host. The following<br />
techniques are employed in our laboratory: gene<br />
cloning, expression and purification <strong>of</strong> proteins.<br />
The purified proteins are crystallised and subsequently<br />
characterised by X-ray crystallography.<br />
In parallel the proteins under investigation are<br />
studied in solution by spectroscopic techniques<br />
in collaboration with other research institutions.<br />
The main line <strong>of</strong> research is the study <strong>of</strong> Erwinia<br />
amylovora, the bacterial pathogen causing fire<br />
blight in some fruit species . This bacterial disease<br />
still represents a threat to intensive fruit farming<br />
worldwide and is characterised by high virulence<br />
with deadly consequences for the plants affected.<br />
The pathogen is studied at the molecular level to<br />
discover how its proteins interact with the host to<br />
cause the disease.<br />
Aims<br />
This study is aimed at investigating virulence and<br />
pathogenicity <strong>of</strong> E. amylovora at the molecular<br />
level starting from the information contained in<br />
its genome. We study the proteins essential to<br />
the bacteria to better understand the mechanism<br />
determining E. amylovora pathogenicity. Analysing<br />
the sequence <strong>of</strong> the genome we selected proteins<br />
like the enzymes involved the biosynthesis <strong>of</strong> amilovoran,<br />
the proteins involved in the regulation <strong>of</strong><br />
the production <strong>of</strong> amylovoran, the Hrp proteins and<br />
other secreted proteins. In a second phase, we will<br />
study proteins involved in desferrioxamine biosynthesis.<br />
Main reference people<br />
Stefano Benini<br />
Highlight<br />
Biomolecular characterisation <strong>of</strong> Erwinia amylovora Levansucrase –<br />
How to coat yourself to survive!<br />
S. Benini<br />
Erwinia amylovora is the bacterial agent <strong>of</strong> fire blight in apple and pear. The infection begins in the flowers where<br />
the bacterium finds, in the nectar, a high concentration <strong>of</strong> sucrose, mainly used to produce a polysaccharide called<br />
levan. Erwinia amylovora escapes the first host defences by coating itself with levan. Levan is a polymer <strong>of</strong> fructose<br />
produced by the enzyme levansucrase. This enzyme carries out two types <strong>of</strong> reactions: first sucrose hydrolysis to<br />
yield glucose and fructose, and second the polymerisation <strong>of</strong> fructose to give levan. We overexpressed Erwinia amylovora<br />
levansucrase in Escherichia coli and purified it. We carried out the functional characterisation <strong>of</strong> the enzyme<br />
in collaboration with Pr<strong>of</strong>essor Robert Field at the John Innes Centre (Norwich, United Kingdom). We grew crystals<br />
<strong>of</strong> levansucrase and collected X-ray data to 3 Å resolution at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory synchrotron<br />
beamlines c/o PETRA III (Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron, Hamburg, Germany). The structure has been<br />
solved by Molecular Replacement using the structure <strong>of</strong> Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus levansucrase as a model<br />
and refinement is underway. With the results provided by this study we aim to learn more about the reaction mechanism<br />
carried out by this enzyme. The final goal is to be able to inhibit the enzyme and prevent Erwinia amylovora infection.<br />
Moreover a second goal is the exploitation <strong>of</strong> the enzyme for biotechnological purposes, i.e., the production<br />
<strong>of</strong> oligo-fructoses and levan to be used in the food industry as a source <strong>of</strong> natural fibers (e.g., in yogurt).<br />
<strong>Activity</strong> Report <strong>of</strong> the Faculty <strong>of</strong> Science and Technology 41
facts<br />
Funds<br />
Currently, there are 72 research<br />
projects running amounting to a<br />
total research budget <strong>of</strong> almost<br />
¤ 4 million (¤ 3,974,428).<br />
More than 73% <strong>of</strong> these projects<br />
are funded through external<br />
sources.<br />
27%<br />
INTERNAL<br />
73%<br />
EXTERNAL<br />
events<br />
We regularly organise events for students, members <strong>of</strong> the public, for the national and international<br />
scientific community, local industry and agricultural sector, policymakers, and land users. A special<br />
mentioning is also deserved for our activities in the “Junior <strong>University</strong>” project to stimulate the interest <strong>of</strong><br />
children in science and technology. In addition to the events listed below, in the 2009-2012 period, we have<br />
organised 49 scientific seminars, presented by scientists coming from all the world.<br />
2009<br />
• Pappeln und Schilf im Wüstensand – Pioppi e canne nella sabbia del deserto – exhibition.<br />
• Technology Workshop: I materiali: Asso nella manica nella progettazione – Proprietà ingegneristiche<br />
e percettive nei prodotti.<br />
• Certified Sustainability in Soy Cultivation, workshop, in cooperation with WWF Austria and South Tyrol.<br />
2010<br />
• Il terremoto in Abruzzo: La gestione dell’emergenza e il miglioramento sismico degli edifici vincolati,<br />
Workshop, in cooperation with Ordine degli architetti, LVH-APA, Costruttori Casaclima SüdTirol, Tassullo<br />
costruire coltura.<br />
• Adaption strategies to climate change and sustainable land use in Central Asia, workshop.<br />
• Zootecnica e montagna: quali strategie per il futuro? Viehwirtschaft im Berggebiet: wie sieht die<br />
Zukunft aus? – workshop, in cooperation with the società per lo studio e la valorizzazione dei sistemi<br />
zootecnici alpini.<br />
• Fraunh<strong>of</strong>er Truck- Roadshow, Exibition, in cooperation with Fraunh<strong>of</strong>er Italia.<br />
• Invasive Exotic Species: insects, plants and other organisms – workshop.<br />
• L’idroelettrico che rispetta i fiumi. La certificazione CH2OICE in Italia, workshop, in cooperation with<br />
EAWAG (Swiss) and the association for environmental sound electricity (VUE).
2011<br />
• Die Gemeinsame Agrarpolitik nach 2013, workshop, in cooperation with the Autonome Provinz <strong>Bozen</strong>.<br />
• A Thai-Italian Symposium on Food Quality, Innovation and Sustainability in Agriculture, workshop.<br />
• MONITOR II Workshop, in cooperation with Autonome Provinz <strong>Bozen</strong>.<br />
• Practical Use <strong>of</strong> MONITORing in Natural Disaster Management, MONITOR II project – mid-term conference,<br />
in cooperation with Autonome Provinz <strong>Bozen</strong>.<br />
• Pericolositá idraulica nel territorio montano italiano ed applicazione della direttiva europea “alluvioni”,<br />
workshop in cooperation with Autonome Provinz <strong>Bozen</strong> and ISPRA.<br />
• Training on Forest Simulation Models, Workshop in cooperation with SISEF, Autonome Provinz <strong>Bozen</strong>,<br />
Agroselviter.<br />
• Non-native tree species and diversity – A problem for floodplain forests in northern Italy?, workshop in<br />
cooperation with Georg-August-<strong>University</strong> Göttingen and TU Bergakademie Freiberg.<br />
• Multivariate Analysis <strong>of</strong> Vegetation Data, workshop in cooperation with Ernst Moritz Arndt Universität<br />
Greifswald.<br />
• Sustainable water management and wetland restoration in settlements <strong>of</strong> continental-arid Central Asia,<br />
workshop.<br />
• Tecnologie informatiche per un'agricoltura efficiente e sostenibile, conference.<br />
2012<br />
• Mineral nutrition <strong>of</strong> crops in mountain areas, conference in collaboration with Centro di Sperimentazione<br />
agraria e forestale Laimburg, il Centro di Consulenza per la frutti-viticoltura dell’Alto Adige and SOI.<br />
• Valutazione del rischio idraulico in ambito montano ed applicazione della direttiva europea “ALLUVIONI”,<br />
2nd workshop in cooperation with Autonome Provinz <strong>Bozen</strong>.<br />
