bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of a test methodology to assess potential drift generated by air-assisted sprayers
Authors: Balsari Paolo , Marucco Paolo , Bozzer Claudio , Tamagnone Mario
Published: September 2016

During pesticide application spray drift may cause diffuse pollution phenomena in the environment. In the last years the European Union, through the Directive on the sustainable use of pesticides (128/2009 EC), has recommended the adoption of measures enabling to prevent spray drift. Among these measures, the adoption of buffer zones beside the sprayed fields requires to consider different widths for these no spray zones according to the amount of spray drift generated by the spraying equipment used for application. It is therefore necessary to classify the different sprayer models according to drift risk. For what concerns the sprayers used on arboreal crops, in order to make this classification in a simple and quick way as it was already proposed for the field crop sprayers (ISO FDIS 22369-3), a study was started aimed at defining a methodology to assess potential drift produced by the different sprayer models in absence of wind, using ad hoc test benches. On the basis of the positive first experimental data obtained, a first proposal for a new ISO standard methodology was prepared.
Numerical and experimental analysis of vertical spray control patternators
Authors: Sarghini F. , Pergher G.
Published: September 2016

The experimental vertical spray control walls have the purpose of picking up the liquid delivered by trained sprayer for providing the liquid distribution profile in height. Theoretically this should correspond to the ideal profile, which consists in a uniform distribution on the vegetation. If the profile is different from the ideal, a parameter setup is required on the sprayer. Nonetheless, some problems are hidden in the aforementioned statements: i) no wall measures exactly the distribution profile (i.e. the flow through the sections in the vertical plane, parallel to the direction of advancement of the sprayer). Compared to real profile, sensitive errors are introduced: the evaporation of the drops, the deviation of the air flows caused by the sensors panel themselves; by the possibility that the drops bounce on the wall panels, also due to the current of air that can push the liquid veil laterally or upwards, Moreover, everything varies depending on the geometry of the sensors, air velocity, air humidity; ii) no one knows what exactly is the optimal distribution profile. It is often considered as optimal a profile that reflects the amount of leaf area subtended by each section absorber: however, it is evident that the path of the droplets changes according to the sprayer typology (eg. radial-flow or horizontal flows). In this work a combined numerical-experimental approach is adopted, in order to assess some of the aforementioned issues: numerical data obtained by using computational fluid dynamics models are compared and validated with experimental data, in order to assess the reliability of numerical simulations in configurations which are difficult to analyze using an experimental setup.
Tractor accelerated test on test rig
Authors: Mattetti M. , Molari Giovanni , Vertua A. , Guarnieri A.
Published: September 2016

The experimental tests performed to validate a tractor prototype before its production, need a substantial financial and time commitment. The tests could be reduced using accelerated tests able to reproduce on the structural part of the tractor, the same damage produced on the tractor during real life in a reduced time. These tests were usually performed reproducing a particular harsh condition a defined number of times, as for example using a bumpy road on track to carry out the test in any weather condition. Using these procedures the loads applied on the tractor structure are different with respect to those obtained during the real use, with the risk to apply loads hard to find in reality. Recently it has been demonstrated how, using the methodologies designed for cars, it is possible to also expedite the structural tests for tractors. In particular, automotive proving grounds were recently successfully used with tractors to perform accelerated structural tests able to reproduce the real use of the machine with an acceleration factor higher than that obtained with the traditional methods. However, the acceleration factor obtained with a tractor on proving grounds is in any case reduced due to the reduced speed of the tractors with respect to cars. In this context, the goal of the paper is to show the development of a methodology to perform an accelerated structural test on a medium power tractor using a 4 post test rig. In particular, several proving ground testing conditions have been performed to measure the loads on the tractor. The loads obtained were then edited to remove the not damaging portion of signals, and finally the loads obtained were reproduced in a 4 post test rig. The methodology proposed could be a valid alternative to the use of a proving ground to reproduce accelerated structural tests on tractors.
Experimental tests on winter cereal: Sod seeding compared to minimum tillage and traditional plowing
Authors: Cavalchini Antoniotto Guidobono , Rognoni Gian Luca , Tangorra Francesco M. , Costa Annamaria
Published: September 2016

