Diagnostic analysis of the lesions and stability of Michelangelo's David

This work presents an account of the results of diagnostic analyses on the lesions that were first detected in Michelangelo's David in the mid-1800s. After summarizing the events that may have affected the statue's stability and the state of deformation, the authors present the results of the Finite Elements Method (FEM) tests conducted on the digital model of the statue's surface. The analysis of these results made it possible to identify the static conditions that generated the cracks in the lower part of the left leg and in the tree trunk of the David. Lastly, the current situation was analyzed from the perspective of both deformation and stresses, evaluating the statue's stability also as regards its structural response to the seismic activity at the level expected for the Florence area.     

Erasmus Thematic Networks and the European dimension of Engineering Education

Some of the most important challenges for engineering schools at the beginning of the 21st century are summarised as well as the role of ERASMUS Thematic Networks (TN) in this scenario.

Though focus is mainly given to the European environment, the changes which are interesting Engineering Education appear to involve also the non-European sphere and therefore, this set of papers on the main outcomes of E4 Thematic Network (2000–2004) has been conceived, not only as an useful instrument of dissemination, but also an open window on Europe.

In this introductory paper key characteristics of successful TNs are outlined, as resulting from the experience of TN E4, Enhancing Engineering Education in Europe, which has terminated its life end of September 2004. The new TN project, denominated TREE, for Teaching and Research in Engineering in Europe, is briefly presented.

On the other hand, in the following 5 sections some of the main activities developed within E4 are presented touching topics related to accreditation, quality assurance, students involvement in Engineering Education, ICT and new learning methods and curriculum development.     

High efficiency vortex trapping of circulating tumor cells

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are important biomarkers for monitoring tumor dynamics and efficacy of cancer therapy. Several technologies have been demonstrated to isolate CTCs with high efficiency but achieve a low purity from a large background of blood cells. We have previously shown the ability to enrich CTCs with high purity from large volumes of blood through selective capture in microvortices using the Vortex Chip. The device consists of a narrow channel followed by a series of expansion regions called reservoirs. Fast flow in the narrow entry channel gives rise to inertial forces, which direct larger cells into trapping vortices in the reservoirs where they remain circulating in orbits. By studying the entry and stability of particles following entry into reservoirs, we discover that channel cross sectional area plays an important role in controlling the size of trapped particles, not just the orbital trajectories. Using these design modifications, we demonstrate a new device that is able to capture a wider size range of CTCs from clinical samples, uncovering further heterogeneity. This simple biophysical method opens doors for a range of downstream interventions, including genetic analysis, cell culture, and ultimately personalized cancer therapy.     

Thematic Network E4¹: an effective tool to improve EE in Europe

Among all TN projects approved and running under SOCRATES II, E4 offers the widest perspective over all Engineering/Technology education fields covering relevant and transversal issues, which are definitely not branch specific. The paper first introduces the general aim of the project, underlining the meaning of the European Dimension of EE (Engineering Education), to facilitate greater mobility of skilled personnel and ensuring integration of the different systems throughout the continent. Innovative contributions to international dimension and curriculum development, high standards, quality insurance and accreditation, use of ICT tools are the main subjects of the Network activities: these are described in details in section 2, which is followed by the strategic approach and principal outcomes (section 3 and 4 respectively). Organisation and dissemination are also key aspects of the project, dealt by 3 Transversal Actions, common to all activities and supporting the working groups outcomes, enhancing visibility.     

Indirect contact through book reading: Improving adolescents' attitudes and behavioral intentions toward immigrants

A study was conducted to test the effects of indirect contact through book reading on the improvement of Italian students' attitudes, stereotypes, and behavioral intentions toward immigrants. The results indicated that adolescents who read a book concerning intercultural topics, compared to those who read a book unrelated to intercultural themes or to those who did not read any book, showed improved intergroup attitudes, reduction in stereotyping, more positive intergroup behavioral intentions, and an increased desire to engage in future contact. Furthermore, the effects of indirect contact were mediated by increased inclusion of other in the self and reduced group identification. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.