Fighting the Debt Crisis’ Undertow: Greece and the Eurozone

To measure the debt crisis in Europe in general, and in Greece in particular, there are different levels of analysis, rarely examined together: at the global, EU and the national levels. The global level involves the origins of the crisis in the infra-regulated practices of financial entities worldwide, whereas the EU level reflects architectural weaknesses of the European Monetary Union. The national level entails specific vulnerabilities of the national economy. Underlying all this, there has been a total (public+private) debt bubble that has been growing since the 1980s, and an implicit promise of higher standards of living through large market deregulation experiments (chief among them are capital markets and capital mobility deregulation). Delivering on this implicit promise called for an increasing assumption of debt. This was based on the hope that growth in the real economy would justify increasing debt—in a sense outrunning debt growth. Unfortunately, not only did debt growth prove to be too rapid, the growth of finance ended up attracting grey matter away from science and technology, the ultimate productivity-growth booster, and giving finance the grey matter to engineer ever-cleverer ways to raise debt. In some countries, debt growth could be reflected more on the side of private debt (Spain, UK, US, Ireland, etc.) or public debt (Greece, Italy, Portugal), or both, but that distinction is secondary. The key point when it comes to the global level of analysis is that incomes and consumption growth ended up being achieved through practically continuous debt (public and/or public) growth

Meta-analysis of Research and Innovation Strategies for Smart Specialisation: Priorities and Policy Measures

This report presents a review and elaboration of meta-analysis of Research and Innovation Strategies for Smart Specialisation (RIS3), focusing on the priorities identified by regions/countries, and policy measures at regional and national level. The first part of the report presents the key findings of a structured dialogue with experienced practitioners from across Europe. It benefits from a methodology of structured interactions with regional and national policymakers, across time, adapting and pursuing a cohort-type approach. It has also relied on results of a Smart Specialisation Platform (S3 Platform) survey of policymakers. On the one hand, analysis has brought new dimensions to the fore. First, coherent policy road-mapping, fostering regional economic transformation, emerged as a pivotal issue that deserves more attention. Regardless of the label used (policy road-mapping, techno-economic road-mapping, regional transformation road-mapping), the key point is the realisation that there is a host of policies that must be in tune with the transformational promise of S3, in order to reap its fruits. One of the most powerful examples is the importance of human capital for the success of S3 - or any sustainable exercise pursuing growth - and the way S3 can be undermined by relentless austerity drives that push human capital away. Other notable messages emerged in this meta-analysis, especially through the active structured involvement of front-line policymakers. Quite encouragingly, it was stressed that the Smart Specialisation approach is perceived as a broad development strategy, and not just a mere setting for the use of regional funds. Policymakers also confirmed the importance of maintaining momentum in the Entrepreneurial Discovery Process (EDP), as well as the need to simplify and harmonise financing instruments. Furthermore, certain underappreciated issues have been identified as critical: they include ensuring consistency in communication about the Smart Specialisation approach and policies to stakeholders, and nurturing a continuous dialogue across sectors and disciplines to boost cross-fertilisation. On the other hand, the review of priorities led to a methodology, which can still be implemented without recourse to computational power at this stage. However, as the number of priorities grows, a programmable algorithm may well be needed. This report hints at how such an algorithm can be built; the goal would be, in a sense, the obverse of what is sought by web navigators' rank algorithms. Instead of seeking many relevant responses to queries, the objective would be to provide concise syntheses reflecting many different contributions, seeking common elements among them. Developing it would require policy backing, and a separate, prioritised, and resource-demanding project. Finally, the meta-analysis of priorities allows regrouping them to extract common vectors of emphases across regions, as bottom-up input towards mission-oriented themes that carry cross-regional economic transformation potential. Through the process above, eighteen groupings of priorities (priority families) were identified. Some of the highest ranked ones, reflecting many regions/countries priorities, involve activities that are always high in such lists (e.g. health-related); others however entail activities that are often overlooked. One very important such grouping/family, with many countries and regions in its ranks, is the agri-food family, where research and innovation can often be high-tech indeed. Another very important - and usually overlooked - grouping involves tourism and culture. This includes targeted tourism, as well as quality-of-life experiential tourism, and indirectly proposes a new 21st century approach to the concept of competitiveness. Beyond such groupings and examples, the ultimate specific identification of vectors should ideally involve a broader discussion/validation process.JRC.B.3-Territorial Developmen

Interstitial Granulomatous Dermatitis: Another Clinical Variant

A 70-year-old female patient presented with an eruption consisting of symmetrically distributed erythematous papules around the umbilicus 1 month after the cessation of adalimumab for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Biopsy of a papule showed an interstitial granulomatous infiltrate in the dermis, without deposition of mucin. The lesions cleared only after re-initiation of treatment 2 months later. Interstitial granulomatous dermatitis is thought to be a distinct histopathological pattern, either drug induced or associated with rheumatoid arthritis or autoimmune collagen diseases. In our case, there was a distinct clinical presentation of interstitial granulomatous dermatitis, composed of symmetrically distributed indurated papules around the umbilicus as well as a mild granulomatous reaction pattern

