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The paper proposes a traffic responsive control framework based on a Model Predictive Control (MPC) approach. The framework focuses on a centralized method, which can simultaneously compute the network decision variables (i.e., the green timings at each junction and the offset of the traffic light plans of the network). Furthermore, the framework is based on a hybrid traffic flow model operating as a prediction model and plant model in the control procedure. The hybrid traffic flow model combines two sub-models: an aggregate model (i.e., the Cell Transmission Model; CTM) and a disaggregate model (i.e., the Cellular Automata model; CA), using a transition cell to connect them. The whole framework is tested on a signalized arterial, performing several analyses to calibrate the MPC strategy and evaluate the traffic control approach using fixed and adaptive control strategies. All analyses are made in terms of total time spent, network total delay, queue lengths and degree of saturation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a database of sociodemographic and economic variables for 16 Italian regions over a long period of time (from the late 19th century to the end of the 20th century), we analyze the historical evolution of female nuptiality. An econometric analysis (Panel Corrected Standard Errors) for the period 1900–1991 helps us to confirm the relationship established in some theories on marriage rates such as 'the new home economics' (life expectancy at birth, literacy rate, urban population, population working in the primary sector, and Gross Domestic Product per capita). Other variables proved not to be statistically significant (sex ratio in the group aged 15–49 years and male and female participation in the workforce). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several systems have been proposed in recent years for Advanced Traveler Information Systems (ATIS), ranging from personal (mobile application, on-board) navigation to VMS (Variable Message Signs). All these applications are essentially aimed at assisting the travelers in their travel choices by means of technologically dispatched information about traffic network structure and traffic conditions. It is well known that in ATIS applications one of the key issues to be addressed concerns the accuracy of the dispatched information, here intended as the ability of the system in supplying information that can be verified by the travelers to be correct (affected by a small error). This paper aims at proposing some analytical models able to simulate the effects of the (in)accuracy on travelers' compliance with information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a hybrid traffic flow model able to support the implementation of traffic management strategies in the presence of human-driven and connected vehicles. The model is based on the combination of two models: an aggregate model (the cell transmission model) and a disaggregate model (the cellular automata model). The model was tested considering three main layouts, namely a ring-shaped arc, a signalised link, and a grid network with four origins and four destinations, and then calibrated on real data. The model was also applied in the presence of connected vehicles. Our results point out the model's local consistency in terms of wave propagation and its suitability with respect to the benchmark models as well as in the presence of connected vehicles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study was carried out with the aim of emphasizing the importance of checking the plant material that can be imported in the baggage of airline passengers. Travelers are often unaware of the regulations in place and of the risks connected with such importation. The risk of the introduction of harmful organisms correlated with this pathway is yet not well studied and its frequency is underestimated. The results of the research underline the need for continuous checks at entry points and the establishment of a specialized position for inspections. Among European countries, Italy is the most exposed to the risk of biological invasions, principally for its numerous entry points (ports and airports) and for climatic conditions favorable for the acclimatization of several invasive species. Here it was assessed that the greatest threats to our agro-ecosystems come mainly from the passenger baggage in which a variety of fruits and vegetables are carried. From 2016 to 2021, large quantities of plant products were found in the luggage of passengers travelling from outside the EU and seized at the BCPs (border control posts) in the Campania region. Inspections and the following laboratory analyses were conducted on the plant material to assess the presence of exotic pests. Inspections led to several non-native species being recorded, and among the intercepted organisms, some should be considered "alarming", such as Bactrocera dorsalis, Anastrepha obliqua, and Leucinodes africensis. Despite a well-organized border inspection system, travelers transporting infested material unknowingly contribute to increasing the risk of the introduction of exotic species. Given the current situation, it is necessary to impose stricter controls and greater attention, ensuring compliance with the requirements of the new phytosanitary regulations by the actors involved in the transport of plant material. Finally, it is essential to improve awareness through a phytosanitary campaign on plant health risks, especially for people wishing to transport fruits and vegetables in their luggage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This paper compares a hybrid traffic flow model with benchmark macroscopic and microscopic models. The proposed hybrid traffic flow model may be applied considering a mixed traffic flow and is based on the combination of the macroscopic cell transmission model and the microscopic cellular automata. Modelled variables: The hybrid model is compared against three microscopic models, namely the Krauß model, the intelligent driver model and the cellular automata, and against two macroscopic models, the Cell Transmission Model and the