Compared to traditional plowing and minimum tillage, the sod seeding technique has been tested in order to evaluate the differences in energy consumption, labor and machinery requirement and CO2 emission reduction. The experiments were conducted on winter cereal seeding in a Po valley farm in October 2011. The tests were carried out as follows: wheat variety seeding, over corn and alfalfa crops, in large plots with three repetitions for each thesis. They included: sod seeding anticipated by round up weeding in the case of the plots over alfalfa; traditional plowing at 35 cm followed by rotary tillage and combined seeding (seeder plus rotary tiller); minimum tillage based on ripping at the same depth (35 cm) and combined seeder ( seeder plus rotary tiller). The following farm operations - fertilizer, and other agrochemical distributionshave been the same in all the considered theses. The results, statistically significant (P<0.001) in terms of yields, highlighted slight differences: the best data in the case of the traditional plowing both in the case of wheat crop over corn and alfalfa (84.43 and 6.75 t/ha); slightly lower yields for the sod seeding (6.23 and 79.9 t/ha for corn and alfalfa respectively); lower in the case of minimum tillage (5.87; 79.77 t/ha in the two situations). Huge differences in energy and oil consumption have been recorded: in the case of succession to corn 61.47; 35.31; 4.27 kg oil/ha respectively for, traditional plowing, minimum tillage and sod seeding; in the case of alfalfa 61.2; 50.96; 5.14 kg oil/ha respectively for traditional plowing, minimum tillage and sod seeding. The innovative technique, highlighted huge energy saving with an oil consumption equal to 92% and 89% (P<0.001) of what happens in traditional plowing and minimum tillage. Large differences concern labor and machine productivity. These parameters together with oil consumption and machine size [power (kW) and weight (t)] lead to even greater differences in terms of energy consumption, efficiency and CO2 emission savings. Considerations related to the different mechanizations chains, investments required and to some new practices to be introduced, such as low pressure tires or crawlers, ideal lanes, GPS and automatic guide systems to follow the ideal lanes, conclude the study.
Effect of different winter pruning systems on grapes produced
Authors: Caprara Claudio , Pezzi Fabio
Published: September 2016

The purpose of these trials was to evaluate possible effects on properties of grapes, particularly the physical and mechanical features, depending on the winter pruning system. The following pruning techniques were carried out: manual pruning (m); mechanical pruning (M); mechanical pre-pruning and subsequent manual finishing (Mm); mechanical pre-pruning and contemporary fast manual finishing, using a wagon facility with two operators equipped with pneumatic scissors (Mw). The trials were carried out on Sangiovese trained to spurred cordon. During the trials were measured: time and cost of pruning, quality of pruning and the vegetative-productive response of vines. During grape harvesting a consolidated analytical method of texture analysis was applied to evaluate the physical parameters of grapevine cultivar: pedicel detachment, skin perforation, skin thickness, grape features as hardness, cohesiveness, springiness. Analysis of working time showed that the manual pruning (m) determined a greater commitment of time, while the mechanized pruning (M) presented a time reduction of 95%. The two mechanized pruning associated with manual finishing reduced the time of 21% (Mm) and 69% (Mw). The lowering cost is less evident but important anyway. Regarding the quality of pruning, the increase in the level of mechanization has produced an increase of spurs and buds density. It was also detected a higher percentage of damaged spurs and in wrong position. The increasing of mechanization levels of pruning also has produced smaller and sparser bunches with smaller berries. The study of mechanical properties of berries showed significant differences in the mechanical behaviours of the different pruning tests. The mechanized pruning presented higher values for the pedicel detachment, skin perforation and cohesiveness, while it gave lower values for thickness of skin and springiness. The results showed that mechanical pruning can modify properties of the berries which influence mechanical harvesting on vineyard.
The cross-border project between France and Italy MARS+. Sub-project - Innovative technologies for the mechanization of the areas hard to reach
Authors: Tirrò G. , Lisci R. , Rimediotti M. , Sarri D. , Vieri M.
Published: September 2016

The care and protection of the mountain areas and their traditional crops were some of the reasons that led regional governments of Liguria and Tuscany to participate in the strategic project “Sea, Countryside and Land: potentiate the strategic unitarily” (MARS +). This project has also involved the participation of the four cross-border regions: Tuscany (leader), Sardinia, Liguria and Corsica. The aim was to promote the development of the innovations and entrepreneurship in the rural areas in order to increase competitiveness. In particular, the subproject SC has provided the transfer of innovations to facilitate the processes of mechanization in vineyards and olive orchards in contexts defined as “heroic”, areas of high landscape and environmental value in which the typical cultures has been always carried out, generally, on terraces or slopes. These conditions require a great effort by the farmers and result in high production costs. The transfer of the innovations has provided the organization of demonstration days in which the technological solutions for the management of the farming operations in vineyards and olive orchards were proposed and tested. During these events, the participative process was fundamentally reconfirmed, not only as a means to expand the knowledge of innovative products, but also as an opportunity for farmers, retailers, manufacturers, researchers, and local administrators to interact and facilitate the development of other technologies. The parameters that led to the innovative solutions included: the small size, user-friendliness, agility, and the ability of operating on systems not easily accessible. These products must also ensure the ergonomics and safety of workers performing all the growing operations. A thorough research of the available technologies and prototypes, still under development, affirms the presence of many innovations. These innovations not only allow the execution of all the field operations in the vineyard and olive orchards and significant time and cost reduction but also ensure the performance in complete safety. This research has shown the constant development of these products and how the use of electronics and mechatronics is becoming more prevalent.
Static consolidation of a renaissance palace by resins, pins and connecting rods
Authors: Cavalchini Antoniotto Guidobono , Cavalchini Martino Guidobono , Poverello Elena
Published: September 2016