• ICA - week <strong>of</strong> conferences, including the ICA-Edu (ECHAE) Conference Educating the Net Generation<br />
in the Life Sciences, and the several <strong>of</strong> ICA’s Standing Committees with their annual meetings: AGRIM-<br />
BA Board Meeting – International Network for the MBA in Agribusiness and Commerce; Annual Board<br />
meeting, AGRINATURA Board Meeting and General Assembly – The European Alliance on Agricultural<br />
Knowledge for Development, IROICA Conference and General Assembly – the International Relations<br />
Officers’ Network <strong>of</strong> the Association <strong>of</strong> European Life Science Universities. Conference – IRO Communication<br />
and Management in the NET Generation.<br />
• Expertenworkshop lokale Landwirtschaftsentwicklung “Typische Lebensmittel für das Eggental”, workshop.<br />
• Monitoring bedload and debris flows in mountain basins, international workshop, in cooperation with<br />
Autonome Provinz <strong>Bozen</strong>.<br />
• World food day 2012 at the Faculty <strong>of</strong> Science and Technology, workshop<br />
• Ausstellung: Hands-on urbanism 1850 - 2012 Vom Recht auf Grün, exhibition.<br />
• Stadt der Zukunft: grün, gesund und lebenswert, conference.<br />
• Riqualificazione fluviale e gestione del territorio, 2° Convegno italiano sulla riqualificazione fluviale,<br />
Conference in collaboration with CIRF and Autonome Provinz <strong>Bozen</strong>.<br />
• EcoRAlps: Haben traditionell bewirtschaftete Landnutzungssysteme eine Zukunft? – workshop in cooperation<br />
with Leopold Franzens Universität Innsbruck.<br />
<strong>Activity</strong> Report <strong>of</strong> the Faculty <strong>of</strong> Science and Technology 43
Partners<br />
Over the past years, the Faculty has established research agreements with the following institutions:<br />
International<br />
• Chang Mai <strong>University</strong> (Thailand)<br />
• Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-Universität Greifswald (Germany)<br />
• Georg-August-Universität Göttingen (Germany)<br />
• Ilia <strong>University</strong> Tbilisi (Georgia)<br />
• Leopold Franzens Universität Innsbruck (Austria)<br />
• Fraunh<strong>of</strong>er-Institut für Arbeitswirtschaft und Organisation (Germany)<br />
• Martin Luther Universität Halle Wittenberg (Germany)<br />
• Rural Sciences Center <strong>of</strong> Federal <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil)<br />
National<br />
• Accademia Europea “EURAC” (<strong>Bolzano</strong>)<br />
• Fraunh<strong>of</strong>er Italia Research (<strong>Bolzano</strong>)<br />
• Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele all’Adige (Trento)<br />
• Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry “Laimburg“, Ora (<strong>Bolzano</strong>)<br />
• TIS <strong>Bolzano</strong><br />
• Università degli Studi di Trento<br />
• Università di Verona<br />
• Università degli Studi di Udine<br />
• Università di Bologna<br />
• Università di Milano<br />
EDItorial board membership<br />
Journal Person Role<br />
Tree Physiology M. Tagliavini Editorial board member<br />
European Journal <strong>of</strong> Agronomy M. Tagliavini Editorial board member<br />
Italus Hortus M. Tagliavini Editor in chief<br />
Open journal <strong>of</strong> forestry G. Tonon Editorial board member<br />
iForest G. Tonon Associate editor<br />
Water Resources Research F. Comiti Associate editor<br />
American Journal <strong>of</strong> Analytical Chemistry T. Mimmo Editorial board member<br />
International Journal <strong>of</strong> Applied Chemical Sciences Research T. Mimmo Editorial board member<br />
Frontiers in Plant Nutrition S. Cesco Editorial board member<br />
International Journal <strong>of</strong> Oil, Gas and Coal Technology M. Baratieri Editorial board member<br />
Economia Agro-Alimentare C. Fischer Editorial board member<br />
Food and Applied Bioscience Journal C. Fischer Editorial board member<br />
Dataset Papers in Zoology S. Angeli Editorial board member<br />
Food and Applied Bioscience Journal S. Angeli Editorial board member<br />
Forest Ecology S. Zerbe Editorial board member<br />
Landscape Research and Nature Conservation S. Zerbe Editorial board member<br />
Guests<br />
The following people have been hosted by the Faculty during the 2009 to 2012 period:<br />
• George Wellington Melo, EMBRAPA, Brazil: 17.01.2009 to 01.02.2010<br />
• Pr<strong>of</strong>. Paulo Cassol, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Brazil: 04.10.2010 to 29.07.2011<br />
• Pr<strong>of</strong>. Markus H<strong>of</strong>reither, Universität für Bodenkultur, Vienna, Austria: 27.02.2012 to 30.05.2012<br />
• Dr. Prodpran Thakeow, Chiang Mai <strong>University</strong>, Thailand: 26.04.2011 to 31.07.2011
Selected<br />
publications (2010-2012)<br />
For a complete list visit http://www.unibz.it/en/sciencetechnology/research/publications/default.html<br />
ARTICLES IN INTERNATIONAL PEER-REVIEWED JOURNALS<br />
2012<br />
Annighöfer P., Mölder I., Zerbe, S., et.al., Biomass functions for the two alien tree species Prunus serotina Ehrh. and<br />
Robinia pseudoacacia L. in floodplain forests <strong>of</strong> Northern Italy. European Journal <strong>of</strong> Forest Research 131. 1619-1635, (2012).<br />
Astolfi S., Zuchi S., Neumann G., Cesco S., Sanità di Toppi L., Pinton R., Response <strong>of</strong> barley plants to Fe deficiency and<br />
Cd contamination as affected by S starvation. Journal <strong>of</strong> Experimental Botany, vol. 63,pp. 1241-1250, doi: 10.1093/jxb/<br />
err344, (2012)<br />
Benedetti S., Cosio M.S., Scampicchio M., Mannino S., Nanoemulsions for the Determination <strong>of</strong> the Antioxidant Capacity<br />
<strong>of</strong> Oils by an Electrochemical Method, Electroanalysis, vol. 24, nr. 6, pp. 1356-1361 (10.1002/elan.201200063),<br />
(2012)<br />
Bertotti M.L., Modanese G., Exploiting the flexibility <strong>of</strong> a family <strong>of</strong> models <strong>of</strong> taxation and redistribution, European<br />
Physical Journal B, Condensed Matter and Complex Systems, vol. 85, nr. 8, p. 261, (2012)<br />
Bevilacqua M., Ciarapica F.E., Giacchetta G., Marchetti B., Development and test <strong>of</strong> a new fuzzy-qfd approach for<br />
characterizing customers rating <strong>of</strong> extra virgin olive oil. Food Quality and Preference, vol. 24, pp. 75-84 (2012)<br />
Bevilacqua M., Ciarapica F.E., Giacchetta G., Marchetti B., Development <strong>of</strong> an innovative criticality index for<br />
turnaround management in an oil refinery. Int. Journal <strong>of</strong> Productivity and Quality Management, vol. 9, nr. 4,<br />
pp. 519-544 (2012)<br />
Bevilacqua M., Ciarapica F.E., Mazzuto G., Supply chain modelling and managing, using timed colored petri nets:<br />
a case study. International Journal <strong>of</strong> Production Research. vol. 50, nr. 16, pp. 4718-4733 (2012)<br />
Bevilacqua M., Ciarapica F.E., Mazzuto M., Modelling and performance analysis <strong>of</strong> a supply chain using timed coloured<br />
petri nets. Int. J. Business Performance and Supply Chain Modelling, vol. 4, Nos. 3/4 (2012)<br />
Bevilacqua M., Ciarapica F.E., Paciarotti C., Business process reengineering <strong>of</strong> emergency management procedures:<br />
a case study. Safety Science, vol. 50, nr. 5, pp. 1368–1376 (2012)<br />
Bevilacqua M., Ciarapica F.E., Paciarotti C., Supply chain integration in an Italian automotive company: the case <strong>of</strong> a<br />
kitting system implementation. Int. Journal <strong>of</strong> Productivity and Quality Management, vol. 10, No. 4, pp. 428-446 (2012)<br />
Bevilacqua, M., Ciarapica F.E., Mazzuto, G., Analysis <strong>of</strong> injury events with fuzzy cognitive maps. Journal <strong>of</strong> Loss<br />
Prevention in the Process Industries, vol. 25, nr. 4, pp. 677-685 (2012)<br />
Bevilacqua M., Ciarapica F.E., Polonara F., Design and optimization <strong>of</strong> a new experimental blancher“. Food Control,<br />
vol. 28, pp. 122-130 (2012)<br />
Büttner C. R., Chechik M., Ortiz-Lombardía M., …., Benini S., ..., Structural basis for DNA recognition and loading into<br />
a viral packaging motor. PNAS., 109, 811-816, (2012)<br />
