INTERNATIONALIZATION AND INNOVATION: THE CHALLENGES FOR EUROPE IN A CHANGING WORLD

A large part of the economic literature is unanimous in believing technological progress and openness to foreign trade are key variables to trigger the processes of stable and persistent economic growth. An in-depth analysis of these factors, thus, becomes necessary both to meet the challenges of the international market, and to strengthen the European integration process. This paper aims to provide an empirical analysis of the interaction between foreign trade and technological progress by performing a multidimensional scaling. This technique is used to produce a graphical representation of the 27 EU member states, in accordance to the degree of similarity or dissimilarity between them. The indicators used, and the indexes calculated, reflect the different degree of internationalization of each country's economy, the regulation of trade flows, investment in specific R&D and technological progress.International trade, integration, technological progress

Chemical communication between synthetic and natural cells: a possible experimental design

The bottom-up construction of synthetic cells is one of the most intriguing and interesting research arenas in synthetic biology. Synthetic cells are built by encapsulating biomolecules inside lipid vesicles (liposomes), allowing the synthesis of one or more functional proteins. Thanks to the in situ synthesized proteins, synthetic cells become able to perform several biomolecular functions, which can be exploited for a large variety of applications. This paves the way to several advanced uses of synthetic cells in basic science and biotechnology, thanks to their versatility, modularity, biocompatibility, and programmability. In the previous WIVACE (2012) we presented the state-of-the-art of semi-synthetic minimal cell (SSMC) technology and introduced, for the first time, the idea of chemical communication between synthetic cells and natural cells. The development of a proper synthetic communication protocol should be seen as a tool for the nascent field of bio/chemical-based Information and Communication Technologies (bio-chem-ICTs) and ultimately aimed at building soft-wet-micro-robots. In this contribution (WIVACE, 2013) we present a blueprint for realizing this project, and show some preliminary experimental results. We firstly discuss how our research goal (based on the natural capabilities of biological systems to manipulate chemical signals) finds a proper place in the current scientific and technological contexts. Then, we shortly comment on the experimental approaches from the viewpoints of (i) synthetic cell construction, and (ii) bioengineering of microorganisms, providing up-to-date results from our laboratory. Finally, we shortly discuss how autopoiesis can be used as a theoretical framework for defining synthetic minimal life, minimal cognition, and as bridge between synthetic biology and artificial intelligence.Comment: In Proceedings Wivace 2013, arXiv:1309.712

Standing Tall, the Stiletto Heel as Material Memory: A Contemporary

Employing a material culture analysis, this dissertation functions as a general compendium on the stiletto heel, as it recounts the history of the stiletto from its introduction as a technological marvel in the post-WWII period to its present-day manifestations as a glamourous accessory. It surveys womens relations to stiletto heels and the reasons why women wear, and do not wear, them. Through a comparative cross-cultural analysis, the study examines a group of Canadian and Italian womens uses and perceptions of stiletto heels, and reveals cultural distinctions manifested in their uses and interpretations of stilettos. The womens personal relations to and cultural interpretations of the stiletto were measured through a phenomenological analysis of material collected through surveys, interviews and online forums. The study also considers the general sentiments stilettos engender in regard to the portrayal of women in society and the feminist discourses that the stiletto challenges and reinforces

The “Bilingual Paradox” Explained: A Review Paper.

The present paper aims at analysing the so-called “bilingual paradox”, providing an insight into the phenomenon by comparing and contrasting the most relevant empirical research which examine the cognitive costs and benefits of bilingualism. Specifically, it takes into account different historical phases and perspectives of study, highlighting the effects of the bilingual experience on cognitive skills and Executive Functions (EFs) in verbal and non-verbal domains. A particular focus is placed on the difference between two cognitive components, i.e. analysis of representation and control of attention, to better understand and define the positive and negative effects of bilingualism. Indeed, current studies have highlighted the importance of considering the joint relationship between different aspects of cognition, for they are affected by the bilingual experience in different ways and lead to different outcomes in linguistic and non-linguistic tasks

Is Language Intrinsically ‘Fascist’? The Relationship between Gender Across Languages and Ostracism.