The paper reports the results of a research on the static consolidation of an important XV century tower by Bramante belonging to an important monumental complex located in the Po Valley which was showing worrying structural conditions . The tower, 19 m high, very thin, lacking connections in the highest part, showed overturnings of the four façades not in plumb by over 150mm; Due to the presence of architectural terracotta elements, it was not possible to intervene on the external facades. This is why the authors decided to create a sort of hoop from inside using a U (120 mm) steel profile fastened to the walls by means of steel pins anchored with epoxy resins. The pins (􀀀12 mm, 350 mm length) have been positioned at a distance of 50 cm inclined by 30° alternatively downwards and upwards in order to get at minimum of 2+2 courses of bricks. Then, by a series of steel tie rods it was possible to tie the opposite walls. Finally, triangular frames have been positioned on the 4 corners in order to avoid teething collapse in case of great stress. Before starting with the strengthening work, as described above, experimental tests, supported by the Bossong company, were conducted to verify tensile stress resistance of each pin. The tests studied different solutions in terms of diameter and anchoring material. The tensile tests , carried out by using a specific hydraulic puller equipped with a dynamometer and a displacement transducer, showed very high allowable loads , between 20 and 60 kN/pin depending on the pin and fastening type. According to data obtained, the most suitable solution was chosen; it was also used in other parts of the castle. The behavior of the reinforced structure , which withstood the February 2012 earthquake without any problem demonstrated the validity of the proposed technique which is an interesting, non invasive solution for historical buildings.
The study of rural landscape at the farm scale: changes in traditional signs and structures
Authors: Ludwiczak Z. , Benni S. , Tassinari P.
Published: September 2016

The importance of cultural, historical and identity values of traditional rural landscapes is widely acknowledged in the relevant scientific fields and in legislation. Furthermore, the knowledge of their evolution represents a fundamental basis in order to manage landscape transformations appropriately. The work is part of a broader research aimed at developing and testing a method for the systematic high time and spatial resolution assessment of changes in traditional rural landscape signs. We describe here the main phases of this original quantitative method and a summary of the first results over an Italian case study. A set of parameters allows to provide complementary information about the evolution of the main characters of rural settlements and their components. This proves to be essential to achieve a deep understanding of the traditional physiognomy of places, and to support landscape management and restoration, and the definition of transformation projects.
Production of renewable energy in agriculture: current situation and future developments
Authors: Pirazzoli Carlo , Ragazzoni Alessandro
Published: September 2016

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First tests of using an electronic nose to control biogas plant efficiency
Authors: Borgonovo Federica , Costa Annamaria , Lazzari Massimo
Published: September 2016

The demand for online monitoring and control of biogas process is increasing, since better monitoring and control system can improve process plants stability and economy. A number of parameters,such as gas production, pH, alkalinity, Volatile Fatty Acids (VFA) and H2, in both the liquid and the gas phase have been suggested as process indicators. For different reasons these indicators do not offer enough information to build a consistent feedback control able to promptly forecast and solve plants working problems. The study proposes the use of unconventional complex sensors as a possible solution to engineer a reliable control system. Tests to analyze the biogas coming from a plant were performed using an electronic nose (Airsense PEN 2, AIRSENSE Analytics GmbH). In particular, a 108 olfactometric fingerprinting reference database obtained by different combination of VFA (acetic, propionic e butyric acids, pure or in solution with water) was initially determined. As a second step, the e-nose was tested to verify a potential difference in the analysis of gases emitted by digested manure. Statistic multivariate analysis confirm that the e-nose can distinguish the manure and digester mixed liquor aromatic emission proving the possibility of using this technology as possible base for a biogas control system.
Development perspectives for biogas production from agricultural waste in Friuli Venezia Giulia (Nord-East of Italy)
Authors: Dell’Antonia D. , Cividino S.R.S. , Carlino A. , Gubiani R. , Pergher G.
Published: September 2016

