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The application of GIS softwares (Geographic Information System) to historical geography is one of the most innovative and dynamic frontiers of research in the field of territorial diachronic studies. The book is the outcome of the work of several experts in the field and offers an analytical framework of the state of the art of the use of Historical GIS in Italy. It explores the methodological and epistemological implications of the application of geographic information systems to a wide range of different areas of research, on the basis of multiple case studies that have been developed throughout decades of experience. By presenting the problems posed by information and digital tools, the cognitive potential for the new “digital historical geographers” and the consequences in the field of public dissemination, the text illustrates how the use of GIS is changing the understanding and analysis of the geographies of the past and how Spatial Humanities are consolidating in Italian academic research. L’applicazione dei software GIS (Geographic Information System) alla geografia storica costituisce una delle più innovative e dinamiche frontiere di ricerca nel campo degli studi diacronici sul territorio. Il presente volume, frutto di un lavoro a più mani curato da specialisti del settore, offre un quadro analitico dello stato dell’arte sull’uso degli Historical GIS in Italia. Le implicazioni metodologiche ed epistemologiche della diffusione di sistemi informativi geografici per approfondire un ampio ventaglio di diverse tematiche sono esplorate sulla base di molteplici casi di studio maturati in esperienze di durata decennale. Presentando le problematiche poste dagli strumenti informatici, le potenzialità cognitive aperte per i nuovi “geografi storici digitali” e le ricadute nel campo della divulgazione pubblica, questo testo illustra come l’uso del GIS stia cambiando la comprensione e l’analisi delle geografie del passato e come le Spatial Humanities si stiano consolidando nella ricerca accademica italiana.

This paper presents a low-power, high-performance continuous-time ΣΔ modulator for MEMS microphones front-end. The ΣΔ modulator 3rd-order loop filter has been implemented with a low-noise, power-optimized active-RC architecture that uses only two operational amplifiers. This solution, along with the use of a 15-level quantizer and of a feedback DAC with three-level current-steering elements, which minimizes the noise contribution for small input signals, allows achieving a DR larger than 100 dB, while consuming less than 0.5 mW, as required in always-running audio modules for portable devices. The proposed ΣΔ modulator, realized in 0.16 μm CMOS technology with an area of 0.21 mm2, achieves 106 dB A-weighted DR and 91.3 dB peak SNDR, consuming 390 μW from a 1.6 V power supply.

In this paper the effect of colored clock jitter on audio continuous-time ΣΔ modulators is studied. The results demonstrate the importance of using the correct model for the jitter on the clock signal, especially when it is generated by a phase-locked loop, as it is the case in most audio applications. The paper demonstrates that the popular clock signal model with white jitter noise spectrum leads to worse ΣΔ modulator performance than a more realistic model with colored jitter noise spectrum. Indeed, such a model allows the designer to obtain more reliable simulation results, in order to choose the most suitable architecture and size correctly the circuit components to achieve the desired design target, leading to power consumption and area optimization.

A 3rd-order continuous-time ΣΔ modulator for MEMS microphones in 0.16-μm CMOS technology achieves 106.7-dB DR and 93.2-dB peak SNDR, consuming 390 μW from a 1.6-V power supply and occupying an area of 0.21 mm2. The ΣΔ modulator, based on a feedforward architecture, uses only two operational amplifiers for achieving the 3rd-order loop-filter transfer function, a 15-level quantizer, and a feedback DAC with three-level current-steering elements, which minimizes the noise contribution at small input signal, in order to achieve a DR > 100 dB with the largest reported Schreier FoM (184 dB).

This paper presents a 4th-order low-pass continuous-time filter with 24MHz bandwidth. Using cross-coupled MOS transistors combined with capacitors and resistors, this architecture synthesizes two complex-conjugate-poles pairs. The filter is designed and optimized to feature high-linearity along all filter passband, and, in particular, at the cut-off frequency edge. The filter consumes 100μA with 1.8V voltage supply, and achieves 45μW/pole power consumption, 150μVRMS input-referred noise, 16dBm IIP3 with 2-3MHz input tones and 5dBm IIP3 near the cut frequency.

In the Netherlands, the functional approach described in the 2008 European Asphalt Concrete standards was selected, specifying mixtures by their stiffness, fatigue resistance, permanent deformation, moisture sensitivity and limited composition data. The requirements for the functional specifications were based on the existing experience with a large number of mixes. Since the introduction of the standards, unexpected developments like improved performance in all functional tests with increasing RAP content, led to questions about the predictive quality of the laboratory determined functional characteristics for field performance and the potential causes of a mis-match between lab and practice. These questions led to a large, long term project in the Netherlands (NL-LAB) in which the functional characteristics are determined in the process of construction projects. They are determined on (I) material mixed and compacted in the lab, (II) mixed in the plant and compacted in the lab and (III) mixed in the plant and compacted in the road. These tests will eventually provide insight in the effect of mixing and compaction. The pavement sections are monitored in time, to allow the link with pavement performance. The sections will be sampled during their service life to see changes occur in their functional properties. For the road industry, that tries to guarantee pavement performance by accurate selection of materials, the possibility of design information based on both laboratory and in situ results would be beneficial.Two mixes for base layers with different mix compositions and amounts of RAP are analysed using formalistic expressions originating from Design Guide Level II for estimation of various performance indicators. This project uses expressions to analyse the differences between the mixes in the three cases described above. It addresses the possibility of utilizing these expressions during preliminary mix design to guide the selection of mix composition parameters towards a desired optimum.

