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Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) metabolomic analysis was applied to investigate the differences within nineteen Sicilian Nocellara del Belice monovarietal extra virgin olive oils (EVOOs), grown in two zones that are different in altitude and soil composition. Several classes of endogenous olive oil metabolites were quantified through a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) three-experiment protocol coupled with a yet-developed data-processing called MARA-NMR (Multiple Assignment Recovered Analysis by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance). This method, taking around one-hour of experimental time per sample, faces the possible quantification of different class of compounds at different concentration ranges, which would require at least three alternative traditional methods. NMR results were compared with the data of traditional analytical methods to quantify free fatty acidity (FFA), fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs), and total phenol content. The presented NMR methodology is compared with traditional analytical practices, and its consistency is also tested through slightly different data treatment. Despite the rich literature about the NMR of EVOOs, the paper points out that there are still several advances potentially improving this general analysis and overcoming the other cumbersome and multi-device analytical strategies. Monovarietal EVOO's composition is mainly affected by pedoclimatic conditions, in turn relying upon the nutritional properties, quality, and authenticity. Data collection, analysis, and statistical processing are discussed, touching on the important issues related to the climate changes in Sicily and to the specific influence of pedoclimatic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We doped nitrogen into monolayer graphene using reactive nitrogen species from a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD). After 30 s of treatment, the graphene monolayer had a moderate degree of damage (ID/IG = 1.2) and an increase in the N‐atom (pyrrolic) and O‐atom (mixed) content. During long treatment times (20 min), the treated area increased radially and the graphene was destroyed. Overall, the N‐atom content increased with increasing operating voltage of the DBD source. When the graphene was treated with only neutral reactive nitrogen species, the N‐atom content and type remained unchanged. Therefore, we hypothesize that the primary reactive species resulting in pyrrolic N‐doping from the DBD are neutrals such as N(4S) and possibly N(2P). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One's social identity tends to favor those belonging to one's group. At the same time, communication has had beneficial social consequences in controlled laboratory experiments. Can communication improve trust and outcomes between out-group members by making them more familiar? We construct a simple weak mechanism of group favoritism (different assigned colors) that induces in-group favoritism. Communication increases cooperation but does not affect per se the social identity gap, i.e., people make more favorable choices for in-group members. However, mutual promises are more effective for out-groups than in-groups, reducing or eliminating the social-identity gap. So perhaps, in some sense, out-group members are seen as more like in-group members when they have experienced mutual promises. We also find evidence that the two groups' decisions are driven by different motivations, one based on expectations in-groups and one based on moral commitment in the case of out-groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• In the energy sector prevail fossil fuel incumbents that might inhibit renewable energy entrants. • Our paper provides a game-theoretic stylization of competition between those two types of firms, while incumbents set prices the entrants respond with quantity adjustments. • Solutions are obtained through a Non-linear Model Predictive Control algorithm. • In contrast to previous studies, in this proposed model, both firms are strategically interacting. • Results highlight the importance of the initial cash-flow levels and fiscal subsidies for fringe firms' performances. Governments attempt to provide the energy sector with incentives to replace old technologies with new renewable energy ones as the most effective way to combat climate change. Yet, in the energy sector prevail fossil fuel incumbents that might inhibit renewable energy entrants. Our paper provides a game-theoretic stylization of competition between those two types of firms. Incumbents set prices, and entrants respond with quantity adjustments. In the context of a dynamic limit pricing model, we study the entry dynamics in a market in which the dominant firms (fossil fuel energy suppliers) face the entry of a group of competitive fringe firms (renewable energy suppliers) when the dominant firms have easier access to financial markets but, the fringe firms fund their expansion with internal finance. We also investigate the effect of the public support for renewable energy firms through subsidies. Our model is built on Judd and Peterson (1986, JET), but our solutions are obtained through a non-linear model predictive control (NMPC) algorithm. By this technique, we can predict the outcome of the competition between incumbents and entrants and the