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Food demand and food supply have been heavily affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. To understand changes in households’ behavior related to the pandemic, we investigated the willingness to pay for local organic apples before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. We assessed the changes that occurred within families, estimating separate models for the two members of a couple. Our findings show that respondents have a positive price premium for local organic apples, whose consumption helps reduce the environmental costs associated with food production. The median estimated values during the pandemic ranged from 34% to 250%. Overall, respondents show a positive mean willingness to pay, which increased with the pandemic. The socio-economic variables are the most important in explaining the willingness to pay, while the behavioral variables have more heterogeneous results, even if lifestyle and the request for information through the label are also important variables. The pandemic tended to narrow the gaps in preferences between members of a couple. In conclusion, the local and organic dimensions are embodied in the short chain, in which knowledge and trust in the producer are crucial elements in the consumer’s choices.

Food demand and food supply have been heavily affected by Covid-19 pandemic. To understand changes in households’ behavior related to the pandemic, we investigate the willingness to pay for local organic apples pre- and during Covid-19. Besides, we assess whether the changes occurred within the family, estimating also separate models for the two members of the couple. Our findings show that respondents show a positive price premium for local organic apples whose consumption helps reducing the environmental costs associated with food production. The median estimated values during the pandemic range from 34% to 250%. Overall, respondents show a positive mean willingness to pay which increase with the pandemic. The socio-economic variables are the most important in explaining the willingness to pay, while the behavioral variables have more heterogeneous results even if the lifestyle and the request for information through the label are important variables. The pandemic tends to narrow the gaps in preferences between members of the couple. In conclusion, the local and organic dimension is embodied in the short chain in which knowledge and trust in the producer are crucial elements in the consumer's choices.

In the context of spreading interest in textbook outcome (TO) evaluation in different fields, we aimed to investigate an uncharted procedure, that is, laparoscopic microwave ablation (MWA) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Absence of post-MWA complications, a hospital stay of three days, no mortality nor readmission within 30 days, and complete response of the target lesion at post-MWA CT scan defined TO achievement. Patients treated between January 2014 and March 2021 were retrospectively reviewed, and of the 521 patients eligible for the study, 337 (64.7%) fulfilled all the quality indicators to achieve the TO. The absence of complications was the main limiting factor for accomplishing TO. At multivariable analysis, Child–Pugh B cirrhosis, age of more than 70 years old, three nodules, and MELD score ≥ 15 were associated with decreased probabilities of TO achievement. A score based on these factors was derived from multivariable analysis, and patients were divided into three risk groups for TO achievement. At survival analysis, overall survival (OS) was significantly (p = 0.001) higher in patients who achieved TO than those who did not. Moreover, OS evaluation in the three risk groups showed a trend coherent with TO achievement probability. The present study, having assessed the first TO for laparoscopic MWA for HCC, encourages further broader consensus on its definition and, on its basis, on the development of clinically relevant tools for managing treatment allocation.

Background The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically changed lifestyle worldwide, including sport. A comprehensive evaluation of the prevalence of cardiac involvement in COVID-19 is essential to finalize a safe protocol for resuming elite sport. The aim of this study is to evaluate incidence of cardiac involvement and COVID-19 impact on athletic performance. Materials and methods This retrospective observational study analysed the data collected from consecutive competitive athletes who performed medical-sports examinations at the J Medical Center from March 2020 to March 2021. All athletes periodically performed a molecular test using a nasopharyngeal swab to detect COVID-19 infection. Positive athletes performed laboratory (cardiac troponin T—cTnT) and instrumental (echocardiography, stress test, Holter ECG) investigations following recovery to identify any cardiac involvement. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed in case of abnormal findings at first-level evaluation. Results Among 238 athletes (median age 20 years), 77 contracted COVID-19, mainly males (79%) with a median age of 16 years. Fifty-one athletes (66%) presented mild symptoms, and none required hospitalization. Evaluation for resuming sport was performed after a median of 30 days from the first positive test. Abnormal findings were obtained in 13 cases (5 athletes [6%] with elevated cTnT values; 13 athletes [17%] with arrhythmias on Holter ECG and/or during stress test; 2 athletes [3%] anomalies at echocardiography). Cardiac MRI discovered abnormalities in 9 cases, but none of these was clearly related to COVID-19 and none fulfilled acute myocarditis criteria. No negative impact on athletic performance was observed, and none of the athletes developed persistent COVID-related symptoms. Conclusions Our registry confirms the predominantly self-limiting illness in young athlete population. The incidence of clear COVID-19-related structural myocardial injury was very low, but transient exertional ventricular arrhythmias or pericardial effusion was observed without significant impact on athletic performance. Implemented screening for return to activity is likely reasonable only in moderate-to-severe symptomatic athletes.