Bulbarello A., Cuenca M., Schweikert L., Mannino S., Scampicchio M., Hybrid E-Tongue for the Evaluation <strong>of</strong> Sweetness<br />
and Bitterness <strong>of</strong> S<strong>of</strong>t Drinks Fortified with Epigallocatechin Gallate, Electroanalysis, vol. 24, nr. 10, pp. 1989-<br />
1994 (10.1002/elan.201200232), (2012)<br />
Buras A., Wucherer W., Zerbe S., …., Allometric variability <strong>of</strong> Haloxylon species in Central Asia. Forest Ecology and<br />
Management, vol. 274, pp. 1-9, (2012).<br />
Calcante A, Mena A, Mazzetto F., Evaluation <strong>of</strong> „ground sensing“ optical sensors for diagnosis <strong>of</strong> plasmopara viticola<br />
on vines. [Evaluación de sensores ópticos para el diagnóstico de Plasmopara viticola en vides] Spanish Journal Of<br />
Agricultural Research, vol. 10, nr. 3, pp. 619-630, (2012)<br />
Cesco S., Mimmo T., Tonon G., Tomasi N., Pinton R., Terzano R., Neumann G., Weisskopf L., Renella G., Landi L.,<br />
Nannipieri P., Plant-borne flavonoids released into the rhizosphere: impact on soil bio-activities related to plant<br />
nutrition. A review. Biology and Fertility <strong>of</strong> Soils, vol. 48, nr. 2, pp. 123-149, DOI: 10.1007/s00374-011-0653-2, (2012)<br />
Chevallier F., Wang T., Ciais Ph., Maignan F., Bocquet M., Arain A., Cescatti A., Chen J., Dolman A., Law B., Margolis<br />
H., Montagnani L., Moors E. What eddy-covariance measurements tell us about prior land flux errors in CO2-flux<br />
inversion schemes, Global Biogeochem. Cycles, vol. 26, GB1021, (2012).<br />
<strong>Activity</strong> Report <strong>of</strong> the Faculty <strong>of</strong> Science and Technology 45
Chouaia B., Crotti E., Brusetti L., Daffonchio D., Essoussi I., Nouioui I., Sbissi I., Ghodhbane-Gtari F., Gtari M., Vacherie<br />
B., Barbe V., Médigue C., Gury J., Pujic P., Normand P. Genome sequence <strong>of</strong> Blastococcus saxobsidens DD2, a<br />
stone inhabiting bacterium. Journal <strong>of</strong> Bacteriology, vol. 194, p. 2752, (2012).<br />
Colombo C., Palumbo G., Sellitto V.M., Rizzardo C., Tomasi N., Pinton R., Cesco S., Characteristics <strong>of</strong> insoluble, high<br />
molecular weight Fe-humic substances used as plant Fe sources. Soil Science Society <strong>of</strong> America Journal, vol. 76, nr.<br />
4, pp. 1246-1256, doi:10.2136/sssaj2011.0393, (2012).<br />
Comiti F., How natural are Alpine mountain rivers? Evidence from the Italian Alps, Earth Surface Processes and Landforms,<br />
vol. 37, nr.7, pp. 693-707, (2012).<br />
De Benedictis L., Schmutzler M., Karer R., ..., Mimmo T., Capici C., Scampicchio M., Cesco S., ..., Near infrared spectroscopy<br />
as a tool for quality control <strong>of</strong> food <strong>of</strong> the alpine region - A short <strong>report</strong> about a cross-border project. NIR<br />
news, vol. 23, nr. 8, pp. 11-14, doi: 10.1255/nirn.1339, (2012).<br />
Ford C.R., McGee J., Scandellari F., Hobbie E.A., Mitchell R.J., Long- and short-term precipitation effects on soil CO 2<br />
efflux and total belowground carbon allocation. Agricultural and Forest Meteorology, vol. 156, pp. 54–64, (2012).<br />
Fumagalli M., Acutis M., Mazzetto F., Vidotto F., Sali G., Bechini L., A methodology for designing and evaluating alternative<br />
cropping systems: Application on dairy and arable farms. Ecological Indicators, vol. 23, pp. 189-201, (2012)<br />
Gasparetto A.., Lanzutti A., Vidoni R., Zanotto V., Experimental validation and comparative analysis <strong>of</strong> optimal timejerk<br />
algorithms for trajectory planning, Robotics and Computer-Integrated Manufacturing, Volume 28, Issue 2, April<br />
2012, pp. 164-181, DOI: 10.1016/j.rcim.2011.08.003, (2012).<br />
Gasparetto A., Boscariol P., Lanzutti A., Vidoni R., Trajectory Planning in Robotics, Mathematics in Computer Science,<br />
Volume 6, Issue 3, September 2012, DOI: 10.1007/s11786-012-0123-8, (2012).<br />
Gottardi S., Iacuzzo F., Tomasi N., ..., Mimmo T., Scampicchio M., Dalla Costa L., Cesco S., Beneficial effects <strong>of</strong> Silicon<br />
on hydroponically grown corn salad (Valerianella locusta (L.) Laterr) plants. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, vol.<br />
56, pp. 14-23, doi 10.1016/j.plaphy.2012.04.002, (2012).<br />
Gtari M., Essoussi I., Maaoui R., ..., Brusetti L., ..., Normand P. Contrasted resistance <strong>of</strong> stone-dwelling Geodermatophilaceae<br />
to stresses generating reactive oxygen species. FEMS Microbiology Ecology, vol. 80, pp. 566–577,<br />
(2012).<br />
Hantschel C., Wagener A., Neuschl C., Schmitt A.O., Brockmann G.A., Age and depot-specific adipokine responses to<br />
obesity in mice. Health, vol.4, nr. 12A, pp. 1522-1529 doi:10.4236/health.2012.412A218 (2012).<br />
Levaggi L., R. Levaggi, Rent Extraction through Alternative Forms <strong>of</strong> Competition in the Provision <strong>of</strong> Paternalistic<br />
Goods, ISRN Economics, vol. 2012, Article ID 703541, 15 pages, (doi:10.5402/2012/703541) (2012).<br />
Longo G. A., Gasparella A., Comparative experimental analysis and modelling <strong>of</strong> a flower greenhouse equipped with a<br />
desiccant system. Applied Thermal Engineering, vol. 47, pp. 54-62, (2012).<br />
Matt D. T., Application <strong>of</strong> Axiomatic Design principles to control complexity dynamics in a mixed-model assembly<br />
system: a case analysis. International Journal <strong>of</strong> Production Research, vol. 50, nr. 7, pp. 1850-1861 (2012).<br />
Matt D. T., Rauch E., Design <strong>of</strong> a Scalable Modular Production System for a Two-stage Food Service Franchise System,<br />
International Journal <strong>of</strong> Engineering Business Management, vol. 4 nr. 32, doi: 10.5772/51648, (2012).<br />
Mazzetto F., Sacco P., Calcante A., Algorithms for the interpretation <strong>of</strong> continuous measurement <strong>of</strong> the slurry level in<br />
storage tanks. J. Agr. Engng. XLIII:e6, pp. 36-42, (2012).<br />
Mazzorana B., Comiti F., Scherer C., Fuchs S., Developing consistent scenarios to assess flood hazards in mountain<br />
streams, Journal <strong>of</strong> Environmental Management, vol. 94, pp. 112-124, (2012).<br />
Mazzorana B., Levaggi, L., Formaggioni, O., Volcan, C., Physical Vulnerability Assessment Based on Fluid and Classical<br />
Mechanics to Support Cost-Benefit Analysis <strong>of</strong> Flood Risk Mitigation Strategies, Water, vol. 4, pp. 196-218, (2012)<br />
Mazzorana B., Levaggi, L., Keiler, M., Fuchs, S., Towards Dynamics in Flood Risk Assessment, Natural Hazards and<br />
Earth System Sciences, vol. 12, n. 11, pp. 3571–3587, (2012).<br />
Nikolic M., Cesco S., Monte R., Tomasi N., Gottardi S., Zamboni A., Pinton R. and Varanini Z., Nitrate transport in<br />
cucumber leaves is an inducible process involving an increase in plasma membrane H+-ATPase activity and abundance.<br />
BMC Plant Biology, vol. 12, p. 66, doi:10.1186/1471-2229-12-66, (2012).<br />
Niu S., Luo Y., Fei S., …, Montagnani L., …, Thermal Optimality <strong>of</strong> Net Ecosystem Exchange <strong>of</strong> Carbon Dioxide and<br />
Underlying Mechanisms. New Phytologist, vol. 194, nr. 3, pp. 775-783, (2012).<br />
Nordgård L., Brusetti L., Raddadi N., Traavik T., Averh<strong>of</strong>f B., Nielsen K. M. An investigation <strong>of</strong> horizontal transfer <strong>of</strong><br />
feed introduced DNA to the aerobic microbiota <strong>of</strong> the gastrointestinal tract <strong>of</strong> rats. BMC Research Notes, vol. 5, nr.<br />
170, (2012).<br />
Normand P., Gury J., Pujic P., ...., Brusetti L., ..., Genome sequence <strong>of</strong> radiation-resistant Modestobacter marinus<br />
strain BC501, a representative Actinobacterium that thrives on calcareous stone surfaces. Journal <strong>of</strong> Bacteriology,<br />
vol. 194, pp. 4773–4774, (2012).<br />
Panzacchi P., Tonon G., Ceccon C., F. Scandellari F, Ventura M., Tagliavini M., Belowground carbon allocation and net<br />
primary and ecosystem productivities in apple trees (Malus domestica) as affected by soil water availability. Plant<br />
and Soil, vol. 360, pp. 229-241, (2012).
