European Production Research Articles

ECMA-418-2 roughness, a challenging implementation

Over the past decade, psychoacoustics has grown significantly and sound quality metrics have become an easy way to include the human factor in NVH analysis. Most of these metrics have been defined by standards (ISO, DIN, ANSI or ECMA), which should promote their use in industrial applications. MOSQITO is an open-source project providing implementations of sound quality metrics in Python(e.g. loudness ISO 532-1, sharpness DIN 45692, SII ANSI S3.5) along with complete documentations and validation procedures. In 2020, the European Computer Manufacturers Association released the ECMA-418-2 standard, revised in 2022, describing new loudness, roughness and tonality implementations based on a common hearing model. During the implementation of the roughness metric in MOSQITO, it appeared that some implementation instructions are subject to interpretation, and some information was missing in the standard to allow for a valid computation of this metric. Moreover, the standard does not define some validation cases, which can limit the spread of its metrics. This paper highlights these difficulties for each section of the calculation process, and proposes new steps that would aid the user's understanding and implementation of the standard.

The use of partially slatted floor designs as an alternative to littered systems in broiler chickens. I. The effects on the performance, slaughter and carcass traits.

In this study, the effects of fully littered, slatted and their varying combinations on growth, performance, carcass and meat quality characteristics in broiler chickens were investigated. In the experiment, five treatment groups were formed as fully littered (FL), fully slatted (FS), 1/3 littered + 2/3 slatted (2/3 SF), 1/2 littered + 1/2 slatted (1/2SF), 2/3 littered + 1/3 slatted (1/3 SF). Each treatment group included 5 replicates (24 chicks in each) and a total of 600 male-female mixed fast growing broiler chicks (Ross-308) were used during 6 weeks. Weekly body weight (BW, g), feed intake (FI, g), feed conversion ratio (FCR, g.feed intake/g.weight gain), livability (%) and EPEF (European Production Efficiency Factor) were determined as performance characteristics. Carcass yield (CY, %), and the percentages of abdominal fat (AFP, %), edible internal organs (EIOP, %), gizzard (GP, %), breast (BRP, %) and thigh (TP, %) meat were the carcass characteristics. Meat quality measured by pH and color (L*: lightness, a*: redness, b*: yellowness) of breast and thigh meat, and occurrence of white striping and hemorrhaging in breast meat. The weekly BW differences among the floor treatments were significant (P < 0.01), and 1/3SF broilers were the heaviest at slaughter age (3311.6g). The 6-week FCR in FS broilers was significantly worse than the others (1.471), but FI, livability and EPEF were similar among treatments. AFP tended to be higher in FL birds (P = 0.066), while CY, EIOP, GP, BRP and TP did not differ between groups. Breast pH was similar between treatments, with 1/2SF showing the highest (6.34) and FL the lowest (6.24) breast pH (P < 0.01). The partially slatted systems caused lighter, redder and yellower color values in breast meat (P < 0.01) than the fully littered or slatted systems, but did not change the color of the thigh meat. White striping and hemorrhaging in breast meat were not affected by the floor treatments. This study suggests that the use of partially slatted systems in broiler chickens improves meat color without compromising performance traits (body weight, feed efficiency, EPEF), litter moisture and slaughter traits and these systems could be an alternative to fully littered systems.

Coming Home in the Age of Industry 4.0? The Effects of Offshoring and Backshoring on Manufacturing Companies’ Success

This study explores the effects of offshoring and backshoring on value creation per employee within the manufacturing sector by investigating the difference between firms that did and those that did not engage in corresponding relocation activities. Historically, offshoring has been a strategy to reduce costs and increase efficiency. However, the rise of advanced digital technologies and changing market dynamics have sparked a countertrend toward backshoring. Using data from the European Manufacturing Survey, this research examines how these strategies impact value creation, also taking into account the roles of sales growth and export intensity as potential moderators. The results of hierarchical regression analysis indicate that neither firms that have engaged in offshoring of production nor firms that have engaged in offshoring of R&amp;D have significantly higher or lower value creation per employee than those that did not. In contrast, firms that have engaged in backshoring of production realize higher value creation when coupled with high sales growth. Firms that have engaged in backshoring of R&amp;D, on the other hand, realize higher value creation when combined with high export intensity. These findings highlight the importance of aligning strategic decisions with both technological capabilities and market conditions to enhance productivity. The study suggests that a balanced and holistic approach, integrating both offshoring and backshoring strategies tailored to specific business contexts, can optimize value creation and maintain competitiveness in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