Background The MicroWave Ablation (MWA) is a mini-invasive technique, based on dielectric heating, used to treat small hepatic tumors or liver metastases in the adult population. The heat-energy is delivered to the target area, causing tumor necrosis, usually under ultrasound or computed tomography guidance. This procedure can be performed as pure percutaneous or with laparoscopic assistance. Operative technique A laparoscopic US-guided microwave ablation of the pancreatoblastoma hepatic metastasis was performed in an 11-year old girl. A standard three-port laparoscopic technique was used: the camera port at the umbilicus, and two working port at the upper right quadrant. After adhesiolysis, the intra-operative liver ultrasonography confirmed the pre-operative morphological imaging study and the nodules ablation was performed by using microwaves (MWA), emitted by AMICA probe (Apparatus for MICrowave Ablation; HS Hospital Service, Aprilia, LT, Italy), set at 40 W. Conclusions Laparoscopic MWA is a tissue-sparing technique to treat in a mini-invasive fashion unresectable liver tumors or metastases. This technique has been extensively described in adult population, and rarely in children. These preliminary and satisfactory results make MWA promising when treating pediatric patients with malignant primary or secondary liver tumors. Further studies may provide data on its long-term efficacy and safety.

OBJECTIVES: Early tracheotomy, defined as a procedure performed within 10 days from intubation, is associated with more ventilator free days, shorter ICU stay, and lower mortality than late tracheotomy. During the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, it was especially important to save operating room resources and to have a shorter ICU stay for patients, when ICUs had insufficient beds. In this context of limited resources, early percutaneous tracheostomy could be an effective way to manage mechanically ventilated patients. Nevertheless, current recommendations suggest delaying or avoiding the tracheotomy in coronavirus disease 2019 patients. Aim of the study was to analyze the hospital mortality of coronavirus disease 2019 patients who had received early percutaneous tracheostomy and factors associated with removal of tracheostomy cannula at ICU discharge.DESIGN: Cohort study.SETTING: Coronavirus disease 2019 ICU.PATIENTS: Adult patients with coronavirus disease 2019 3 days after ICU admission.INTERVENTIONS: None.MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Three days after ICU admission, 164 patients were present in ICU and included in the analysis. One-hundred and twenty-one patients (74%) were tracheostomized, whereas the other 43 (26%) were managed with translaryngeal intubation only. In multivariable analysis, early percutaneous tracheostomy was associated with lower hospital mortality. Sixty-six of tracheostomized patients (55%) were discharged alive from the hospital. Age and male sex were the only characteristics that were independently associated with mortality in the tracheostomized patients (45.5% and 62.8% in tracheostomized and nontracheostomized patients, respectively; p = 0.009). Tracheostomy tube was removed in 47 of the tracheostomized patients (71%). The only variable independently associated with weaning from tracheostomy at ICU discharge was a faster start of spontaneous breathing after tracheotomy was performed.CONCLUSIONS: Early percutaneous tracheostomy was safe and effective in coronavirus disease 2019 patients, giving a good chance of survival and of weaning from tracheostomy cannula at ICU discharge.

Extra virgin olive oil sustainability shows that it is strictly connected to local production and certifications. However, consumers&rsquo, behaviour toward a local product is tied with the information exchange between producers and consumers. The aim of the research is to analyse, using a logistic regression model, if the attitudes, habits, and behaviours of the consumers influence their opinion on the sustainability of local extra virgin olive oil, relative to the three dimensions of sustainability (environmental, socio-cultural, and economic). This study tries to combine studies about agri-food sustainability and consumers&rsquo, behaviour about local consumption, in an attempt to evaluate their attitude towards an agroecology food regime. Indeed, this information can be useful in order to plan adequate and specific interventions to improve the sustainability of the extra virgin olive oil production. The results indicate that the opinion about the sustainability of local extra virgin olive oil is linked to the information exchange between producers and consumers. This confirms that local alternative trade channels require numerous interventions in order to simplify and improve such exchange, both from a managerial and political point of view. Moreover, it can be useful to develop the information and communication technologies, in order to ensure the reliability, the transparency, and the security of the information exchange. This can also be useful to prevent frauds that are very common for this product.

