Compact DSOP and Partial DSOP Forms

Given a Boolean function f on n variables, a Disjoint Sum-of-Products (DSOP) of f is a set of products (ANDs) of subsets of literals whose sum (OR) equals f, such that no two products cover the same minterm of f. DSOP forms are a special instance of partial DSOPs, i.e. the general case where a subset of minterms must be covered exactly once and the other minterms (typically corresponding to don’t care conditions of f) can be covered any number of times. We discuss finding DSOPs and partial DSOPs with a minimal number of products, a problem theoretically connected with various properties of Boolean functions and practically relevant in the synthesis of digital circuits. Finding an absolute minimum is hard, in fact we prove that the problem of absolute minimization of partial DSOPs is NP-hard. Therefore it is crucial to devise a polynomial time heuristic that compares favorably with the known minimization tools. To this end we develop a further piece of theory starting from the definition of the weight of a cube c as a functions of the number of fragments induced on other cubes by the selection of c, and show how cube weights can be exploited for building a class of minimization heuristics for DSOP and partial DSOP synthesis. A set of experiments conducted on major benchmark functions show that our method, with a family of variants, always generates better results than the ones of previous heuristics, including the method based on a BDD representation of f.     

Influence of the Tunnel Shape on Shotcrete Lining Stresses

Tunnel excavation is frequently carried out in rock masses by the drill and blast method and the final shape of the tunnel boundary can be irregular due to overbreaks. In order to investigate the effects of overbreaks a study of the effect of tunnel boundary irregularity has been carried out. This is done developing a computational tool able to take into account fuzzy variables (i.e., thickness of the beams of the bedded spring approach used for the model). The obtained results show that irregularity effects should be considered when a shotcrete lining is used as the final tunnel lining (for the case where the tunneling procedure does not permit a smooth surface to be obtained). This is crucial to obtain a durable lining.     

AZ31 magnesium alloy recycling through friction stir extrusion process

Friction Stir Extrusion is a novel technique for direct recycling of metal scrap. In the process, a dedicated tool produces both the heat and the pressure to compact and extrude the original raw material, i.e., machining chip, as a consolidated component. A proper fixture was used to carry out an experimental campaign on Friction Stir Extrusion of AZ31 magnesium alloy. Variable tool rotation and extrusion ratio were considered. Appearance of defects and fractures was related to either too high or too low power input. The extruded rods were investigated both from the metallurgical and mechanical points of view. Tensile strength up to 80 % of the parent material was found for the best combination of process parameters. A peculiar 3D helical material flow was highlighted through metallurgical observation of the specimens.     

Double actuation architectures for rendering variable impedance in compliant robots: A review

Novel compliant actuation systems have been developed in recent years for a variety of possible advantages, such as establishing a safe human–robot interaction, increasing energy efficiency, reducing the effects of impacts and even for the development of neuro-inspired robotic platforms to be used in human motor control studies.In this rapidly growing and transversal research field, systems involving more than one active element (typically motors) for each actuated degree of freedom are being investigated to allow separate position and impedance regulations. Considering the wide range of applications and the large number of different arrangements deriving from the combination of two active elements and passive elastic components, several actuation architectures have been devised.This paper reviews state-of-the-art rotary variable impedance units incorporating two separate motors. Existing devices are grouped in three main categories. A critical and comparative analysis of the most relevant features is carried out, also based on most representative prototypes. Recently proposed methodologies and evaluation criteria for design optimization are illustrated and perspectives on potential applications of double actuation systems are presented.     

New Insights on Plant Cell Elongation: A Role for Acetylcholine

We investigated the effect of auxin and acetylcholine on the expression of the tomato expansin gene LeEXPA2, a specific expansin gene expressed in elongating tomato hypocotyl segments. Since auxin interferes with clathrin-mediated endocytosis, in order to regulate cellular and developmental responses we produced protoplasts from tomato elongating hypocotyls and followed the endocytotic marker, FM4-64, internalization in response to treatments. Tomato protoplasts were observed during auxin and acetylcholine treatments after transient expression of chimerical markers of volume-control related compartments such as vacuoles. Here we describe the contribution of auxin and acetylcholine to LeEXPA2 expression regulation and we support the hypothesis that a possible subcellular target of acetylcholine signal is the vesicular transport, shedding some light on the characterization of this small molecule as local mediator in the plant physiological response.     

High Temperature Oxidation and Microstructural Evolution of Modified MCrAlY Coatings

Thermal sprayed MCrAlY coatings are widely used as a bond coat in thermal barrier systems to protect the substrate from corrosion and high temperature oxidation and to improve the compatibility between the ceramic top coat and metallic substrate. In this paper, the high temperature oxidation resistance of MCrAlY coatings with modified compositions was evaluated; in particular, the effect of the addition of reactive and refractory elements (Ta, Re, Si, and Hf) was investigated. MCrAlY coatings were obtained by high velocity oxygen fuel spray and vacuum plasma spray techniques; samples were exposed to air at 1423 K (1150 °C) and the oxidation kinetics were evaluated by measuring the thickness of the thermally grown oxide (TGO) scale at several exposure times. Experimental data confirmed that the oxidation resistance of MCrAlY coatings is strictly related to the amount of the reactive and refractory elements in the starting powders and that a thorough understanding of the microstructural modifications taking place during oxidation is essential for controlling TGO growth and thermal barriers’ durability.     

Evolution of the Metaponto District,Southern Italy: From Land Reform to New Sustainable Scenarios

In this paper we have represented the economic, environmental and territorial transformation of Metaponto district (southern Italy) generated by the land reform since 1950. The coastal area, once inhospitable and unproductive, through land reform has become a point of development for the entire Basilicata Region. The intensive model of economic development applied to agriculture and tourism today represents the main critical points of high environmental impact. In particular, the great human pressure exerted by economic activities has led to an insufficient capacity of water purification systems in the area and such criticism is amplified in the summer mainly for seaside tourism. In this study we have measured the environmental load exerted on the territory and we have estimated the human pressure on the district in the year 2030 and made proposals for amendments to current patterns of development in the agricultural and tourist sectors.