Die neue Geoökonomik und ihre Auswirkungen auf den Wirtschaftsstandort

Abstract Geopolitical rivalries create mistrust between trading partners. These try to guard themselves against the opportunistic abuse of trade policy by de-risking and de-coupling. Indeed, first empirical evidence points towards an increasing division of the world economy into an US-centered and a China-centered block. Western sanctions against Russia have strongly accel-erated this tendency. Increased fragmentation disincentivizes corporate strategies based on serving foreign markets by exports and favors local-for-local models. This endangers value-added creation in small, open economies such as Austria. Countermeasures must include deepening the European Single Market, striking trade agreements with aligned and neutral countries, and promoting cost efficiency of European production.

The effects of varying stocking densities during the first 10 days on the performance, welfare, slaughter and meat quality characteristics of broiler chickens in the subsequent period.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of varying stocking densities during the first 10 days on the performance, welfare, slaughter and meat quality characteristics of broiler chickens in the subsequent period (11-42 days). In the study, treatments representing 3 different stocking densities with the same group sizes were established and a total of 432 d-old chicks were used. In the first 10 days of the rearing period, treatments of 18 (SD18), 27 (SD27) and 36 (SD36) chicks per m2 were formed, and at 11 days of age, chicks in all treatments were reared at a density of 18 chicks/m2. Body weight differences in SD18, SD27 and SD36 treatments at 10 and 42 days of age were significant (P < 0.05), they were 252.6, 254.3 and 241.5g in SD18, SD27 and SD36 groups at 10 days and 2961.1, 2874.8 and 2842.7g at 42 days of age, respectively. In the first 10 days of growing period, SD36 showed a significant difference (P < 0.05) from the other groups in feed intake and feed conversion ratio, but this was not significant at slaughter age. The livability at 10 and 42 days was not different among treatments and was between 98.6 and 99.3% and 93.5-93.8%, respectively. The uniformity at 10 days was significant among the stocking density groups (P < 0.05) and the best uniformity level was obtained in the SD36 group, the differences in CV values at 42 days were not significant among the treatments. EPEF (European production efficiency factor) values were not different between the groups, the highest numerical value was determined in the SD36 group. Foot pad dermatitis, hock burn and breast burn levels were significantly higher in SD18 chickens (P < 0.05), however incidence of finger crookedness and valgus-varus deformity did not differ between the treatments. The litter moisture contents were similar between treatments, and ranged from 25.6 to 32.6%. Different stocking density treatments during the first 10 days of the experiment had no significant effect on slaughter, abdominal fat, carcass parts, color and pH values in the breast and thigh meat. In conclusion, rearing broiler chickens by dividing the poultry house area by half during the first 10 days (36 birds/m2) could help to improve the overall productivity (EPEF) by providing ease of maintenance, efficient heating and better control.

Origin and Affinities of the Malmberget Iron Oxide-Apatite Deposit, Northern Sweden: Insights From Magnetite Chemistry and Fe-O Isotopes

European iron ore production is primarily sourced from magnetite dominated iron oxide-apatite ore deposits in the northern Norrbotten ore province of northernmost Sweden. The Malmberget iron oxide-apatite deposit is at present the largest iron ore resource in Europe and is an amphibolite facies grade analogue of the world-famous Kiirunavaara iron oxide-apatite deposit. The Malmberget rock association is characterised by multiple phases of deformation, metamorphism, and alteration that resulted in a geometrically and petrologically complex deposit that is genetically ambiguous. Primary ore textures and emplacement structures of the Malmberget iron oxide-apatite deposit have largely been recrystallised during metamorphic overprinting and now comprise dominantly medium- to coarse-grained granoblastic magnetite. However, isotopic characteristics are preserved and when combined with trace element chemistry, these can be used to understand magmatic vs. hydrothermal origin of the deposit. To unravel the primary origin of the Malmberget magnetite ore, we combined magnetite trace element chemistry and Fe-O stable isotopes to investigate the massive magnetite in the Fabian-Kapten and ViRi ore bodies of the Malmberget iron oxide-apatite deposit. Trace element correlations indicate a high-temperature magmatic to a transitional high-temperature magmatic-hydrothermal origin of the Malmberget iron oxide-apatite ore deposit, with data plotting into fields of clear magmatic affinity in trace element discrimination diagrams. Fe-O data fall into established magmatic fields regardless of subsequent metamorphic modifications, underlining a dominantly (ortho-)magmatic origin of the investigated deposits. Despite an overall magmatic to magmatic-hydrothermal origin for the two ore bodies studied, Fe-O isotope equilibrium calculations of the magnetite suggest a possible temperature discrepancy between the Fabian-Kapten ore body and the ViRi ore body, the latter showing a more pronounced magmatic character. These variations in trace element contents and Fe-O isotopes can be explained by the proximity of the more magmatic signatures to the centre of the ore forming magmatic system.

