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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.

Purpose This research considers a current problem statement: mandatory indication of palm oil among the list of ingredients (Regulation No. 1169/2011). The purpose of this paper is to analyse the effects of company choices about palm oil on consumer demand and company performance. Design/methodology/approach The data collection covers two years, 2013 and 2014. Financial data from the AIDA database are matched with information on palm oil certification and replacement. A panel data analysis is conducted to evaluate the impacts of certification and replacement on consumer demand and company performance. Findings Considering consumer demand, positive significances have been found in terms of both palm oil certification and replacement. With regard to performance, there are positive significances only for palm oil replacement. Research limitations/implications The research is a first step in the study of palm oil phenomenon. Furthermore, the study takes into consideration only one specific industry that uses palm oil as an ingredient. Practical implications There is a consumer demand expression for these two kinds of disclosures, considered in terms of both environmental (certification) and health (replacement) issues. However, only palm oil replacement leads to improved performance. Originality/value This study considers the market effects of the labelling programme through a new empirical application related to the palm oil issue. Starting from palm oil concerns, a new way through which an increase in the provision of information to consumers is likely to impact the behaviour of companies is pointed out.

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

Data-center topologies interconnect an ever larger number of servers using a high number of alternative paths to provide high bandwidth and a high degree of resiliency. The state-of-the-art routing strategy is based on Equal-cost multipath (ECMP) which employs static hashing mechanism over packet header fields to spread the traffic over multiple paths. Routing the traffic without considering the size of the flows and the utilization of the paths might cause congestion due to the collision of multiple large flows on a same downstream path. We present CEDRO, an in-switch mechanism to detect and reschedule colliding large flows. By exploiting the latest advances in SDN programmable network devices, we offload to the network the detection of both the elephant flows and the path congestion conditions and the rescheduling mechanism. CEDRO is able to promptly cope with path congestion and failures directly from the dataplane, regardless of the availability of the external controller. We implemented CEDRO in an emulated SDN network and tested it against realistic traffic scenarios. Numerical evaluation shows CEDRO is able to improve the average and 95-th percentile of the Flow Completion Time compared to ECMP.

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.

Gastronomic events are an important part of the “Made in Italy” and a vital tool for rural development. The aim of the study is to identify the complexity of the factors that determine the success of a food event. The authors, after state-of-the-art analysis of the event marketing, formulate the hypothesis of a causal model and form a data collection during the “open oil mills” in the Umbria region. Through in-depth interviews the participants were asked to express themselves about the importance and interest attributed to some aspects directly related to the theme of the event, and finally to indicate the degree of satisfaction and the likelihood of some of their future behavior. Statistical analysis based on structural equation models allowed the authors to highlight which aspects are significant in order to confirm the assumptions made. Results provide guidance for management decisions and organization of food and wine.

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.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of the modes of organizing the technological knowledge (make, buy and hybrid organization) in the decision to innovate the production process. Design/methodology/approach The study first develops a conceptual framework drawing the concept of mode of organization from the Transaction Cost Economics. The three research questions are coherently formulated which concern: the influence of the modes of organization on the decision to innovate and to invest in supporting instruments; the variability of this influence and the complementarity degree between the decision to innovate and to invest. The empirical analysis is carried out with respect to the olive oil sector considering a representative sample of olive millers (Umbria, Central Italy) and a complementary accidental sample drawn from an existing database. Findings The main results of the study provide evidence for the role of modes of organization in the knowledge acquisition finalized to the process innovation. The role of the “buy” option is important, while the collaboration – the “hybrid” organization – seems to influence strongly the innovation and the related investment decision. The important role of the information sources appears effective and articulated. Finally, despite the great economic importance of the quality requirements, the millers appear to be more sensitive to the difficulties to build up a clear process vision in terms of technology. Research limitations/implications The main limitation of the study is that it refers to a specific supply system including small enterprises and does not account for the pattern of innovation in other olive oil production systems. Moreover, one of the samples that was observed and analyzed is accidental in nature and does not allow a clear and robust comparison for the representative sample. Practical implications The findings of this study can contribute to the identification of organizational constraints to the rate on process innovation. Originality/value The originality of the study is based on the main focus, i.e. the attention to the role of the modes of organization in the decision to innovate, which provides complementary information to the extant literature on the choice of modes of organizing the technological knowledge acquisition. Moreover, the conceptual framework and findings are connected to the current research on the variety of the agribusiness organizations which is still a partially explored field of inquiry.