Patuzzi F., Mimmo T., Cesco S., Gasparella A., Baratieri M., Common reeds (Phragmites australis) as sustainable<br />
energy source: experimental and modelling analysis <strong>of</strong> torrefaction and pyrolysis processes. GCB Bioenergy, doi:<br />
10.1111/gcbb.12000, (2012).<br />
Peltoniemi M., Pulkkinen M., Kolari P., ..., Montagnani L., ...., Does canopy mean N concentration explain differences<br />
in light use efficiencies <strong>of</strong> canopies in 14 contrasting forest sites? Tree Physiology, vol. 32, nr. 2, pp. 200-218<br />
doi:10.1093/treephys/tpr140, (2012).<br />
Rigon E., Comiti F., Lenzi M.A., Large wood storage in streams <strong>of</strong> the Eastern Italian Alps and the relevance <strong>of</strong><br />
hillslope processes, Water Resources Research, vol. 48, pp. 1-18, (2012).<br />
Rizzardo C., Tomasi N., Monte R., Varanini Z., Nocito F.F., Cesco S., Pinton R., Cadmium inhibits the induction <strong>of</strong><br />
high-affinity nitrate uptake in maize (Zea mays L.) roots. Planta vol. 236, pp.1701-1712, doi: 10.1007/s00425-012-<br />
1729-4, (2012).<br />
Roccuzzo G., Zanotelli D., Allegra M., Giuffrida A., Torrisi B., Leonardi A., Quiñones A., Intrigliolo F., Tagliavini M.,<br />
Assessing nutrient uptake by field-grown orange trees. Europ. J. Agronomy, vol. 41, pp. 73-80, (2012).<br />
Scampicchio M., Bulbarello A., Arecchi A., Cosio M.S., Benedetti S., Mannino S., Electrospun Nonwoven Nan<strong>of</strong>ibrous<br />
Membranes for Sensors and Biosensors, Electroanalysis, vol. 24, nr. 4, pp. 719-725 (10.1002/elan.201200005), (2012)<br />
Scampicchio M., Mimmo T., Capici C., Huck C.W., Innocente N., Drusch S., Cesco S., Identification <strong>of</strong> Milk Origin and<br />
Process-Induced Changes in Milk by Stable Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry. Journal <strong>of</strong> Agricultural and Food chemistry,<br />
vol. 60, nr. 45, pp. 11268-11273, doi: 10.1021/jf302846j, (2012).<br />
Sriwattana S., Utama-ang N., Thakeow P., …, Angeli S. Physical, chemical and sensory characterization <strong>of</strong> the Thaicrispy<br />
pork rind ‘Kaeb Moo’. CMU Journal <strong>of</strong> Natural Science, vol. 11 (1): 181-191, (2012).<br />
Tamm F., Sauer G., Scampicchio M., Drusch S., Pendant drop tensiometry for the evaluation <strong>of</strong> the foaming properties<br />
<strong>of</strong> milk-derived proteins, Food Hydrocolloids, vol. 27, nr. 2, pp. 371-377 (10.1016/j.foodhyd.2011.10.013), (2012).<br />
Thaa, B., Tielesch, C., Möller, L., Schmitt, A. O., Wolff, T., Bannert, N., Herrmann, A., and Veit, M. Growth <strong>of</strong> influenza<br />
A virus is not impeded by simultaneous removal <strong>of</strong> the cholesterol-binding and acylation sites in the M2 protein. J.<br />
Gen. Virol., vol. 93, nr. 2, pp. 282–292, (2012).<br />
Tomasi N., De Nobili M., Gottardi S., Zanin L., Mimmo T., Varanini Z., Römheld V., Pinton R. and Cesco S., Physiological<br />
and molecular aspects <strong>of</strong> Fe acquisition by tomato plants from natural Fe-complexes. Biology and Fertility <strong>of</strong> Soils,<br />
pp. 1-14, doi: 10.1007/s00374-012-0706-1, (2012).<br />
Ventura M., Sorrenti G., Panzacchi P., George E. Tonon G. (2012) Biochar reduces short-term nitrate leaching from A<br />
horizon in an apple orchard. Journal <strong>of</strong> Environmental Quality doi:10.2134/jeq2012.0250 (2012).<br />
Wagener, A., Schmitt A. O., and Brockmann, G. A. Early and Late Onset <strong>of</strong> Voluntary Exercise Have Differential Effects<br />
on the Metabolic Syndrome in an Obese Mouse Model. Exp. Clin. Endocrinol. Diabetes, vol. 120, nr. 10, pp. 591-597,<br />
(2012).<br />
Wang T, Brender P, Ciais P., …, Montagnani L., ..., State-dependent errors in a land surface model across biomes<br />
inferred from eddy covariance observations on multiple timescales, Ecological Modelling, vol. 246, pp. 11-25, (2012).<br />
Wohl E.E., Bolton S., Cadol D., Comiti F., Goode J.R., Mao L. A two end-member model <strong>of</strong> wood dynamics in headwater<br />
neotropical rivers, Journal <strong>of</strong> Hydrology, vol. 462-463, pp. 67-76, (2012).<br />
Zamboni A., Zanin L., Tomasi N., Pezzotti M., Pinton R., Varanini Z. and Cesco S., Genome-wide microarray analysis<br />
<strong>of</strong> tomato roots showed defined responses to iron deficiency. BMC Genomics, vol. 13, p. 101, doi:10.1186/1471-2164-<br />
13-101, (2012).<br />
Zuchi S., Cesco S., Astolfi S., High S supply improves Fe accumulation in durum wheat plants grown under Fe limitation.<br />
Environmental and Experimental Botany, vol. 77, pp. 25-32, doi: 10.1016/j.envexpbot.2011.11.001, (2012).<br />
2011<br />
Aßmus J., Schmitt A. O., Bortfeldt R., Brockmann G.A., NovelSNPer: a Fast Tool for the Identification and Characterization<br />
<strong>of</strong> Novel SNPs and Indels. Advances in Bioinformatics, ISSN: 1687-8027, doi: 10.1155/2011/657341, (2011).<br />
Balzarolo M., Anderson K., Nichol C., ..., Montagnani L., ..., Ground-based optical measurements at European flux<br />
sites: a review <strong>of</strong> methods, instruments and current controversies, Sensors, 11,7954-7981, doi:10.3390/s11087954,<br />
(2011).<br />
Benini S., Cianci M., Ciurli S., Holo-Ni2+ Helicobacter pylori NikR contains four square-planar nickel-binding sites at<br />
physiological pH. Dalton Trans., 40, 7831-7833, (2011).<br />
Benini S., Wilson K. S., Structure <strong>of</strong> the Mycobacterium tuberculosis soluble inorganic pyrophosphatase Rv3628 at pH<br />
7.0. Acta Cryst. F67, 866–870, (2011).<br />
Bertotti M.L., From individual interactions to collective patterns. A mathematical approach, Advances and Applications<br />
in Statistical Sciences, vol. 6, nr. 6, pp. 507-524 (2011), (2011).<br />
Bertotti M.L., Modanese G., From microscopic taxation and redistribution models to macroscopic income distributions,<br />
Physica A, vol. 390, pp. 3782-3793 (2011).<br />
<strong>Activity</strong> Report <strong>of</strong> the Faculty <strong>of</strong> Science and Technology 47
Bevilacqua M., Ciarapica F.E., Giacchetta G., Marchetti B., Implementation <strong>of</strong> a quality procedure based on delphi<br />
method and the iso/ts 16949:2009 in the production <strong>of</strong> stainless steel tubes for automotive exhaust systems. International<br />
Journal <strong>of</strong> Quality & Reliability Management. Vol. 28 No. 8, (2011) pp. 841-866, (2011).<br />
Bevilacqua M., Ciarapica F.E., Giacchetta G., Marchetti B., Overview on the application <strong>of</strong> iso/ts 16949:2009, in a<br />
worldwide leader company in the production <strong>of</strong> stainless steel tubes for automotive exhaust systems. Int. J. Productivity<br />
and Quality Management, Vol. 7, No. 4, pp.410-439, (2011).<br />
Bevilacqua M., Ciarapica F.E., Marchetti B., Integration <strong>of</strong> bpr and rfid technology in a process industry: spare parts<br />
warehouse management analysis. International Journal <strong>of</strong> RF Technologies: Research and Applications. Vol. 2, 205-<br />
223, (2011).<br />
Brunetto G., Ventura M., Scandellari F., Ceretta C.A., Kaminski J., Wellington de Melo G., Tagliavini M., Nutrient<br />
release during the decomposition <strong>of</strong> mowed perennial ryegrass and white clover and its contribution to nitrogen<br />
nutrition <strong>of</strong> grapevine. Nutr. Cycl. Agroecosyst., vol. 90, pp. 299-308, (2011).<br />
Brusetti L., Crotti E., Tamburini A., Cittaro D., Garavaglia V., Rolli E., Sorlini C., Daffonchio D., Borin S., Influence <strong>of</strong><br />
transgenic Bt176 and non-transgenic corn silage on the structure <strong>of</strong> rumen bacterial communities. Annals <strong>of</strong> Microbiology,<br />
vol. 61, pp. 925–930, (2011).<br />
Bulgari D., Casati P., Crepaldi P., Daffonchio D., Quaglino F., Brusetti L., Bianco P.A., Restructuring <strong>of</strong> endophytic bacterial<br />
communities in grapevine yellows-diseased and recovered Vitis vinifera L. plants. Applied and Environmental<br />
Microbiology, vol. 77, pp. 5018-5022, (2011).<br />
