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The purpose of this paper is to compare the hybrid FEM-BEM and FEM-DBCI methods for the solution of open-boundary static and quasi-static electromagnetic field problems.

After a brief review of the two methods (both coupling a differential equation for the interior problem with an integral equation for the exterior one), they are compared in terms of accuracy, memory and computing time requirements by means of a set of simple examples.

The comparison suggests that FEM-BEM is more accurate than FEM-DBCI but requires more computing time.

Then FEM-DBCI appears more appropriate for applications which require a shorter computing time, for example in the stochastic optimization of electromagnetic devices. Conversely, FEM-BEM is more appropriate in cases in which a high level of precision is required in a single computation.

Note that the FEM-BEM considered in this paper is a non standard one in which the nodes of the normal derivative on the truncation boundary are placed in positions different from those of the potential.

This paper aims to extend an efficient method to solve the global system of linear algebraic equations in the hybrid finite element method – boundary element method (FEM‐BEM) solution of open‐boundary skin effect problems. The extension covers the cases in which the skin effect problem is set in a truncated domain in which no homogeneous Dirichlet conditions are imposed.

The extended method is based on use of the generalized minimal residual (GMRES) solver, which is applied virtually to the reduced system of equations in which the unknowns are the nodal values of the normal derivative of the magnetic vector potential on the fictitious truncation boundary. In each step of the GMRES algorithm the FEM equations are solved by means of the standard complex conjugate gradient solver, whereas the BEM equations are not solved but used to perform fast matrix‐by‐vector multiplications. The BEM equations are written in a non‐conventional way, by making the nodes for the potential non‐coinciding with the nodes for its normal derivative.

The paper shows that the method proposed is very competitive with respect to other methods to solve open‐boundary skin effect problems.

The paper illustrates a new method to solve efficiently skin effect problems in open boundary domains by means of the hybrid FEM‐BEM method.

The purpose of this paper is to present the application of a novel hybrid algorithm, called MeTEO (Metric‐Topological‐Evolutionary‐Optimization), based on the combination of three heuristics inspired by artificial life to the solution of optimization problems of a real electronic vacuum device.

The Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), the Flock‐of‐Starlings Optimization (FSO) and the Bacterial Chemotaxis Algorithm (BCA) were adapted to implement a novel meta‐heuristic MeTEO the FSO has been powerfully employed for exploring the whole space of solutions, whereas the PSO is used to explore local regions where FSO had found solutions, and BCA to refine the solutions found by PSO, thanks its better performances in local search.

The optimization of the focusing magnetic field of a Travelling Wave Tubes (TWT) collector is presented in order to show the effectiveness of MeTEO, in combination with COLLGUN FE simulator and equivalent source representation. The optimization of the focusing magnetic structure is obtained by using a maximum of 100 steps for each heuristic.

The paper describes the development of a novel efficient parallel method for the solution of electromagnetic device optimization problems.

The paper shows the capabilities of a novel combination of optimization methods inspired by “artificial life” which allows us to achieve effective solutions of multimodal optimization problems, typical of the electromagnetic device optimization, with an acceptable computational cost, thanks also to its natural parallel implementation.

The paper's aim is to focus on the utilization of the GRID distributed computing environment in order to reduce simulation time for parameter studies of travelling wave tube (TWT) electron guns and helix slow‐wave structures.

Two TWT finite‐element analysis modules were adapted to be run on the GRID, for this purpose scripts were written to submit a collection of independent jobs (the parameter study) to the GRID and collect the results.

A 25‐job electron gun parameter study runs on the GRID in 30‐40 min instead of 7 h locally. A 16‐job slow‐wave structure parameter study runs in 1 h on the GRID instead of 8 h locally. Turnaround time on the GRID was limited by priority levels presently set by GRID management for the various jobs submitted.

The procedures guarantee a remarkable reduction of the computing time.