Purpose This is an exploratory study on consumer information and behaviour towards green, health, local, social and environmental credentials on labels. It focusses on many dimensions of sustainability in the food products that affect consumer choices with a dual purpose: to identify and define “sustainable consumption” behaviour in broad sense and to investigate empirically the factors affecting the real consumption behaviours. The purpose of this paper is to shed light on consumers’ understanding, motivation and use of sustainable labelling in order to understand the role sustainability information plays in the food products market. Design/methodology/approach Two focus groups in order to investigate consumer motivation and behaviour in-depth and to prepare the questionnaire. Identification of the outcomes that could summarize sustainable consumption combining: purchase of local products, consume only seasonal fruit, prefer products with recyclable packaging, attention to the fat content in foods, give importance to traceability and purchase products only in the place of origin. Identification of the “at risk” virtuous consumer, using a binary logistic regression approach, taking into account demographic characteristics, the food and nutrition value system, experience, knowledge, institutional factors and marketing. Findings Results from the focus groups are mainly in line with the empirical analysis, highlighting the key role of education in influencing consumer attitude and behaviour. Consumers give little attention to information provided on the label for sustainable food consumption and environmental protection and have little knowledge of environmental problems. The virtuous consumer appears to give importance to a better food nutrition value system, to pay more attention to ingredients and instructions on the label, to be more attentive to environmental and sustainable attributes, to be concerned about product quality and to be slightly influenced by brands and special offers. Research limitations/implications The findings from the empirical analysis confirm the results from focus groups even if it was not possible from the empirical analysis to investigate in-depth the marketing aspects concerning the food choice. This limit probably comes from the low number of observations. Further research will focus on these marketing aspects. Practical implications Products with sustainable attributes can become a strategic variable and allow companies to gain a competitive advantage, especially for small- and medium-sized enterprises. This may encourage the development of new marketing channels based on the direct relationship between producer and the new consumer demand, increasingly sensitive to the food security issues. Social implications There is a potential interest and sensitiveness to having sustainable behaviour in a broad sense, but there is a lack of knowledge about how to behave to be sustainable. In the absence of binding rules, it is necessary that government promote information and campaigns to generate greater awareness on sustainability, aiming at increasing knowledge to drive the consumer’s choices. This may lead to virtuous results in terms of reducing social costs related to an unhealthy diet, food waste and unsustainable consumption. Originality/value The results show that despite the appearance of attention to the environment and to healthy food which is associated with this emerging critical consumer in the literature, there remains the problem of the consumer giving little attention to information provided on the label for sustainable food consumption and environmental protection. This is the problem of “rules of thumb” in purchasing decisions that prevail in the following situations: when consumers have an overload of information that exceeds their processing limits; when they tend to base their decision making on heuristics, focussing their choices on brands as a proxy for high-quality, product-related characteristics.

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.

BACKGROUND The phenomenon of asymmetric information is central in the agri-food sector, in which often there is not full information transparency about product quality. This condition is particularly complex considering the high-end products. In particular, there are specific attributes (credence attributes) that are not assessable by consumers. For these reasons, a clear information about certification can give to consumers the possibility to make a rational choice. A company can choose voluntarily to participate in certification programs that can be viewed also as a simplification of some organization issues. Often the incentives to participate in voluntary programs arise from the need to have a positive economic performance of the firm. On the one hand, the firm may have benefits from the technical assistance of the certification, which allows it to reduce costs of controlling particular sensible steps of the process. On the other hand, the firm may provide a new certification label, in order to ensure a greater transparency of its processes. METHODS The research aims to understand the characteristics of firms oriented to use voluntary certifications as a tool to reduce information asymmetries between producers and final consumers. In particular, we want to consider two contexts of analysis: a structural one, considering some specific internal aspects and investment choices of the firms (typology, size, extraction system, storage system, material investments, immaterial investments); a second one that takes into account some decisions related to market relationships (sale to consumers, sale to HoReCa, sale to wholesalers, sale to purchasing groups, sale to GDO, export activity). The study concerns small and medium olive oil company of Southern Italy. We apply two logit models in order to show the determinants in the choice to introduce a voluntary certification. RESULTS The results show significant values in both the two dimensions considered. Among the first one, there are significances in immaterial company investments but also in physical assets related to the olive oil process. There are several scientific developments relevant to the olive oil process and some of these patents have been reviewed in this paper. Regarding the physical assets, the storage system is a clear representation of the asset importance in the decision to participate in the certification program. Furthermore, the presence of considerable immaterial investments is important in the certification decision, which confirms the idea that voluntary certification can be viewed as a strategic tool. In the second part of analysis there are significances in some distribution channels (direct sale to final consumer, to wholesalers and to purchasing groups) as well as in the export activity. CONCLUSION This work aims to contribute to the debate about the addressing of quality policy for a reduction of asymmetric information in the high-end products. Because of small dimensions of firms in Southern Italy, not always we can find conditions about the presence of specific assets. Indeed, the small dimensions of the companies make quality investments complicated. The incentive to invest, both in terms of control of product and in terms of immaterial investment, can help in a participation in voluntary certification programs. Further, it is important to investigate the three distribution channels resulting from the research because of their importance in terms of information asymmetry.