The present work aims to answer the question of whether and under what circumstances the language can be considered as intrinsically ‘fascist’ (Barthes 1978), in that it compels us to speak in a certain rule-governed way, or it is possible to manipulate it through the use of gender-fair strategies. This will be assessed through a comparative analysis of gendered, natural gender, and genderless languages, together with a discussion of the effects brought on the gender equality achievements by each gender group. In particular, the study aims at examining and comparing theoretical and empirical research on the effectiveness of gender-fair language techniques, including the manipulation of personal pronouns, feminisation, neutralisation, diminutive/augmentative morphology with nefarious intent, and other morpho-syntactic features employed to avoid gender discrimination and stereotyping

Freedom of Expression and Sexist Hate Speech: Where is the Boundary?

The paper aims at analysing Sexist Hate Speech, both online and off-line, by characterising the phenomenon under different points of view, providing a comprehensive conspectus of a number of definitions which take into account different aspects of the issue. In particular, a number of factors causing and affecting sexist hate speech are reported, together with a portrait of the different forms that the language of hate may assume such as blatant, covert, and subtle sexism. Besides, an analysis of the boundaries between what constitutes freedom of expression on one hand, and what can be considered as sexist hate speech on the other is provided, with a particular focus on the most relevant articles included in the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). Another crucial aspect addressed in the current paper deals with the main targets of sexist hate speech, together with an analysis of the causes leading to the use of an abusive and violent language towards certain categories of women, particularly, feminists and human rights defenders. The work also presents a comparative overview of the most important initiatives and legal measures adopted by the UK and some EU countries, in the last few years, to contrast sexist hate speech. Finally, the outcomes of the phenomenon are described in psychological, physical, and emotional terms, with a particular focus on the consequences it carries on the professional and personal life of the women affected

ANALISI DELL’INDICE DI INTERAZIONE BAMBINO-PETS IN FATTORIA ZOOANTROPOLOGICA: STUDIO PILOTA

INTRODUZIONE - La didattica applicata alla zooantropologia prevede un’attuazione in campo educativo e pedagogico dei principi zooantropologici; essa si prefigge un duplice obiettivo: di ridurre il gap relazionale tra animali e giovani generazioni e di recuperare i contenuti e le valenze della relazione, al fine dell’utilizzo pedagogico ed educativo. Nasce un nuovo modello educativo che pone al centro delle strutture pedagogiche l’animale, non più come oggetto da sfruttare, ma come soggetto che aiuti il bambino nella sua crescita educativa (1,2). In quest’ottica generale, la Fattoria Zooantropologica sembra essere un buon sistema in grado di permettere la “fruizione” da parte di bambini e\o soggetti con disabilità di questo modello relazionale e di consentire, altresì, attività e terapie assistite con gli animali (3,4). La Fattoria Zooantropologica offre l’opportunità di attivare la relazione reciproca in un ambiente nuovo, attraente e confortevole tra il fruitore e l’animale che giova di un habitat naturale e familiare. L’esperienza diretta permette ai bambini di usare tutti i loro sensi per imparare: più i bambini vedono, toccano, odorano, sentono, gustano, più imparano (5,6). Partendo da questi presupposti, lo studio si è posto l’obiettivo di effettuare una valutazione del gradimento delle differenti specie animali, attraverso l’analisi degli indici di interazione dei bambini rispetto agli animali presenti in fattoria, al fine di fornire delle linee guida nella scelta del pet in relazione ad una amplificazione delle risposte cognitive ed emozionali del bambino

Presenza e distribuzione delle Aquaporine (AQPs) nel piccolo e grosso intestino del vitello bufalino

Aquaporins (AQPs) are membrane water channel proteins that selectively transport water or water solutes across the cell. The possible activities of these proteins in the gut of the newborn calf is unknown, although the mechanisms of neonatal absorption are particularly crucial in this species. For this reason, the aim of this research was to assess the presence and the different distribution of AQPs (AQP1, AQP4, AQP5) in the intestinal tracts of newborn calf before and after a week of food intake (colostrum/milk). The analysis performed through studies of expression and cellular localization showed the presence of these proteins in many of the examined tracts. In addition, it was observed that in all the portions of the intestinal tract, AQPs were more expressed after colostrum injestion

