XRIndex:a brief screening tool for individual differences in security threat detection in x-ray images

X-ray imaging is a cost-effective technique at security checkpoints that typically require the presence of human operators. We have previously shown that self-reported attention to detail can predict threat detection performance with small-vehicle x-ray images (Rusconi et al., 2012). Here, we provide evidence for the generality of such a link by having a large sample of naïve participants screen more typical dual-energy x-ray images of hand luggage. The results show that the Attention to Detail score from the autism-spectrum quotient (AQ) questionnaire (Baron-Cohen et al., 2001) is a linear predictor of threat detection accuracy. We then develop and fine-tune a novel self-report scale for security screening: the XRIndex, which improves on the Attention to Detail scale for predictive power and opacity to interpretation. The XRIndex is not redundant with any of the Big Five personality traits. We validate the XRIndex against security x-ray images with an independent sample of untrained participants and suggest that the XRIndex may be a useful aid for the identification of suitable candidates for professional security training with a focus on x-ray threat detection. Further studies are needed to determine whether this can also apply to trained professionals

Bank-firm relations and the role of Mutual Guarantee Institutions during the crisis

We examine the role played by Mutual Guarantee Institutions (MGIs) in the lending policies undertaken by banks at the peak of the Great Crisis of 2007-2009. We address this issue by using a large database on Italian firms built from the credit files of UniCredit banking Group and focusing on small business. We provide an empirical analysis of the determinants of the probability that a borrowing firm will suffer financial tension and obtain two main innovative findings. First, we show that small firms supported by MGIs were less likely to experience financial tensions even at that time of utmost financial stress. Second, our empirical evidence shows that MGIs have played a signalling role beyond the simple provision of a collateral. This latter finding suggests that the information provided by MGIs turned out to be key for bank-firm relations as scoring and rating systems - being typically based on pro-cyclical indicators - had become less informative during the crisis.financial crisis, bank-firm relationships, asymmetric information, credit guarantee schemes, small business finance, peer monitoring

Comparison of Global-Scale and Mesoscale Modelling of Vertical Profiles in the Martian Atmosphere: How Does Model Resolution Impact Predictions of Conditions at Mission Landing Sites?