Efficacy and Growth Performance between Two Different Ionophore Coccidiostats (Narasin and Salinomycin) in Broiler Chickens after Challenge with Eimeria spp.

The objective of this study was primarily to assess the different performance impacts of two ionophore coccidiostats (narasin and salinomycin) used to manage coccidiosis. While both products may be efficacious in controlling disease challenges, previous literature has suggested that some ionophores are less well tolerated by the broiler chickens. In this study, we were particularly interested to know how the use of different coccidiostat programs translates into broiler health and performance, as measured by zootechnical parameters such as the feed conversion ratio, average daily gain, and final body weight. A total of 352 male Ross 308 one-day-old broilers were randomly divided into two treatment groups (T1 and T2). Treatment 1 included a basal diet (BD) + nicarbazin/narasin (Maxiban®, Elanco) at 100 ppm 0-24 days, narasin at 70 ppm 25-42 days, and (2) Treatment 2 included basal diet + nicarbazin/narasin at 100 ppm 0-24 days, salinomycin (Sacox®, Huvepharma) at 70 ppm 25-42 days. Efficacy and performance parameters, slaughter analysis, dry matter (DM) in litter, and intestinal integrity (I2) were measured for the broilers from both treatment groups. The findings demonstrated more favorable results for broilers reared in the group diet fed with narasin (in the finisher phase), including higher daily body weight gain, higher final body weight, lower feed conversion ratio value (improved feed efficiency), and higher European Production Efficiency Factor value, compared with the salinomycin-supplemented group.

A Regulatory‐Developmental Turn Within EU Industrial Policy? The Case of the Battery IPCEIs

The European automotive industry is transitioning from combustion engines to electric vehicles but lags behind international competitors. This geoeconomic competition has contributed to the revival of industrial policy in the EU. However, EU competition policy restricts more vertical industrial policy approaches. In this context, the Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEIs) have emerged as a novel governance tool. This article examines this transformation in EU industrial policy by focusing on the Battery IPCEIs. The article includes an in-depth case study of the Battery IPCEIs, using secondary literature and 11 expert interviews. It concludes that IPCEIs represent a gradual regulatory-developmental turn within EU industrial policy by drawing on developmental state theory in a European context, critical EU integration literature, and global production networks research. In response to geoeconomic competition and the region’s lack of productive capacities, the EU is indirectly facilitating the development of European battery innovation and production networks by issuing direct state aid at the national level. However, the EU’s participation in the subsidy race and the global green-tech race via “green” industrial policy indicates only a partial shift in the relationship between states and markets.

Expanding European fossil-based plastic production in a time of socio-ecological crisis: A neo-Gramscian perspective

The global plastics industry is undergoing significant expansion, driven by record-scale infrastructure investments that are increasing fossil fuel demand. However, this growth has largely bypassed Europe, where mature markets, limited feedstock availability, and stringent environmental regulations prevail. Despite these constraints, in 2019 the petrochemical conglomerate INEOS announced plans for a new ethane cracker in Antwerp, the single largest project in the European chemical industry for decades. This unexpected development raises questions about how fossil-based plastic production can expand in a region purportedly transitioning away from fossil fuels. Here, we employ a neo-Gramscian perspective on transitions to analyse the INEOS investment as a case study using both documents and interview data. We trace the processes that facilitated this project, examining developments in the broader fossil fuel economy and INEOS's strategies for accommodating local and global transition pressures. Our analysis demonstrates that the investment represents a case of trasformismo, where limited socio-technical reconfiguration enables the expansion of fossil-based plastic production despite ongoing socio-ecological crises linked to plastics. We conclude that the expansion of plastics production in Europe exemplifies broader efforts to maintain fossil fuel hegemony beyond energy production. This finding highlights the need for strategic approaches that address fossil fuels as feedstock to effectively transition towards post-fossil forms of production.