Astronomy and astrophysics 647, A163 (2021). doi:10.1051/0004-6361/202039687, Context. QSO B1420+326 is a blazar classified as a flat-spectrum radio quasar (FSRQ). At the beginning of the year 2020, it was found to be in an enhanced flux state and an extensive multiwavelength campaign allowed us to trace the evolution of the flare.Aims. We search for very high-energy (VHE) gamma-ray emission from QSO B1420+326 during this flaring state. We aim to characterize and model the broadband emission of the source over different phases of the flare.Methods. The source was observed with a number of instruments in radio, near-infrared, optical (including polarimetry and spectroscopy), ultraviolet, X-ray, and gamma-ray bands. We use dedicated optical spectroscopy results to estimate the accretion disk and the dust torus luminosity. We performed spectral energy distribution modeling in the framework of combined synchrotron-self-Compton and external Compton scenario in which the electron energy distribution is partially determined from acceleration and cooling processes.Results. During the enhanced state, the flux of both SED components of QSO B1420+326 drastically increased and the peaks were shifted to higher energies. Follow-up observations with the MAGIC telescopes led to the detection of VHE gamma-ray emission from this source, making it one of only a handful of FSRQs known in this energy range. Modeling allows us to constrain the evolution of the magnetic field and electron energy distribution in the emission region. The gamma-ray flare was accompanied by a rotation of the optical polarization vector during a low -polarization state. Also, a new superluminal radio knot contemporaneously appeared in the radio image of the jet. The optical spectroscopy shows a prominent FeII bump with flux evolving together with the continuum emission and a MgII line with varying equivalent width.Key words: gamma rays: galaxies / galaxies: jets / radiation mechanisms: non-thermal / quasars: individual: QSO B1420+326��� Corresponding authors; contact.magic@mpp.mpg.de��� Deceased., Published by EDP Sciences, Les Ulis

Composting can bring reductions in the cost of disposing of organic by-products and residues, as well as providing an income, since composts can possess chemical-physical properties of considerable interest for use as a soil improver. This study identifies in detail the types of chemical-physical as well as economic constraints that recur in composting mixture design and their mathematical formulations are generalized; a method for composting optimization has then been developed, through the implementation of a mathematical model and by defining the functional characteristics of a software application, which take into account simultaneously the economic variables, the physical-chemical properties and the operational constraints, required for a good start of the composting processes. This method allows processing costs to be reduced as much as possible in relation to all the physical-chemical parameters that ensure a high quality of the mixture to be composted will be obtained. The aim is to make this method effectively usable in actual compost production conditions involving large amounts of organic materials to be treated, a multiplicity of variables to be taken into account, very narrow profit margins, and the need to take certain decisions quickly. Through some application examples, it is shown how the model developed has made it possible to reduce the variable costs for preparation of the composting mixtures, while obtaining the right physical-chemical characteristics so that the process can start properly and proceed.

We homogeneously analyse $\sim 3.2\times 10^5$ photometric measurements for $\sim 1100$ transit lightcurves belonging to $17$ exoplanet hosts. The photometric data cover $16$ years 2004--2019 and include amateur and professional observations. Old archival lightcurves were reprocessed using up-to-date exoplanetary parameters and empirically debiased limb-darkening models. We also derive self-consistent transit and radial-velocity fits for $13$ targets. We confirm the nonlinear TTV trend in the WASP-12 data at a high significance, and with a consistent magnitude. However, Doppler data reveal hints of a radial acceleration about $(-7.5\pm 2.2)$~m/s/yr, indicating the presence of unseen distant companions, and suggesting that roughly $10$ per cent of the observed TTV was induced via the light-travel (or Roemer) effect. For WASP-4, a similar TTV trend suspected after the recent TESS observations appears controversial and model-dependent. It is not supported by our homogeneus TTV sample, including $10$ ground-based EXPANSION lightcurves obtained in 2018 simultaneously with TESS. Even if the TTV trend itself does exist in WASP-4, its magnitude and tidal nature are uncertain. Doppler data cannot entirely rule out the Roemer effect induced by possible distant companions., Comment: 19 pages, 4 figures, 6 tables; revised manuscript submitted to MNRAS; online-only supplements are in the download archive

A useful way of promoting sustainable food consumption is to consider the spread of food retail operations focused on food diversification, food specialization, and fresh and local products. These food shops are generally small, which is a great problem for survival against ruthless competition from supermarkets. Our research objective was to construct a simulation with an agent-based model, reproducing the local food consumption market and to investigate how a new, small food retailing shop interacts with this market. As a case study, the model simulates the opening of a small farmers’ market. The intent of the model is to reproduce the current status of consumption for food products within a certain territorial context and given time period, and to investigate how consumers’ behaviour changes with the opening of the new shop. As a result, we could predict changes in consumers’ habits, the economic positioning of new, small shops and its best location. This information is of considerable interest for farmers’ markets and also for policymakers.