The latest directives of the Energy and Environment Policy of the European Union (EU) established a new framework for renewable sources (Directive EC 28/2009; European Commission, 2009). The Italian Energy Action Plan of 2010 set a target of at least 17% of total energy generated from renewable sources by 2020. In this context biogas from waste and biomass is a potential energy source that can be used for the production of heat, electricity and fuel. The objective of this work was to determine the potential energy production from anaerobic digestion of animal wastes and agricultural residues in Friuli Venezia Giulia (Nord-East Italy). For an assessment of biogas as an energy source, based on direct conversion by agricultural farms, it is important to establish the amount of the waste. In this study, biogas amount which can be obtained was calculated for all municipalities in the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region (North-East of Italy) by using the number of livestock animals, the cereal area for agricultural residues and also considering various criteria such as the rate of dry matter and availability. The calculated regional biogas potential is about 187 (N)Gm3 when using animal waste, straw and corn stalk. The potential of biogas energy equivalent of Friuli Venezia Giulia is about 3 600 TJ (LHV) may be able to replace 2.6% of final energy consumption in Friuli Venezia Giulia (3 339 ktoe) and about 10% of the final electricity consumption (864 ktoe) considering an electrical efficiency of 30% with the biogas engine.
The use of co-digested solid fraction as feedstock for biogas plants
Authors: Dinuccio E. , Gioelli F. , Cuk D. , Rollè L. , Balsari P.
Published: September 2016

A comparative study was set up in order to assess the technical feasibility of the long-term reuse of the mechanically separated co-digested solid fraction as a feedstock for anaerobic digestion plants (ADP). The biogas yields of two feedstock mixtures (A and B) were assessed in mesophilic conditions (40 °C ± 2 °C) using 8 lab-scale continuous stirred-tank reactors (CSRT). Feedstock mixture A (control) consisted of pig slurry (70%), farmyard manure (4%), sorghum silage (12%) and maize silage (14%). Feedstock mixture B was the same as the control plus the solid fraction derived from the mechanical separation of the output raw co-digestate collected on daily basis from the reactors. All reactors were fed simultaneously, three times a week, over a period of nine month. According to the study results, the reuse of the co-digested solid fraction as feedstock for ADP could increase the methane yield by approximately 4%. However, ADP efficiency evaluation (e.g., daily yield of methane per m3 of digester) suggest to limit this practice to a maximum time period of 120 days.
Assessment of the energetic potential by hazelnuts pruning in Viterbo’s area
Authors: Monarca D. , Cecchini M. , Colantoni A. , Di Giacinto S. , Marucci A. , Longo L.
Published: September 2016

In this work the amount of biomass available by the hazelnuts pruning in the province of Viterbo was investigated. At present, the pruning’s residues are destroyed by farmers directly in the field, at the end of the pruning; in this way a large quantity of biomass, represented by hazelnut’s prunings, is lost; the residues obtained from the hazelnut’s pruning, are an important source of biomass that could be used for thermal energy production. The aim of this work is to realize a map with the estimated energy potential from hazelnut pruning biomass, in the province of Viterbo. In the first phase the amount of biomass obtained from a hectare of hazelnut’s cultivationwas estimated:sampling were carried out in some municipalities of Viterbo while hazelnut pruning was taking place, from January to March.In the field, biomass was weighed and some pieces of wood were collected for laboratory analysis; in particular humidity of biomass, low calorific value, ashand the content of carbon (C), hydrogen (H) and nitrogen (N) were determined. In the calculation of the biomass were considered the age of the plants and the number of plants per hectare. The results show that the amount of biomass obtained from pruning of hazelnuts varies with the age of plants, but even more so by the number of plants per hectare. The average value of biomass obtained from pruning of a hectare of land is just under 0,9 t. Knowing the net calorific value of the hazelnut wood and the number of hectares cultivated for each municipality, a map of thermal potential energy has been realized.
Palms (Phoenix canariensis) infested by red PALM weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Olivier): insecticidal efficacy tests of chipping treatment
Authors: Sperandio G. , Fedrizzi M. , Guerrieri M. , Fanigliulo R. , Pochi D. , Pagano M. , Arnone S. , Cristofaro M. , Sasso R. , Musmeci S. , Catarci S.
Published: September 2016