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.

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to present an attempt to evaluate Italian olive oil brand competition thought the analysis of consumers’ visual perspective. Design/methodology/approach – Through the implementation of a new information technology system called “Visual Marketing REL”, which furnishes eye-tracking measures, the authors were able to produce important information relative to the layout organization of to the Italian olive oil shelf, a strategic product of the agro-food chain. The research uses the “in situ” testing of the software developed. Findings – The research, following up the thesis of sensorial marketing affecting choices, intends to identify an IT tool to facilitate the design of the shelf by increasing the efficiency of the retail mix. Results highlight that specific positioning could impact the differentiation effect and orientate consumers’ choices, thus increasing the efficiency of the retail mix. Research limitations/implications – To generalize the results would require many repetitions of different product categories. In this case, it would be possible to quantify the levels of correlation between visual information and sales. Practical implications – This work opens important considerations in terms of strategic management of modern distribution, leaders and minor brands competitive relationship, as well as opportunities for producers of high-quality products, which could address their strategies to differentiation and niche market in cooperation with retailers. Social implications – The research aims to encourage the process of consumer choice and reduce information asymmetries. Originality/value – The most important result is the connection among choices, visualization, differentiation strategy and positioning/ordering on the shelf. The layout management, in fact, could be used as a joint strategy of retailers as well as producers to emphasize quality and price differentiation, thereby increasing sales. Moreover, the study provides for the first time the outcomes of a brand new software “Visual Marketing REL”, highlighting its limits and positive elements.

This work compares the different methods of transport used to import pellets, through a case study of pellets imported into Italy. The objective was to evaluate the economic and environmental sustainability of the different transport methods, the former via a cost analysis, and the latter via an LCA analysis. In particular, the method of transport by sea from Virginia (USA) was compared to overland transport from some European locations. Industrial pellet markets strictly depend on the import of wood pellets from outside the EU-27. The analysis of transport phase is therefore crucial, for inspecting the consequences of transporting such a commodity along considerable distances and allowing decision makers to make strategic decisions about trade planning, optimize international routes, and choose the most sustainable transport methods. The economic analysis showed that road transport cost ranged from 18 to 112 € t−1, while sea cost from 68 to 82 € t−1. Concerning the environmental evaluation, the impact categories most involved were Fossil Fuels, Respiratory Inorganics and Land Use, showing that the critical points in the transport phase are the oil consumption per km and the production of high quantities of SO2 and NOx. Basically, transport by sea appeared to be better, from the economic viewpoint, and for what concerns one of the major environmental impacts involved (fossil fuels) and primary energy consumption, compared to road transport from some of the European locations normally supplying the Italian market. On the contrary, road transport was preferred if transporting pellets from locations nearest to Italy.

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.

In this chapter, the authors study agro food SMEs and especially SMEs in the wine sector, which combine several common characteristics, and they make a comparison between e-marketing strategies and e-commerce adoption in wine SMEs in two European countries: Italy and Greece. Taking into account the existing literature about the use of the Internet for wine marketing, this study identifies the online marketing strategies and the Website features used by the Greek and Italian wine producers.

This work tries to provide a path to describe the modern marketing research and, at the same time, it tries to examine carefully in which context, a firm can be supported by marketing strategies focused to the consumers. Between different methods examined, the Conjoint analysis has resulted the most effective. It shows an precise description of the consumer perception and behaviour. This method has been chosen to evaluate how the features of a wine packaging can influence consumer purchasing. The research has shown that the label is the most important variable, which can prevalently influence the consumer product perception.

The hospital catering is characterized for the necessity to satisfy the nutritional and dietetic principles, and the several therapeutic requirements of the patient.The main problem is to coordinate the production with the always various number of the requirements. On the other hand,emerging of competition forms in the sanitary field,based on the possibility of chosen of the structure cure from the customer and on the prices and tariffs system,has open new spaces for the recovery of a strategic perspective of the public sanitary companies respect private sector. Always mainly,the hospital companies must centralize own ttention so is minimal the difference between planned quality, distributed quality and perceived quality. The present work offers,through a public opinion pull on a specific case, a first attempt to tie the satisfaction or not satisfaction of a consumer regarding the sanitary service,on the base of some qualitatative variable. The innovation of this work consist of a index series created from the hospital documents and patient judgment (questionnaire) to establish a gap between planned and perceived quality.