The State of the Art of Research in the EU on the Uptake and Use of ICT by Immigrants and Ethnic Minorities

The report provides a snapshot on the current state of the art of socio-economic research undertaken in Europe on ICT and migrations. After briefly illustrating the evolution of studies on ICT and migrations, the report provides an overview of the literature (over 150 items) published on this topic between 2004 and 2008. The main themes and disciplines involved are identified, along with emerging research lines of investigation. Based on the questionnaires gathered in the study, the third chapter of the report focuses on European research institutes, experts and the projects addressing the domain of ICT and migration. About 40 expert researchers were identified, working in/for about 30 research organisations in 11 Member States and Switzerland; and carrying on over 40 research projects. Overall, research in this field is carried out very much through networks of individuals (mostly junior scientists, with an overwhelming presence of women) or small groups, with a growing interdisciplinary character. The report concludes that research on ICT and migration would benefit from a stronger focus on user and impact analysis, and a more systematic comparative research across Europe. The authors also suggest a few topics that deserve further elaboration of theoretical approaches and could lead to cutting edge, comparative research in this field.JRC.J.4-Information Societ

Il Processo Tributario Telematico

L'elaborato ha ad oggetto lo studio della riforma del processo tributario che ne ha determinato la telematizzazione. In particolare, partendo dall'analisi delle criticità riscontrate e riscontrabili nella disciplina e prassi del processo tributario tradizionalmente inteso, si sono ripercorse le tappe dell'iter che ha portato alla digitalizzazione della pubblica amministrazione prima e alla riforma in senso telematico del processo tributario poi. Si è quindi dato conto delle caratteristiche dello stesso ponendone in luce pregi e difetti così da ricostruire, altresì, l'esperienza maturata all'interno delle Commissioni pilota in cui esso è stato attivato a partire dal 1° dicembre 2015 e trarne un primo bilancio

Optimisation of a Nacelle Electro-Thermal Ice Protection System for Icing Wind Tunnel Testing

Abstract Aircraft are equipped with ice protection systems (IPS), to avoid, delay or remove ice accretion. Two widely used technologies are the thermo-pneumatic IPS and the electro-thermal IPS (ETIPS). Thermo-pneumatic IPS requires air extraction from the engine negatively affecting its performances. Moreover, in the context of green aviation, aircraft manufacturers are moving towards hybrid or fully electric aircraft requiring all electric on-board systems. In this work, an ETIPS has been designed and optimised to replace the nacelle pneumatic-thermal system. The aim is to minimise the power consumption while assuring limited or null ice formation and that the surface temperature remains between acceptable bounds to avoid material degradation. The design parameters were the length and heat flux of each heater. Runback ice formations and surface temperature were assessed by means of the in-house developed PoliMIce framework. The optimisation was performed using a genetic algorithm, and the constraints were handled through a linear penalty method. The optimal configuration required 33% less power with respect to the previously installed thermo-pneumatic IPS. Furthermore, engine performance is not affected in the case of the ETIPS. This energy saving resulted in an estimated reduction of specific fuel consumption of 3%, when operating the IPS in anti-icing mode

Perfilhamento em Capim-bermuda cv. Tifton 85 em resposta a doses e ao momento de aplicação do nitrogênio após o corte

A adubação nitrogenada é fator determinante na produtividade das pastagens, pois aumenta a produção de massa e está associada à fisiologia de crescimento das plantas forrageiras. Um experimento foi conduzido com a gramínea Tifton 85 (Cynodon spp.), em casa-de-vegetação num solo Neossolo Quartzarênico, com o objetivo de avaliar a influência de doses e momentos de aplicação de nitrogênio após o corte no perfilhamento desta planta forrageira. Foram definidas quatro doses e dois momentos de aplicação de nitrogênio após o corte, em esquema fatorial 4 x 2, no delineamento experimental de blocos completos ao acaso, com quatro repetições. As doses de nitrogênio foram de 0, 80, 160 e 240 mg kg-1 de solo e os dois momentos de aplicação de nitrogênio foram imediatamente após o corte das plantas e após sete dias. As avaliações foram conduzidas durante dois períodos de crescimentos, com as plantas atingindo 39 e 41 dias de idade. Houve efeito das doses de nitrogênio no número inicial de perfilhos no segundo crescimento, e no número de perfilhos surgidos e no número final de perfilhos nos dois períodos avaliados. O peso dos perfilhos individuais teve incrementos até as doses de nitrogênio de 201 e 185 mg kg-1 de solo, no primeiro e segundo cortes, respectivamente. Foram obtidos os coeficientes de correlação de 0,92 e 0,94 entre o número final de perfilhos e produção de massa seca da parte aérea, para o primeiro e segundo crescimentos, respectivamente. A taxa de aparecimento de perfilhos foi influenciada pelas doses e momentos de aplicação de nitrogênio após o corte, sendo estes efeitos independentes no primeiro e interativos no segundo crescimento, para cada período de avaliação.Nitrogen fertilization is determinant for pasture productivity, as it results in increasing forage yield and is associated with the growth physiology of forage plants. An experiment was carried out in a greenhouse to evaluate the effects of nitrogen rates and times of application after cutting on Tifton 85 Bermuda grass (Cynodon spp.) tillering. Plants were grown in a Typic Quartzipsamment soil and nitrogen rates were 0, 80, 160 and 240 mg kg-1 of soil; times of application were immediately after and seven days after cutting. A 4 x 2 factorial experiment was set in a completely randomized block design (n= 4). Plants were evaluated in two sequential growth periods - 39 and 41 days. Nitrogen rates affected tiller density, considering the initial number of tillers in the second growth and the emerged and final number of tillers at the end of the growth periods. Tiller weight increased up to the nitrogen rate of 201 and 185 mg kg-1 of soil in the first and second growth periods, and the correlation coefficients between the final number of tillers and dry matter yields in the top part of the plant for these periods were 0.92 and 0.94, respectively. The rate of tiller development, evaluated in each of the seven-day periods, was affected by nitrogen rates and time of application. There was an effect of rates and time of application in the first and a significant interaction between rates and time in the second growth period