impact of financial and fiscal policies considering moving-horizon strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) is a powerful tool for the characterization of surfaces and two-dimensional materials, delivering both topographical and chemical information with nanometer-scale spatial resolution. Atomic force microscopy (AFM)–TERS combines AFM with a Raman spectrometer and is a very versatile technique, capable of working in vacuum, air, and liquid, and on a variety of different samples. A metalized AFM tip is necessary in order to take advantage of the plasmonic enhancement. The most commonly used metal is Ag, thanks to its high plasmonic activity in the visible range. Unfortunately, though, the tip metallization process is still challenging and not fully reliable, yielding inconsistent enhancement factors even within the same batch of tips; as a consequence, many tips are usually prepared at once (for a single experiment), to ensure that at least one of them is sufficiently active. As the lifetime of an unprotected, Ag-coated plasmonic probe is only a few hours, the procedure is inefficient and results in a substantial waste of materials and money. In this work, we establish a cleaning routine to effectively re-use Ag-coated AFM–TERS probes, drastically reducing costs without compromising the quality of the experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aim to empirically investigate the rationale of in-group-favoritism. As potential explanations, we concentrate on intrinsic preferences for own-group members and motivations related to individuals caring about the beliefs of others (founded on guilt aversion). We also consider their intersection. Our evidence shows that in-group-favoritism cannot be accounted for by changes in expectations. This suggests that preferences per se are the most powerful explanation of social identity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a methodology to map structural reforms from granular data to an aggregate model, exploring their transmission mechanisms and their macroeconomic and social impacts. The study focuses on the rich case of the reforms associated with the Italian Recovery and Resilience Plan. We document a significant potential impact on medium- and long-term GDP and find that the labour market and education measures are the main drivers of the impact on GDP and employment. We also examine the distributional impact of the reforms on the functional income distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Why do people keep their promises? Vanberg (2008) and Ederer and Stremitzer (2017) provide causal evidence in favor of, respectively, an intrinsic preference for keeping one's word and Charness and Dufwenberg's (2006) expectations-based account based on guilt aversion. The overall picture is incomplete though, as no study disentangles effects in a design that provides exogenous variation of both (the key features of) promises and beliefs. We report evidence from an experimental design that does so. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyzes the effects of policy uncertainty on the stability of a monetary union. Focusing on peripheral countries, we study how uncertainty over the consequences of a possible exit affects regime switches. Applying game theory and a cost-benefit analysis, we model a regime switch as the endogenous result of a two-stage policy game. We find that the effects of uncertainty are not trivial. Unilateral exits are less probable, but contagion is more likely to be observed. Our results are driven by two opposite forces: a traditional conservative effect induced by policy uncertainty in a single policymaker framework, which calls for more stability, and a strategic effect, arising from the strategic interaction, which may undermine the monetary union's foundation and strengthen incentives for contagion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent developments in macroeconomics resurrect the view that welfare costs of inflation arise because the latter acts as a tax on money balances. Empirical contributions show that wage re-negotiations take place while expiring contracts are still in place. Bringing these seemingly unrelated aspects together in a stylized general equilibrium model, we find a disciplining effect of a positive inflation target on the wage markup and identify a long-term trade-off between inflation and output. This has important policy implications, ranging from the opportunity of revising the target in response to shocks, to the possibility of exploiting inflation as a tool to increase tax revenues via its employment-enhancing effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Despite the increasing number of studies on monetary policy uncertainty, its role on the strategic interaction between fiscal and monetary policies has not been fully explored. Our paper aims to fill this gap by evaluating the consequences produced by multiplicative uncertainty in such a context. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