The provision n° A6505/29-11-2010 of the Lazio Region Agricultural Department states that the plant material resulting from the felling of palms infested by RPW (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Olivier) must be disinfested by heat treatment or fine mechanical chipping, ensuring that the resulting materials obtained are of a size smaller than 2 cm. This paper describes changes made on one machine chipper FARMI mod. FOREST CH260 for use in the cutting of trees and palm leaves in accordance with the above mentioned provision. The analyzes carried out on the plant material shredded, according to methodology UNI CEN/TS 15149-1 - 2006, show that 94,78% of the fragments is smaller than 16 mm and a water content of 52.5%. In all fragments of the material shredded at least one of the three dimensions was less than 2 cm. A mix of chipped stipes and leaves of palm tree was tested at ENEA facilities to evaluate the ability of RPW larvae to feed and survive on this substrate. Ten plastic containers (130 liters) were filled up with 26 kg each of chipped matter and infested with larvae grouped by weight into 3 classes ranged from < 0.15 g, 0.15 -;- 0.35 g and > 0.35 g till 2 cm (3 containers for each class and 1 as control; 30 larvae for each container). Containers, covered with a metallic net, were kept in an isolated chamber, controlling temperature in order to maintain the substrate around 30°C. The substrate was inspected at 45 dd after infestation. No survival was recorded on the larvae, indicating that chipping technique could be a suitable method to destroy infested palm avoiding potential risks of re-infestation from the disposal sites.
Mechanized recovery of olive pruning residues: ash contamination and harvesting losses
Authors: Assirelli A. , Acampora A. , Croce S. , Spinelli R. , Santangelo E. , Pari L.
Published: September 2016

Agricultural residues represent an important source of biomass for energy. Among the available biomass suitable for energy and available in Italy, pruning represents about the 20% of the total. About 1.184 million of hectares are planted with olive trees; the pruning residues coming from these plantations represent a wide source of biomass at National level. The authors tested six commercial pruning harvesters to determine harvesting losses and product contamination when recovering pruning residues. All harvesters used a mechanical pick-up to collect the residues and a shredder to reduce them into chips. Three different pick-up settings were tested and namely: 1 cm above ground level, manufacturer’s specification and 3 cm above ground level. Ash content in the shredded material was taken as a measure of contamination: the uncontaminated branch material collected directly from the trees had a value of 3.5%, whereas in shredded residues varied between 4.5% and over 5.5%, for the shortest and the longest distance between the pick-up and the soil surface, respectively. Harvesting losses were slightly, but significantly, related to pick-up setting, and mainly depended on machine type. Both machines have shown a good quality of the work performed and the results obtained indicates that the work phases could be simplified in order to reduce both the time of use and the harvesting costs.
A GIS approach for the quantification of forest and agricultural biomass in the Basilicata region
Authors: Statuto D. , Tortora A. , Picuno P.
Published: September 2016

In this paper the attention has been focused on the energy from biomass by-product, including forest biomass and agricultural production, waste and other sources of renewable energy, available in the Basilicata Region. In order to determine the quantity of extractable biomass from the forests of the region data from plans for forest management were used. These data were imported in a Geographic Information System, in order to determine in which part of the Region there is the possibility to find greater quantity of biomass. As for the determination of the quantities of agricultural biomass, the energy crops and the agricultural waste (such as crop residues, grass cuttings, pruning, manure, waste coming from agro-food industries, etc.) were considered too. The reuse and exploitation of these wastes, while contributing to the solution of problems related to their disposal, promote their recovery as a primary source of energy. Once estimated the annual amount of biomass, the percentage of the annual energy contribution which this kind of by-product is able to ensure was determined; this renewable energy source may therefore significantly contribute to the development of the agro-forestry sector.
Accident investigation related to the use of chainsaw
Authors: Cividino Sirio Rossano Secondo , Gubiani Rino , Pergher Gianfranco , Dell’Antonia Daniele , Maroncelli Emiliano
Published: September 2016

Operating in woods might be highly dangerous as it takes place in hard environments because of slopes, uneven ground and the presence of the underwood that may prevent machines and operators from moving. The chainsaw is a widely-used tool in agriculture, in forestry as well as for professional and hobby-related purposes. This article has the aim to highlight the state of injuries both for professional and domestic uses. The research focused on web-based report of news published between 2007 and 2012 about mortal and non-mortal accidents occurred in Italy and involving people who were using a chainsaw. On the whole, 336 cases were collected over a 5-year period. The results of the work are represented by a series of thematic maps related to the causative agent, the age of the injured and the seat of the injury. Furthermore, it is confirmed that the operator’s head is the most exposed area of the body and is often correlated with the death of the operator (death is often due to collision against the chainsaw blade, facial traumas as well sudden contact with parts of the plant). The study shows the dangers of chainsaw. Even workers experts are involved in serious injury and death. The study highlights the needing of looking for technical solutions and specific procedures for training unskilled worker.
A Wii-controlled safety device for electric chainsaws
Authors: Gubiani R. , Pergher G. , Cividino S.R.S. , Lombardo R. , Blanchini F.
Published: September 2016

