Testing for convergence from the micro-level

Empirical convergence analysis is typically envisaged from a macro aggregate perspective. However, researchers have recently highlighted how investigating convergence at the disaggregate level may yield interesting insights into the convergence debate. In this paper, we suggest an approach that allows exploiting large micro panels to test for convergence. Compared to the traditional convergence analysis, this approach allows obtaining beta- and sigma-like convergence parameters for both the micro and the macro level of interest. We provide a practical example that analyses productivity convergence across firms and provinces using a large sample of Italian firms

Aerosol optical properties at Lampedusa (Central Mediterranean). 1. Influence of transport and identification of different aerosol types

Aerosol optical depth and Ångström exponent were obtained from multi filter rotating shadowband radiometer (MFRSR) observations carried out at the island of Lampedusa, in the Central Mediterranean, in the period July 2001–September 2003. The average aerosol optical depth at 495.7 nm, τ, is 0.24±0.14; the average Ångström exponent, α, is 0.86±0.63. The observed values of τ range from 0.03 to 1.13, and the values of α vary from −0.32 to 2.05, indicating a large variability in aerosol content and size. In cloud-free conditions, 36% of the airmasses come from Africa, 25% from Central-Eastern Europe, and 19% from Western France, Spain and the North Atlantic. In summer, 42% of the airmasses is of African origin. In almost all cases African aerosols display high values of τ and low values of α, typical of Saharan dust (average values of τ and α are 0.36 and 0.42, respectively). Particles originating from Central-Eastern Europe show relatively large average values of τ and α (0.23 and 1.5, respectively), while particles from Western France, Spain and the North Atlantic show the lowest average values of τ (0.15), and relatively small values of α (0.92). Intermediate values of α are often connected with relatively fast changes of the airmass originating sector, suggesting the contemporary presence of different types of particles in the air column. Clean marine conditions are rare at Lampedusa, and are generally associated with subsidence of the airmasses reaching the island. Average values of τ and α for clean marine conditions are 0.11 and 0.86, respectively. The largest values of α (about 2) were observed in August 2003, when large scale forest fires in Southern Europe produced consistent amounts of fine combustion particles, that were transported to the Central Mediterranean by a persistent high pressure system over Central Europe. Smoke particles in some cases mix with desert dust, producing intermediate values of α. The seasonal distribution of the meteorological patterns over the Mediterranean, the efficiency of the aerosol production mechanisms, and the variability of the particles' residence time produce a distinct seasonal cycle of aerosol optical depths and Ångström exponent values. Particles originating from all sectors show a summer maximum in aerosol optical depth. The summer increase in optical depth for European aerosols is linked with an increment in the values of α, that indicates an enhancement in the number of fine particles. The summer maximum of τ for African particles is associated with a weak reduction in the Ångström exponent, suggesting an increase in the total number of particles and a relatively more intense transport of large particles. The observations were classified according to the aerosol optical properties, and two main classes have been identified: desert dust and biomass burning/urban-industrial aerosols. Values of τ and α averaged over the whole observing period are 0.37 and 0.15 for desert dust, and 0.27 and 1.77 for urban-industrial/biomass burning aerosols

Promoting the Flexibility of Thermal Prosumers Equipped with Heat Pumps to Support Power Grid Management

The increasing share of renewable energy sources in energy systems will lead to unpredictable moments of surplus/deficit in energy production. To address this issue, users with heat pumps can provide support to power grid operators through flexible unit operation achieved via Demand Response programs. For buildings connected to low-temperature heating networks with ensured third-party access, further room for flexibility can be explored by investigating the production of surplus heat that can be sold to the network. A key aspect lies in the identification of the energy pricing options that could encourage such flexible operation of a heat pump by “thermal prosumers”. To this aim, the present study investigates the impact of ad hoc variations in the electricity purchasing price through discounts or penalties included in the “network cost” component of the price on cost-effective operation of a heat pump connected to the thermal network. To discuss the effects of different pricing options in terms of increased flexibility, an office building located in Italy and equipped with a high-temperature heat pump is adopted as the case study. A heuristic profit-oriented management strategy of the heat pump is assumed, and dynamic simulations are performed. The results indicate that at current electricity prices, the heat pump operation is profitable both when supplying the heat to meet the building’s requirements and when producing surplus heat for sale to the thermal network. In addition, it is revealed that the penalties applied to the electricity purchasing price are effective in encouraging changes in the heat pump operation strategy, reducing its average production (the building increasingly relying on buying heat from the network) and the associated electricity consumption by 46.0% and 79.7% in the “light” and “severe” local power deficit scenarios, respectively

Pocket-sized, wireless-Bluetooth ultrasound system to perform diagnostic and low-complexity interventional procedures in bedridden patients during the COVID-19 pandemic: from intensive care unit to domiciliary service?

The use of a pocked-sized, wireless-Bluetooth ultrasound portable system with display images presented on a tablet facilitated the work of our radiologists during the first wave of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to perform diagnostic and interventional procedures in bedridden patients. The device is equipped with a battery-powered probe without cables that transmits images to a tablet (or a cell phone) through a dedicated App. We hypothesise in future to extend diagnostic and low-complexity interventional procedures from hospitalised patients to at-home patients who are not able to mobilise out of bed or are difficult to transport. This domiciliary service might also reduce the overhead of hospital accesses

Dual-layer spectral CT fusion imaging for lung biopsies: more accurate targets, diagnostic samplings, and biomarker information?

The increasingly widespread use of computed tomography (CT) has increased the number of detected lung lesions, which are then subjected to needle biopsy to obtain histopathological diagnosis. Obtaining high-quality biopsy specimens is fundamental for diagnosis and biomolecular characterisation that guide therapy decision-making. In order to obtain samples with high diagnostic potential, fusion imaging techniques, such as fusion between positron emission tomography and CT, have been introduced to target the biopsy where there more viable neoplastic cells can be sampled. Nowadays, dual-layer spectral CT represents a novel technology enabling an increased tissue characterisation. In particular, Z-effective images, i.e., colour-coded images based on the effective atomic number of tissue components, provide a higher level of discrimination than usual imaged based on x-ray attenuation in Hounsfield units and offer the potential of a better tissue characterisation. Our hypothesis is based on the future use of data provided by spectral CT, in particular by Z-effective images, as a guide for appropriate biopsy sampling for histopathological and biomolecular characterisation in the era of patient tailored-therapy

Successful endovascular management with a covered stent of an external iliac pseudoaneurysm following allograft nephrectomy using CO 2 as contrast medium: a case report.

Iodinated contrast agents for angiography in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients could further deteriorate their renal function leading to adverse sequelae. The use of carbon dioxide (CO2) is reported in the literature and has been safely used for a variety of angiographic procedures, particularly to guide aortic and renal interventions. We report the case of the successful endovascular treatment with a covered stent of a right external iliac artery pseudoaneurysm following graft nephrectomy in a CKD patient, using CO2 as contrast medium

Glue or onyx: A guide to choice – tips and techniques

Glue and Onyx are two liquid embolic agents. They have different characteristics and applications, so it is essential to know how to choose between them.The main aims of this article are to describe the principles and features of these embolic agents, to highlight the advantages and limitations of both the materials, and to provide optimal indications of each agent during endovascular arterial embolization procedures