For heavy‐computational cost tasks such as the above finite element electromagnetic calculations, the effective use of a heterogeneous, distributed, computing platform (the GRID computing platform) is very advantageous. The paper shows the development of new generation collaborative tools.

Improving the quality of patient care is a challenge that calls for a multidisciplinary approach, embedding a broad spectrum of knowledge and involving healthcare professionals from diverse backgrounds. The purpose of this paper is to present an innovative approach that implements discrete‐event simulation (DES) as a decision‐supporting tool in the management of Six Sigma quality improvement projects.

A roadmap is designed to assist quality practitioners and health care professionals in the design and successful implementation of simulation models within the define‐measure‐analyse‐design‐verify (DMADV) or define‐measure‐analyse‐improve‐control (DMAIC) Six Sigma procedures.

A case regarding the reorganisation of the flow of emergency patients affected by vertigo symptoms was developed in a large town hospital as a preliminary test of the roadmap. The positive feedback from professionals carrying out the project looks promising and encourages further roadmap testing in other clinical settings.

The roadmap is a structured procedure that people involved in quality improvement can implement to manage projects based on the analysis and comparison of alternative scenarios.

The role of Six Sigma philosophy in improvement of the quality of healthcare services is recognised both by researchers and by quality practitioners; discrete‐event simulation models are commonly used to improve the key performance measures of patient care delivery. The two approaches are seldom referenced and implemented together; however, they could be successfully integrated to carry out quality improvement programs. This paper proposes an innovative approach to bridge the gap and enrich the Six Sigma toolbox of quality improvement procedures with DES.

The purpose of this paper is to improve the accuracy of the integral equation of the hybrid FEM‐RBCI (Finite Element Method‐Robin Boundary Condition Iteration) method for the numerical solution of two‐dimensional electromagnetic (or acoustic) scattering problems.

This accuracy improvement is achieved by selecting the integration curve as straight segments lying in the middle of the triangular finite elements. An accuracy improvement is obtained as compared with selecting the integration curve as constituted by element sides.

The improved FEM‐RBCI method described in this paper leads to accuracies of the numerical results which are better than those obtained by selecting the integration curve by element sides.

The paper presents results for a simple two‐dimensional structure: a dielectric circular cylinder.

The problem of damage and crack detection in structural components has acquired an important role in recent years. Since the presence of cracks in a structure may alter its vibrational characteristics, the estimation of such variations can be used to detect cracks and damage, and to monitor the integrity of structures. The use of fast, easy and inexpensive non‐destructive testing is thus a major task. In this paper, sensitivity analysis by measurement of the reduction of eigenfrequencies was utilized to localize a crack in a non‐rotating shaft coupled to an elastic foundation. The shaft was modeled by the finite element method and coupled to an experimentally identified foundation model. The detection of a crack with different depths and orientations was verified experimentally and a good agreement between actual and detected crack positions was achieved. Finally easiness, effectiveness, applicability of the method and its extensions are also shown.

The rediscovery of the medieval routes of Norman origin in Sicily readvocates a system of interconnection between small villages, towns and cities which can be compared to the circulation system: ancient paths and roads are like veins and arteries which are ready to reanimate a body in need of resilience and exciting experiences. The slow tourism of historical routes in a new ecology of tourism currently contributes with increasing significance to the creation of green sustainable tourism, compatible with the territory and respectful of local identities.

This chapter aims to highlight the potential of the slow tourism of the historical routes in order to revive the internal areas from an economic and social point of view. The analysis is focused in particular on the Magna Via Francigena: this route links Palermo and Agrigento through the rural heart of Sicily touching 18 small towns inland. The creation of this route has rewoven broken territorial wefts, restoring dialogue and collaboration between the towns involved. It has revitalized the place consciousness of the territories. It has also encouraged place-based production chains and micro-economies, boosting new income. This route makes a definite contribution to placing marginalized area, towns and territories on the geographical map again.