Il testo affronta il tema della consulenza tecnica nei giudizi diversi da quello ordinario di cognizione

Background Hepatitis B vaccination has proven to be very safe and highly effective. This study assessed the proportion of successfully vaccinated individuals among cases with acute hepatitis B, the proportion of preventable cases if individuals were vaccinated as recommended, and the reasons for failures. Methods We analyzed data reported to the Italian Surveillance System for Acute Viral Hepatitis from 1993 to 2014. Results A total of 362 of 11 311 (3.2%) cases with acute hepatitis B were vaccinated. Of the 277 cases for whom immunization data were available, 50 (18%) received a complete vaccination course according to the correct schedule and before exposure to hepatitis B virus. Molecular characterization of 17 of these cases showed that 6 were infected with S-gene mutants. Among the 10 949 unvaccinated cases, 213 (1.9%) escaped mandatory vaccination and 2821 (25.8%) were not vaccinated despite being at increased risk of infection. Among the latter, the most common risk factors were cohabitation with hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carriers, intravenous drug use, and homosexual/bisexual practices. Thirty-seven percent of the unvaccinated households with HBsAg carriers were aware of their risk. Lack of trust in the vaccination, negative attitude, and inaccurate beliefs followed by lack of or poor communication and low perceived severity of the disease were the most frequent reasons for vaccine hesitancy. Conclusions Development of acute disease in successfully vaccinated individuals is a rare event. Further efforts are needed to enhance the vaccine coverage rate in individuals at increased risk of infection.

An (IC)-C-2 programmable 0.35 mu m CMOS System-on-Chip (SoC) for bi-dimensional gas-sensor arrays providing extended dynamic range read-out with suitable embedded A/D converter and digitally controlled row temperature has been developed. The SoC also features low-power consumption, low-cost production, wide re-configurability and thus large scale compliance with several types of micro-sensors, achieving maximum performance if connected to resistive metal-oxide gas-sensor grids. The CMOS SoC read-out sub-circuit is inspired to laboratory professional electrometers and made up of a current to digital converter plus suitable very low insertion loss analog multiplexers. If connected to a 5x5 gas-sensor array, it features 380 possible measurement configurations. Arbitrary read-out sequences and temperature profiles, in time and in space, in the range [25 degrees C divided by 500 degrees C] may be run through embedded (IC)-C-2 interface and, without requiring calibration circuits, the SoC features over 160dB measured dynamic range in sensor current read-out with a worst-case output rate of 1 reading per second. Concerning instead digital row temperature regulation, the SoC sub-circuit features an accuracy, including ripple, better than 1 degrees C reaching the set-point temperature value in less than 30ms

In this paper a 0.35μm CMOS complete gas-sensor array front-end circuit is presented. The device provides measured read-out dynamic range of 162dB and effective independent row temperature regulation of 1.5°C within the range [25°C-500°C]. The overall system features a power consumption of 2mW/sensor and may be completely configured and read-out thanks to an embedded I2C bus interface, thus allowing the synthesis of ad-hoc sensor grid temperature gradient profiles over time and space through digital setpoint bitstream. Massive compliance with heterogeneous gas microsensors types is guaranteed, achieving maximum performance when connected to chemo-resistive metal-oxide gas-sensor arrays. The read-out circuit consists of a current to digital converter and an intrinsic series lossless insertion 20-channel multiplexer, while temperature regulation circuit is made up of five closed loop independent modules reading and driving their associated thermometers and heating actuators, respectively, reaching the setpoint temperature in less than 30ms. © 2013 IEEE.

L’articolo illustra alcuni risultati di una ricerca condotta su operatori di 80 comunità residenziali per minori e di 45 servizi invianti e finalizzata alla definizione, nell’ottica del modello ecologico dello sviluppo umano, di criteri di valutazione degli interventi residenziali. Al pari di qualsiasi servizio alla persona, il tema dell’integrazione professionale e istituzionale è cruciale per l’operatività delle comunità residenziali per minori. Nel modello ecologico dello sviluppo umano questo livello viene definito come esosistema. I risultati presentati riguardano le relazioni fra i servizi coinvolti negli interventi; essi evidenziano l’interdipendenza che si realizza fra diversi livelli dell’ambiente ecologico e mostrano come l’articolazione fra i livelli abbia ricadute sugli esiti dell’intervento.