Detailed modelling of the Martian atmosphere is completed for every spacecraft designed to land on the planet’s surface. This provides the most complete picture of the environment that the descending module will be entering and travelling through, and facilitates planning of the Entry, Descent and Landing (EDL) phase of the mission. The selected resolution of an atmospheric model can impact the results of the experiments performed. The complexities of atmospheric modelling also require models of different scales to best represent the behaviour of different scale atmospheric phenomena. Comparisons between multiple model results and in situ data are crucial for improving future environmental predictions for missions landing on Mars. This work describes how changes in model scale and resolution (horizontal and vertical) can impact experimental results, using as a case study the selected landing site of the European Space Agency (ESA) Schiaparelli module. Schiaparelli was part of ESA’s ExoMars 2016 mission; the module descended through the Martian atmosphere on 19th October 2016. Experiments were completed that encompassed the period of Schiaparelli’s descent, using both a global-scale and a mesoscale model. The global model used in this work is the UK version of the LMD (Laboratoire de Météorologie Dynamique) Mars Glob-al Circulation Model (“the MGCM”), a 3D multi-level spectral model of the Martian atmosphere up to an altitude of ~100 km [1]. The mesoscale model used in this work is the LMD Martian Mesoscale Model (MMM) [2]; in these experiments an altitude of ~50 km was modelled in the mesoscale. Multiple resolution experiments were completed using the MGCM; results range from a ‘low’ resolution ~5° latitude x ~5° longitude (a resolution typically used for Martian climate modelling) to a ‘high’ resolution ~1° lat x ~1° lon. The vertical dimension is modelled using a set number of vertical layers; in these experiments the number of vertical layers selected was between 23 and 100. Experiments were run for a simulated year, starting from initial conditions based upon prior atmospheric observations, thus providing an independent prediction of conditions through the period of this case study. The MMM experiments were com-pleted in a set of nested resolutions, ranging from the outer, lowest resolution results at 63 km x 63 km, to the inner, highest resolution results at 7 km x 7 km. MMM experiments were completed using 60 vertical layers. Previous comparisons of global-scale and meso-scale modelling have focused on areas containing small-scale topographical variation that is not present in the global scale models. This work considers the relatively flat topography of the Schiaparelli site – a location that is more representative of the majority of historical Martian landing sites than areas that contain severe, small-scale topographical variation. Initial analysis has focused on constructing vertical profiles from the model output at both experimental scales, following preliminary information on the descent trajectory of the Schiaparelli module. An example comparison of atmospheric profiles constructed from MGCM results at different model resolutions. The plot displays atmospheric temperature obtained from experiments completed at different vertical resolutions: 23 and 100 vertical levels. There is a good match between the results, with a root mean square deviation (RMSD) of 9.83 K be-tween the results for the full height of the profiles; the RMSD reduces to 2.05 K when considering only the lowest ~10 km of the profiles (approximately one scale height). A comparison of vertical atmospheric temperature profiles from MGCM and MMM results. While the trend in the results is similar, the results differ by ~10 K between the models through most of the profile, down to a height of ~3 km above the surface. Between 50 and 3 km above the surface the RMSD of the profiles is 9.79 K; below 3 km (down to the lowest MGCM model lay-er) the match is closer, with an RMSD of 2.59 K. Further comparisons have been completed between the MGCM and MMM results, such as wind speed and direction, including consideration of the wider topographical and atmospheric context of Schiaparelli’s landing site and EDL period. These results show that, for the region considered within this case study, changing the horizontal or verti-cal resolution used in MGCM experiments does not greatly impact the results obtained. Similarly, the MMM results do not vary more than ~4 K with chang-ing horizontal resolution. In both cases, lower resolu-tions results (which are quicker and less computationally expensive to complete) are a good approximation of higher resolution results. Additionally, the similarity of the trends seen in the results from the different scale models suggests that global-scale model results are a reasonable approximation for mesoscale model results, for a number of potential landing locations on Mars. The module successfully transmitted some data that was captured during its descent, primarily from engineering sensors; this data includes the module's trajectory and attitude during the mission’s EDL phase. The ExoMars AMELIA (Atmospheric Mars Entry and Landing Investigations and Analysis) team aim to use the data returned by Schiaparelli during descent, combined with dynamic modelling of the module's motion, to reconstruct atmospheric profiles of density, pressure, temperature and wind speed [3]. Upon the release of the Schiaparelli data, the results from both the MGCM and MMM experiments will be compared with the data, supporting the work of the AMELIA team. References: [1] Forget et al. (1999) JGR, 104, E10. [2] Spiga et al. (2009) JGR, 114, E2. [3] Ferri et al. (2012) 9th International Planetary Probe Workshop

Sustainable Disclosure Policies and Sustainable Performance of European Listed Companies

This article belongs to the Special Issue Financial Markets, Instruments and Intermediaries for Social, Environmental and Fiscal Sustainability.Sustainable disclosure has become common for companies to publicly signal their responsible behavior. Our research idea is twofold. First—irrespective of its content—better quality sustainable disclosure should identify more sustainability compliant companies. Second, we propose that those companies should have a more stable—and thus more sustainable—performance. Focusing on the top-capitalized companies of the EU-28 stock exchanges, we assess how GRI sustainable-reporting quality associates with stock-price volatility and distance-to-default. Our results, which resist various robustness checks, confirm that better quality sustainable disclosure couples with more sustainable performance. Thus, pro-disclosure policies could enhance long-term value creation

Effect of a novel nutraceutical combination on serum lipoprotein functional profile and circulating PCSK9