The Role of Beta Oscillations in Mental Time Travel

The brain processes short-interval timing but also allows people to project themselves into the past and the future (i.e., mental time travel [MTT]). Beta oscillations index seconds-long-interval timing (i.e., higher beta power is associated with longer durations). Here, we used parietal transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) to investigate whether MTT is also supported by parietal beta oscillations and to test the link between MTT and short intervals. Thirty adults performed a novel MTT task while receiving beta and alpha tACS, in addition to no stimulation. Beta tACS corresponded to a temporal underestimation in past but not in future MTT. Furthermore, participants who overestimated seconds-long intervals also overestimated temporal distances in the past-projection MTT condition and showed a stronger effect of beta tACS. These data provide a unique window into temporal perception, showing how beta oscillations may be a common mechanism for short intervals and MTT

Epistole et orationes quedam Cataldi Siculi. Estudio, edición crítica, traducción, notas e índices

Questa tesi ha come obiettivo quello di realizzare un’edizione con traduzione, nota e indici dell’opera intitolata Epistole et Orationes quedam Cataldi Siculi dell’umanista siciliano Cataldo Parisio Siculo (1455 circa – 1517 circa), originario di Sciacca e considerato tra i più attivi promotori dell’Umanesimo in Portogallo. In primo luogo, vengono presentati gli studi anteriori sulla biografia di Cataldo attraverso un excursus in cui sono analizzate le informazioni ricavate dai biografi dell’umanista tra il XVII e il XIX secolo. In secondo luogo, vengono descritte dettagliatamente le fasi della vita di Cataldo: il ritratto che ne emerge è quello di un intellettuale che, all’indomani della sua laurea in diritto a Ferrara nel 1484, ottiene la possibilità di trasferirsi alla corte reale portoghese e da lì di intraprendere una brillante carriera non solo come orator regius, ma anche come intellettuale e maestro dei giovani rampolli della famiglia reale e delle famiglie nobili lusitane. Dopo un breve accenno alle opere letterarie di Cataldo, si è passati alla descrizione della struttura dell’epistolario, pubblicato in due volumi, e che include una grande quantità di lettere e alcuni discorsi ufficiali (245 testi in totale). A questo punto vengono presentati il regesto, il testo in latino, la traduzione e l’apparato di note e fonti dei singoli elementi facenti parte dell’opera: per concludere sia al termine del primo volume dell’epistolario che del secondo sono inseriti i corrispettivi indici dei nomi e dei luoghi.El objetivo de esta tesis es realizar una edición con traducción, notas e índices de la obra titulada Epistole et Orationes quedam Cataldi Siculi del humanista siciliano Cataldo Parisio Sículo (c. 1455 - c. 1517), natural de Sciacca y considerado uno de los más activos promotores del Humanismo en Portugal. En primer lugar, se presentan los estudios previos sobre la biografía de Cataldo a través de un excursus donde se analiza la información de los biógrafos del humanista entre los siglos XVII y XIX. En segundo lugar, se describen con detalle las fases de la vida de Cataldo: el retrato que emerge es el de un intelectual que, tras licenciarse en Derecho en Ferrara en 1484, pudo trasladarse a la corte real portuguesa y desde allí emprender una brillante carrera no sólo como orator regius, sino también como intelectual y maestro de los jóvenes herederos de la familia real y de las familias nobles lusitanas. Tras una breve referencia a la producción literaria de Cataldo, pasamos a la descripción de la estructura de su epistolario, publicado en dos volúmenes, y que incluye un gran número de cartas y algunos discursos oficiales (245 textos en total). En fin, se presentan el resumen, el texto latino, la traducción y el aparato de notas y fuentes de cada uno de los elementos de la obra. Por último, al final del primer volumen del epistolario y del segundo se insertan los correspondientes índices de nombres y lugares