The objective of the study is to examine the complexity of the factors that determine the success of food and wine events. After surveying evidence on "event marketing", the authors have formulated hypotheses for a causal model and have collected data during the "Frantoi Aperti" ("Open Oil Presses") event in the Region of Umbria. Participants were interviewed and asked to express opinions about the importance and the interest of certain aspects directly linked to the theme of the event and, ultimately, to evaluate their level of satisfaction and their likely behaviour in the future. Statistical analysis based on a structural equation model allowed the authors to demonstrate which aspects are significant in confirming the hypotheses formulated. The results provide indications for choices concerning organization and management of the food and wine event. Lo scopo dello studio e quello di individuare la complessita dei fattori che determinano il successo di un evento enogastronomico. Gli Autori, dopo richiami sullo stato dell’arte dell’event marketing, formulano le ipotesi di un modello causale ed effettuano una raccolta dati durante la manifestazione "Frantoi Aperti" della Regione Umbria. Attraverso interviste in profondita e stato chiesto ai partecipanti di esprimersi circa l’importanza e l’interesse attribuito ad alcuni aspetti direttamente collegati al tema dell’evento, e di indicare infine il grado di soddisfazione e la probabilita di alcuni loro comportamenti futuri. Un’analisi statistica fondata su modelli ad equazioni strutturali ha permesso agli Autori di evidenziare quali aspetti risultano significativi al fine di confermare le ipotesi formulate. I risultati forniscono indicazioni per le scelte di gestione ed organizzazione dell’evento enogastronomico.

Fresh-cut and ready to eat products are gaining market shares over fruits and vegetables. Dining habits and cooking time are changing over time and life styles are modifying the food preparation and the time used for eating. In the meanwhile, prices could be playing an important role in the substitution between fresh products and ready-to-eat alternatives. Therefore, the present paper tests the following hypotheses: - measuring the direct price effect on ready-to-eat and fresh cut product in order to verify market stability and price war probability; - measuring the substitution effect between fresh and ready-to-eat categories; The hypotheses have been verified throughout the estimation of a la/aids model that considers a system of 10 equations. The data used for the analysis have been collected by iri-Infoscan and represent the total Italian grocery sales for the years 2008-2010. Results provide evidence that the market is price sensitive and that substitution effect is negligible. Therefore, past, present and future evolutions of fresh-cut and ready-to-eat products should be attributed to price wars. Promotional activities, private label strategies and other price reduction strategies could be winning strategies in order to gain market shares within fruits and vegetable market.

The aim of this paper is to provide some elements of synthesis useful for economic analysis of the general field of fresh truffle in Italy. In particular, this work focuses on aspects of production and trade (import/export) sector, analyzing, through specific indicators of performance, the strengths and weaknesses that the sector has to date, and, in this case, the importance in the same role that is played from the local economy of the different favorable regions compared to other Italian regions. The basic assumption is that there are significant potential to increase the local sales performance in response to increased worldwide demand.

The paper proposes a quantitative analysis of extra-virgin olive oils market designed to study the intra-sectoral competition and to analyze the profitability of pricing strategies for different types of companies: small produces, large manufactures, private label. The analysis focuses on trade within the modern grocery sector, which represents the first distribution channel of extra virgin olive oils at the national level. The study refers to the theory of industrial organization and, through the demand estimation, comes to the measurement of price-cost margins. The most important results relate to the concerns of the smaller producers respect to private label, big and international companies in the event of a further fall of extra virgin olive oils prices.

The aim of this paper is to present the research on competitive interdependency of Italian extra virgin olive oil through analysis of the sales scanner data. The paper analyses the strengths and weaknesses of Social Network Analysis approach in the olive oil market. The research addresses issues of three segments of high quality olive oils: popular extra virgin olive oil, pdo/pgi extra virgin olive oils, and finally, the "100% Italian olive oil". The analysis results show several aspects. The extra virgin olive oil market is highly polarized. There are large industrial companies with national products and other smes with regional products. While large enterprises have an intensive distribution in all grocery shops, in the distributions of smes the situation is much more complex. Some smes have a very strong sales organization, but fail to have similar market shares. Conversely, other small businesses, even if they have a low level of distribution, are able to gain market share more high. The analysis of sales by the sna approach remains a useful tool for smes which need to rationalize their presence in the grocery sector. Finally, the analysis shows segments of the market (pdo, pgi, bio, etc.) where smes may be able to compete with large industrial firms.

