CO-SVILUPPO E INTEGRAZIONE: UNA RICERCA COMPARATA SULL'ASSOCIAZIONISMO GHANESE IN ITALIA E REGNO UNITO

Questo lavoro approfondisce lo studio del co-sviluppo inteso come specifica strategia attraverso la quale viene declinato il rapporto migrazione-sviluppo. Il co-sviluppo prevede il protagonismo delle associazioni dei migranti nella realizzazione di progetti di sviluppo in patria, in collaborazione con partner in entrambe le sponde della migrazione. Esso si configura come una strategia di triple win ossia in grado di apportare vantaggi contemporaneamente per il paese di origine, per quello di destinazione e per i migranti stessi. La ricerca indaga in modo particolare gli effetti apportati dal co-sviluppo sul processo di integrazione nel contesto di residenza dei migranti e come quest’ultimo influisca nello stimolare l’attivismo transnazionale delle loro associazioni. A questo scopo lo studio pone a confronto due diversi contesti di approdo analizzando le iniziative di sviluppo attuate in patria dalle associazioni dei migranti ghanesi. Attraverso l’utilizzo di una metodologia qualitativa, è stata condotta una ricerca multi-situata in tre diversi campi: Italia, Regno Unito e Ghana. La ricerca mette in luce i diversi effetti che il co-sviluppo produce sull’interazione tra transnazionalismo e integrazione dei migranti nel contesto di residenza e come essa produca, a sua volta, degli effetti sullo sviluppo del contesto di provenienza.This work focus on the study of co-development as a specific strategy through which the linkage migration&development is declined. Co-development foresees migrants associations to play a role as leading characters in undertaking development projects in the homeland co-operating with partners in both shores of migration. It represents a triple win strategy, and it can bring advantages in the country of origin, in the country of destination and for migrants themselves at the same time. In particular the research investigates the effects brought by co-development on the integration process in migrants resident context. Furthermore the research analyses how the resident context provides incentives for migrants association to act transnationally. With this aim the study compares two different arrival contexts analysing the different development initiatives realised by Ghanaian migrants associations back home. Using a qualitative approach, a multi-sited research has been carried out in three different fieldworks: Italy, the United Kingdom and Ghana. The research puts into light the different effects that co-development produces on the interaction between transnationalism and migrants integration in the context where they live, and how this produces, as a result, some effects on the process of development in the context of origin

Nanostructured nickel film deposition on carbon fibers for improving reinforcement-matrix interface in metal matrix composites

The issues in dispersing any form of carbon in metal matrix is the major problem in the field of metal matrix composites with carbon reinforcement (MMCcr). The low wettability of carbon in molten metals and the difference in density are some of the difficulties to obtain a good dispersion of carbon fibers in the matrix and, as a consequence, an improvement of some critical properties for metals in a wide range of application (mechanical properties, electrical properties, optical properties). For this reason, the aim of this work is to obtain a metallic coated carbon fiber to enhance the interaction between the reinforcement and the matrix. Moreover, also the density of carbon fibers could be adjusted depending on the thickness of the coating. Electroless Nickel-Phosphorus Plating (ENP) is one of the candidate to be a coating technique to improve the interaction between the carbon fibers and the metal matrix. Despite of its versatility in terms of complex geometry of the substrate and homogeneity and adhesion of the coating, the presence of the phosphorus in the alloy could create some problems with the metal matrix such as the formation of metal-phosphorus products that can drastically decrease the mechanical properties of the composite. For this reason, in this work, is presented a new way of Electroless Pure Nickel Plating (EPP) without any introduction of phosphorus in the nickel coating. The dependence of the coating thickness and the density of the coated fibers were studied under different plating parameters (temperature of the plating solution, deposition rate and plating solution composition). All the samples were characterized with SEM and XRD and the thickness, density and homogeneity were compared for all the samples obtained

Lightweight metallic matrix composites. Development of new composites material reinforced with carbon structures

