We discuss the intriguing ability of minimal kinetic theory to describe a broad variety of complex non-equilibrium flows across scales of motion. It is argued that, besides major computational progress, minimal kinetic theory also provides a new conceptual framework to investigate the complexities of flowing matter far from equilibrium.

The RapidCell (RC) model was originally developed to simulate flagellar bacterial chemotaxis in environments with spatiotemporally varying chemoattractant gradients. RC is best suited for motility simulations in unbounded nonfluid environments; this limits its use in biomedical applications hinging on bacteria-fluid dynamics in microchannels. In this study, we eliminated this constraint by coupling the RC model with the colloidal lattice Boltzmann (LB) model.

Planktonic copepods are small crustaceans that have the ability to swim by quick powerful jumps. Such an aptness is used to escape from high shear regions, which may be caused either by flow perturbations, produced by a large predator (i.e., fish larvae), or by the inherent highly turbulent dynamics of the ocean. Through a combined experimental and numerical study, we investigate the impact of jumping behavior on the small-scale patchiness of copepods in a turbulent environment.

We apply the Z-control approach to a generalized predator prey system and consider the specific case of indirect control of the prey population. We derive the associated Z-controlled model and investigate its properties from the point of view of the dynamical systems theory. The key role of the design parameter A. for the successful application of the method is stressed and related to specific dynamical properties of the Z-controlled model. Critical values of the design parameter are also found, delimiting the lambda-range for the effectiveness of the Z-method.

The theoretical understanding of Gartner's "hype curve" is an interesting open question in deciding the strategic actions to adopt in presence of an incoming technology. In order to describe the hype behaviour quantitatively, we propose a mathematical approach based on a rate equation, similar to that used to describe quantum level transitions. The model is able to describe the hype curve evolution in many relevant conditions, which can be associated to various market parameters.

The vortex-body interaction problem, that characterizes the flow field of a rudder placed downstream of a single-blade marine rotor, is investigated by numerical simulations.

Marine propellers in behind-hull conditions develop, in addition to thrust and torque, in-plane loads that are strictly related to fatigue stress of the propulsive shaft bearings, hull-induced vibrations and the dynamic response of the ship while maneuvering or experiencing wave induced motions. An in-depth understanding of their nature as well as their quantification in typical design and off-design operative scenario is fundamental for improving ship design criteria.

In this paper we are concerned with the simulation of crowds in built environments, where obstacles play a role in the dynamics and in the interactions among pedestrians. First of all, we review the state-of-the-art of the techniques for handling obstacles in numerical simulations. Then, we introduce a new modeling technique which guarantees both impermeability and opacity of the obstacles, and does not require ad hoc runtime interventions to avoid collisions.