Impact of Bacillus subtilis probiotic on growth, visceral and lymphatic organ weights, intestinal histo-morphology, and pathogenic bacteria of broilers

Abstract This work aimed to examine the impacts of dietary Bacillus subtilis (BS) supplementation on several parameters. Twelve groups of six hundred-day-old male Ross chicks were created for the study. Each treatment was allotted into five replicates, with ten birds each. Four distinct diet treatments were provided for 42 days: diet A served as the control, whereas diets B, C, and D had 125, 250, and 500 mg of BS per kg of feed. Every diet was fed in three stages: continuous (days 1-42) and starter only (days 1–21), finisher only (days 22–42), and both. The results showed that the D-3 and C-3 groups had significantly higher feed intake (FI), body weight gain (BWG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), livability, and European Production Efficiency Factor (EPEF).juo09 The D-3 and C-3 groups also showed the largest relative weights of the liver, gizzard, pancreas, bursa, and spleen, as well as the enhanced weights of these organs. Groups D-3 and C-3 had high villus height, decreased crypt depth, and enhanced VH: CD in the ileum, jejunum, and duodenum. The high levels of BS (D-3 and C-3) eliminated Salmonella, C. perfringens, and E. coli from the ileum, caecum, and colon. From the results above, a conclusion could be drawn that dietary BS supplementation could be a safe substitute for AGPs in broiler diets.

Effect of advanced chelate technology-based trace minerals on growth performance, mineral digestibility, tibia properties, and antioxidant status in two broiler strains

This research aimed to assess the impact of diet supplementation of Advanced Chelate Technology-based Mineral (ACTMS), on the Ross and Arian broilers performance. 520 broilers, of two strains, were allocated to 8 treatments (4 for each strain), 5 replicates, (13 chicks/replicate) and reared for 42 days. The treatments include 0 (CONT), 250 (SBC250), 1000 (SBC1000), and 2000 (SBC2000) of ACTMS. Feed intake, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio were recorded, and the European Production Efficiency Factor (EPEF) was also calculated. Serum antibody was measured in response to sheep red blood cell (SRBC) to evaluate humoral immune response. Blood sample and tibia were used to measure the bone composition of Ca and P. No significant difference was obtained in feed intake (P >0.05), however, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and EPEF showed significant differences (P˂0.05). The results showed that the interaction effect of Ross× SBC250 had the highest average daily feed intake during 25-42 and 0-42 days of age, but Ross×CONT group provided the lowest average daily feed intake (P˂0.05). Furthermore, the Ross×CONT group had the highest average daily gain during 0-10, 25-42, and 0-42 days of age (P<0.05). The Ross×CONT group also provided the best feed conversion ratio during 0-10 days of rearing period compared to other treatments (P<0.05). Various levels of ACTMS, significantly (P˂0.05) enhanced the antioxidant activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. No significant differences were obtained in blood parameter (P>0.05), though, SBC2000 exhibited the greatest numerical phosphorus content. There was no significant impact of strain effects on blood metabolites, however, the Ross strain exhibited higher values. The results indicated that the Arian× SBC250 group had the largest tibia diameter which had a significant difference from the Arian×CONT group (P<0.05). In conclusion, ACTMS inclusion in the ration (either replacement or on top) led to the significant improvement of FCR and ADWG (SBC250 as on top) and EPEF (SBC2000 replacement) in the Ross strain and some parameters in Arian strains (mostly numerically).

Exploring the relationships between digital transformation, organizational slack and business performance: a configurational approach

PurposeThe survival of companies today hinges on their adaptability and flexibility, with digital transformation (DT) and organizational slack (OS) playing crucial roles. Despite their recognized importance, these factors are often studied separately. This study aims to explore how OS facilitates DT and evaluate their synergies and trade-offs to improve performance.Design/methodology/approachUsing data from the European Manufacturing Survey, structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA), we investigate causal relationships and possible combinations between different dimensions of OS and DT that contribute to business performance.FindingsWe confirmed the positive effect of OS and DT on business performance, highlighting the importance of organizational over technological factors. While not definitively establishing OS as a precursor to DT, our findings underscore the need for human and operational slack to improve performance, especially in less technology-intensive contexts.Research limitations/implicationsOur findings evidence that decision-makers should integrate OS with DT initiatives to improve the firm’s competitiveness. However, it is worth noting that while OS seems essential in low-tech shopfloors, its importance is lower in high-tech environments. Furthermore, within the possible combinations, managers should promote operational slack and digitalization, as it seems fundamental to improve business performance.Originality/valueThis article contributes to the management field in three ways. First, it clarifies controversies by providing evidence of the positive roles of DT and OS as drivers of competitiveness for manufacturing firms. Second, we verify that OS is not directly linked to DT, challenging existing assumptions. Third, it investigates the combinations of OS and DT that drive business performance improvement, emphasizing their synergies and trade-offs.

