ABRUZZO a “Communications Highway” in Copper and Fibre Optic
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ABRUZZO A “communications highway” in copper and fibre optic cables Abruzzo has taken measures to upgrade its telecommunications and IT systems. Telephone exchanges have been modernised in order to improve quality in communications and, in an effort to improve the fixed and mobile telephone systems, 28,000 kilometres of copper cables and about 2,000 kilometres of fibre optic cables have been laid. Finally, 8,000 ISDN (Integrated Service Digital Network) gateways have been opened up to increase the number of Internet services available and facilitate the exchange of data and images. New material for production processes In order to help companies to innovate their technology, in 1996 the L’Aquila branch of the National Institute for the Physics of Matter (Istituto Nazionale di Fisica della Materia) set up a research laboratory: CASTI (Centre for Scientific and Technological Assistance to Companies). Since its foundation, the Centre has been assisting firms wishing to use innovative components in their production processes, carrying out studies on the composition and microstructure of materials. This type of research is also applied industrially in certain aspects of quality and production process control. CASTI has electronic microscopes capable of observing a few atoms at a time and instruments that can treat extremely thin (monomolecular) layers to produce materials with various specific properties. Thanks to this equipment, experiments can be carried out at over 1,000° or close to absolute zero, in a vacuum or at pressures of several thousand atmospheres. The Centre has 15 researchers and attracts large amounts of research investment. Internet site: http://www.aquila.infn.it/infm/Casti/Indice.html The missing link in the Bologna-Bari double track The sharp increase in traffic on the railways of Abruzzo over the last few years, especially in coastal towns, has made it necessary to upgrade the lines. Double tracking on the Adriatic line is under way over a total length of 37 km, comprising two stretches: Porto di Vasto-Vasto and Ortona-Casalbordino. Thanks to this and other measures in Apulia (q.v.), 90% of the track from Bologna to Bari will be double. This is a major modernisation of the so-called “Adriatic corridor”, which is vital for freight and passenger transport to and from Greece, and which will encourage passengers to use rail rather than road transport along this strategic stretch. The new infrastructure has been moved further inland compared with the previous route which hugged the coastline. This will have positive environmental effects, relieving congestion on the densely built-up coast. Also, because the new route is straighter and less exposed to marine erosion, travelling time will be reduced. Quality tourism in Majella Park The Abruzzo nature parks are a typical feature of the region. In order to make tourist capital out of this natural resource, the ERDF has backed projects to complete a natural history and archaeology museum in Lama dei Peligni (province of Chieti), situated in the Eastern Majella Nature Reserve. The objective is to improve the exhibition areas by providing an interactive botanical relief model, films and monothematic display cases of considerable educational interest. A fibre optic lighting system has also been installed. The archaeological section has been entirely modernised: display cases have been completed, explanatory texts compiled and displays and show cases created. In an effort to improve museum management, computers with Internet links have been purchased and a website has been created to publicise the many tourist attractions in the area. Alongside the archaeological museum, the area has been made more attractive for tourists by the creation of a botanical garden, a swimming pool and a campsite, with access for the disabled. These tourist facilities draw about 30,000 visitors every year. Website: http:// www.comune.lama-dei-peligni.ch.it ABRUZZO REGION Piazza Santa Giusta, 67100 l’Aquila - Italia Tel: +39 086 236 42 15 Fax: +39 086 236 42 07 E-mail: [email protected] .