Forestry continues to represent one of the most hazardous economic sectors of human activity, and historically, the operation of chainsaws has mainly been restricted to professional lumberjacks. In recent years, because of low cost, chainsaws have become popular among unprofessionals, e.g. for cutting firewood and trimming trees. Serious or lethal lesions due to the use of chainsaws or electric chainsaws are often observed by traumatologists or forensic pathologists. Such serious accidents often occur during occupational activities and are essentially due to kickback or uncorrected use of the tool, or when the operator falls down losing the control of the implement. A new device in order to stop a cutting chain was developed and adapted to an electric chainsaw. The device is based on a Wiimote controller (Nintendo™), including two accelerometers and two gyroscopes for detecting rotation and inclination. A Bluetooth wireless technology is used to transfer data to a portable computer. The data collected about linear and angular acceleration are filtered by an algorithm, based on the Euclid norm, capable to distinguishing between normal movements and dangerous chainsaw movements. The result show a good answer to device and when happen a dangerous situation an alarm signal is sent back to the implement in order to stop the cutting chain. The device show a correct behavior in tested dangerous situations and is envisaged to extend to combustion engine chainsaws, as well as to other portable equipment used in agriculture and forestry operations and for this objectives were patented.
A survey of safety issues in tree-climbing applications for forestry management
Authors: Longo D. , Caruso L. , Conti A. , Camillieri D. , Schillaci G.
Published: September 2016

Topping, trimming, consolidation, securing and felling are very common operations in arboriculture, in city park as well as in forests. In case of very large trees, these operations are often not possible from ground level using ladders or Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) because of excessive height or uneven/inaccessible terrain. In past years, different people start applying techniques, materials and procedures normally used in mountaineering and caving, to climb trees and these techniques start to be applied to forestry management operations; these techniques are now worldwide used. Work activities at height, as tree-climbing for forestry management purpose, are regulated in Italy by Legislative Decree 81/08 about safety in the workplace, as this activity expose operators to fall from height and many other risks. Moreover, as this activity involves the use of specific tools, operators must be trained (with periodic refreshment) and tools must been periodically checked by authorised operators. The objective of this work is to present and synthesise regulations and some technical aspects in order to allow operators to better understand different issues and general principles related to this activity.
The heat stress for workers employed in a dairy farm
Authors: Marucci A. , Marucci D. , Monarca D. , Cecchini M. , Colantoni A. , Di Giacinto S. , Cappuccini A.
Published: September 2016

The italian dairy production is characterized by high heterogeneity. The typology quantitatively more important (80% of national production) is represented by cow’s milk cheeses (Grana Padano cheese, string cheese, Parmesan cheese, etc.),while the cheese from buffalo’s milk (especially string cheese such as mozzarella ) and cheese from sheep and goats represents respectively 4% and 8% of the national dairy production, and are linked to specific regional contexts. Some phases of the cycle of milk processing occur at certain temperatures that not are comfortable for the operator also in relation to possible problems due to thermal shock. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk of heat stress on workers operating in a dairy for processing of buffalo milk. The research was conducted at a dairy farm located in the province of Viterbo, Italy, during the spring-summer period. To carry out the research were detected major climatic parameters (air temperature, relative humidity, mean radiant temperature, air velocity) and the main parameters of the individual operators (thermal insulation provided by clothing and the energy expenditure required from the work done by employees in the work areas investigated). Subsequently were calculated main indices of heat stress assessment provided by the main technical standards. In particular have been calculated Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) and Predicted Percentage of Dissatisfied (PPD) in moderate environments, provided by the UNI EN ISO 7730 and the wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) in severe hot environments required by UNI EN 27243. The results show some phases of risk from heat stress and possible solutions to improve the safety of the operators.
Spectral analysis of a standard test track profile during passage of an agricultural tractor
Authors: Cutini M. , Deboli R. , Calvo A. , Preti C. , Inserillo M. , Bisaglia C.
Published: September 2016

National statistics on work safety are pointing out a decreasing trend about related injuries and fatalities but an increasing number of reports about professional diseases. In this frame are also considered the mechanical vibrations, in particular whole-body vibrations (WBV). This study aims to reproduce and analyse the vertical displacement of the wheel of an agricultural tractor during the passage on a standard surface (ISO 5008) for defining potential correlations between the surface contour and the effects on vehicle dynamic and driver comfort by analysis of the signals acting under the tractor tires. An agricultural tractor, in four setting conditions and four different forward speeds, was tested on an ISO 5008 standard test track. The accelerations at the hubs of the tractor were acquired and subsequently reproduced on a four hydraulic actuators test bench, at CRA-ING laboratories, Treviglio, Italy. The analysis of the spectrums generated have shown that a roughness surface induces a transformation of the part of energy developed by the forward speed of the vehicle in vertical acceleration that excites the elastic parts (i.e. tires, suspensions). These phenomena seem to indicate that vehicle’s vibration entity is due to the combination of surface roughness and forward speed as amplitude and to the elastic properties of the vehicle as frequency.
Analysis of the building system of four mills and their suitability for heat treatment pest disinfestation
Authors: Strano Loredana , Tomaselli Giovanna
Published: September 2016