Calcante A., Mena A., Mazzetto F., Optical device evaluation for diagnosis <strong>of</strong> Plasmapora viticola on Vine. Agricultural<br />
Engineering International, vol. 13, ISSN: 1682-1130, (2011).<br />
Cappelletti F., Gasparella A., Romagnoni P., Baggio P., Analysis <strong>of</strong> the influence <strong>of</strong> installation thermal bridges on<br />
windows performance: the case <strong>of</strong> clay block walls, Energy and Buildings, Vol. 43 (6), 1435-1442, (2011).<br />
Ceccon C., Panzacchi P., Scandellari F., Prandi L., Ventura M., Russo B., Millard P. and Tagliavini M.. Spatial and<br />
temporal effects <strong>of</strong> soil temperature and moisture and the relation to fine root density on root and soil respiration in<br />
a mature apple orchard, Plant and Soil, vol. 432, pp.195-206, (2011).<br />
Comiti F., Da Canal M., Surian N., Mao L., Picco L., Lenzi, M.A., Channel adjustments and vegetation cover dynamics<br />
in a large gravel bed river over the last 200 years, Geomorphology, 125, pp. 147-159, (2011).<br />
Dalla Costa L., Tomasi N., Gottardi S., Iacuzzo F., Cortella G., Manzocco L., Pinton R., Mimmo T., Cesco S., The Effect<br />
<strong>of</strong> Growth Medium Temperature on Corn Salad [Valerianella locusta (L.) Laterr] Baby Leaf Yield and Quality. Hortscience,<br />
vol. 46 (12), pp 1619-1625, (2011).<br />
Frick, A., Steffenhagen, P., Zerbe, S., Timmermann, T., Schulz, K., Monitoring <strong>of</strong> the vegetation composition in rewetted<br />
peatland with iterative decision tree classification <strong>of</strong> satellite imagery. Photogrammetrie Fernerkundung Geoinformation<br />
vol. 3: 109-122, (2011).<br />
Gasparella A., Pernigotto G., Baratieri M., Baggio P., Thermal dynamic transfer properties <strong>of</strong> the opaque envelope:<br />
Analytical and numerical tools for the assessment <strong>of</strong> the response to summer outdoor conditions, Energy and Buildings,<br />
Vol. 43 (9), 2509-2517, (2011).<br />
Gasparella A., Pernigotto G., Cappelletti F., Baggio P., Romagnoni P., Analysis and modeling <strong>of</strong> window and glazing<br />
systems energy performance for a well-insulated residential building, Energy and Buildings, Vol. 43 (4), 1030-1037,<br />
(2011).<br />
Groenendijk M., Dolman A.J., Ammann C., ..., Montagnani L., ..., Seasonal variation <strong>of</strong> photosynthetic model parameters<br />
and leaf area index from global Fluxnet eddy covariance data, J. Geophys. Res., 116, G04027, doi:10.1029/<br />
2011JG001742. , (2011).<br />
Ischia M., Dal Maschio R., Grigiante M., Baratieri M., Clay–sewage sludge co-pyrolysis. A TG–MS and Py–GC study on<br />
potential advantages afforded by the presence <strong>of</strong> clay in the pyrolysis <strong>of</strong> wastewater sewage sludge. Waste Management,<br />
Vol. 31, p. 71–77, (2011).<br />
Jansen F., Ewald J., Zerbe S., Ecological preferences <strong>of</strong> alien plant species in North-Eastern Germany. Biological<br />
Invasions 13: 2691-2701, (2011).<br />
Jung M., Reichstein M., Margolis H., ...., Montagnani L., ..., Global patterns <strong>of</strong> land-atmosphere fluxes <strong>of</strong> carbon<br />
dioxide, latent heat, and sensible heat derived from eddy covariance, satellite, and meteorological observations, J.<br />
Geophys. Res. 116, G00J07,doi:10.1029/2010JG001566, (2011).<br />
Kärst S., Cheng R., Schmitt A. O., Yang H., De Villena F. P., Palmer A. A., Brockmann G. A., Genetic determinants for<br />
intramuscular fat content and water-holding capacity in mice selected for high muscle mass. Mammalian Genome,<br />
vol. 9-10, pp. 530-543, ISSN: 0938-8990, doi: 10.1007/s00335-011-9342-6, (2011).<br />
Levaggi L., Levaggi R., Welfare properties <strong>of</strong> restrictions to health care based on cost effectiveness, Health Economics,<br />
vol. 20, n. 1, pp. 101-110, (2011).<br />
Li F.; Scampicchio M., Mannino S., Carbon Nanotube-Adsorbed Electrospun Nan<strong>of</strong>ibrous Membranes as Coating for<br />
Electrochemical Sensors for Sulfhydryl Compounds, Electroanalysis, vol.: 23 pp. 1773-1775, (2011).
Li L., Wang X., Zerbe S., Zhang L., Fang J., Altitudinal patterns <strong>of</strong> stand structure and herb layer diversity <strong>of</strong> Picea<br />
schrenkiana forests in the central Tianshan Mountains, Northwest China. Journal <strong>of</strong> Arid Land, vol. 3 (4), pp. 254-260,<br />
(2011).<br />
Mahecha M.D., Reichstein M., Carvalhais N., ...., Montagnani L., ..., Response to Comment on „Global Convergence<br />
in the Temperature Sensitivity <strong>of</strong> Respiration at Ecosystem Level“, Science, 331, 1265-1266. doi:10.1126/science.1197033,<br />
(2011).<br />
Mantilla-Contreras J., Schirmel J., Zerbe S., Influence <strong>of</strong> soil and microclimate on species composition and grass<br />
encroachment in heath succession. Journal <strong>of</strong> Plant Ecology DOI: 10.1093/jpe/rtr031, (2011).<br />
Manzocco L., Foschia M., Tomasi N., Maifreni M., Dalla Costa L., Marino M., Cortella G., Cesco S., Influence <strong>of</strong> hydroponic<br />
and soil cultivation on quality and shelf life <strong>of</strong> ready-to-eat lamb‘s lettuce (Valerianella locusta L. Laterr).<br />
Journal <strong>of</strong> the Science <strong>of</strong> Food and Agriculture, ISSN: 0022-5142, 91: 1373–1380, doi: 10.1002/jsfa.4313, (2011).<br />
Matt D. T., Application <strong>of</strong> Axiomatic Design principles to control complexity dynamics in a mixed-model assembly<br />
system: a case analysis, International Journal <strong>of</strong> Production Research, (Available online: 29 Jun 2011), doi:<br />
10.1080/00207543.2011.565086. (2011).<br />
Matt D. T., Rauch E., Continuous Improvement <strong>of</strong> Manufacturing Systems with the Concept <strong>of</strong> Functional Periodicity,<br />
Key Engineering Materials, vol. 473, pp. 783-790, (2011).<br />
Mazzetto F., Calcante A, Mena A, Sacco P., Test <strong>of</strong> ground-sensing devices for monitoring canopy vigour and downy<br />
mildew presence in vineyeards: first qualitative results. Journal Of Agricultural Engineering, vol. 2; p. 1-9, ISSN:<br />
1974-7071, (2011).<br />
Mazzetto F., Calcante A, Orsi E., Design, development, and evaluation <strong>of</strong> a device for the monitoring <strong>of</strong> liquid manure<br />
distribution using big gun sprinkler distribution systems. Applied Engineering In Agriculture, vol. 27; p. 569-576,<br />
ISSN: 0883-8542, (2011).<br />
Mazzetto F., Calcante A., Higly automated vine cutting transplanter based on DGNSS-RTK technology integrated<br />
witrh hydraulics devices. Computers And Electronics In Agriculture, vol. 79; p. 20-29, ISSN: 0168-1699, doi: 10.1016/j.<br />
compag.2011.08.007, (2011).<br />
Mazzorana B., Comiti F., Volcan C., Scherer C., Determining flood hazard patterns through a combined stochastic–deterministic<br />
approach, Natural Hazards, 59(1), pp. 301-316, (2011).<br />
Migliavacca M., Reichstein M., Richardson A.D., Colombo R., Sutton M.A., Lasslop G., Tomelleri E., Wohlfahrt G., Carvalhais<br />
N., Cescatti A., Mahecha M.D., Montagnani L., Papale D., Zaehle S., Arain A., Arneth A., Black T.A., Carrara<br />
A., Dore S., Gianelle D., Helfter C., Hollinger D., Kutsch W.L., Lafleur P-M., Nouvellon Y., Rebmann C., Humberto<br />
R., Rodeghiero M., Roupsard O., Sebastià M., Seufert G., Soussana J., Michiel K., Semiempirical modeling <strong>of</strong> abiotic<br />
and biotic factors controlling ecosystem respiration across eddy covariance sites. Global Change Biology, 17(1), 390-<br />
409, (2011).<br />
Mimmo T., Hann S., Jaitz L., Cesco S., Gessa C., Puschenreiter M., Time and substrate dependent exudation <strong>of</strong> carboxylates<br />
by Lupinus albus L. and Brassica napus L. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, vol. 49, p. 1272-1278, (2011).<br />
Mirschel F., Zerbe S., Jansen F., Driving factors for natural tree rejuvenation in anthropogenic pine (Pinus sylvestris L.)<br />
forests <strong>of</strong> NE Germany. Forest Ecology & Management 261: 683-694, (2011).<br />