Carbon nano/micro-structures used as fillers in metallic lightweight alloys matrix composites are receiving considerable attention in scientific research and industrial applications. Aluminum and magnesium are the most studied light metals used as matrices in metal composites materials principally for their low density (respectively 2.7 g/cm3 and 1.7 g/cm3) and low melting temperature (around 660 °C for both metals). A good interaction between matrix and fillers is the first step to obtain an increase in bulk properties; furthermore, the manufacturing procedure of the composite is fundamental in terms of quality of fillers dispersion. In this work the influence of surface modifications for three classes of carbon fillers for aluminum and magnesium alloy (AZ63) as matrices is studied. In particular, the selected fillers are short carbon micro fibres (SCMFs), carbon woven fabrics (CWF) and unidirectional yarn carbon fibres (UYFs). The surface modification was carried out by a direct coating of pure nickel on fibres. The electroless pure nickel plating was chosen as coating technique and the use of hydrazine as reducing agent has prevented the co-deposition of other elements (such as P or B). SEM and EDS analyses were performed to study the effect of surface modifications. The mechanical properties of manufactured composites were evaluated by four point flexural tests according to ASTM C1161 (room temperature). Results confirm improved interactions between matrix and fillers, and the specific interaction was studied for any chosen reinforcement

An Application of the Harmony-Search Multi-Objective (HSMO) Optimization Algorithm for the Solution of Pump Scheduling Problem☆

Abstract In hydraulic systems, water is often pumped to reach higher elevations, so as to ensure the minimum required pressure and guarantee adequate service level. However, pumps cannot be instantly activated and people do not consume the resource in uniform mode throughout the day. To avoid direct pumping, water can be stored in tanks at a higher elevation, so that it can be supplied whenever there is a higher demand. Because of the significant costs required for pumping, energy-saving in water supply systems is one of the most challenging issues to ensure optimal management of water systems. Careful scheduling of pumping operations may lead not only to energy savings, but alsoto prevent damages, as consequence of reduction of operation times and switches. By means of computer simulation, an optimal schedule of pumps can be achieved using optimization algorithms. In this paper, a harmony-search multi-objective (HSMO) optimization approach is adapted to the pump scheduling problem. The model interfaces with the popular hydraulic solver, EPANET 2.0, to check the hydraulic constraints and to evaluate the performances of the selected schedules. Penalties are introduced in the objective function in case of violation of the hydraulic constraints. The model is applied to a case study, showing that the results are comparable with those of competitive meta-heuristic algorithms (e.g. Genetic Algorithms) and pointing out the suitability of the HSMO algorithm for pumping optimization

High-pressure behavior of methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) hybrid perovskite

In this paper we provide an accurate high-pressure structural and optical study of MAPbI3 hybrid perovskite. Structural data show the presence of a phase transition towards an orthorhombic structure around 0.3 GPa followed by full amorphization of the system above 3 GPa. After releasing pressure the systems keeps the high-pressure orthorhombic phase. The occurrence of these structural transitions is further confirmed by pressure induced variations of the photoluminescence signal at high pressure. These variations clearly indicate that the bandgap value and the electronic structure of MAPI change across the phase transition.Comment: 23 pages, 9 figure

Proprioceptive training and sports performance

One of the current trends in the field of sports training concerns the integration into training programs of exercises defined as "proprioceptive", which also include balance exercises, used to optimize performance, prevention or recovery from injuries. After introducing and describing the main characteristics of proprioceptive training in sports, the present review aims to set out and analyse the various flaws in this type of training as it is commonly practiced, in order to lay the groundwork for future improvements in proprioceptive training. Our research highlights that it is common practice to combine proprioceptive training with training on unstable surfaces, generally meaning the same for both situations. Such practices are indicative of the confusion surrounding the concepts of proprioception and balance. Indeed, until these two concepts and their respective performance benefits are clearly differentiated, it will be difficult to move beyond the controversy surrounding proprioceptive training and hence. to make advances in the field of proprioceptive training research. In conclusion, therefore, against the comforting theories that accompany the use of proprioceptive training in relation to the improvement of performance, unfortunately there is a literature that shows many variables not yet considered or treated in an approximate way