Reference Materials for Thermal Conductivity Measurements: European Situation

A reference material (RM), as defined by the International Vocabulary of Metrology (VIM 2012), must be homogeneous, stable, and suitable for use in measurements. Certified reference materials (CRMs) are RMs with documented property values, uncertainties, and traceability. ISO 17034:2018 outlines the requirements for RM producers, ensuring that CRMs meet standards for stability, uniformity, and reproducibility. In Europe, CE marking, from French “conformité Européenne”, which means European conformity, has been mandatory for thermal insulation products since 2002, ensuring their thermal performance is verified by accredited laboratories using RMs like IRMM440 and ERM FC440. Annually, European manufacturers produce over 200 million cubic meters of thermal insulation, necessitating thousands of thermal conductivity measurements daily to maintain CE marking compliance. Key characteristics of Reference Materials include long-term stability, thermal conductivity within specified ranges, and minimal dependence on density, thickness, and applied load. Sample thickness must conform to apparatus specifications, and homogeneity must be quantified. Reference Materials must also have appropriate dimensions, surface smoothness, and manufacturability. The Joint Research Centre (JRC) Geel has produced two Reference Materials, IRMM 440 and ERM FC 440, with specific characteristics to meet these requirements. Both are glass wool fibers with low thermal conductivity and specific density and thickness. The qualification of RMs involves inter-laboratory comparisons to ensure the accuracy and traceability of thermal conductivity measurements. The European market’s organization, including the use of Reference Materials and CE marking, has significantly improved measurement consistency and product quality. This system has led to lower uncertainties in thermal conductivity measurements compared to North America, highlighting the impact of standardized RMs on industry practices. Future needs include developing RMs with lower conductivity and increased thickness to accommodate market trends towards super insulation materials and bio-based components, enhancing energy performance calculations for buildings. This paper will present the process of defining a reference material and how it affects the uncertainty level of the calculation of building energy performance. This level depends on the characteristics of the materials used, their implementation, and external factors, such as the weather, as well as the reference material used for calibration of all European thermal conductivity measurement devices.

AI in European manufacturing: Trends, challenges and opportunities in the coatings industry

AI in European manufacturing: Trends, challenges and opportunities in the coatings industry

Effect of dietary medicinal plants on physiological responses of broiler chickens challenged with Campylobacter jejuni.

Phytogenic additives would be helpful to alleviate the adverse effect of Campylobacter jejuni on the performance and physiological responses of broiler chickens. This experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of Echinacea purpurea (EP) and Thymbra spicata (TS) on the performance, nutrient digestibility, serum biochemistry, intestinal morphology, intestinal microbiota and immune responses of broilers challenged with C. jejuni from 0 to 42 days of age. A total of 240 male broiler chickens were divided into 6 groups and fed various diets: a control diet; the control diet supplemented with EP at 0.25% (EP25) or 0.50% (EP50); the control diet supplemented with TS at 0.25% (TS25) and 0.50% (TS50); or the control diet containing erythromycin at 55ppm. Chicks were orally challenged with C. jejuni on Days 21 and 23 of age. EP and TS25 diets enhanced European production efficiency factor, feed conversion ratio and digestibility of dry matter and organic matter. TS25 increased duodenal villous height (VH) and surface area on Day 42 of age. EP25 diet increased ileal VH compared to control and erythromycin diets. Diets containing certain EP25 and TS increased the Bifidobacterium population and decreased C. jejuni population on Day 39 of age. EP50 and TS50 diets increased antibody titration against Newcastle disease virus. In conclusion, EP and TS dietary supplementation improved performance, microflora, intestinal morphology and immune responses in C. jejuni-challenged broilers.

From traditional to digital servicification: Chinese services in European manufacturing

The study investigates if the advancements in the domestic servicification of manufacturing reflect the rise in Chinese servicification within the manufacturing sectors of its trade partners. In a broader context, the article verifies whether China is following global trends related to servicification and digitalization in GVCs with Europe. The research reveals a growing role for Chinese services in both developed and developing European economies, with a higher absorption observed in Western European countries due to their level of development. However, the study did not fully confirm that China is strengthening its role in European digital GVCs. The Chinese strategy of joining advanced GVCs is two-pronged, with heavy servicification with traditional services and considerable variation in the servicification with digital services.

