Fact or Myth? The Modifiable Area Unit Problem (MAUP) in Measuring Residential Segregation of Foreigners in Italy

The Modifiable Area Unit Problem (MAUP) is recognized as one of the major issues in the spatial analysis of demographic patterns and processes. Using aggregated data that refer to regular geographies (i.e., grids), is a suggested way to avoid MAUP, although these kinds of data are frequently limited at national level and, when available, they typically cover a restricted number of socioeconomic variables. Moreover, it is relatively unclear how relevant is the overall effect of the MAUP, e.g. with reference to certain phenomena of demographic interest, such as the residential segregation of foreigners in urban contexts. Real empirical testing of this issue is relatively difficult because of lack of relevant geo-referenced databases on regular lattices. The present study tries to address this issue with an empirical analysis of residential segregation of foreigners in the three largest Italian cities (Rome, Milan, and Naples) by comparing the outcome of segregation indexes calculated using regular (grid) and non-regular (enumeration area) spatial domains. The empirical results of this study indicate that the effect of MAUP on segregation estimates is relatively minor, thus raising important questions about the (real) limits of using irregular geographies when analyzing spatial segregation of foreigners

Information hidden behind a single peak in the C 1s spectrum of graphene on Ir(111)

The energy resolution that can be achieved in x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy experiments allows to disen- tangle the contribution arising from the presence of a large variety of surface atoms in non-equivalent config- urations which manifests itself not only with the appearance of different spectral components, but also as unusual lineshape. In the present work, we show that the fit of the C 1s core level spectrum of graphene grown on Ir(1 1 1) realized using 200 peaks based on ab initio calculations, accounting for the non-equivalent C atoms in the (10 × 10) moir ́e cell, does not improve the fit quality with respect to the use of a single component. On the contrary, the quantitative fit quality can be drastically increased by introducing a dependency of the Lorentzian width on the distance between C and Ir first-layer atoms. This result is associated to the different electronic properties, and in particular to the different density of states of the σ and π bands, of C atoms sitting on TOP (hills) or FCC (valleys) regions of graphene which affect the lifetimes of the core-holes generated during the photoemission process

The use of olive cake in the diet of dairy cows improves the mineral elements of Provola cheese

: Mineral elements (Ca, Na, K, Mg, Zn, Ti, Sr, Fe, Ni, Ba, Cr, Mn, Cu, Se, Cd, Mo, B, V, As, Pb and Hg) in Provola cheeses obtained from dairy cows fed with two different integrated diets (Biotrak) and without olive cake (Control) were determined to discriminate between the two different cheeses. The results showed that cheeses from the Biotrak group presented higher values of essential elements. Selenium (Se) was found to be the most interesting: in Biotrak cheeses the content of Se was in the range of 0.112 to 0.281 mg/kg, about twice the content of Se in cheeses from the Control group. Among the toxic elements, only Cd was found in the samples, but at low levels (in average lower than 0.11 mg/kg). Therefore, the use of olive cake in animal feed is a good strategy to improve the mineral profile of the product obtained

NC92Soil: A computer code for deterministic and stochastic 1D equivalent linear seismic site response analyses

The extensive evaluation of the impact of local seismo-stratigraphic configurations on seismic ground motion presents significant challenges due to the necessity of considering the combined effects of uncertainty and smallscale lateral variability of the relevant parameters. To effectively explore these sources of uncertainty, a new Python-based computer program is proposed for one-dimensional seismic site response simulations, adopting the equivalent linear viscoelastic approach in the frequency domain. With respect to existing software, the code introduces new pre- and post-processing features, which also meet the specific requirements of seismic microzonation studies. Within the code, the complete spectrum of uncertainties related to local seismo-stratigraphic configurations, including lithotype successions, layer thicknesses, and seismic and geotechnical properties for the considered lithotypes, is managed by considering user-defined constraints and statistical properties of the relevant parameters. Additionally, a batch approach is offered, enabling the application of the procedure to an unlimited number of different scenarios. To demonstrate the potentiality of the proposed code, a comprehensive set of 90,000 local seismic site response analyses was conducted, showing a clear correlation between the amplification factors, the mean shear wave velocity in the upper 30 m, the fundamental frequency of the deposit and the depth to the seismic bedrock

Financing the Family Business

The chapter exposes the unicity of family firms regarding financing decision and behaviours, by addressing the following themes: i.the differences of the "finance" issue for family firms; ii. the role confusion issue; iii. the need to balance liquidity, growth and family control; iv. the governance as a solution

Adsorption technology for upgrading biogas to biomethane

Biogas upgrading to biomethane mainly involves the separation of CO2 from the biogas stream, which should be previously purified by elimination of H2S, H2O, and, if present, other impurities. This operation improves its properties as a fuel and broadens its potential applications; it can be carried out by different processes, such as absorption, membrane separation, adsorption, and others. This chapter focuses on the adsorption technology, starting with the introduction of the theoretical aspects related to the thermodynamics and kinetics of this phenomenon. Subsequently, the different regeneration techniques for a cyclic utilization of the adsorbents are presented, together with a brief analysis of the scientific literature on this subject. Finally, the ruling physical-chemical and textural parameters together with key performance indicators of adsorbent materials for an efficient biogas upgrading by adsorption are critically analyzed for their proficient use in cyclic operations

Radiomics for the identification of extraprostatic extension with prostate MRI: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives: Extraprostatic extension (EPE) of prostate cancer (PCa) is predicted using clinical nomograms. Incorporating MRI could represent a leap forward, although poor sensitivity and standardization represent unsolved issues. MRI radiomics has been proposed for EPE prediction. The aim of the study was to systematically review the literature and perform a meta-analysis of MRI-based radiomics approaches for EPE prediction. Materials and methods: Multiple databases were systematically searched for radiomics studies on EPE detection up to June 2022. Methodological quality was appraised according to Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 (QUADAS-2) tool and radiomics quality score (RQS). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) was pooled to estimate predictive accuracy. A random-effects model estimated overall effect size. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed with I2 value. Publication bias was evaluated with a funnel plot. Subgroup analyses were performed to explore heterogeneity. Results: Thirteen studies were included, showing limitations in study design and methodological quality (median RQS 10/36), with high statistical heterogeneity. Pooled AUC for EPE identification was 0.80. In subgroup analysis, test-set and cross-validation-based studies had pooled AUC of 0.85 and 0.89 respectively. Pooled AUC was 0.72 for deep learning (DL)-based and 0.82 for handcrafted radiomics studies and 0.79 and 0.83 for studies with multiple and single scanner data, respectively. Finally, models with the best predictive performance obtained using radiomics features showed pooled AUC of 0.82, while those including clinical data of 0.76. Conclusion: MRI radiomics-powered models to identify EPE in PCa showed a promising predictive performance overall. However, methodologically robust, clinically driven research evaluating their diagnostic and therapeutic impact is still needed. Clinical relevance statement: Radiomics might improve the management of prostate cancer patients increasing the value of MRI in the assessment of extraprostatic extension. However, it is imperative that forthcoming research prioritizes confirmation studies and a stronger clinical orientation to solidify these advancements. Key points: • MRI radiomics deserves attention as a tool to overcome the limitations of MRI in prostate cancer local staging. • Pooled AUC was 0.80 for the 13 included studies, with high heterogeneity (84.7%, p < .001), methodological issues, and poor clinical orientation. • Methodologically robust radiomics research needs to focus on increasing MRI sensitivity and bringing added value to clinical nomograms at patient level