Management impact: effects on quality of life and prognosis in MEN1

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is an autosomal dominant endocrine tumor syndrome, caused by inactivating mutations of the MEN1 tumor suppressor gene at 11q13 locus, which predisposes to develop tumors in target neuroendocrine tissues. As the positional cloning and identification of the causative gene in 1997, genetic diagnosis, by the sequencing-based research of gene mutations, has become an important tool in the early and differential diagnosis of the disease. Application of the genetic test, in MEN1 index cases and in first-degree relatives of mutated patients, has been constantly increasing during the last two decades, also thanks to the establishment of multidisciplinary referral centers and specific genetic counseling, and thanks to the wide availability of high throughput instruments for gene sequencing and gene mutation identification. The MEN1 genetic test helps the specific diagnosis of probands, and allows the early identification of asymptomatic carriers, strongly contributing, together with progressions in tumor diagnostic techniques and in pharmacological and surgical therapeutic approaches, to the reduction of morbidity and mortality associated with the syndrome. International clinical guidelines for MEN1 have been drafted by panels of specialists in the field, with the main goal to improve the management of the disease and grant patients a better quality of life. Here, we review main recommendations and suggestions derived by the last published general guidelines in 2012, and by most recent published studies about MEN1 syndrome diagnosis, clinical management, therapeutic approaches and patients’ quality of life.</jats:p

embolization of iliac metastasis during lenvatinib treatment in patient with advanced hurthle cell thyroid carcinoma

Lenvatinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) with antiproliferative and antiangiogenic effects indicated for the treatment of progressive, locally advanced or metastatic progressive thyroid carcinoma, refractory to radioactive iodine therapy. Antiangiogenic therapies induce ischemic necrosis of tumor tissue, with increased risk of hemorrhagic complications. The management of hemorrhagic risk is based on precautionary measures and for any surgical procedure, it is advised to interrupt the treatment in order to avoid complications. 'Flare-up' of tumor activity may follow TKI interruption. However, it is not known if continuing TKIs during minimally invasive interventions is safe. We report here the first case in which an embolization of metastasis is performed without interrupting lenvatinib treatment. The procedure was successful and free of complications

Fusing NIR and Process Sensors Data for Polymer Production Monitoring

Process analytical technology and multivariate process monitoring are nowadays the most effective approaches to achieve real-time quality monitoring/control in production. However, their use is not yet a common practice, and industries benefit much less than they could from the outcome of the hundreds of sensors that constantly monitor production in industrial plants. The huge amount of sensor data collected are still mostly used to produce univariate control charts, monitoring one compartment at a time, and the product quality variables are generally used to monitor production, despite their low frequency (offline measurements at analytical laboratory), which is not suitable for real-time monitoring. On the contrary, it would be extremely advantageous to benefit from predictive models that, based on online sensors, will be able to return quality parameters in real time. As a matter of fact, the plant setup influences the product quality, and process sensors (flow meters, thermocouples, etc.) implicitly register process variability, correlation trends, drift, etc. When the available spectroscopic sensors, reflecting chemical composition and structure, consent to monitor the intermediate products, coupling process, and spectroscopic sensor and extracting/fusing information by multivariate analysis from this data would enhance the evaluation of the produced material features allowing production quality to be estimated at a very early stage. The present work, at a pilot plant scale, applied multivariate statistical process control (MSPC) charts, obtained by data fusion of process sensor data and near-infrared (NIR) probes, on a continuous styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN) production process. Furthermore, PLS regression was used for real-time prediction of the Melt Flow Index and percentage of bounded acrylonitrile (%AN). The results show that the MSPC model was able to detect deviations from normal operative conditions, indicating the variables responsible for the deviation, be they spectral or process. Moreover, predictive regression models obtained using the fused data showed better results than models computed using single datasets in terms of both errors of prediction and R2. Thus, the fusion of spectra and process data improved the real-time monitoring, allowing an easier visualization of the process ongoing, a faster understanding of possible faults, and real-time assessment of the final product quality

Embolization of iliac metastasis during lenvatinib treatment in patient with advanced Hürthle cell thyroid carcinoma

Lenvatinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) with antiproliferative and antiangiogenic effects indicated for the treatment of progressive, locally advanced or metastatic progressive thyroid carcinoma, refractory to radioactive iodine therapy. Antiangiogenic therapies induce ischemic necrosis of tumor tissue, with increased risk of hemorrhagic complications. The management of hemorrhagic risk is based on precautionary measures and for any surgical procedure, it is advised to interrupt the treatment in order to avoid complications. 'Flare-up' of tumor activity may follow TKI interruption. However, it is not known if continuing TKIs during minimally invasive interventions is safe. We report here the first case in which an embolization of metastasis is performed without interrupting lenvatinib treatment. The procedure was successful and free of complications