Підходи до формування економічної безпеки машинобудівного комплексу україни та зарубіжних країнах в аспекті міжнародної економічної діяльності

The article explores approaches to forming the economic security of Ukraine’s machine-building complex, drawing on international experience and global economic activity. In the context of globalization and increasing competition, Ukrainian enterprises need to enhance productivity, which is currently 40% lower than in EU countries. In 2023, the capital assets per worker amounted to approximately 1.5 million UAH, almost half of that in Poland and the Czech Republic. The machine-building sector requires 5–7 billion UAH investments annually over the next five years to reach European productivity standards. Analysis shows that a 10% increase in automation could boost productivity by 8% and reduce costs by 5%, allowing export volumes to rise to 20 billion UAH annually, up from the current 14 billion UAH, contributing up to 1 billion USD in annual foreign currency inflows to the economy. Applying technology gap and economic security theories in practice supports the development of state policy strategies to bridge technological gaps, strengthen national economic security in the machine-building sector, and maintain global competitiveness. An adapted formula for assessing the technology gap in the machine-building sector between Ukraine (country U) and a developed country (country D) demonstrates this need. For example, the technology index for Ukraine’s aquaculture sector stands at 40, compared to 90 in Norway, with a 55.6% gap indicating significant technological lag in the aquaculture industry. This suggests a need for modernization, increased automation, and investments in eco-friendly technologies to improve efficiency and competitiveness internationally. The study’s findings underline that applying technology gap theory can help define strategic approaches to narrowing the gap with more developed countries and creating a modern technological foundation essential for enhancing the competitiveness of the country’s machine-building sector. Keywords: machine-building complex, industry, economic security, investment, international economic activity, competitiveness, state policy, regulation, world market, foreign countries.

The Onomasticon Arthurianum ( et similia ). State of the art of a chimera

Abstract The aim of this article is to provide an overview of medieval onomastic repertories devoted to Arthurian literature. It focuses in particular on the unfinished project of the Onomasticon Arthurianum, but at the same time considers a broad chronology from the second half of the nineteenth century to the present day, taking into account the entire European Arthurian production.

Phytoplankton dynamics in a shellfish farming lagoon in a deltaic system threatened by ongoing climate change

Global climate change has generated an increasing number of environmental problems, especially in Mediterranean coastal areas, such as the Po Delta (PD), where shellfish production has undergone an overall decline because of strong environmental changes. The present study is centred on assessing the fundamental ecological aspects in one of the most crucial European shellfish production lagoons, Sacca degli Scardovari (SC), addressing phytoplankton community parameters directly affecting shellfish production, namely, chemotaxonomic composition, size fractions, and total biomass, in relation to the physicochemical properties of the water column and mussel filtering activity. Our findings suggest that the phytoplankton community structure, its role within the lagoon food web and its production cycles depend on two distinct allogenic inputs, which shape the community differently and exert substantial control on shellfish production. At the same time, the suspended mussel biomass strongly controls the phytoplankton size composition, as their growth is largely supported by nanophytoplankton. As the Po River collects the drainage waters of the Italian side of the entire Alpine Arch, the phytoplankton dynamics reported here represent a useful baseline for further addressing issues of climatic changes affecting lagoon ecology. We believe that our study presents an innovative tool for the planning and management of interventions aimed at enhancing national mussel production without neglecting aspects of environmental protection or the integrity of the coastal system, with significant scientific implications.

Is the EU’s AI Act Merely a Distraction from Europe’s Productivity Problem?

Abstract Solving the EU’s productivity problem will require greater use of technologies. Artificial intelligence is of particular interest given its potential to boost productivity in the services sector, where productivity growth in Europe has been particularly weak. While touted as a mechanism to boost trust in and the use of AI in Europe, the EU’s AI Act risks dampening investment. Aspects of its design and implementation should mitigate these risks, however, so that the overall impact of the bloc’s landmark law on European productivity will likely prove modest. The bigger problem is that European leaders’ focus on the law has detracted from more important steps to boost productivity – such as developing the EU’s capital markets union, addressing the lack of digital skills, and developing the single market to boost business dynamism.