Smart specialisation for regional economic transformation

The aim of this paper is to provide a quick yet comprehensive understanding of the nature and logic of smart specialisation as a place-based strategy for economic transformation and development. The origin and characteristics of the smart specialisation approach in the European Union are presented together with the main challenges for a successful implementation. Smart specialisation is about identifying and pursuing sub-sectoral and inter-sectoral activities, which can be explored by existing but also new entrant firms, where technology can facilitate either radical innovation, or the incremental utilisation of existing skills/strengths in new niches, fostering regional and national technology-savvy economic transformation. Stakeholder involvement through an entrepreneurial discovery process is a defining feature of this approach.JRC.J.2-Knowledge for Growt

Chemical Characterization and Biological Evaluation of \u3ci\u3eEpilobium parviflorum\u3c/i\u3e Extracts in an In Vitro Model of Human Malignant Melanoma

Malignant melanoma is an aggressive type of skin cancer characterised by high metastatic capacity and mortality rate. On the other hand, Epilobium parviflorum is known for its medicinal properties, including its anticancer potency. In this context, we aimed to (i) isolate various extracts of E. parviflorum, (ii) characterize their phytochemical content, and (iii) determine their cytotoxic potential in an in vitro model of human malignant melanoma. To these ends, we utilized various spectrophotometric and chromatographic (UPLC-MS/MS) approaches to document the higher content of the methanolic extract in polyphenols, soluble sugars, proteins, condensed tannins, and chlorophylls -a and -b as opposed to those of dichloromethane and petroleum. In addition, the cytotoxicity profiling of all extracts was assessed through a colorimetric-based Alamar Blue assay in human malignant melanoma (A375 and COLO-679) as well as non-tumorigenic immortalized keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells. Overall, the methanolic extract was shown to exert significant cytotoxicity, in a timeand concentration-dependent manner, as opposed to the other extracts. The observed cytotoxicity was confined only to human malignant melanoma cells, whereas non-tumorigenic keratinocyte cells remained relatively unaffected. Finally, the expression levels of various apoptotic genes were assessed by qRT-PCR, indicating the activation of both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic cascades. Supplement attached below

An Evaluation of the Anti-Carcinogenic Response of Major Isothiocyanates in Non-Metastatic and Metastatic Melanoma Cells

Malignant melanoma is one of the most deadly types of solid cancers, a property mainly attributed to its highly aggressive metastatic form. On the other hand, different classes of isothiocy- anates, a class of phytochemicals, present in cruciferous vegetables have been characterized by considerable anti-cancer activity in both in vitro and in vivo experimental models. In the current study, we investigated the anti-cancer response of five isothiocyanates in an in vitro model of melanoma consisting of non-metastatic (A375, B16F-10) and metastatic (VMM1, Hs294T) malignant melanoma as well as non-melanoma epidermoid carcinoma (A431) and non-tumorigenic melanocyte-neighboring keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells. Our aim was to compare different endpoints of cytotoxicity (e.g., reactive oxygen species, intracellular glutathione content, cell cycle growth arrest, apoptosis and necrosis) descriptive of an anti-cancer response between non-metastatic and metastatic melanoma as well as non-melanoma epidermoid carcinoma and non-tumorigenic cells. Our results showed that exposure to isothiocyanates induced an increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species and glutathione contents between non-metastatic and metastatic melanoma cells. The distribution of cell cycle phases followed a similar pattern in a manner where non-metastatic and metastatic melanoma cells appeared to be growth arrested at the G2/M phase while elevated levels of metastatic melanoma cells were shown to be at sub G1 phase, an indicator of necrotic cell death. Finally, metastatic melanoma cells were more sensitive apoptosis and/or necrosis as higher levels were observed compared to non-melanoma epidermoid carcinoma and non-tumorigenic cells. In general, non-mela- noma epidermoid carcinoma and non-tumorigenic cells were more resistant under any experimental exposure condition. Overall, our study provides further evidence for the potential development of isothiocyanates as promising anti-cancer against non-metastic and metastatic melanoma cells, a property specific for these cells and not shared by non-melanoma epidermoid carcinoma or non-tumorigenic melanocyte cells

Polyphenolics, glucosinolates and isothiocyanates profiling of aerial parts of \u3ci\u3eNasturtium officinale\u3c/i\u3e (Watercress)