Niu S., Luo Y., Fei S., Montagnani L., Bohrer G., Janssens I.A., Gielen B., Rambal S., Moors E., Matteucci G., Seasonal<br />
hysteresis <strong>of</strong> net ecosystem exchange in response to temperature change: patterns and causes. Global Change<br />
Biology, 17, 3102-3114, doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2486.2011.02459.x, (2011).<br />
Pieratti E., Baratieri M., Ceschini S., Tognana L., Baggio P., Syngas suitability for SOFCs applications produced via<br />
biomass steam gasification process: experimental and modeling analysis. Journal <strong>of</strong> Power Sources, Vol. 196, N. 23,<br />
p. 10038-10049, (2011).<br />
Pieri L., Ventura F., Ventura M., Tagliavini M., Ponti M., Pistocchi R., Albertazzi S., Vignudelli M., Rossi Pisa P., Chemical<br />
and biological indicators <strong>of</strong> water quality in three agricultural watersheds <strong>of</strong> the Po valley, Italy. Italian Journal <strong>of</strong><br />
Agronomy, vol 36, pp.29-38 (2011).<br />
Rinaldi M., Surian N., Comiti F., Bussettini M., The morphological quality index (IQM) for stream evaluation and hydromorphological<br />
classification, Italian Journal <strong>of</strong> Engineering Geology and Environment, 11(1), pp. 17-36, (2011).<br />
Schulz K., Timmermann T., Steffenhagen P., Zerbe S., Succow M., The effect <strong>of</strong> flooding on carbon and nutrient standing<br />
stocks <strong>of</strong> helophyte biomass in rewetted fens. Hydrobiologia DOI 10.1007/s10750-011-0782-5, (2011).<br />
Steffenhagen P., Zak D., Schulz K., Timmermann T., Zerbe S., Biomass and nutrient stock <strong>of</strong> submersed and floating<br />
macrophytes in shallow lakes formed by rewetting <strong>of</strong> degraded fens. Hydrobiologia DOI 10.1007/s10750-011-0833-y,<br />
(2011).<br />
Thevs N., Buras A., Zerbe S., Kühnel E., Abdusalih N., Ovezberdyyeva A., Structure and wood biomass <strong>of</strong> near-natural<br />
floodplain forests along the Central Asian rivers Tarim and Amu Darya. Forestry doi: 10.1093/forestry/cpr056,<br />
(2011).<br />
<strong>Activity</strong> Report <strong>of</strong> the Faculty <strong>of</strong> Science and Technology 49
Thevs, N., Zerbe, S., Wucherer, W., Buras, A., Bo Tang, Ecology and utilization <strong>of</strong> salt-tolerant plants in the river basins<br />
<strong>of</strong> Central Asia. Ecological Questions vol. 14: 19-20, (2011).<br />
Wang T., Ciais P., Piao S. L., …, Montagnani L., ..., Controls on winter ecosystem respiration in temperate and boreal<br />
ecosystems, Biogeosciences, 8, 2009-2025, (2011).<br />
Wilcox A., Wohl E.E., Comiti F., Mao L., Hydraulics, morphology, and energy dissipation in an alpine step-pool channel,<br />
Water Resources Research, 47, W07514, (2011).<br />
Yuan W., Luo Y., Li X., …, Montagnani L., …, Redefinition and global estimation <strong>of</strong> basal ecosystem respiration rate.<br />
Global Biogeochem. Cycles, GB4002, doi:10.1029/2011GB004150, (2011).<br />
Zambelli B., Musiani F., Benini S., Ciurli S., Chemistry <strong>of</strong> ni(2+) in urease: sensing, trafficking, and catalysis. Accounts<br />
<strong>of</strong> chemical research Volume: 44 Issue: 7 Pages: 520-30, (2011).<br />
Zuchi S., Cesco S., Gottardi S., Pinton R., Römheld V., Astolfi S., The root-hairless barley mutant brb used as model<br />
for assessment <strong>of</strong> role <strong>of</strong> root hairs in iron accumulation. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, ISSN: 0981-9428, 49(5):<br />
506-512, doi:10.1016/j.plaphy.2010.12.005, (2011).<br />
2010<br />
Andreotti C., Ravaglia D. and Costa G., Effects <strong>of</strong> fruit load and reflective mulch on phenolic compounds accumulation<br />
in nectarine fruit. European Journal <strong>of</strong> Horticultural Science 75 (2), 53-59 (2010).<br />
Aubinet M., Feigenwinter Ch., Bernh<strong>of</strong>er Ch., Canepa E., Lindroth A., Montagnani L., Baratieri M., Pieratti E., Nordgreen<br />
T., Grigiante M., Biomass Gasification with Dolomite as Catalyst in a small fluidized bed Experimental and<br />
Modelling Analysis. Waste and Biomass Valorization, Vol. 1 (3), 283-291, (2010).<br />
Bertotti M. L., Delitala M., Cluster formation in opinion dynamics: a qualitative analysis, Zeitschrift für Angewandte<br />
Mathematik und Physik (ZAMP), vol. 61, pp. 583-602, (2010).<br />
Bertotti M. L., Modelling taxation and redistribution: a discrete active particle kinetic approach, Applied Mathematics<br />
and Computation, vol. 217, pp. 752-762, (2010).<br />
Bertotti M. L., On a class <strong>of</strong> dynamical systems with emerging cluster structure, Journal <strong>of</strong> Differential Equations, vol.<br />
249, pp. 2757-2770, (2010).<br />
Carvalhais N., Reichstein M., Ciais Ph., Collatz G.J., Mahecha M., Montagnani L., Papale D., Rambal S., Seixas J.,<br />
Identification <strong>of</strong> vegetation and soil carbon pools out <strong>of</strong> equilibrium in a process model via eddy covariance and<br />
biometric constraints. Global Change Biology. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2486.2010.02174.x., (2010).<br />
Comiti F., Cadol D., Wohl E.E., Reply to comment by Keith Richardson on “Flow regimes, bed morphology, and flow<br />
resistance in self-formed step-pool channels”, Water Resources Research, 46, W12804, (2010).<br />
Feigenwinter Ch., Montagnani L. and Aubinet M., Plot-scale vertical and horizontal transport <strong>of</strong> CO2 modified by a<br />
persistent slope wind system in and above an alpine forest. Agricultural and Forest Meteorology. doi:10.1016/j.agrformet.2009.05.009,<br />
(2010).<br />
Fischer C., Food quality and product export performance – an empirical investigation <strong>of</strong> the EU situation, Journal <strong>of</strong><br />
International Food & Agribusiness Marketing, vol. 22, no 2/3, pp. 210-233, (2010).<br />
Glad T., Bernhardsen P., Nielsen K.M., Brusetti L., Andersen M., Aars J., Sundset M.A., Bacterial diversity in faeces<br />
from polar bear (Ursus maritimus) in Arctic Svalbard. BMC Microbiology, vol. 10, page 10, http://www.biomedcentral.<br />
com/1471-2180/10/10, (2010).<br />
Glad T., Kristiansen V.F., Nielsen K.M., Brusetti L., Wright A.-D.G., Sundset M.A., Ecological characterization <strong>of</strong> the<br />
colonic microbiota in Arctic and sub-Arctic seals. Microbial Ecology, vol. 60, pp. 320-330, (2010).<br />
Grigiante M., Ischia M., Baratieri M., Dal Maschio R., Ragazzi M., Pyrolysis analysis and solid residue stabilization <strong>of</strong><br />
polymers, waste tyres and sewage sludge. Waste and Biomass Valorization, vol. 1 (4), 381-393, (2010).<br />
Iroumè A., Andreoli A., Comiti F., Ulloa H., Huber A.. Large wood abundance, distribution and mobilization in a third<br />
order Coastal mountain range river system, southern Chile. Forest Ecology and Management, 260 (4), 480-490,<br />
(2010).<br />
Lasch U., Zerbe S., Lenk M. Electrocution <strong>of</strong> raptors at power lines in Central Kazakhstan, Forest Ecology, Landscape<br />
Research and Nature Conservation . Vol. 9, pp. 95-100, (2010).<br />
Levaggi L., Levaggi R.. Welfare properties <strong>of</strong> restrictions to health care based on cost effectiveness, Health Economics,<br />
vol. 20, n. 1, 2011, pp. 101-110, (2010).<br />
Levaggi R., Levaggi L. Strategic costs and preferences revelation in the allocation <strong>of</strong> resources for health care, International<br />
Journal <strong>of</strong> Heath Care Finance and Economics, Vol. 10, n. 3, pp. 239-256, (2010).<br />
Lüderitz V., Zerbe S., Jüpner R., Arevalo J.R.. Ecosystem restoration and sustainable management <strong>of</strong> rivers and wetlands<br />
– Introduction to the special issue, Forest Ecology, Landscape Research and Nature Conservation . Vol. 10, pp.<br />
5-6, (2010).<br />
Mahecha M.D., Reichstein M., Carvalhais N., …, Montagnani L., ..., Global convergence in the temperature sensitivity<br />
<strong>of</strong> respiration at ecosystem level. Science, 329 (5993) 838 – 840, doi: 10.1126/science.1189587, (2010).
