Convergence in per-capita GDP across European regions using panel data models extended to spatial autocorrelation effects.

This paper studies the convergence of per capita GDP across European regions over a fairly long period. Most of the works are based on either cross-sectional or fixed-effects estimates. We propose the estimation of convergence in per capita GDP across European regions by making use of panel-data models extended to include spatial error autocorrelation and spatially lagged dependent variable (Anselin,1988;Elhorst,2002). This will allow us to extend the traditional ß convergence model to include a rigorous treatment of the spatial correlation among the intercept terms. A spatial analysis of such intercept terms will also be performed in order to shed light on the concept spatially conditional convergence.

Un <i>Miles</i> della <i>cohors</i> III <i>Aquitanorum</i> in un’iscrizione funeraria proveniente da Ardara (Sassari): nota preliminare

Una recente segnalazione ha consentito di accertare la presenza di materiale epigrafico di notevole interesse conservato nei locali ospitanti il laboratorio di restauro della Soprintendenza per i Beni Architettonici delle Province di Sassari e Nuoro, materiale nel quale si è potuto individuare, grazie ai successivi sopralluoghi, più precisamente un’epigrafe medievale, una paleocristiana e infine una d’età romana

Analyzing Intra-Distribution Dynamics: A Reappraisal

In this paper we suggest an alternative estimator and an alternative graphical analysis, both developed by Hyndman et al. (1996), to describe the law of motion of cross-sectional distributions of per-capita income and its components in Europe. This estimator has better properties than the kernel density estimator generally used in the literature on intra-distribution dynamics (cf. Quah, 1997). By using the new estimator, we obtain evidence of a very strong persistent behavior of the regions considered in the study, that is poor regions tend to remain poorer and rich regions tend to remain richer. These results are also in line with the most recent literature available on the distribution dynamic approach to regional convergence (Pittau and Zelli, 2006).

Convergence in per-capita GDP across European regions using panel data models extended to spatial autocorrelation effects

This paper studies the convergence of per capita GDP across European regions over a fairly long period. Most of the works are based on either cross-sectional or fixed-effects estimates. We propose the estimation of convergence in per capita GDP across European regions by making use of panel-data models extended to include spatial error autocorrelation and spatially lagged dependent variable (Anselin,1988;Elhorst,2002). This will allow us to extend the traditional ß convergence model to include a rigorous treatment of the spatial correlation among the intercept terms. A spatial analysis of such intercept terms will also be performed in order to shed light on the concept spatially conditional convergence

Oil Spill Detection Analyzing “Sentinel 2“ Satellite Images: A Persian Gulf Case Study

Oil spills near exploitation areas and oil loading ports are often related to the ambitions of governments to get more oil market share and the negligence at the time of the loading in large tankers or ships. The present study investigates one oil spill event using multi sensor satellite images in the Al Khafji (between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia) zone. Oil slicks have been characterized with multi sensor satellite images over the Persian Gulf and then analyzed in order to detect and classify oil spills in this zone. In particular this paper discusses oil pollution detection in the Persian Gulf by using multi sensor satellite images data. Oil spill images have been selected by using Sentinel 2 images pinpointing oil spill zones. ENVI software for analysing satellite images and ADIOS (Automated Data Inquiry for Oil Spills) for oil weathering modelling have been used. The obtained results in Al Khafji zone show that the oil spill moves towards the coastline firstly increasing its surface and then decreasing it until reaching the coastline

Analyzing Intra-Distribution Dynamics: A Reappraisal

In this paper we suggest an alternative estimator and an alternative graphical analysis, both developed by Hyndman et al. (1996), to describe the law of motion of cross-sectional distributions of per-capita income and its components in Europe. This estimator has better properties than the kernel density estimator generally used in the literature on intra-distribution dynamics (cf. Quah, 1997). By using the new estimator, we obtain evidence of a very strong persistent behavior of the regions considered in the study, that is poor regions tend to remain poorer and rich regions tend to remain richer. These results are also in line with the most recent literature available on the distribution dynamic approach to regional convergence (Pittau and Zelli, 2006)

Digital twin framework for built environment. A review of key enablers

The emergence of Digital Twin (DT) technology presents unique opportunities for society by facilitating real-time data transfer from the physical environment to its digital counterpart. Although progress has been made in various industry sectors such as aerospace, the Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operation (AECO) sector still requires further advancements, like the adoption of these technologies over traditional approaches. The use of these technologies should become standard practice rather than an advanced operation. This paper aims to address the existing gap by presenting a comprehensive framework that integrates technologies and concepts derived from purpose-driven case studies and research studies across different industries. The framework is designed to provide best practices for the AECO sector. Moreover, it aims to underscores the potential of DT for optimization through overseeing and digital management of the built environment across the entire life cycle of facilities, encompassing design, construction, operation, and maintenance. It is based on an extensive literature review and presents a holistic approach to outlining the roles of Building Information Modelling (BIM), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Internet of Things (IoT), and other key enablers within the DT environment. These digital tools facilitating the simultaneous evaluation of associated benefits, such as resource savings and future prospects, like monitoring project sustainability objectives

Dynamic simulation model of trans-critical carbon dioxide heat pump application for boosting low temperature distribution networks in dwellings

This research investigates the role of new hybrid energy system applications for developing a new plant refurbishment strategy to deploy small scale smart energy systems. This work deals with a dynamic simulation of trans-critical carbon dioxide heat pump application for boosting low temperature distribution networks to share heat for dwellings. Heat pumps provide high temperature heat to use the traditional emission systems. The new plant layout consists of an air source heat pump, four trans-critical carbon dioxide heat pumps (CO2-HPs), photovoltaic arrays, and a combined heat and power (CHP) for both domestic hot water production and electricity to partially drive the heat pumps. Furthermore, electric storage devices adoption has been evaluated. That layout has been compared to the traditional one based on separated generation systems using several energy performance indicators. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis on the primary energy saving, primary fossil energy consumptions, renewable energy fraction and renewable heat, with changes in building power to heat ratios, has been carried out. Obtained results highlighted that using the hybrid system with storage device it is possible to get a saving of 50% approximately. Consequently, CO2-HPs and hybrid systems adoption could be a viable option to achieve Near Zero Energy Building (NZEB) qualification

The relationship between Regional Growth and Regional Inequality in EU and transition countries - a Spatial Econometric Approach

Is inequality good or bad for growth? This issue, with its important political bearings, has attracted much attention in the past in the economic literature. Starting from the seminal work of Kuznet (1955), in the literature there is some empirical evidence that economies with unequal distribution of income grow faster than those with an even income distribution. Such a belief has been heavily criticised by recent studies, and some contrasting views, supported by empirical evidence, were expressed e.g. by Aghion et al. (1999). Barro (2000) also argues in this direction, but empirically found little overall relation between income inequality on one side and growth rates and investment on the other. The debate, thus, seems still open. In our analysis we aim at investigating whether space and spatial relationships play a significant role in the specification of the relationship between regional inequality and regional growth. In particular, we analyse the case of European Regions, including the transition countries that recently joined the EU. In the empirical analysis, we make use of spatial panel data models, as they let us consider both time-invariant country specific fixed-effects and spatial dependence. By controlling for omitted variables and for spatial dependence we can be more confident that the estimated coefficient measures exactly the impact of inequality on the growth process