BACKGROUND: A beneficial effect on cardiovascular risk may be obtained by improving lipid-related serum lipoprotein functions such as high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC) and serum cholesterol loading capacity (CLC) and by reducing proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9), independently of lipoprotein concentrations. AIM: We aimed to evaluate the effect of an innovative nutraceutical (NUT) combination containing red yeast rice (monacolin K 3.3 mg), berberine 531.25 mg and leaf extract of Morus alba 200 mg (LopiGLIK®), on HDL-CEC, serum CLC and on circulating PCSK9 levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty three dyslipidemic subjects were treated for 4 weeks with the above NUT combination. HDL-CEC was measured using specific cell-based radioisotopic assays; serum CLC and PCSK9 concentrations were measured fluorimetrically and by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. RESULTS: The NUT combination significantly reduced plasma level of the total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (-9.8% and -12.6%, respectively). Despite no changes in HDL-cholesterol, the NUT combination improved total HDL-CEC in 83% of the patients, by an average of 16%, as a consequence of the increase mainly of the ATP-binding cassette A1-mediated CEC (+28.5%). The NUT combination significantly reduced serum CLC (-11.4%) while it did not change PCSK9 plasma levels (312.9±69.4 ng/mL vs 334.8±103.5 mg/L, before and after treatment, respectively). CONCLUSION: The present NUT combination improves the serum lipoprotein functional profile providing complementary beneficial effects, without any detrimental increase of PCSK9 plasma levels

Multifocal Arterial Thrombosis during Thalidomide Therapy: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Introduction. Thalidomide has been associated with both venous and arterial thrombotic events. Case Presentation. A 66-years old man during thalidomide therapy for myeloma experienced acute right arm ischemia, emergently treated with thrombectomy and, on postoperative day one left side weakness with right internal carotid thrombosis. Discussion. Because of the increased risk of arterial thrombosis complication, prophylactic therapy with ASA or anticoagulation during thalidomide administration is mandatory

Glass trade through the Adriatic Sea: preliminary report of an ongoing project

A repertoire of 1357 glass samples from Italy, Croatia, Slovenia and Serbia was used to investigate glass trade in the Adriatic Sea. The achieved overview begins in the 1st century and, after a peak of occurrences between the 4th and the 7th century, continues until the 16th with a decreasing number of pieces of evidence. Between the 1st and the 3rd century, Levantine (Roman Mn) and Egyptian (Roman Sb) products coexist in percentages that can be considered comparable at the current state of studies. The end of the 3rd and the beginning of the 4th century mark a substantial decrease in Levantine imports. Indeed, Jalame-type glass first and Apollonia-type glass later appear to supply a small slice of the market. Egyptian products, on the contrary, continue to arrive in abundance. The HIMTa and the Foy Série 2.1 glass represent the most widespread products in the Adriatic area for about three centuries. Conversely, the Foy Série 3.2 experiences flowering in northern Italy, Slovenia and Serbia, while it shows limited diffusion in southern Italy, as well as in Tyrrhenian Italy, Sicily or other areas of the Mediterranean basin such as Spain. Based on this observation, it thus seems reliable to exclude Foy Série 3.2 glass from the basket of products typically marketed in the Adriatic Sea (i.e. Levantine products and Egyptian products of types HIMTa-b and Foy 2.1). In this case, a Balkan route may appear possible because it covers the territories where the most significant diffusion of this glass has been observed and is well connected to northern Italy through the Danube and Sava rivers. In southern Italy, the need for more data on the oldest productions prevents a reliable evaluation of Roman Mn and Roman Sb glass imports and highlights a line of research to be pursued in the immediate future

Titan's Tropical Storms in an Evolving Atmosphere

The Huygens probe landed in a damp lake bed fed by fluvial channels, indicative of past rainfall. Such washes, interspersed with vast dunes, are typical of Titan's tropical landscape. Yet, Cassini-Huygens measurements reveal a highly stable tropical atmosphere devoid of deep convective storms, and the formation of washes in dune fields is not understood. Here we examine the effects of seasonal variations in humidity, surface heating, and dynamical forcing on the stability of Titan's troposphere. We find that during the probe landing, the middle troposphere was weakly unstable to convection, consistent with the tenuous cloud detected at 21 km. Yet the tropical atmosphere, at any season, is too stable to produce deep convective storms. Convection in the tropics remains weak and confined to altitudes below ~30 km, unless the humidity is increased below 9 km altitude. Solar heating is insufficient to significantly humidify the tropical atmosphere. The large polar lakes are seasonably stable, and the methane column abundance measured by Huygens typical of the tropical atmosphere. Our study indicates the presence of distinct polar and equatorial climates. It also suggests that fluvial features in the tropics do not result from recent seasonal rainstorms, and thereby supports other origins such as geological seepage, cryovolcanism, or a wetter climate in the past