Gender mainstreaming active inclusion policies

The aim of this report therefore is to inform and help develop gender mainstreaming in active inclusion policies. In order to do this, the report at first reviews gender differences and inequalities in the risks of poverty and social exclusion and it provides a close look at the connections between active inclusion policies and gender equality strategies (Chapters 2 and 3). It then analyses examples of concrete gender mainstreaming in each of the three pillars of active inclusion, i.e. income support (Chapter 4), labour inclusion (Chapter 5) and access to services (Chapter 6). Under each heading, the report summarises available information on the actual policy developments and looks at the results of the policies in terms of gender equality. Finally, Chapter 7 draws some conclusions. The information in this report is mainly provided by the national experts of the EGGSI network of experts in gender equality, social inclusion, healthcare and long-term care and covers 30 European countries (the EU-27 Member States) and the three EEA–EFTA countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway)

Focus on soluble salts transport phenomena: the study cases of Leonardo mural paintings at Sala delle Asse (Milan)

The program of investigations on “Sala delle Asse”, which hosts a monochrome landscape attributed to Leonardo, in the Sforza Castle in Milan recently concluded the first step. Results of the analytical tests for the characterization of materials and their damages showed the high diffusion and concentration of nitrates and sulphates on the surface of the monochrome at the edge with the restoration mortars, on the right side of the north-western wall. On the base of the scientific literature and laboratory tests, the researchers identified a threshold of RH above which deliquescence of salts could easily occur. Microclimatic monitoring results informed that during the most humid days in spring, summer and fall, RH trespasses this threshold, with a frequency of about 30 events/year. After an accurate analysis of air temperature (T °C) and relative humidity (RH) resulted that the exterior changes especially affect the interior climate at some summer conditions as middle-high speed of wind and, especially, its direction due to some cracks and holes in the north western exterior wall of the hall

Age-associated modifications of intestinal permeability and innate immunity in human small intestine

The physical and immunological properties of the human intestinal epithelial barrier in aging are largely unknown. Ileal biopsies from young (7–12 years), adult (20–40 years) and aging (67–77 years) individuals not showing symptoms of gastrointestinal (GI) pathologies were used to assess levels of inflammatory cytokines, barrier integrity and cytokine production in response to microbial challenges. Increased expression of interleukin (IL)-6, but not interferon (IFN)γ, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IL-1β was observed during aging; further analysis showed that cluster of differentiation (CD)11c+ dendritic cells (DCs) are one of the major sources of IL-6 in the aging gut and expressed higher levels of CD40. Up-regulated production of IL-6 was accompanied by increased expression of claudin-2 leading to reduced transepithelial electric resistance (TEER); TEER could be restored in in vitro and ex vivo cultures by neutralizing anti-IL-6 antibody. In contrast, expression of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), occludin and junctional-adhesion molecule-A1 did not vary with age and overall permeability to macromolecules was not affected. Finally, cytokine production in response to different microbial stimuli was assessed in a polarized in vitro organ culture (IVOC). IL-8 production in response to flagellin declined progressively with age although the expression and distribution of toll-like receptor (TLR)-5 on intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) remained unchanged. Also, flagellin-induced production of IL-6 was less pronounced in aging individuals. In contrast, TNF-α production in response to probiotics (VSL#3) did not decline with age; however, in our experimental model probiotics did not down-regulate the production of IL-6 and expression of claudin-2. These data suggested that aging affects properties of the intestinal barrier likely to impact on age-associated disturbances, both locally and systemically

Empowerment of Romani Women within the European Framework of National Roma Inclusion Strategies

This study focuses on the concept of empowerment of Romani women to analyse the existing living conditions of Romani women, interpret the national Roma inclusion strategy and to scrutinise good practices. The analysis shows that the present living conditions of Romani women in European Member States call for intervention. Romani women’s empowerment and gender mainstreaming approaches have to be fostered in National Roma Inclusion Strategies

Country Report on Croatia. Empowerment of Romani Women within the European Framework of National Roma Inclusion Strategies

This study focuses on the concept of empowerment of Romani women to analyse the existing living conditions of Romani women, interpret the national Roma inclusion strategy, and to scrutinise good practices. The analysis shows that the present living conditions of Romani women in Croatia call for intervention and that the national Roma inclusion strategy has the potential to impact positively on the empowerment of Romani women. This is also confirmed by the discussion of some successfully implemented empowering measures

PPC at Lavello convent: toward a sustainable conservation plan after the restoration

The proposal aims at illustrating how diagnostic can be a useful tool in prevention and maintenance activities. The case study will show how scientific results can be an effective evaluation indicators for the assessment of intervention durability and a base for drawing up a conservation plan. The paper reports the various inspections and studies for planning the conservation activities of the complex 12 years after the end of restoration works. Conservation plan achieved the goal to gather the widespread information produced before, during and after the restoration, in order to support the coordination of the maintenance/management activities in charge to different stakeholders. The investigations at Lavello Convent will drive the conservation activities choices: first of all the need to check the most vulnerable and critical parts, elements and systems that remain under risk of damage due to the environmental and soil conditions, mainly due to high humidity and moisture. Researchers used advanced and innovative diagnostics with the aim to study the critical zones and find out the most durable materials and product to repair the altered restoration materials: 1 - the susceptibility of some plaster surface to biodeterioration and the use of biocide treatments. 2 - the state of conservation of plasters and the survey for the correct mix design (binder aggregate) in order to apply a mortar with a good compatibility respect to the masonry underneath. Researchers investigated points 1and 2 both in situ and in laboratory tests, collecting data before and after the experimental treatment at different time intervals, in order to highlight the effects of treatment itself. The data collected could be relevant also for a discussion on the durability of “traditional” materials applied in contemporary operational conditions