Matt D. T., Functional periodicity as a concept for the (re-)design to agility <strong>of</strong> production systems. Production Engineering<br />
- Research & Development, Special Issue: Part I: Changeable, Agile, Reconfigurable and Virtual Production,<br />
Guest Editors: Michael F. Zaeh, Gunther Reinhart, Springer, vol. 4, no. 4, pp. 363-369 (DOI: 10.1007/s11740-010-<br />
0247-0), (2010).<br />
Mazzetto F., Calcante A., Mena A., Vercesi A., 2010, Integration <strong>of</strong> optical and analogue sensors for monitoring canopy<br />
health and vigour in precision viticulture, Precision Agriculture, vol.11, pp. 636–649, (2010).<br />
Mirschel F., Zerbe S., Jansen F.. Driving factors for natural tree rejuvenation in anthropogenic pine (Pinus sylvestris L.)<br />
forests <strong>of</strong> NE Germany. Forest Ecology & Management, DOI 10.1016/j.foreco.2010.11.025, (2010).<br />
Montagnani L., Manca G., Canepa E., Georgieva E., Assessing the method-specific differences in quantification <strong>of</strong><br />
CO2 advection at three forest sites during the ADVEX campaign. Agricultural and Forest Meteorology. doi: 10.1016/j.<br />
agrformet.2010.01.013, (2010).<br />
Polo A., Cappitelli F., Brusetti L., Principi P., Villa F., Giacomucci L., Ranalli G., Sorlini C., Feasibility <strong>of</strong> removing<br />
surface deposits on stone using biological and chemical remediation methods. Microbial Ecology, vol. 60, pp. 1-14,<br />
(2010).<br />
Richardson A.D., Black T.A., Ciais Ph., …, Montagnani L., …, Influence <strong>of</strong> spring and autumn phenological switches on<br />
forest ecosystem productivity. Philosophical Transactions <strong>of</strong> the Royal Society B., 2010 365:3227-3246; doi:10.1098/<br />
rstb.2010.0102, (2010).<br />
Scandellari F., Ventura M., Gioacchini P., Vittori Antisari L. and Tagliavini M. Seasonal pattern <strong>of</strong> net nitrogen rhizodeposition<br />
from peach (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch) trees in soils with different textures. Agriculture, Ecosystems &<br />
Environment. Vol. 136, pp. 162-168, (2010).<br />
Teuling A.J., Seneviratne S.I., Stöckli R., ..., Montagnani L., ..., Contrasting response <strong>of</strong> European forest and grassland<br />
energy exchange to heatwaves, Nature Geoscience, 3, 722–727, doi:10.1038/ngeo950, (2010).<br />
Tonon G., Sohi S., Francioso O., Ferrari E., Montecchio D., Gioacchini P., Ciavatta C., Poulson D., Effect <strong>of</strong> soil pH on<br />
the chemical composition <strong>of</strong> organic matter in physically separated soil fractions in two broadleaf woodland sites at<br />
Rothamsted, UK. Journal <strong>of</strong> European Soil Science, Vol. 61, pp. 970–979, (2010).<br />
Vargas R., Baldocchi D.D., Querejeta J.I., Curtis P.S., Hasselquist N.J., Janssens I.A., Allen M.F, Montagnani L., Ecosystem<br />
CO2 fluxes <strong>of</strong> arbuscular and ectomycorrhizal dominated vegetation types are differentially influenced by<br />
precipitation and temperature. New Phytologist. 185: 226–236, doi: 10.1111/j.1469-8137.2009.03040.x, (2010).<br />
Ventura M., Scandellari F., Bonora E. and Tagliavini M., Nutrient release during decomposition <strong>of</strong> leaf litter in a peach<br />
(Prunus persica L.) orchard. Nutr. Cycl. Agroecosyst. Vol. 87 (1), pp. 115-123, (2010).<br />
Yi C., Ricciuto D., Li R., …, Montagnani L., …, Climate control <strong>of</strong> terrestrial carbon exchange across biomes and continents,<br />
Environmental Research Letters, 5, doi: 10.1088/1748-9326/5/3/034007, (2010).<br />
Zemmrich A., Manthey M., Zerbe S., O. Damdinsürengiyn. Driving environmental factors and the role <strong>of</strong> grazing in<br />
grassland communities: A comparative study along an altitudinal gradient in Western Mongolia, J. Arid Environm.<br />
Vol. 74, pp. 1271-1280, (2010).<br />
Zerbe S., Thevs N., Kühnel E.. Vegetation, ecosystem dynamics, and restoration <strong>of</strong> floodplains in Central Asia – the<br />
Tarim River (Xinjiang, NW China) as an example, Forest Ecology, Landscape Research and Nature Conservation . Vol.<br />
10, pp. 85-89, (2010).<br />
Lasch U., Zerbe S., Lenk M.: Electrocution <strong>of</strong> raptors at power lines in Central Kazakhstan. Forest Ecology, Landscape<br />
Research and Nature Conservation 9 (online preview: http://www.afsv.de/download/literatur/waldoekologie-online/<br />
waldoekologie-online_heft-9-2.pdf) (2010).<br />
BOOKS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO BOOKS<br />
2012<br />
Comiti F., Mao L., Recent advances in the dynamics <strong>of</strong> steep channels. In: Gravel-bed rivers: processes, tools, environments.<br />
Chichester, West Sussex, England: John Wiley & Sons Ltd., ISBN: 978-0-470-68890-8, (2012).<br />
Cosio M. S., Benedetti S., Scampicchio M., Chemical analysis <strong>of</strong> food: techniques and applications. In: “Electronic<br />
Noses and Tongues”, Y. Picó ed., Waltham (MA)/USA:Academic Press, ISBN 978-0-12-384862-8, p. 219-248, (2012).<br />
Fischer, C., Sustainable Inter-organizational Relationships in Regional and Non-regional Agri-food Supply Chains. In:<br />
“Local Agri-food Systems in a Global World: Market, Social and Environmental Challenges”, Arfini, F., Mancini, M.<br />
C., Donati, M. (eds.), Cambridge Scholars Publishing, Cambridge, UK, ISBN: 978-1-4438-3664-7, pp. 29-48, (2012)<br />
Gucci R., Corelli Grappadelli L., Tagliavini M., Dichio B., Masia A., Funzionalità dell’albero. In Sansavini et al. (curatori),<br />
Arboricoltura generale. Pp. 73-116. Patron Editore. Bologna, (2012).<br />
Krause D., Karrer S., Matt D. T., Build4Future – Chancen und Herausforderungen für die Bauwirtschaft. Fraunh<strong>of</strong>er<br />
Verlag. ISBN 978-3-8396-0450-2, (2012).<br />
<strong>Activity</strong> Report <strong>of</strong> the Faculty <strong>of</strong> Science and Technology 51
Krause D., Matt D. T., Bullinger S., Rauch R., Procedure snelle in reti edili – studio programmatico per l’alto Adige,<br />
rete di innovazione build4future, Fraunh<strong>of</strong>er Verlag. ISBN 978-3-8396-0456-4, (2012).<br />
Matt D. T., Weiss A., Promotion <strong>of</strong> productivity and innovation by organizational changes considering an ageing workforce:<br />
the example <strong>of</strong> workplace health promotion for SME. In: Demographischer Wandel - Herausforderung für die<br />
Arbeits- und Betriebsorganisation der Zukunft, Schriftenreihe der Hochschulgruppe für Arbeits- und Betriebsorganisation<br />
e.V. (HAB), Egon Müller (ed.), ISBN 978-3-942183-74-1, GITO-Verlag GmbH, Berlin, pp. 81-104, (2012).<br />
Tagliavini M., Failla O., Xiloyannis C., La fertilizzazione nell’arboreto. In Sansavini et al. (curatori), Arboricoltura generale.<br />
Pp. 425-443. Patron Editore. Bologna, (2012).<br />
Trentini G., Monaci M., Goltara A., Comiti F., Gallmetzer W., Mazzorana B. (eds), Riqualificazione fluviale e gestione del<br />
territorio. <strong>Bozen</strong>-<strong>Bolzano</strong> <strong>University</strong> Press. ISBN 978-88-6046-054-7, (2012).<br />