The last century researchers at Kansas State University demonstrated the validity of the heat treatment as a method of pest control in more than 20 mills. However factors such as the high capital investment required to heat large buildings, inadequate control of high temperatures and the risk of damage to parts of the plants or the construction materials have prevented the large-scale adoption of this technique as a viable alternative to fumigants. Today the combination of the industrialization of the food industry, the technological and structural modernization of plants and developments in heat disinfection technologies have resulted in interesting results being obtained for the use of this system in primary and secondary production processing plants, both experimentally and in practice. However, the scientific literature highlights some of the factors that limit the efficiency of the treatment. This is related to aspects of the buildings and the plants and the environment of the buildings. The structure of the buildings appear to have an enormous impact on energy consumption, because this depends on the amount of heating time and the methods that have to be used when establishing a heat treatment regime. These factors are important if the fumigation temperatures are to be reached in the shortest possible time and can affect the choice of the technique used with current fumigants, especially when this is combined with the amount and cost of the energy consumed. The aim of this work is to analyse four Sicilians mills that intend to use the heat system for fumigation and pest control in order to identify those aspects of the buildings, plant and their environment which are “critical elements” and may discourage the use of this technology. Particular attention was paid to the type of construction materials and their thermal conductivity (roof, floors and walls), the number and volume of the buildings and the distance between them, the entrances and the links between different parts of the plant and the type of equipment used and its spatial organisation inside the buildings.
Safety in the housing of horses
Authors: Checchi A. , Casazza S.
Published: September 2016

Safety within an equestrian facility is given also by the sizes of the places in which horses are lodged. The stalls are considered to be the basic modular element of breeding and hosting places, but in Italy there are no specific references about the most appropriate surface related both to different breeds and safety of the workers taking care of them. We sought to determine the size of individual spaces, based on the height at the withers of horses, and to formulate a specific forming and informing course for employees on the likely risks of contact which could generate traumatic events.
Safety settings in equestrian facilities
Authors: Checchi A. , Casazza S.
Published: September 2016

In recent years an increased attention has been paid to the risks that can emerge within the equestrian environment. In fact, the activities that are carried out every day, whether of working or sport nature, can cause serious traumatic events. The main problems are related to the following risks: biological and physical contact, followed by chemical, electrical, mechanical risks that are common to also a lot of other situations. All these specific risks, of which we talk about in this work, can be contained through proper training and information of workers. The likelihood of accidents can be reduced also applying appropriate behavioural requirements and certain quality and construction parameters used in structures. Inside the equestrian facilities all the main safety systems should be well indicated, also through appropriate signs.
Noise levels of a track-laying tractor during field operations in the vineyard
Authors: Catania Pietro , Vallone Mariangela
Published: September 2016

Noise in agriculture is one of the risk factors to be taken into account in the assessment of the health and safety of workers; in particular, it is known that the tractor is a source of high noise. The Italian Low Decree 81/2008 defined the requirements for assessing and managing noise risk identifying a number of procedures to be adopted at different noise levels to limit workers exposure. This paper concerns the analysis of the noise risk arising from the use of a tracklaying tractor during field operations carried out in the vineyard. The objective of this study was to evaluate the noise level that comes close to the ear of the operator driving the tractor measuring the values of equivalent sound level (Leq(A)) and peak sound pressure (LCpk). We considered four options related to the same tractor coupled with the following tools to perform some farming operations: rototilling, chisel plough, flail mowers and vibro farmer. We considered three test conditions: T1 in flat (slope 0%), T2 uphill and T3 downhill (both 30% slope). The instrument used for the measurements is a precision integrating portable sound level meter, class 1, model HD2110L by Delta OHM, Italy. Each survey lasted 2 minutes, with an interval of measurement equal to 0.5 s. The tests were performed in compliance with the standards ISO 9612 and ISO 9432. The results show that the measured sound levels exceed the limits allowed by the regulations in almost all the test conditions; values exceeding the threshold limit of 80 dB(A) were recorded coming up to a maximum value of 92.8 dB(A) for flail mowers in test T1. When limits imposed by the regulations are exceeded, the operator is obliged to wear the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment.
The assessment of the sawmill noise
Authors: D’Antonio P. , D’Antonio C. , Evangelista C. , Doddato V.
Published: September 2016