Cell Transmission Model with dispersion, respectively. To this end, three main applications were considered: (i) a link with a signalised junction at the end, (ii) a signalised artery, and (iii) a grid network with signalised junctions. Results: The numerical simulations show that the model provides acceptable results. Especially in terms of travel times, it has similar behaviour to the microscopic model. By contrast, it produces lower values of queue propagation than microscopic models (intrinsically dominated by stochastic phenomena), which are closer to the values shown by the enhanced macroscopic cell transmission model and the cell transmission model with dispersion. The validation of the model regards the analysis of the wave propagation at the boundary region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is common opinion that traditional approaches used to interpret and model users' choice behaviour in innovative contexts may lead to neglecting numerous nonquantitative factors that may affect users' perceptions and behaviours. Indeed, psychological factors, such as attitudes, concerns, and perceptions may play a significant role which should be explicitly modelled. By contrast, collecting psychological factors could be a time and cost consuming activity, and furthermore, real-world applications must rely on theoretical paradigms which are able to easily predict choice/market fractions. The present paper aims to investigate the above-mentioned issues with respect to an innovative automotive technology based on the after-market hybridization of internal combustion engine vehicles. In particular, three main research questions are addressed: (i) whether and how users' characteristics and attitudes may affect users' behaviour with respect to new technological (automotive) scenarios (e.g., after-market hybridization kit); (ii) how to better "grasp" users' attitudes/concerns/perceptions and, in particular, which is the most effective surveying approach to observe users' attitudes; (iii) to what extent the probability of choosing a new automotive technology is sensitive to attitudes/concerns changes. The choice to install/not install the innovative technology was modelled through a hybrid choice model with latent variables (HCMs), starting from a stated preferences survey in which attitudes were investigated using different types of questioning approaches: direct questioning, indirect questioning, or both approaches. Finally, a comparison with a traditional binomial logit model and a sensitivity analysis was carried out with respect to the instrumental attributes and the attitudes. Obtained results indicate that attitudes are significant in interpreting and predicting users' behaviour towards the investigated technology and the HCM makes it possible to easily embed psychological factors into a random utility model/framework. Moreover, the explicit simulation of the attitudes allows for a better prediction of users' choice with respect to the Logit formulation and points out that users' behaviour may be significantly affected by acting on users' attitudes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To meet the zero-pollution target on noise by 2030, it is necessary to develop mobility management policies that directly act on noise exposure. This paper proposes traffic signal optimisation in an environment with fully connected vehicles (CVs), combining noise pollution minimisation with total travel time minimisation to improve traffic flow. Traffic signal optimisation was tested on a network with signalised interacting junctions, comparing different approaches and scenarios based on short-range communication between the infrastructure and CVs approaching the junctions. The results show that the proposed traffic control method may be adopted to effectively reduce the impact of traffic noise and improve traffic performance. • A traffic signal strategy for noise emission and travel time minimisation is specified and applied. • The strategy can be applied to complex network layouts comprising interacting signalised junctions. • Noise power was considered a proxy for noise pollution. • The framework is specified in a transportation system in which vehicles are assumed to be fully connected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The possibility of upgrading conventional vehicles to hybrid electric vehicles has recently gained considerable interest. Among the diverse options for hybridization, researchers of the Energy and Propulsion Laboratory at the University of Salerno (Italy) have patented a system based on the electrification of the rear wheels in front-wheel-drive vehicles by adopting in-wheel motors and adding a lithium-ion battery, which is rechargeable via plug-in and solar mode. The technology integrates various components, in-vehicle Intelligent Transportation Systems and advanced on-line management algorithms. With respect to the proposed technological context, this paper uses a real case study to investigate the potential market penetration, the achievable environmental benefits and relevant policy issues. To this aim, the paper first analyses the main behavioral determinants that may affect users' perception of this new technology, then specifies and calibrates an installation choice model, and finally develops bottom-up methodology to estimate the environmental benefits to be obtained from different commercialization scenarios. The proposed methodology was applied to the city of Salerno and the achievable benefits were compared to those obtainable through the implementation of traditional transport policies. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper aims to model the traveller's day-to-day route choice in the case of an Advanced Traveller Information System (ATIS) through two learning paradigms: reinforcement-based and belief-based. The reinforcement learning approach is adopted in both a basic version and an extended one. Similarly, the belief-learning approach is adopted in both a Joint Strategy Fictitious Play version and in a Bayesian-learning one. All the models are compared and validated based on data collected by means of a stated preference experiment. The models explicitly account for the reliability of the information system, as this interacts with the inherent dispersion of network travel times and determines the overall level of uncertainty affecting the travellers’ adaptive learning behaviour. The experiment is then designed to simulate different levels of reliability for the ATIS. Results show that for intermediate and high levels of information accuracy, joint strategy fictitious play best predicts the respondents’ route choice behaviour under information provision, suggesting that a best-reply strategy is used by travellers for their route choices. In low information accuracy, the result suggests the payoff variability moves the choice behaviour toward randomness. The proposed approach provides useful tools to model travellers’ adaptive route choice behaviour and contributes to the support of effective ATIS design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a list of references for academic articles and studies on the gender pay gap in Italy and other countries. The articles cover various topics related to the wage gap, including gender discrimination among graduates, the impact of job-education mismatch on wages, and the wage gap between the public and private sectors. [Extracted from the article]

• The multi-objective optimization including EV energy consumption optimization has been specified and applied. • A comparison between the proposed multi-objective control strategy and the mixed (combining traffic control and speed optimization) strategy is performed. • All analyses are carried out for different powertrain vehicle categories, ICEVs, and EVs. • A link-based macroscopic energy consumption function for EVs was derived from microscopic data. • The VT-CPEM model was adopted to simulate consumption at a signalized intersection. • The model was thoroughly calibrated based on real-world individual trajectories at signalized intersections. Cooperative control in the presence of connected and automated vehicles has attracted substantial attention due to its pronounced benefits on the network compared with human-driven vehicles. They make possible a significant reduction of travel time/waiting time, energy consumption and emissions. In this context of new emerging technologies, traffic lights are still recognized as one of the most effective strategies in terms of energy and environmental benefits, which can be further improved by considering the integration with greener powertrains. The paper proposes a cooperative network traffic management framework for Electric Vehicles (EVs) based on a multi-objective optimization aimed at minimizing the total time spent (TTS) and energy consumption (EC) of EVs. Such framework is composed of i) a traffic control model that incorporates traffic lights design, ii) a traffic flow model to estimate TTS as a network performance indicator, and iii) an EVs model to estimate EC at the intersections. The EC function has been derived from a VT-CPEM model to simulate consumptions and thoroughly calibrated based on real-world individual trajectories. The optimization framework was implemented on a nine-node network and the results of the multi-criteria optimization (aiming at minimizing the TTS and EC of EV) are compared with results of the benchmark mono - criterion optimization (aiming at minimizing the TTS) and the mono-criterion optimization combined with the speed advisory (GLOSA; Green Light Optimized Speed Advisory). All the proposed analyses were carried out for different powertrain vehicle categories; ICEVs, and EVs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the recent commercial success of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles their market share is still insufficient to produce either a significant impact on energy consumption on a global basis or a profitable automotive segment. In this context, the possibility of upgrading conventional vehicles to hybrid electric vehicles is gaining increasing interest. To this aim this paper investigated and modelled the intention to install an after-market hybridization solar-kit (HySolarKit) in order to ascertain the main behavioural determinants of the choice process and set up an operational model with which to estimate the market potential of such technology. In particular, two behavioural stages of the choice process were analysed and modelled: (i) the intention to adopt the HySolarKit; (ii) the choice to install the HySolarKit. Both issues were addressed through ad hoc stated preference surveys carried out in two different Italian cities, and through the specification and the calibration of discrete choice models based on the behavioural paradigm of random utility theory. Different modelling solutions (homoscedastic and heteroscedastic) were compared in terms of goodness-of-fit and sensitivity to level-of-service attributes. The results showed the technological potential of the HySolarKit, and that both behavioural stages may be effectively modelled through random utility theory. Estimation results allowed an interpretation of the main determinants of the investigated phenomena, making it possible to quantify the potential effects and the concerns towards such a green solution, and making it possible to draw up operative marketing strategies. In particular, the intention to adopt the kit mainly depends on socio-economic factors as well as activity-related and attitudinal attributes, whereas the probability of installing the kit is greatly affected, to the same extent, by installation cost, the charging cost and the weekly mileage driven. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Spain cohabitation the prevalence of cohabiting couples is no longer marginal. Not only the incidence but also the nature of cohabiting couples is diverse: in Spain cohabitation is considered a temporal alternative that generally ends with the legalization of the union (marriage). The main purpose of this paper is to examine the incidence, duration and development of cohabitation using a life course comparative approach, identifying also the profiles of women who split up against those who decide to marry. Results show the prevalence of the transition from cohabitation to marriage in Spain, establishing this type of union as a prelude and not as a definitive alternative to marriage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Spain cohabitation the prevalence of cohabiting couples is no longer marginal. Not only the incidence but also the nature of cohabiting couples is diverse: in Spain cohabitation is considered a temporal alternative that generally ends with the legalization of the union (marriage). The main purpose of this paper is to examine the incidence, duration and development of cohabitation using a life course comparative approach, identifying also the profiles of women who split up against those who decide to marry. Results show the prevalence of the transition from cohabitation to marriage in Spain, establishing this type of union as a prelude and not as a definitive alternative to marriage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the effects of a inter-urban carsharing program on users’ mode choice behaviour were investigated and modelled through specification, calibration and validation of different modelling approaches founded on the behavioural paradigm of the random utility theory. To this end, switching models conditional on the usually chosen transport mode, unconditional switching models and holding models were investigated and compared. The aim was threefold: (i) to analyse the feasibility of a inter-urban carsharing program; (ii) to investigate the main determinants of the choice behaviour; (iii) to compare different approaches (switching vs. holding; conditional vs. unconditional); (iv) to investigate different modelling solutions within the random utility framework (homoscedastic, heteroscedastic and cross-correlated closed-form solutions). The set of models was calibrated on a stated preferences survey carried out on users commuting within the metropolitan area of Salerno, in particular with regard to the home-to-work trips from/to Salerno (the capital city of the Salerno province) to/from the three main municipalities belonging to the metropolitan area of Salerno. All of the involved municipalities significantly interact each other, the average trip length is about 30 km a day and all are served by public transport. The proposed carsharing program was a one-way service, working alongside public transport, with the possibility of sharing the same car among different users, with free parking slots and free access to the existent restricted traffic areas. Results indicated that the inter-urban carsharing service may be a substitute of the car transport mode, but also it could be a complementary alternative to the transit system in those time periods in which the service is not guaranteed or efficient. Estimation results highlighted that the conditional switching approach is the most effective one, whereas travel monetary cost, access time to carsharing parking slots, gender, age, trip frequency, car availability and the type of trip (home-based) were the most significant attributes. Elasticity results showed that access time to the parking slots predominantly influences choice probability for bus and carpool users; change in carsharing travel costs mainly affects carpool users; change in travel costs of the usually chosen transport mode mainly affects car and carpool users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experiments were performed to examine the effect of salt stress and GA3-priming on initial growth of two rapeseed cultivars, one tolerant and one sensitive to salt stress during germination. Seedlings from seeds germinated in salty (as NaCl) and non salty substrate were grown in salty and non salty hydroponics. Salt stress reduced seedling growth of the two genotypes consistently with their degree of stress tolerance during germination. Seedlings from stress sensitive seeds germinated under high salinity showed a rapid recover of growth in non stressing conditions. The effect of salt stress on shoot/root ratio was controversial, increased for lab and decreased for greenhouse experiments, probably due to different timing of stress application and additional experimental conditions. Salt stress decreased leaf photosynthesis and increased thermal dissipation in sensitive seedlings (decrease of FPSII and qP, increase of NPQ). The GA3-priming did not affect seedling growth of the stress sensitive cultivar subjected to stress, while it greatly improved the performance of the stress tolerant cultivar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Advanced Travel Information Systems (ATISs) are designed to assist travellers in making better travel choices by providing pre-trip and en-route information such as travel times on the relevant alternatives. Travellers’ choices are likely to be sensitive to the accuracy of the provided information in addition to travel time uncertainty. A route-choice experiment with 36 participants, involving 20 repetitions under three different levels of information accuracy was conducted to investigate the impact of information accuracy. In each experiment respondents had to choose one of three routes (risky, useless and reliable). Provided information included descriptive information about the average estimated travel times for each route, prescriptive information regarding the suggested route and experiential feedback information about the actual travel times on all routes. Aggregate analysis using non-parametric statistics and disaggregate analysis using a mixed logit choice model were applied. The results suggest decreasing accuracy shifts choices mainly from the riskier to the reliable route but also to the useless alternative. Prescriptive information has the largest behavioural impact followed by descriptive and experiential feedback information. Risk attitudes also seem to play a role. The implications for ATIS design and future research are further discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article discusses a research which analyzed the growth, catches and reproductive biology of ruffe Gymnocephalus cernuus in Lake Piediluco in Umbria, Italy. Observations showed the possible existence of differential mortality prejudicial to small specimens through seasonal growth and back-calculation. Their average length and weight increased throughout the year with faster growth in spring and slower in summer according to data. Findings also revealed marked sexual dimorphism in growth while sexual maturation occurred in both sexes at the end of the first year of life. Ruffe catches showed annual increases from 1999 to 2005. The recorded mean number of eggs during reproduction in the months of May and June was 11,961 with an average value of 239 eggs with regard to relative fecundity.