Hypolimnetic withdrawal coupled with oxygenation as lake restoration measures : the successful case of Lake Varese (Italy)

Lake Varese is a relatively small lake, belonging to the drainage basin of lake Maggiore (northern Italy). It has had a long history (since 1960s) of water quality deterioration as the result of cultural eutrophication. In 1967 a restoration project was designed, including a sewerage network, an O-ring sewage diversion system, and a centralised wastewater treatment plant with phosphorus and nitrogen control. Since the 1990's, the lake has been the object of a cooperative research program supported by the European Commission, the Italian Ministry of the Environment, the Lombardy Region, and the Varese Province. The subsequent studies revealed that the lake responded to the decreased external nutrient loads. Besides, mathematical models predicted a rather long period (30 years) to attain the restoration goal, recognising the importance of internal P loading from sediments. Also, it was predicted that the application of in-lake measures would be beneficial in accelerating lake recovery. Recently, two measures have been suggested, i.e. hypolimnetic withdrawal in the deepest section (maximum depth: 26 m) and oxygenation in the shallower section, during summer stratification. Lake Varese constitutes the first case in Italy where in-lake methods are used to counteract the problems caused by excessive nutrient enrichment in a relative large system (lake surface: 14.52 km2). In this paper, preliminary results of the first two years of operation (2000/2001) are summarised. The results are greatly encouraging. Lake water quality characteristics are as follows: Secchi transparency increased from 3.2 m to 4.9 m; annual mean total P concentrations decreased from 180 mg/m3 to 70 mg/m3; average chlorophyll values decreased from 40 mg/m3 to 17 mg/m3; the frequency of nuisance algal blooms declined to half in comparison to the 1990's and the algal density declined by a factor of 4, and anoxia periods decreased in time and space. Moreover, it has been evaluated that nutrient loads from lake Varese, due to the selected water discharges, did not affect the total nutrient budget of lake Maggiore and the downstream water quality.El lago Varese es un lago relativamente pequeño, situado en la cuenca de drenaje del lago Maggiore (norte de Italia). Presenta una larga historia (desde los años 60) de degradación de la calidad del agua como resultado de una eutrofización cultural. En 1967 se diseñó un proyecto de restauración, incluyendo una red de alcantarillado, un sistema en anillo de desvío de aguas residuales, y una planta centralizada de tratamiento de aguas residuales con control de fósforo y nitrógeno. Desde los años 90, el lago ha sido objeto de un programa de cooperación científica financiado por la Comisión Europea, el Ministerio de Medio Ambiente de Italia, la Región de Lombardy y la provincia de Varese. Los estudios resultantes mostraron la respuesta del lago a la disminución de la carga de nutrientes externa. Además, los modelos matemáticos predijeron un período bastante largo (30 años) para lograr el objetivo de restauración, reconociendo la importancia de la carga interna de P de los sedimentos. También, se predijo que la aplicación de medidas en el propio lago sería beneficiosa en la aceleración de la recuperación del lago. Recientemente, se han propuesto dos medidas, i.e. drenaje hipolimnético en la cubeta más profunda (profundidad máxima: 26 m) y oxigenación en la zona más somera, durante la estratificación estival. El lago Varese constituye el primer caso en Italia donde se han adoptado medidas en el propio lago para contrarrestar los problemas causados por un enriquecimiento excesivo de nutrientes en un sistema relativamente grande (superficie del lago: 14.52 km2). En este artículo se resumen los resultados preliminares de los dos primeros años de actuación (2000/2001). Los resultados son enormemente alentadores. Las características de la calidad del agua del lago son las siguientes: la transparencia del Secchi aumentó de 3.2 a 4.9 m; las concentraciones medias anuales de P total disminuyeron de 180 mg/m3 a 70 mg/m3; los valores medios de clorofila disminuyeron de 40 mg/m3 a 17 mg/m3; la frecuencia de florecimiento de algas se redujo a la mitad en comparación con los años 90 y la densidad de algas se dividió por un factor de 4, y los períodos de anoxia disminuyeron en el tiempo y en el espacio. Además, se ha comprobado que la carga de nutrientes procedente del lago Varese, a causa de las descargas de agua selectivas, no afectó al balance total de nutrientes del lago Maggiore ni a la calidad del agua del río aguas abajo

