Individual risk attitudes and local unemployment: evidence from Italy in the Great Recession

The willingness to take risks is an important part of the economy as it underpins activities such as entrepreneurship and investments. Individual risk attitudes are likely to be shaped both by their personal characteristics and their local context. In this paper we investigate the extent to which individual risk-taking attitudes are influenced by the strength, or otherwise, of their local economy, using panel data on over 12,000 Italians. After controlling for individual characteristics - including individual job loss - and province fixed effects, we find that worsening unemployment reduces people’s willingness to take risks. By reducing tolerance of risk, local unemployment may hinder the abilities of local economies to respond to shocks

Laser scanning estimation of relative light interception by canopy components in different grapevine training systems

The fractional light interception by different parts of vines trained to various systems was estimated by a modified point-quadrat method using an over-row solar are positioning device equipped with a laser to simulate sunbeam position and angle at any latitude and time of the day. Laser readings were also combined with total vine light interception estimates via a line sensor to calculate the total light intercepted by specific canopy components. At each sampling date (late June and September, corresponding to fruit set and full canopy), type and position of organs were directly detected by the laser beam. Regardless of sampling date, the relative amount of light captured by the renewal-fruiting area (nodes 1 to 6) of simple cordon (SC) and double curtain (GDC) was considerably higher than that of spur-pruned cordon (SPC), whose vegetative area (distal to node 6) received about two-thirds of the incoming light. Relative light interception by main and lateral leaves was rather constant for GDC, thus reflecting the negligible regrowth after topping. By contrast, SC and SPC showed a much stronger response to topping which caused an increase of light interception by laterals (19 % for SC and +21 % for SPC). Frequencies of relative intercepted light by main leaves as a function of node position showed a peak around nodes 6-8, a zone where maximum leaf size is attained in all systems and on all dates. Instead, lateral leaves predominantly exposed to light were within the three basal nodes of the lateral shoots. Estimates of relative and total light for different vine parts at any time during the season as detected by laser scanning can objectively assess important characteristics of grapevine training systems, e.g. cluster and basal node exposure to light

Measuring the surface stress polar dependence

While measurements of the polar dependence of the surface free energy are easily available, measurements of the whole polar dependence of the surface stress of a crystal do not exist. In this paper is presented a new procedure that allows, for the first time, the experimental determination of the surface stress polar dependence of a crystal. For this purpose (1) electromigration is used to control the kinetic faceting of surface orientations that belong to the equilibrium shape of the crystal and (2) for each destabilised surface, the period of faceting as well as the crystallographic angles of the appearing facets are measured by AFM. The so-obtained data lead to a set of equations whose mathematical solution, compatible with physical constraints, gives access to the surface stress polar dependence of the whole crystal and thus to a better understanding of surface stress properties.Comment: 8 pages, 6 Figure

"Dark Skies, Bright Kids" -- Astronomy Education and Outreach in Rural Virginia

In the hills of central Virginia, the extraordinarily dark nighttime skies of southern Albemarle County provide a natural outdoor classroom for local science education. Until recently, this rural area lacked the financial and educational support to take full advantage of this rare and valuable natural resource. With funds provided by the NSF, a team of volunteers from the University of Virginia introduced a new program this fall called "Dark Skies - Bright Kids," which promotes science education at the elementary school level through a wide range of activities. The program volunteers (comprising undergraduate and graduate students, postdocs, and faculty) have sought to develop a coherent schedule of fun and educational activities throughout the semester, with emphases on hands-on learning and critical thinking. For example, students learn about the constellations by making star-wheels, about rocketry by building and launching rockets, and about comets by assembling miniature analogs. Additional activities include stories about the scientific and cultural history of astronomy, visits by professional astronomers and popular book authors, and astronomy-themed exercises in art, music, and physical education. These projects are designed to make astronomy, and by extension all science, accessible and appealing to each student. Family involvement is important in any educational environment, particularly at the elementary school level. To include the students' families and the larger community in "Dark Skies," we hold weekly telescope observing sessions at the school. Here, all interested parties can come together to hear what the students are learning and view astronomical objects through a small telescope. We hope that this well-received program will soon expand to other disadvantaged schools in the area. The "Dark Skies" team is proud and excited to have an impact on the scientific literacy of the students in these starry-skied communities