International literature has shown that demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, social ties and supports in the host country play an important role on migrants' subjective wellbeing. The influence of such characteristics has been widely studied so far, especially on immigrants' levels of life satisfaction, but how living transnational partnerships and parenthoods might affect the subjective wellbeing of migrants and how this situation might be reflecting social integration issues still remains poorly understood. This paper is aimed at covering this gap by analyzing each one of the components of subjective well-being: own assessment of life satisfaction (cognitive component), feelings of loneliness (emotional component) and sense of belonging (affective component). Ordinal logistic regressions were run on a selected sample of the Survey on Social Conditions and Integration of Foreign citizens carried out by ISTAT in 2011/2012. Results have shown that living in transnational families differently affect subjective wellbeing, being particularly important for the cognitive and emotional components among married immigrants. Self-perceived social integration has been found to be a protective factor of immigrants' levels of subjective wellbeing, having a preventive role on their levels of life satisfaction and feelings of loneliness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Ganaspis brasiliensis G1 is a larval parasitoid highly specific to Drosophila suzukii. • G. brasiliensis G1 females attack only young host larvae in ripening fruits. • VOCs from blueberries infested by young host larvae attract G1 females. • VOCs from blueberries deteriorated by developing host larvae are repellent to G1 females. • VOCs emitted by uninfested ripe fruits are not attractive towards G1 females. The lineage G1 of Ganaspis brasiliensis is a larval parasitoid of the worldwide pest Drosophila suzukii and one of its most effective natural enemies in the native area. Because of its high degree of host specificity, G. brasiliensis G1 is considered a suitable species for introduction in areas invaded by D. suzukii following a classical biological control approach. Indeed, the release of the parasitoid is currently implemented in the USA and Italy. G1 females attack only host larvae developing in ripening fresh fruits on the plant and not larvae that develop in decaying fruits. To date, virtually no information is available on the cues regulating the foraging behavior of G1. In this study, we therefore aimed to find out whether chemical cues are exploited by G1 females to: (i) locate host fruits; (ii) locate suitable host larvae within infested fruit; (iii) discriminate between infested fresh fruits and infested rotting ones. We used a model system composed of blueberries and D. suzukii tested in two-choice olfactometer bioassays (with D. suzukii -infested fruits, healthy fruits, and pure air as odor targets), followed by the collection and the characterization of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by the tested targets. The results showed a clear time-dependent choice made by G1 females of infested versus healthy fruits related to the concomitant development of D. suzukii larvae and fruit degradation. Attraction to infested fruits was recorded during the early stages of infestation, followed by a repellent phase coinciding with fruits largely degraded by larval feeding. We found that the attractiveness of G. brasiliensis G1 towards fruits infested by young larvae was associated with the detection of VOCs released by the infested blueberries, and host's cuticular hydrocarbons. Conversely, the repellence of older and deteriorated fruits hosting developed D. suzukii larvae was associated with the detection of a fermentation compound produced by microorganisms likely carried inside the fruit by the flies. The response of G1 females to the temporal dynamics of chemical cues emitted by the fruit–host larvae complex was consistent with the high degree of specificity of the parasitoid towards the ripening host fruits and towards D. suzukii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increase in the number of non‐native species invading new territories demands the use of more efficient monitoring methods. Among them, remote monitoring is a useful technological tool to integrate traditional pest monitoring techniques. It offers timely data from monitored sites, making the planning of a possible intervention of precision agriculture easier; in addition, it also allows pest biology and behaviour to be studied more accurately. To improve monitoring activities for Grapholita molesta and Bactrocera dorsalis, we tested five types of high‐resolution electronic traps (e‐traps) (Trapview products and iMetos®Scout models by Pessl Instruments). E‐traps can offer real‐time monitoring of catches via a remote connection, allowing a constant analysis of data via apps with different electronic devices. Data collected during the study period showed that not all tested products have fully satisfied expectations due to some malfunctions that caused a lack of catches in the Trapview products and problems in data transmission in Pessl products. According to this preliminary analysis, some improvements are needed to provide more efficient remote pest monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive soil salinity is a major ecological and agronomical problem, the adverse effects of which are becoming a serious issue in regions where saline water is used for irrigation. Plants can employ regulatory strategies, such as DNA methylation, to enable relatively rapid adaptation to new conditions. In this regard, cytosine methylation