"I will pay you more, as long as you are transparent!": An investigation of the pick-your-price participative pricing mechanism

Participative pricing strategies are increasingly common nowadays. In addition to have an impact on consumers’ purchase decision, these pricing strategies can impact consumers’ brand evaluations. This paper is an investigation of the Pick-Your-Price (PYP) strategy, which is the most novel participative pricing approach. Adopting a mixed-method approach, we shed light on consumers’ perceptions of the PYP and evaluate the impact of a possible configuration of the PYP (i.e. featuring a default price optionarchitecture) on brand evaluations and purchase choice. We find that when the default is placed on the highest price, consumers ascribe negative causal attribution to the company which, in turn, will result in more negative brand attitudes. Interestingly, introducing price transparency improves causal attributions and brand attitudes as well as the estimated revenues for the company. Moreover, we also test the impact of defaults in the context of communicating different Corporate Social Responsibility practices (internal vs. external) finding that the communication of external CSR stimulates more positive brand attitudes and, in turn, higher willingness to purchase in PYP settings. This study represents one of the first explorations of the PYP strategy, providing interesting managerial implications for marketers willing to experiment with it

Laser-Treated Surfaces for VADs: From Inert Titanium to Potential Biofunctional Materials

Laser-treated surfaces for ventricular assist devices. Impact Statement. This work has scientific impact since it proposes a biofunctional surface created with laser processing in bioinert titanium. Introduction. Cardiovascular diseases are the world’s leading cause of death. An especially debilitating heart disease is congestive heart failure. Among the possible therapies, heart transplantation and mechanical circulatory assistance are the main treatments for its severe form at a more advanced stage. The development of biomaterials for ventricular assist devices is still being carried out. Although polished titanium is currently employed in several devices, its performance could be improved by enhancing the bioactivity of its surface. Methods. Aiming to improve the titanium without using coatings that can be detached, this work presents the formation of laser-induced periodic surface structures with a topology suitable for cell adhesion and neointimal tissue formation. The surface was modified by femtosecond laser ablation and cell adhesion was evaluated in vitro by using fibroblast cells. Results. The results indicate the formation of the desired topology, since the cells showed the appropriate adhesion compared to the control group. Scanning electron microscopy showed several positive characteristics in the cells shape and their surface distribution. The in vitro results obtained with different topologies point that the proposed LIPSS would provide enhanced cell adhesion and proliferation. Conclusion. The laser processes studied can create new interactions in biomaterials already known and improve the performance of biomaterials for use in ventricular assist devices

Production of Aruana Guinea Grass Submitted to Cutting Severities and Nitrogen Fertilization

Aruana Guineagrass (Panicum maximum Jacques cv. Aruana) is widely used as pasture for sheep, which are extremely susceptible to infestation by larvae of gastrointestinal parasites in tropical pasture-based systems (Zanini et al. 2012) A way to mitigate this problem, and consequently reduce the need for use of anthelmintics, is by managing pastures with post-grazing height low enough to favor the incidence of sunlight at the base of tussocks that will kill and control larval development, without jeopardizing canopy regrowth and persistence. The pre-grazing sward height recommended for Aruana Guineagrass is 30 cm, when the canopy intercepts 95% of the incident light, and a 15 cm post-grazing height (Zanini et al. 2012). As cutting severity and nitrogen (N) fertilization cause morphological and physiological adaptations in individual plants - altering the production of forage grasses - the objective of this study was to evaluate the accumulation of morphological components of Aruana Guineagrass subjected to cutting severities and N fertilization

The seven lives of Airbnb. The role of accommodation types

This paper investigates how COVID-19 is impacting different accommodation types, and whether travellers' choices regarding accommodation type are affected by the need for physical distance. Study 1 shows that travellers are very reluctant to book shared flats on Airbnb during the pandemic. However, full flats – controlling for price levels - are preferred to hotel rooms. Study 2 clarifies the process behind the increased choice for full flats, i.e., the need for physical distance. In Study 3, we actively manipulate physical distance and show that assuring physical distance will reduce the concerns towards hotel and shared flat options. Apart from enlightening the psychological process behind accommodation choice, the study offers operators actionable suggestions on how to maximise bookings despite the pandemic. © 202