Objective To establish muscle-specific cut-off values for ultrasound-based detection of low muscle mass, and to assess its prevalence in a population of frail older subjects when applying the cut-points of different muscles and those of different sarcopenic indices. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Geriatric outpatient clinic and clinical research laboratory. Methods A total of 44 older adults (30 women and 14 men, mean age 82 years, range 67-93 years) and 60 younger individuals (30 women and 30 men, mean age 26 years, range 20-36 years) participated. Body composition and thickness of 4 lower limb muscles (rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, tibialis anterior, medial gastrocnemius) were respectively assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and ultrasonography. Main Outcome Measurements Site-specific cut-points for ultrasound-based assessment of low muscle mass (muscle thickness values 2 standard deviations below the gender-specific means of our sample of younger subjects) and comparative prevalence rates of low muscle mass. Results The following site-specific cut-points for muscle thickness were identified: rectus femoris: 20 mm in men and 16 mm in women; vastus lateralis: 17 mm in men and 15 mm in women; tibialis anterior: 23 mm in men and 22 mm in women; and medial gastrocnemius: 13 mm in both men and women. The prevalence of low muscle mass in older adults was highly dependent on the muscle being investigated; it varied from 86% for thigh muscles to 30% for leg muscles. Moreover, the prevalence of low muscle mass was highly dependent on the applied diagnostic criterion and on the adopted cut-off value; it ranged from 2% to 75% for different BIA-derived criteria. Conclusions We suggest that muscle ultrasonography provides physiatrists with a practical and accurate tool for identifying individuals with low muscle mass. However, the usability of cut-off values established in our group of healthy younger subjects of white ethnicity to identify low muscle mass in older individuals of different ethnic groups remains to be demonstrated in future studies.