Noise is a serious and widespread problem in many workplaces like in sawmill. The published data for the year 2010 about the total number of pathologies from work in Italia due to the noise, showed 5222 cases divided by sex, in fact for females there are instances in number of 221 while the male has a number of cases is equal to 4961. The aim of this work was to detect the sound level caused by the use of the machineries in a sawmill. The measurements were carried out through an instrument known as noise level meter, equipped with a microphone and connected to a computer for data processing and analysis of variance to a factor in excel, and able to assess noise levels at any particular point in the mill. The machines were subjected in relief and with several different types of wood materials. Obviously, in our case a fundamental role takes the moisture of wood. The drying operation is intended to obtain that degree of humidity of the wood, generally it must be between 7 and 16%, compatible with the type of glue used and, above all, appropriate to the target structures. The machines that have the highest sound pressure levels were trimmer and profiler, with values ranging between 85 dB(A) and 110 dB(A). Finally, it’s possible conclude that the sound pressure level increases when the aspiration equipment is turned on, the noise of machinery decreases during the processing of wood and that, increasing the thickness, decreased the noise emitted by the machine.
Analysis of rainfed alfalfa evapotranspiration measured by an eddy covariance system
Authors: Vinci A. , Vergni L. , Todisco F. , Mannocchi F.
Published: September 2016

The aim of this study was to quantify the evapotranspiration (ETec) of a rainfed alfalfa crop using the eddy covariance technique. The study was carried out during the alfalfa growing seasons (April- August 2009, April-August 2010) at the experimental farm of the University of Perugia. In central Italy alfalfa is grown for 3 to 4 years continuously, with at least 3 cutting cycles for year (usually between April and August) and a dormant period in winter. For the quantification of ETec an open-path eddy covariance system (EC) was used. The derivation of water and energy fluxes starting from raw wind, temperature and gas concentration data by means of the EC technique implies a remarkably long sequence of operations including calibration, corrections and statistical tests for assessing data quality. These operations were carried out by the EddyPro® software. After that, the output data were used for the flux-partitioning and all original data, flagged with a quality indicator with non-turbulent conditions, were dismissed. Then the gap-filling of the EC and meteorological data was performed to obtain reliable values. Furthermore the test of the energy balance closure gave satisfactory results. The ETec dynamics were consistent with the growth stages and the cuttings during both 2009 and 2010. Furthermore the comparison between the tabulated crop coefficients (Kc) and the ratio of ETec to reference evapotranspiration (ET0) was performed. This analysis showed a good agreement during the 2nd cutting cycle (May-June) for both 2009 and 2010, whilst during the 3rd cutting cycle (July-August) the ratio ETec/ET0 was considerably lower than Kc for both years. The reason of this behavior was found in the presence of water stress conditions during the last cutting cycle. This fact was confirmed by the application of a bucket soil water model, used as an exploratory, not confirmatory, tool to analyze the soil water availability dynamics during the growing season. Additional measurement campaigns will be carried out in order to deepen the knowledge about the Kc dynamics in rainfed crops and to assess the productivity of water under various meteorological and agricultural conditions.
A neuro-fuzzy model to predict the inflow to the guardialfiera multipurpose dam (Southern Italy) at medium-long time scales
Authors: Termite L.F. , Todisco F. , Vergni L. , Mannocchi F.
Published: September 2016

Intelligent computing tools based on fuzzy logic and artificial neural networks have been successfully applied in various problems with superior performances. A new approach of combining these two powerful tools, known as neuro-fuzzy systems, has increasingly attracted scientists in different fields. Few studies have been undertaken to evaluate their performances in hydrologic modeling. Specifically are available rainfall-runoff modeling typically at very short time scales (hourly, daily or event for the real-time forecasting of floods) with in input precipitation and past runoff (i.e. inflow rate) and in few cases models for the prediction of the monthly inflows to a dam using the past inflows as input. This study presents an application of an Adaptive Network-based Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS), as a neuro-fuzzy-computational technique, in the forecasting of the inflow to the Guardialfiera multipurpose dam (CB, Italy) at the weekly and monthly time scale. The latter has been performed both directly at monthly scale (monthly input data) and iterating the weekly model. Twenty-nine years of rainfall, temperature, water level in the reservoir and releases to the different uses were available. In all simulations meteorological input data were used and in some cases also the past inflows. The performance of the defined ANFIS models were established by different efficiency and correlation indices. The results at the weekly time scale can be considered good, with a Nash- Sutcliffe efficiency index E = 0.724 in the testing phase. At the monthly time scale, satisfactory results were obtained with the iteration of the weekly model for the prediction of the incoming volume up to 3 weeks ahead (E = 0.574), while the direct simulation of monthly inflows gave barely satisfactory results (E = 0.502). The greatest difficulties encountered in the analysis were related to the reliability of the available data. The results of this study demonstrate the promising potential of ANFIS in the forecasting of the short term inflows to a reservoir and in the simulation of different scenarios for the water resources management in the longer term.