Watercress (Nasturtium officinale) is a rich source of secondary metabolites with disease-preventing and/or health-promoting properties. Herein, we have utilized extraction procedures to isolate fractions of polyphenols, glucosinolates and isothiocyanates to determine their identification, and quantification. In doing so, we have utilized reproducible analytical methodologies based on liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry by either positive or negative ion mode. Due to the instability and volatility of isothiocyanates, we followed an ammonia derivatization protocol which converts them into respective ionizable thiourea derivatives. The analytes’ content distribution map was created on watercress flowers, leaves and stems. We have demonstrated that watercress contains significantly higher levels of gluconasturtiin, phenethyl isothiocyanate, quercetin-3-O-rutinoside and isorhamnetin, among others, with their content decreasing from flowers (82.11 ± 0.63, 273.89 ± 0.88, 1459.30 ± 12.95 and 289.40 ± 1.37 ng/g of dry extract respectively) to leaves (32.25 ± 0.74, 125.02 ± 0.52, 1197.86 ± 4.24 and 196.47 ± 3.65 ng/g of det extract respectively) to stems (9.20 ± 0.11, 64.7 ± 0.9, 41.02 ± 0.18, 65.67 ± 0.84 ng/g of dry extract respectivbely). Pearson’s correlation analysis has shown that the content of isothiocyanates doesn’t depend only on the bioconversion of individual glucosinolates but also on other glucosinolates of the same group. Overall, we have provided comprehensive analytical data of the major watercress metabolites thereby providing an opportunity to exploit different parts of watercress for potential therapeutic applications

Evaluation of Bioactive Properties of Lipophilic Fractions of Edible and Non-Edible Parts of \u3ci\u3eNasturtium officinale\u3c/i\u3e (Watercress) in a Model of Human Malignant Melanoma Cells

Watercress is an enriched source of phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), among other phytochemicals, with an antioxidant capacity. The aim of this study was to (i) chemically characterize and (ii) biologically evaluate the profile of the main health-promoting compounds contained in edible (i.e., mixture of leaves and lateral buds) and non-edible (i.e., stems) parts of watercress in an in vitro model of malignant melanoma consisting of human malignant melanoma (A375), non-melanoma (A431) and keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells. The extraction of the main constituents of watercress was performed by subjecting the freeze-dried edible and non-edible samples through different extraction protocols, whereas their concentration was obtained utilizing analytical methodologies. In addition, cell viability was evaluated by the Alamar Blue assay, whereas levels of oxidative stress and apoptosis were determined by commercially available kits. The edible watercress sample contained a higher amount of various nutrients and phytochemicals in the hexane fraction compared to the non-edible one, as evidenced by the presence of PEITC, phenolics, flavonoids, pigments, ascorbic acid, etc. The cytotoxicity potential of the edible watercress sample in the hexane fraction was considerably higher than the non-edible one in A375 cells, whereas A431 and HaCaT cells appeared to be either more resistant or minimally affected, respectively. Finally, levels of oxidative stress and apoptotic induction were increased in both watercress samples, but the magnitude of the induction was much higher in the edible than the non-edible watercress samples. Herein, we provide further evidence documenting the potential development of watercress extracts (including watercress waste by-products) as promising anti-cancer agent(s) against malignant melanoma cells

Chemical and Biological Characterization of the Anticancer Potency of \u3ci\u3eSalvia fruticosa\u3c/i\u3e in a Model of Human Malignant Melanoma

Malignant melanoma is one of the most aggressive types of skin cancer with an increasing incidence worldwide. Thus, the development of innovative therapeutic approaches is of great importance. Salvia fruticosa (SF) is known for its anticancer properties and in this context, we aimed to investigate its potential anti-melanoma activity in an in vitro model of human malignant melanoma. Cytotoxicity was assessed through a colorimetric-based sulforhodamine-B (SRB) assay in primary malignant melanoma (A375), non-malignant melanoma epidermoid carcinoma (A431) and non-tumorigenic melanocyte neighbouring keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells. Among eight (8) different fractions of S. fruticosa extracts (SF1-SF8) tested, SF3 was found to possess significant cytotoxic activity against A375 cells, while A431 and HaCaT cells remained relatively resistant or exerted no cytotoxicity, respectively. In addition, the total phenolic (Folin–Ciocalteu assay) and total flavonoid content of SF extracts was estimated, whereas the antioxidant capacity was measured via the inhibition of tert-butyl hydroperoxide-induced lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation levels. Finally, apoptotic cell death was assessed by utilizing a commercially available kit for the activation of caspases - 3, - 8 and - 9. In conclusion, the anti-melanoma properties of SF3 involve the induction of both extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathway(s), as evidenced by the increased activity levels of caspases - 8, and - 9, respectively

TENSOR: retrieval and analysis of heterogeneous online content for terrorist activity recognition

The proliferation of terrorist generated content online is a cause for concern as it goes together with the rise of radicalisation and violent extremism. Law enforcement agencies (LEAs) need powerful platforms to help stem the influence of such content. This article showcases the TENSOR project which focusses on the early detection of online terrorist activities, radicalisation and recruitment. Operating under the H2020 Secure Societies Challenge, TENSOR aims to develop a terrorism intelligence platform for increasing the ability of LEAs to identify, gather and analyse terrorism-related online content. The mechanisms to tackle this challenge by bringing together LEAs, industry, research, and legal experts are presented