Context. In 2009, the Sun and the Earth passed through the equatorial plane of Jupiter and therefore the orbital planes of its main satellites. It was the equinox on Jupiter. This occurrence made mutual occultations and eclipses between the satellites possible. Experience has shown that the observations of such events provide accurate astrometric data able to bring new information on the dynamics of the Galilean satellites. Observations are made under the form of photometric measurements, but need to be made through the organization of a worldwide observation campaign maximizing the number and the quality of the data obtained. Aims. This work focuses on processing the complete database of photometric observations of the mutual occultations and eclipses of the Galilean satellites of Jupiter made during the international campaign in 2009. The final goal is to derive new accurate astrometric data. Methods. We used an accurate photometric model of mutual events adequate with the accuracy of the observation. Our original method was applied to derive astrometric data from photometric observations of mutual occultations and eclipses of the Galilean satellites of Jupiter. Results. We processed the 457 lightcurves obtained during the international campaign of photometric observations of the Galilean satellites of Jupiter in 2009. Compared with the theory, for successful observations, the r.m.s. of O-C residuals are equal to 45.8 mas and 81.1 mas in right ascension and declination, respectively; the mean O-C residuals are equal to -2 mas and -9 mas in right ascension and declination, respectively, for mutual occultations; and -6 mas and +1 mas in right ascension and declination, respectively, for mutual eclipses. © ESO, 2014. Arlot J.-E. 1 Emelyanov N. 2 1 Varfolomeev M. I. 2 Amossé A. 3 Arena C. 4 Assafin M. 40 Barbieri L. 5 Bolzoni S. 6 Bragas-Ribas F. 54 Camargo J. I. B. 54 Casarramona F. 8 Casas R. 37 Christou A. 9 Colas F. 1 Collard A. 3 Combe S. 10 Constantinescu M. 11 Dangl G. 12 De Cat P. 34 Degenhardt S. 13 Delcroix M. 14 Dias-Oliveira A. 54 Dourneau G. 15 57 Douvris A. 16 Druon C. 3 Ellington C. K. 17 Estraviz G. 8 Farissier P. 10 Farmakopoulos A. 16 Garlitz J. 18 Gault D. 19 George T. 20 Gorda S. Yu. 42 Grismore J. 21 Guo D. F. 22 Herald D. 56 Ida M. 23 Ishida M. 23 Ivanov A. V. 24 Klemt B. 7 Koshkin N. 25 Le Campion J. F. 15 57 Liakos A. 26 Liao S. L. 27 Li S. N. 27 Loader B. 28 Lopresti C. 29 Lo Savio E. 4 Marchini A. 30 Marino G. 4 Masi G. 53 Massallé A. 8 Maulella R. 29 McFarland J. 9 Miyashita K. 32 Napoli C. 4 Noyelles B. 33 1 3 Pauwels T. 34 Pavlov H. 35 Peng Q. Y. 36 Perelló C. 8 Priban V. 38 Prost J. 39 Razemon S. 3 Rousselle J. P. 3 ⋆ Rovira J. 8 Ruisi R. 41 Ruocco N. 31 Salvaggio F. 4 Sbarufatti G. 43 Shakun L. 25 Scheck A. 44 Sciuto C. 4 da Silva Neto D. N. 55 V Sinyaeva N. 45 Sofia A. 4 Sonka A. 11 Talbot J. 46 Tang Z. H. 27 Tejfel V. G. 45 Thuillot W. 1 Tigani K. 16 Timerson B. 47 Tontodonati E. 48 Tsamis V. 16 Unwin M. 49 Venable R. 50 Vieira-Martins R. 54 1 40 Vilar J. 51 Vingerhoets P. 34 Watanabe H. 52 Yin H. X. 22 Yu Y. 27 Zambelli R. 29 1 Institut de mécanique céleste et de calcul des éphémérides-Observatoire de Paris, UMR 8028 CNRS, UPMC, USTL , 77 avenue Denfert-Rochereau , 75014 Paris , France 2 Sternberg Astronomical Institute, Lomonosov Moscow State University , 119991 Moscow , Russia 3 Association Jonckheere-Les Amis de l’Observatoire de Lille, 1 Impasse de l’Observatoire , 59000 Lille , France 4 Gruppo Astrofili Catanesi , 95128 Catania , Italy 5 Associazione Astrofili Bolognesi , 95128 Bologna , Italy 6 viale L.Pirandello, 26 , 21052 Busto Arsizio (VA) , Italy 7 Im Erlenhof 2a , 51429 Bergisch Gladbach , Germany 8 Agrupació Astronómica de Sabadell, Carrer Prat de la Riba, s/n, 08206 Sabadell , Catalonia , Spain 9 Armagh Observatory , College Hill , Armagh BT61 9DG , UK 10 CALA, Place de la nation , 69120 Vaulx-en-Velin , France 11 Observatorul Astronomic Amiral Vasile Urseanu , no.21, Lascar Catargiu Boulevard , 71111 Bucharest , Romania 12 Nonndorf 12 , 3830 , Austria 13 2112 Maple Leaf Trail , Columbia , TN , 38401 , USA 14 2 rue de l’Ardèche , 31170 Tournefeuille , France 15 Univ. Bordeaux, LAB, UMR 5804 , 33270 Floirac , France 16 Astronomical Union of Sparta , 23100 Sparta , Greece 17 Plantation, FL , USA 18 1155 Hartford St Elgin , Oregon 97827 , USA 19 22 Booker Road , Hawkesbury Heights NSW 2777 , Australia 20 136 Rio Senda , Umatilla , Oregon 97882 , USA 21 Bartlesville , Oklahoma , USA 22 Shandong University at Weihai , 264209 Weihai , PR China 23 1-4-17, Okino, Higashi-Ohmi , 527-0034 Shiga , Japan 24 Central Astronomical Observatory of the Russian Academy of Sciences , St. Petersburg , Pulkovo , Russia 25 Astronomical observatory of Odessa University , Marazlievskaya st. 1-B , Odessa , Ukraine 26 Department of