might play an integral role in the regulation of gene expression at both the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Rapeseed, which is the most important oilseed crop in Europe, is classified as being tolerant of salinity, although cultivars can vary substantially in their levels of tolerance. In this study, the Methylation Sensitive Amplified Polymorphism (MSAP) approach was used to assess the extent of cytosine methylation under salinity stress in salinity-tolerant (Exagone) and salinity-sensitive (Toccata) rapeseed cultivars. Our data show that salinity affected the level of DNA methylation. In particular methylation decreased in Exagone and increased in Toccata. Nineteen DNA fragments showing polymorphisms related to differences in methylation were sequenced. In particular, two of these were highly similar to genes involved in stress responses (Lacerata and trehalose-6-phosphatase synthase S4) and were chosen to further characterization. Bisulfite sequencing and quantitative RT-PCR analysis of selected MSAP loci showed that cytosine methylation changes under salinity as well as gene expression varied. In particular, our data show that salinity stress influences the expression of the two stress-related genes. Moreover, we quantified the level of trehalose in Exagone shoots and found that it was correlated to TPS4 expression and, therefore, to DNA methylation. In conclusion, we found that salinity could induce genome-wide changes in DNA methylation status, and that these changes, when averaged across different genotypes and developmental stages, accounted for 16.8% of the total site-specific methylation differences in the rapeseed genome, as detected by MSAP analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the magnitude and determinants of migration from east to west (Europe) following the collapse of communism, and from south (Africa) to north (Europe). Special attention is given to assessing numbers and characteristics (including illegal) of the flows, and also to reasons for and success of bilateral agreements and cooperative projects by the governments of Italy and Spain designed to check and control the flows. Notwithstanding tighter controls on visas for Third World nationals, migration to western Europe does not seem to have abated. In Italy, illegal migration from the east (Albania in particular) is connected, directly or indirectly, with the criminal underworld. The inventory of legal texts and agreement protocols between Spain and Morocco designed to resolve many issues relating to migration, reflect long-standing relations between the two countries. Political and economic relations between Italy and Albania, on the other hand, have developed only within the framework of recent policies. While the presence of Moroccans in Spain and Albanians in Italy is not yet demographically significant, the authors predict that, in the absence of further appropriate political and economic measures, numbers will increase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper focuses on Network Traffic Control based on aggregate traffic flow variables, aiming at signal settings which are consistent with within-day traffic flow dynamics. The proposed optimisation strategy is based on two successive steps: the first step refers to each single junction optimisation (green timings), the second to network coordination (offsets). Both of the optimisation problems are solved through meta-heuristic algorithms: the optimisation of green timings is carried out through a multi-criteria Genetic Algorithm whereas offset optimisation is achieved with the mono-criterion Hill Climbing algorithm. To guarantee proper queuing and spillback simulation, an advanced mesoscopic traffic flow model is embedded within the network optimisation method. The adopted mesoscopic traffic flow model also includes link horizontal queue modelling. The results attained through the proposed optimisation framework are compared with those obtained through benchmark tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to investigate the application of meta-heuristic optimisation methods to Network Signal Setting Design. The adopted approaches are (i) three step optimisation, in which first the stage matrix (stage composition and sequence), the green timings at each single junction are optimised, then the node offsets are computed in three successive steps; (ii) two step optimisation, in which the stage matrix is defined at a first step, then the green timings and the node offsets are computed at a second step. In both approaches the stage matrix optimisation is carried out through explicit complete enumeration. In the first approach multi-criteria optimisation is followed for single junction signal setting design (green timings), whilst the coordination (node offsets) is approached through mono-criterion optimisation, as well as for the synchronisation (green timings and offsets) in the second approach. A new traffic flow model mixing CTM and PDM has been applied. This model allows to explicitly represent horizontal queuing phenomena as well as dispersion along a link. Some meta-heuristic algorithms (i.e. Genetic Algorithms, Hill Climbing and Simulated Annealing) are investigated in order to solve the two problems. The proposed strategies are applied to two different layouts (a two junction arterial vs. a four junction network) and their effectiveness is evaluated by comparing the obtained results with those from benchmark approaches implementing mono-criterion optimisation only. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the original publication of the article the Acknowledgement section has been missed to include and now the same has been updated in this correction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most straightforward short term policies to mitigate urban traffic congestion is control through traffic lights at a single junction or network level. Existing approaches for single junction Signal Setting Design (SSD) can be grouped into two classes: Stage-based or Phase-based methods. Both these approaches take the lane marking layouts as exogenous inputs, but lane-based optimisation method may be found in literature, even though for isolated signal-controlled junctions only. The Network Signal Setting Design (NSSD) requires that offsets are introduced; a traffic flow model is also needed to compute total delay. All existing methods for NSSD follow a stage-based approach; these methods do not allow for stage matrix optimisation: it is shown that explicit enumeration of stage sequences is only practicable for very small networks. This paper focuses on Network Signal Setting Design introducing the so-called scheduled synchronisation that includes green scheduling, green timing and coordination into one optimisation problem. The paper proposes a stage-based method to solve such a problem, as an extension of the synchronisation method and the traffic flow model proposed in Cantarella et al. (2015): first a set of candidate stages is defined for each junction, then the stage sequences, the stage lengths and the offsets are optimised all together. To the authors’ knowledge, no other one-step optimisation method is available in literature for scheduled synchronisation. Results of the proposed method to a small network were compared with those from explicit enumeration of all stage sequences; results for a larger network are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traffic oscillation is a very important phenomenon in traffic flow studies and its characteristics are usually used to validate the developed traffic flow models and theories. In this paper, we firstly conduct an empirical study based on floating car data, focusing on the characteristic of traffic oscillations in terms of the overall amplitude and the spectrum of speed/acceleration as well as the relation between the characteristic quantities. It is found that the amplitude of both speed oscillations and acceleration oscillations grows with the increase of traffic speed. The spectrum analysis shows that the most energy would concentrate on a narrower band with the increase of standard deviation of speed/acceleration, and the periodicity in the speed oscillation is more salient than that in the corresponding acceleration oscillation. Then, three typical car-following models are tested: one is the deterministic model, while the other two are the stochastic models with different mechanisms of stochasticity. The simulation results indicate that the two stochastic models outperform the deterministic model in reproducing the observed oscillation characteristics qualitatively and quantitatively. • The collected floating car data with high accuracy provides pinpoint evidence for the characteristic of traffic oscillations. • The IDM fails to reproduce qualitatively observed oscillations, while the 2D-IDM and SSAM could. • The formation and propagation of oscillations might be due to the stochasticity in car following. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND The use of sprouts and young plantlets in human nutrition is increasing because they often contain phytochemicals and other high value nutrients. This is also the case for wheat, although there is no literature for hulled wheat species. Thus we determined total polyphenols, phenolic acids (PAs), fibre and minerals in grains, 5-day-old sprouts and 12-day-old wheatgrass of einkorn (cv. Monlis), emmer (cvs Augeo, Rosso Rubino, Zefiro), spelt (cvs Pietro, Giuseppe), durum wheat (cv. Creso) and soft wheat (cv. Orso). RESULTS Grains of einkorn and emmer contained twice bound PAs as compared to soft and durum wheat and spelt, with p-coumaric acid accounting for about 50% of total bound PAs. In wheatgrass, differences between species for bound PAs decreased due to a decrease in einkorn and emmer and an increase in soft and durum wheat. In all species, total phenols and free PAs increased passing from grains to sprouts and wheatgrass. Neutral and acid detergent fibre content increased with sprouting only in einkorn and emmer. CONCLUSION Our evidence suggests that the grains of einkorn and emmer and the sprouts and wheatgrass of all Triticum species might potentially be valuable for the development of functional foods. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Adaptive Cruise Control systems have been developed and introduced into the consumer market for over a decade. Among these systems, fully-adaptive ones are required to adapt their behaviour not only to traffic conditions but also to drivers’ preferences and attitudes, as well as to the way such preferences change for the same driver in different driving sessions. This would ideally lead towards a system where an on-board electronic control unit can be asked by the driver to calibrate its own parameters while he/she manually drives for a few minutes (learning mode). After calibration, the control unit switches to the running mode where the learned driving style is applied. The learning mode can be activated by any driver of the car, for any driving session and each time he/she wishes to change the current driving behaviour of the cruise control system. The modelling framework which we propose to implement comprises four layers (sampler, profiler, tutor, performer). The sampler is responsible for human likeness and can be calibrated while in learning mode. Then, while in running mode, it works together with the other modelling layers to implement the logic. This paper presents the overall framework, with particular emphasis on the sampler and the profiler that are explained in full mathematical detail. Specification and calibration of the proposed framework are supported by the observed data, collected by means of an instrumented vehicle. The data are also used to assess the proposed framework, confirming human-like and fully-adaptive characteristics. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Adopting mixtures between legumes and non legumes can be an efficient tool to merge the advantages of the single species in the fall-sown cover crop practice. Nevertheless there is a lack of information on how the species proportion may affect N accumulation and C/N of the cover crops and how this can influence the N uptake and N status of different subsequent summer cash crops. In this study the N effect of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth.) grown in pure stands or in mixtures with different sowing proportion was tested on maize (Zea Mays L.) and processing tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.). Cover crop N accumulation and C/N ratio were monitored during the whole growing cycle, and CO2 flux from the soil was measured after their incorporation into the soil. N status of the following cash crops was evaluated by comparing the observed data with the appropriate critical N dilution curves. The results highlight the effectiveness of mixtures for the management of the winter cover crop practice. In the two considered years, the species proportion influences the aboveground biomass (ranging from 2.90 to 5.94Mgha−1) and N accumulation (ranging from 73.8 to 183.2kgha−1) of the mixtures. The legume component, even at low proportion, increased the N accumulation of the cover crop of 148% (in 2006) and 134% (in 2007) compared to pure stand barley. Also the biomass quality of the cover crops was greatly affected by species proportion (e.g. C/N ranging from 12.0 to 18.9) and this aspect showed a clear effect on the N availability for the subsequent crop. N effect (N eff) of the different cover crop mixtures (especially those with high barley proportions) brought tomato much closer to the critical N value than they did with maize. The basis of the relationship between cover crop C/N and N eff was confirmed, so mixtures can be used to adjust the extent and timing of mineralisation of the incorporated biomass to the subsequent cash crop requirements. Prediction of the cash crops N status on the cover crop C/N appears to be a useful approach, but, it may be important to take the characteristics of the following cash crop into account. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Garofalo, G., Ceriola, L., Gristina, M., Fiorentino, F., and Pace, R. 2010. Nurseries, spawning grounds and recruitment of Octopus vulgaris in the Strait of Sicily, central Mediterranean Sea. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 67: 1363–1371.The presence of nursery and spawning grounds and the relationship between sea surface temperature (SST) and the abundance of juvenile O. vulgaris in the Strait of Sicily, central Mediterranean, are investigated using fishery-independent data (trawl surveys, 1994–2008). Annual distributions were generated for mature animals and juveniles for spring/summer (the peak spawning season) and autumn (peak recruitment) using an inverse distance weighted deterministic interpolation. Based on the persistence of abundant recruits and mature animals, respectively, nursery and spawning grounds were identified. The correlation between annual recruitment and SST during hatching and recruitment was also investigated. Concentrations of juveniles (nurseries) were located off the southwest coast of Sicily and in the central Strait of Sicily, including south of Lampedusa on the African shelf, but just one consistent concentration of mature animals (spawning grounds) was found in the northwestern part of the Strait. There was a significant positive correlation between recruitment and SST. Results are discussed in the light of environmental parameters, and a hypothesis on possible stock units in the area was developed. The direct and indirect effects of SST variation on the recruitment process were also examined. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

We report the case of an Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)- and human immunodeficiency virus-serum negative patient suffering from repeatedly relapsing classical Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (cHL) associated with a histological picture of plasma cell-hyaline vascular (PC-HV) form of Castleman’s disease (CD). The CD30- and CD15- positive, Reed-Sternberg/Hodgkin cells, only occasionally expressed the CD20 molecule, but not leukocyte common antigen and latent membrane protein-1. Single-strand polymerase chain reaction failed to detect human herpesvirus 8 or EBV in the involved tissues. At the time of second relapse in July 2005, the clinical picture was characterized by a palpable right hypogastric mass, disclosed at physical exam, in the absence of other enlarged peripheral lymph nodes, subjective symptoms or laboratory profile alterations. Combined hybrid-(18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission-computerized tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) showed increased radionuclide uptake in multiple external iliac lymph nodes [standardized uptake value (SUV) of 7.4] and non-palpable left supraclavicular lymph nodes (SUV of 5.8). Relapsing cHL in the context of mixed PC-HV CD was documented in two of three surgically excised abdominal lymph nodes never previously enlarged or involved by any lymphoproliferative disease. Because of the limited disease extension and failure to induce continuous remission with previous conventional chemoradiotherapy, the patient was treated with six rituximab injections. This immunotherapy induced significant reduction in size of supraclavicular lymph nodes as evident at ultrasound (US) scan (<1 vs. 2.5 cm, post- vs. pretherapy), which was confirmed by the 18F-FDG PET/CT in October 2005, despite no modification in SUV of 4.2. 18F-FDG PET/CT also disclosed no radionuclide uptake by abdominal lymph nodes. Thus, a second course of four additional rituximab injections was given and subsequent 18F-FDG PET/CT indicated persistent, but reduced incorporation of radionuclide compared to the pretherapy value (SUV of 2.7) in the supraclavicular area and confirmed a normal metabolic activity in the iliac external lymph nodes. Because of uncertain persistent disease in the supraclavicular nodal site, involved-field radiotherapy (RT) was delivered in that area as consolidation treatment. After completion of rituximab and RT for 16 and 14 months respectively, US and 18F-FDG PET/CT exams were indicative of complete remission. This case is in concordance with previously published data suggesting that rituximab immunotherapy might be a valid option in the treatment of CD and also have a role in the management of relapsing cHL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]