Therefore the historical routes outline new ways of endogenous development based on the recovery and enhancement of identity assets and local resources.

The research approach adopted in this article intends to validate ‘place awareness’ as a fundamental element, together and beyond the consideration of classic economic factors, in assessing the endogenous potential of tourism development of a territory. ‘Place awareness’ emerges as a determining factor in the processes of tourist development since it decides the type of relationship that is established with local resources, influencing their use and therefore the forms and modalities of their enhancement. Without the emergence of a ‘place awareness’ capable of recognizing and mobilizing the resources of the territory, the implementation of tourism development policies lead to growth dynamics which are poorly territorialized and predictably not lasting. In order for there to be development of a place, it is necessary that the place is preliminarily renown: the ‘place awareness’ manifests precisely the extent and intensity of this recognition.

To affirm the centrality of ‘place awareness’ in local tourism development processes, Sambuca di Sicilia, located in the Province of Agrigento, was chosen as a case study. The village, following the surprising victory in 2016 of the national competition ‘The most beautiful village in Italy’, is engaged in a promising transition phase with a strong evolutionary potential centred on redefining its identity in terms of a tourist village that focuses on the rich and wide range of local resources available.

The initial hypothesis of the exploratory paper lies in the fact that there exists a demand for healthier wines due to the higher presence of natural compound which potentially bring benefits to the consumer’s health. To satisfy this hypothesis, the research questions that paper tried to answer are the following: Do there exist a demand for naturally resveratrol-enhanced wine? What variables do influence the preference of consumers toward a naturally resveratrol-enhanced wine? As a consequence, the purpose of this paper is to explore what variables naturally influence resveratrol-enhanced wine consumption.

A structured questionnaire was administered through face-to-face interviews to a sample of 250 regular wine consumers which were randomly selected to achieve balanced socio-demographic characteristics. Subsequently, an econometric analysis was performed to estimate the effects that selected attributes, extrapolated from the literature, have on resveratrol-enriched wine consumption. With this aim, a logistic regression model was developed through the assessment of willingness to consume naturally resveratrol-enhanced wine.

The findings of this paper suggest that respondents consider wine as source of beneficial and healthy properties and they are willing to consume enriched-resveratrol wine. The study found a direct correlation between resveratrol and wine extrinsic attributes (organic label, brand) as well as any intrinsic attributes (tannins content). In addition, solely female consumers expressed to consider label information in their preference for resveratrol-enhanced wine. Among socio-demographic factors, only age and gender have an interaction effect on the consumption of these wines.

Since this study has some limitations due to the limited number of observations and to the specific regional geographical context, the findings should be generalized in theoretical terms with a certain caution. Before to extend the results to all Italian consumers, future research should test the robustness of the findings by assessing the effect of the attributes that the authors have examined in this study in other environmental contexts, e.g. in other wine regions.

The results have important implications for wine producers, since the adoption of production practices explicitly related to the higher natural content of resveratrol can lead to a value augmentation and enhance business income of companies. Moreover, there exists implication also for wine managers, given the knowledge of factors affecting consumers’ attitudes toward naturally resveratrol-enhanced wines can lead to an increase in wine demand that should allow to reach a focused differentiation strategy in specified market segments. This suggests the need to indicate on the label the content of resveratrol as a distinctive signal of the “additional health information” of a wine.

While a substantial body of research has analyzed the healthy attributes that affect purchasing process of wine, no other known study has examined the effects of attributes on consumers’ willingness to purchase naturally resveratrol-enhanced wine. The study is the first that explores the consumers’ willingness to buy wine naturally enriched with resveratrol. Previous works took into account only resveratrol-enriched wines. The authors believe that in the eye of consumers there are significant differences between a natural enhancement and a simply technological enrichment, since the concepts and the technological aspects behind the two processes are strongly different. To fill this gap, the authors explored for the first time what variables can influence the preference of a naturally resveratrol-enhanced wine.