Astrophysics, Astronomy and Mechanics, University of Athens , 15784 Zografos , Athens , Greece 27 Shanghai Astronomical Observatory, Chinese Academy of Sciences , 200030 Shanghai , PR China 28 14 Craigieburn Street , 7510 Darfield , New Zealand 29 Istituto Spezzino Ricerche Astronomiche , 19125 La Spezia , Italy 30 Astronomical Observatory University of Siena , 53100 Siena , Italy 31 Astrocampania , 80063 Piano di Sorrento , Italy 32 4368-1, Akashina-Nanaki, Azumino, 399-7104 Nagano , Japan 33 University of Namur , NAmur Center for CompleX SYStems (naXys), Rempart de la Vierge 8 , 5000 Namur , Belgium 34 Koninklijke Sterrenwacht van België, Ringlaan 3 , 1180 Brussels , Belgium 35 45/192 Vimiera Rd , Marsfield , NSW 2122 , Australia 36 Department of computer Science, Jinan University , 510632 Guangzhou , PR China 37 Institut de Ciéncies de l’Espai (IEEC-CSIC), Campus UAB, Facultat de Ciéncies , Torre C5 parell 2n pis, 08193 Bellaterra , Catalonia , Spain 38 Observatory and Planetarium Praha , Kralovska obora 233 170 21 Praha 7 , Czech Republic 39 26 impasse des Forsythias , 06560 Valbonne , France 40 Observatório do Valongo/UFRJ , Ladeira Pedro Antonio 43, RJ 23. 070-200 Rio de Janeiro , Brazil 41 Organizzazione Ricerche e Studi di Astronomia , Palermo , Italy 42 Kourovskaya observatory of the Ural Federal University , Prospect Lenina 51 , 620000 Ecaterinbourg , Russia 43 Gruppo Astrofili di Piacenza , Italy 44 Scaggsville , Maryland , USA 45 Fessenkov Astrophysical Institute , Alma-Ata , Kazakhstan 46 RASNZ Occultation Section, 3 Hughes Street , Waikanae Beach , New Zealand 47 Newark , New York , USA 48 Associazione Iblea Divulgazione Astronomica , 497100 Ragusa , Italy 49 9 Payling Lane, 8052 Christchurch , Christchurch , New Zealand 50 PO Box 117 , Chester , GA 31012 , USA 51 8 rue des Ormes , 67450 Mundolsheim , France 52 281, Kasadashinden, Inabe , Mie , 511-0205 , Japan 53 Virtual Telescope Project , Via Madonna de Loco 47 , 03023 Ceccano (FR) , Italy 54 Observatorio Nacional/MCTI , R. General Jose Cristino 77, RJ 20. 921-400 Rio de Janeiro , Brazil 55 Centro Universitário Estadual da Zona Oeste , Av. Manuel Caldeira de Alvarenga 1203, RJ 23. 070-200 Rio de Janeiro , Brazil 56 3 Lupin Pl , Murrumbateman , NSW 2582 , Australia 57 CNRS, LAB, UMR 5804 , 33270 Floirac , France ⋆ J. P. Rousselle died in 2009. e-mail: Jean-Eudes.Arlot@imcce.fr 09 12 2014 09 12 2014 12 2014 572 aa/2014/12 A120 20 3 2014 15 5 2014 © ESO, 2014 2014 ESO Context. In 2009, the Sun and the Earth passed through the equatorial plane of Jupiter and therefore the orbital planes of its main satellites. It was the equinox on Jupiter. This occurrence made mutual occultations and eclipses between the satellites possible. Experience has shown that the observations of such events provide accurate astrometric data able to bring new information on the dynamics of the Galilean satellites. Observations are made under the form of photometric measurements, but need to be made through the organization of a worldwide observation campaign maximizing the number and the quality of the data obtained. Aims. This work focuses on processing the complete database of photometric observations of the mutual occultations and eclipses of the Galilean satellites of Jupiter made during the international campaign in 2009. The final goal is to derive new accurate astrometric data. Methods. We used an accurate photometric model of mutual events adequate with the accuracy of the observation. Our original method was applied to derive astrometric data from photometric observations of mutual occultations and eclipses of the Galilean satellites of Jupiter. Results. We processed the 457 lightcurves obtained during the international campaign of photometric observations of the Galilean satellites of Jupiter in 2009. Compared with the theory, for successful observations, the r.m.s. of O–C residuals are equal to 45.8 mas and 81.1 mas in right ascension and declination, respectively; the mean O–C residuals are equal to –2 mas and –9 mas in right ascension and declination, respectively, for mutual occultations; and –6 mas and +1 mas in right ascension and declination, respectively, for mutual eclipses. astronomical databases: miscellaneous planets and satellites: general occultations eclipses ephemerides idline A&A 572, A120 (2014) cover_date December 2014 first_month 12 last_month 12 first_year 2014 last_year 2014 This work was supported by the Russian Foundation for Basic Research (project no. 12-02-00294), by The European contract ESPaCE (FP7-grant agreement 263466), by the Scientific Council of Paris Observatory, by the CNRS PICS 3840 France-Russia, by the Programme National de Planétologie (CNES and CNRS) and by the National Science Foundation of China (Grant No 11273014) and the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities.

