Self-T-Dual Brane Cosmology

We show how T-duality can be implemented with brane cosmology. As a result, we obtain a smooth bouncing cosmology with features similar to the ones of the pre-Big Bang scenario. Also, by allowing T-duality transformations along the time-like direction, we find a static solution that displays an interesting self tuning property.Comment: 3 pages, based on a talk given at the XI Marcel Grossmann Meeting, Berlin 23-29 July, 200

A new approach to non-commutative inflation

We propose an inflationary scenario inspired by a recent formulation, in terms of coherent states, of non-commutative quantum field theory. We consider the semiclassical Einstein equations, and we exploit the ultraviolet finiteness of the non-commutative propagator to construct the expectation value of the energy momentum tensor associated to a generic scalar field. It turns out that the latter is always finite and dominated by an effective cosmological constant. By combining this general feature with the intrinsic fuzziness of spacetime, we show that non-commutativity governs the energy density of the early Universe in such a way that the strong energy condition is violated. Thus, there might be a bounce and a subsequent inflationary phase, which does not need any \emph{ad hoc} scalar field.Comment: Version extended, more discussions and references, section added on the cosmological constant, matches version accepted on Class. Quantum Gra

GPDs at non-zero skewness in ADS/QCD model

We study Generalized Parton Distribution functions (GPDs) usually measured in hard exclusive processes and encoding information on the three dimensional partonic structure of hadrons and their spin decomposition, for non zero skewness within the AdS/QCD formalism. To this aim the canonical scheme to calculate GPDs at zero skewness has been properly generalized. Furthermore, we show that the latter quantities, in this non forward regime, are sensitive to non trivial details of the hadronic light front wave function, such as a kind of parton correlations usually not accessible in studies of form factors and GPDs at zero skewness.Comment: 6 pages, 7 figure

"Poppy" yeast

I am old enough to have taken part in the international project to sequence the first eukaryotic genome—that of Saccharomyces cerevisiae—which was released in 1996. Twenty years later, scientists from academic and commercial institutions are now involved in the first wholesale construction of a eukaryotic genome: the Yeast 2.0 Project 1. The construction of whole genomes from scratch is defined as a bottom-up approach in synthetic biology. One of the aims of such work is to reduce genome size and construct a minimal cell factory for industrial applications. These synthetic yeast chromosomes will have unique features to allow scientists to easily reshuffle, eliminate or add new genes 2 in order to engineer cells for efficient production of a desired compound. Synthetic biologists also use a top-down approach to insert functional biological components into natural genomes. This has been used in yeast to produce natural molecules of pharmaceutical value, such as artemisinin acid 3. Currently, many compounds are not chemically synthesized because it is cheaper and more efficient to extract them from plants. The products of synthetic biology could easily replace plants as the source, especially as yeast fermentation is a matter of days, while plants need months or years to grow

The Emilian Model Revisited: Twenty Years After

In the early 1980s Emilia-Romagna drew wide attention as a case of successful industrialisation based on small and medium-sized firms clustered in industrial districts intermingled with social cohesion and integration assured by the hegemonic role played by the Italian Communist Party (PCI) in the region. Twenty years after, the Emilian economy seems to have regenerated its competitive advantage. This resulted from important changes involving both the industrial structure and the governance structure. As to the former, a restructuring of local industry led to the formation of business groups, the rise of lead firms, the emergence of distant networks, the introduction of computer-based technologies, and an increasing variety in the evolutionary paths of the various districts. As to the latter, the disappearance of a Communist political subculture and the transformation of the ruling party from the PCI into fistly the PDS and then the DS brought about a change in the governance structure which was marked by an increased reliance on business associations in both designing and managing industrial policies. As a result, these shifted towards a market-driven approach, focused on induvidual firms and, above all, lead firms rather than industrial districts.Emilia-Romagna; Industrial Districts; Lead Firms; Business Associations; Governance; Industrial Polocies

Doctoral Education in Planning and Urban Studies in Italy: what is it really for? Introduction and Editorial note

Data show the reduction of academic positions in Italy and invite to reconsider the role of PhD education and training as the highest level of university education. In fact, although PhDs seem to have a little advantage over Master’s level graduates in the job market, only about 10% find a job at universities. This suggests that changes in PhD programmes might be needed to match students’ needs and job market requirements. However, the opposite is also true with employers, either in the public or private sector, who should try to absorb more PhDs and use their skills and expertise. The aim of this special issue is to analyse PhD education in Italy with a focus on planning and urban studies programmes by emphasising the perspectives of PhD candidates and freshly awarded Doctors since they are generally neglected in reform processes. All authors who contributed to this special issue reflected on the same aim stressing different implications and perspectives. The topics investigated are: matching between students’ expectations and institutional goals, the international mobility of PhD candidates, experiences of international PhD students in Italy, and the evolution of two of the oldest PhD programmes in planning in Italy at Sapienza, Rome and Iuav, Venice