2011<br />
Benedetti C. (a cura di), Erlacher P., Baratieri M., Alati M.C., Demattio M., Girasoli M.T., Marchesi M., Rondoni M.,<br />
Risanare l’esistente. Soluzioni per il comfort e l’efficienza energetica, pp. 375, <strong>University</strong> Press, <strong>Bolzano</strong>,<br />
ISBN 978-88-6046-042-4<br />
Benedetti C. (a cura di), G. Leone, G. Pasetti Monizza, Ventilazione naturale, Le guide pratiche del Master Casaclima,<br />
pp. 201, <strong>University</strong> Press, <strong>Bolzano</strong>, (2011).<br />
Matt D. T., Enhanced Survivability- a Framework <strong>of</strong> Self-Healing Mechanisms’ Installation Using Axiomatic Design<br />
in Agile Manufacturing Systems. In: “Enabling Manufacturing Competitiveness and Economic Sustainability”, H. A.<br />
ElMaraghy ed., London/UK: Springer, ISBN: 978-3-642-23859-8, p. 154-160 (2011).<br />
Matt D. T., Ohlhausen P., Organization in SME networks. In: “Managing Cooperation in Supply Network Structures and<br />
SMEs – EVI Instant Book”, A. Villa ed., London/UK:Springer, ISBN: 978-0-85729-242-1, p. 1-18 (2011).<br />
Rinaldi M., Surian N., Comiti F., Bussettini M., Guidebook for the evaluation <strong>of</strong> stream morphological conditions by the<br />
Morphological Quality Index (IQM). Version 1. Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale, Roma, 85<br />
pp, ISBN 978-88-448-0487-9 (2011).<br />
Tagliavini M., Andreotti C., La concimazione della fragola. In “La Fragola”, pag. 186-199. ART Servizi Editoriali S.p.A.,<br />
Bologna. Collana “Coltura e Cultura” (2011).<br />
Tonon G., Dezi S., Ventura M. and Scandellari F., The Effect <strong>of</strong> Forest Management on Soil Organic Carbon. In: “Sustaining<br />
Soil Productivity in Response to Global Climate Change: Science, Policy, and Ethics”, T. J. Sauer, J. M. Eiler,<br />
M. V. K. Sivakumar, ed. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., pp. 225-238. ISBN: 978-0-4709-5857-5 (2011).<br />
Zerbe S., Thevs N., Restoring Central Asian floodplain ecosystems as natural capital and cultural heritage in a continental<br />
desert environment. In: Hong, S.-K., Wu., J., Kim, J.-E., Nakagoshi, N. (eds.): Landscape Ecology in Asian<br />
Cultures. Ecological Research Monographs, Springer: 277-297 (2011).<br />
2010<br />
Benedetti C. (a cura di), Girasoli M.T., Marchesi M., Demattio M., Rondoni M., Appunti di fisica tecnica, Le guide pratiche<br />
del Master Casaclima, <strong>University</strong> Press, <strong>Bolzano</strong> (2010).<br />
Benedetti C. (a cura di), Lotto V., Coperture a verde, Le guide pratiche del Master Casaclima, <strong>University</strong> Press,<br />
<strong>Bolzano</strong> (2010).<br />
Benedetti C. (a cura di), Mosconi G., Appunti di cantiere, Le guide pratiche del Master Casaclima, <strong>University</strong> Press,<br />
<strong>Bolzano</strong> (2010).<br />
Benedetti C. (a cura di), Pasetti Monizza G., Ratajczak J., Patz C., Materiali isolanti, Le guide pratiche del Master Casaclima,<br />
<strong>University</strong> Press, <strong>Bolzano</strong> (2010).<br />
Benini S., Structure and function <strong>of</strong> urease and cytochrome c-553. Saarbruecken, DE: ed. LAP Lambert Academic<br />
Publishing, ISBN: 978-3-8383-6498-8 (2010).<br />
Chaddad F., Fischer C. and Hartmann M., Lessons Learned: Recommendations for Future Research on Agri-food<br />
Relationships, In: “Agri-food Chain Relationships”, C. Fischer and M. Hartmann, Oxford, UK: eds. CAB International,<br />
ISBN: 978-1-84593-642-6. Pages 267-280 (2010).<br />
Comiti F., Lenzi M.A., Mao L., Local scouring at check dams in mountain rivers. In: Conesa-Garcia M., Lenzi M.A. (eds)<br />
Check Dams, Morphological Adjustments and Erosion Control in Torrential Streams. ISBN/ISSN: 978-1-60876-146-<br />
3 (2010).<br />
Fischer C. and Hartmann M., Agri-food Chain Relationships, Oxford, UK: eds. CAB International, ISBN: 978-1-84593-<br />
642-6 (2010).<br />
Fischer C. and Hartmann M., Introduction and Overview: Analysing Inter-organizational Relationships in Agri-food<br />
Chains, In: “Agri-food Chain Relationships”, C. Fischer and M. Hartmann, Oxford, UK: eds. CAB International, ISBN:<br />
978-1-84593-642-6. Pages 11-21 (2010).
Fischer C. and Reynolds N., Collaborative Advantage, Relational Risks and Sustainable Relationships: a Literature<br />
Review and Definition, In: “Agri-food Chain Relationships”, C. Fischer and M. Hartmann, Oxford, UK: eds. CAB International,<br />
ISBN: 978-1-84593-642-6. Pages 74-89 (2010).<br />
Fischer C., Hartmann M., Reynolds N., Leat P., Revoredo-Giha C., Henchion M., Gracia A. and Albisu L.M., Determinants<br />
<strong>of</strong> Sustainable Agri-food Chain Relationships in Europe, In: “Agri-food Chain Relationships”, C. Fischer and<br />
M. Hartmann, Oxford, UK: eds. CAB International, ISBN: 978-1-84593-642-6. Pages 119-134 (2010).<br />
Hartmann M., Frohberg K. and Fischer C., Building Sustainable Relationships in Agri-food Chains: Challenges from<br />
Farm to Retail, In: “Agri-food Chain Relationships”, C. Fischer and M. Hartmann, Oxford, UK: eds. CAB International,<br />
ISBN: 978-1-84593-642-6. Pages 25-44 (2010).<br />
Leat P., Henchion M., Albisu L.M. and Fischer C., Trust and Relationships in Selected European Agri-food Chains, In:<br />
“Agri-food Chain Relationships”, C. Fischer and M. Hartmann, Oxford, UK: eds. CAB International, ISBN: 978-1-<br />
84593-642-6. Pages 91-104 (2010).<br />
Lu H., Batt P.and Fischer C., Best Practice in Relationship Management: Recommendations for Farmers, Processors<br />
and Retailers, In: “Agri-food Chain Relationships”, C. Fischer and M. Hartmann, Oxford, UK: eds. CAB International,<br />
ISBN: 978-1-84593-642-6. Pages 237-249 (2010).<br />
Mao L., Comiti F., Lenzi M.A. , Bedload Dynamics in Steep Mountain Rivers: Insights from the Rio Cordon Experimental<br />
Station (Italian Alps). In: Gray, J.R., Laronne, J.B., and Marr, J.D.G. (eds) Bedload-surrogate monitoring technologies,<br />
U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2010-5091, 253-265 (available online from http://pubs.<br />
usgs.gov/sir/2010/5091/papers/list<strong>of</strong>papers.html) (2010).<br />
Matt D. T., Axiomatic Design <strong>of</strong> Agile Manufacturing Systems. In: T. Aized, ed. Future Manufacturing Systems. Rijeka:<br />
Sciyo, pp. 179-194, ISBN: 978-953-307-128-2 (2010).<br />
Matt D. T., Beherrschung der zeitabhängigen Komplexitätszunahme als Schlüssel zur Sicherstellung der Wandlungsfähigkeit<br />
von Produktionssystemen – ein systemtheoretischer Ansatz. In: P. Nyhuis, ed. Wandlungsfähige Produktionssysteme-<br />
Schriftenreihe der Hochschulgruppe für Arbeits- und Betriebsorganisation e.V. (HAB). Berlin: GITO-Verlag<br />
GmbH, pp. 237-257, ISBN 978-3-942183-15-4 (2010).<br />
Zerbe S., Hampicke U., Ott K., Interdisziplinäre Aspekte der Ökosystemrenaturierung. In: Kramer, M. (ed.): Integratives<br />
Umweltmanagement. Systemorientierte Zusammenhänge zwischen Politik, Recht, Management und Technik.<br />
Gabler, Wiesbaden: 677-705 (2010).<br />
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