The aim of this study was to compare muscle force control and proprioception between conventional and new-generation experimental orthoses. Sixteen healthy subjects participated in a single-blind controlled trial in which two different types of orthosis were applied to the dominant knee or ankle, while the following variables were evaluated: muscle force control (accuracy), joint position sense, kinesthesia, static balance as well as subjective outcomes. The use of experimental orthoses resulted in better force accuracy during isometric knee extensions compared to conventional orthoses (P = 0.005). Moreover, the use of experimental orthoses resulted in better force accuracy during concentric (P = 0.010) and eccentric (P = 0.014) ankle plantar flexions and better knee joint kinesthesia in the flexed position (P = 0.004) compared to conventional orthoses. Subjective comfort (P < 0.001) and preference scores were higher with experimental orthoses compared to conventional ones. In conclusion, orthosis type affected static and dynamic muscle force control, kinesthesia, and perceived comfort in healthy subjects. New-generation experimental knee and ankle orthoses may thus be recommended for prophylactic joint bracing during physical activity and to improve the compliance for orthosis use, particularly in patients who require long-term bracing.

© A m Agricultural and Food Economics (AFE) is an on line peer-reviewed open-access journal supported by the Italian Association of Agricultural Economics (SIDEA) and published by SpringerOpen. This open access formula is an innovative and valuable opportunity for readers and authors who are interested in deepening their knowledge and keeping up to date on international agri-food policy and economic issues of the agricultural and food sector in a globalised world. In a fast-changing world, research in agri-food economics faces the important challenge of balancing the need of quickly publishing papers with that of following the rigorous scientific method. This e-journal tries to fill this gap by publishing peer-reviewed research articles that are open-access, and thus accessible to users immediately and free of charge for readers. AFE welcomes research articles from scholars and researchers from all over the world to publish problem-oriented, high quality and refereed papers. AFE seeks clearly written articles to promote insightful understanding of the current trends in the agri-food system. AFE publishes only original articles from a wide variety of economic perspectives that address current and relevant issues related to the agricultural and food system. Published papers focus on applied analysis, the discussion of innovative results, and relevant policy and managerial implications. Theoretical and methodological papers should be accessible to the journal’s variety of international readers. Qualitative papers and meta-analyses are welcome if they comply with the journal’s rigorous standards. Topics of specific interest of AFE include agricultural and food market analysis, agri-food firm management and marketing, organization of the agri-food chains, consumer behaviour, food quality and safety issues, economics of nutrition and food security, food and health economics, agri-food policy and trade, sustainable rural development, natural and marine resource economics, and land economics. Papers for publication in AFE are selected through a peer review process to ensure soundness, originality, relevance, and readability. AFE adopts a double-blind peer review process to ensure independent assessment of the papers. Each paper, with no exception, is reviewed by at least two referees of different nationalities. Manuscripts that are not within the scope of the journal may be returned to the authors without a formal review. The editorial board of AFE is composed, in addition to the editors in chief, by many internationally renowned economists that guarantee the high quality level of the papers published.

Wine sector is just one of the most important drink sector in the modern market. In this global context, Europe and, in particular, Italy, play a critical role about demand and Supply. Traditional wine market is full, so it’s necessary to find new lever to have consumers fidelity over time, first between all, the quality information. The present work aim to estimate , through a regression analysis, several variables extremely important to determine the quality wine reputation in Italian consumers. The results have demonstrate the importance of some critics variable as wine characteristics and social-cultural aspects and, principally, the importance to take part on a DOC and DOCG. These results have a lot of important consequences in a strategic market chooses for companies.

The implications of the SU(2) gauge fixing associated with the choice of invariant triads in Loop Quantum Cosmology are discussed for a Bianchi I model. In particular, via the analysis of Dirac brackets, it is outlined how the holonomy-flux algebra coincides with the one of Loop Quantum Gravity if paths are parallel to fiducial vectors only. This way the quantization procedure for the Bianchi I model is performed by applying the techniques developed in Loop Quantum Gravity but restricting the admissible paths. Furthermore, the local character retained by the reduced variables provides a relic diffeomorphisms constraint, whose imposition implies homogeneity on a quantum level. The resulting picture for the fundamental spatial manifold is that of a cubical knot with attached SU(2) irreducible representations. The discretization of geometric operators is outlined and a new perspective for the super-Hamiltonian regularization in Loop Quantum Cosmology is proposed., Comment: 6 pages

Conclusion: Data suggest that the flexible rings allow maintenance of the physiological shape of the mitral annulus and the dynamics of mitral-aortc valve interaction leading to systolic expansion of ascending aorta ("pushing effect") which was not observed with rigid rings. Further studies will be necessary in order to assess the clinical implication of these findings on the long-term valve function and aortic mechanics after repair.

Nutrition related diseases have reached epidemic proportions in Western Countries. Because of the huge economic costs and the impact on human well-being, nutrition and related disease have become a major public health concern. In this research paper we analyse the factors determining obesity, starting from the ISTAT multipurpose survey “Aspects of italian daily life” on the households, carried out in 2012. The analysis was based on multiple correspondence analysis and using logistic regression models. Starting from the main variables related to nutritional habits, eating habits and eating out, sedentary lifestyle, socio-economic status indicators that imply a different diet we have tried to shed light on the main factors responsible for obesity. From this evidence we tried to suggest the policy interventions can be implemented in order to act on the problem.

As many research studies confirm, the importance of collective reputation is increasing, especially in the agro-food chain. Currently, the reputation of firms and brands is the main key driver for companies׳ competitiveness and success in modern markets. This paper empirically investigates the determinants of reputation of PDO wines in Central Italy. In particular, it uses the qualitative assessment expressed by the National Association of Sommeliers and proposes a synthetic indicator of reputation. By using different statistical sources, we also evaluate the impact of some variables on the reputation levels of individual PDO areas. We looked at the structural characteristics of the designation (number of producers, age of the designation, etc.), the minimum quality standards, and the characteristics of the economic vitality of the territories. The study aims to contribute to the debate on the role of the quality proposed by firms and reputation built over time.