User Profile Management (UPM) is an essential feature to support applications in Next-Generation Network (NGN). Its actual realization depends on standardization of information and preferences and the ways in which user data are expressed and handled. To this end, an NGN may support different approaches; among them, the ‘federated approach’ seems particularly relevant, as it fits the very common scenario in which many existing services and devices already contain specific settings and preferences that are however unrelated to any other. This paper proposes a novel, totally distributed solution for data federation, where authorization, management of data localization and synchronization of federated data are thought to be part of the meta information that may be associated with each data element, rather than being external resources or built-in functions, as in legacy solutions. First, the present paper introduces the work on personalization and UPM and the NGN architecture being done at ETSI. Then, the paper illustratesthe work on user data interoperability performed at OASIS XDI TC. Finally, based on these inputs, it explains how to combine them into a novel solution (which is not part of ETSI or OASIS specifications). Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper we analyze macroeconomic interactions between trade unions, the central bank and the fiscal policymaker. We explicitly model unions’ concern for public expenditure, paving the way for an analysis of the potential gains from cooperation between the fiscal policymaker and the unions, i.e. the so-called corporatist or social pacts that have characterized economic policies in a number of European countries in the last few decades. We also highlight the profoundly different incentives generated by institutional arrangements such as the Maastricht criteria and the Stability and Growth Pact. The former has unambiguously induced more efficient outcomes; the latter is likely to backfire! [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The digital transition is a challenge that developed countries are currently facing. The transition process is associated with different degrees of uncertainty, which are particularly relevant for changes that have to do with the provision of goods and services produced by public administrations. Our paper uses a partial equilibrium model to study the effects of uncertainty on the public provision of goods and services produced by bureaucratic agencies, including the incentive of the government to consolidate production. We assume that bureaucratic agencies may play either a cooperative game with each other and a non-cooperative game against the government (i.e., a consolidated bureaucracy) or a non-cooperative game with each other and against the government (i.e., competing bureaus). Both the government and the bureaus face tradeoffs between maximizing the electorate preferences and extracting some political and/or bureaucratic rents. We find that a cooperative (competitive) bureaucratic solution depends on the nature of the goods produced. We find that costs' uncertainty affects the level of public production and the way the policymakers extract their rents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper explores the consequences of economic integration on wage and monetary policy management. It studies the possibility that openness may discipline labor unions through potential losses created by the worsening in terms of trade (international competitiveness) associated with high wage claims. We find that, contrary to some recent literature, a monetary expansion fails to affect real outcomes and only results in higher inflation, since the claimed wage-moderation mechanism does not work when it is properly modeled. Hence, recent policy recommendations for an expansionary monetary policy in open economies result to be counterproductive, whereas low-inflation targeting remains a first best policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the sources of non-neutrality in policy games involving one or more trade unions. We use a simple open economy model to demonstrate basic mechanisms that also arise in other frameworks. There are common roots in the non-neutrality results obtained in such apparently different contexts as, for example, an inflation-averse union playing against the government; a union sharing some other common objective with a policymaker; and when more than one union interacts with monopolistic competitors in the goods market and a policymaker. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The ECB's target was recently revised, specifying that the 2%-inflation-rate threshold must be applied symmetrically and with a medium-term orientation. In the current phase, characterized by high inflation rates and a growing risk of stagnation in the euro area, this revision of the monetary policy strategy is crucial for explaining the recent decisions of the ECB and forecasting their possible evolution. However, monetary policy can only become one of many policy tools in the euro area. Therefore, there is room for a compelling policy mix necessary to control excessive inflation and to support the medium-term sustainable growth of the European economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND The term 'grape (Vitis vinifera) water' refers to a by‐product from the cryoconcentration of must that, if not reclaimed, would be considered as wastewater. In this study, the nutraceutical potential of waters reclaimed from the cryoconcentration of Grillo and Moscato musts was evaluated. RESULTS: Both waters showed physicochemical parameters in agreement with Italian regulation for drinking water, and interesting levels of F− (3.02–8.02 mg L−1) and SO4− (52.85–49.34 mg L−1). Inorganic elements, including Mg (5.54–7.78 mg L−1), K (47.12–59.87 mg L−1), Fe (219.09–205.32 μg L−1), and Zn (189.65–127.30 μg L−1), and phenolic contents <35 mg GAE L−1 contributed to determine moderate antioxidant activities. Considering fatty acid composition, oleic and linoleic acids predominated, being higher in Moscato than Grillo samples (64.42% versus 58.22%, and 5.42% versus 6.07%). Grape waters displayed also rich aroma profiles, including mainly esters, alcohols and terpenoids. The latter components (i.e. linalool and α‐terpineol) were more abundant in Moscato than in Grillo (13% versus 8%). Interestingly, some minor volatiles, characterized the vine of provenance (e.g. benzaldehyde and 3‐methylbutylacetate in Moscato). All grape waters showed also a considerable fraction of ethyl lactate, six‐carbon compounds and acetates, reflecting the proximity of samples to the grapes of origin. CONCLUSION: In a growing scenario of environmental decay and resource depletion, results from this study support an innovative and profitable waste recycling strategy for the wine industry. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What advice can be given to the policymaker to reduce the burden of public debt after a crisis? In this situation, the debt consolidation calls for fiscal surplus based on increases in taxes and/or reductions in public spending. This paper aims at answering to the above question. Specifically, it evaluates different policy options on the table using the estimated model of the Italian dynamic General Equilibrium Model (IGEM). Our main message is that plans aimed at reducing the public debt based on tax increases rather than expenditure reductions are more effective. Therefore, consolidation should be designed on the former. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Capers and caper berries ( Capparis spinosa L.) from different Sicilian localities and marked by Protected Geographic Indication (PGI) and Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), along with corresponding non Sicilian commercial samples, were subjected to several analytical and multivariate techniques in an attempt to predict the provenance of Capparis spinosa L. within the Sicilian region, and to discriminate Sicilian products from the non Sicilian counterpart. All samples were screened in terms of FA composition and elemental fingerprint. Then, principal component analysis (PCA) and canonical discriminant analysis (CDA) tested the capacity of both chemical classes to differentiate and classify capers and caper berries according to the geographical provenance. About 99% of total samples were discriminated by FAs, as they did not allow for a correct geographical classification of 7 samples of capers and related caper berries. Conversely, elements provided an excellent sample discrimination and prediction over the four locations (100%), revealing specific variables of classification (Mg, K, and Ca). For the first time, a reliable traceability system based on the elemental profiles of caper and caper berries was proposed. It could be useful for protecting the authenticity of Sicilian PGI and PDO capers and caper berries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the analysis of polymers by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS), a commonly observed ionization pathway is cation-adduct formation, as polymers often lack easily ionizable (basic/acidic) functional groups. The mechanism of this process has been hypothesized to involve gas-phase cation attachment. In previous experiments, a split sample plate set-up has been introduced, enabling separate deposition of the components on individual MALDI plates. The plates are divided by a small gap of a few micrometers, allowing simultaneous laser irradiation from both plates, while precluding the possibility of any other interactions prior to ablation. Here, we extend on these studies by using different polymer-salt combinations to test the generalizability of a gas-phase ionization process. Clear evidence for in-plume ionization is presented for the model polymers poly (methyl methacrylate) and polystyrene. Furthermore, the contribution of in-plume processes to the overall ion formation by cationization is gauged, providing a first estimate for the importance of this pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contaminants belonging to various classes, as polychlorobiphenyls, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, organochlorine pesticides, organophosphorous pesticides, pyrethroid insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, synergists, carbamates, acaricides and insect growth regulators were simultaneously analysed by GC-MS/MS in 118 Italian and Tunisian culinary herbs and spices. The results obtained in Italian samples shown that laurel samples were the most contaminated with the presence of 15 residues on 140, whereas in rosemary (max value of 35 ng/g for cis-chlorfenyvinphos) and oregano (max value of 118.16 ng/g for ethion) some occasional residues can be observed, but always lower than the maximum residue levels; all the others samples shown no contamination. Among Tunisian samples, only rosemary contains a notably high content of pollutants exceeded the EU maximum residue limits (i.e., alachlor and phosalone with level of 359.2 and 43.3 ng/g, respectively), while oregano was determined to be free of contaminant residues. Considering the comparison among the different organic pollutants in Italian and Tunisian spices and herbs evaluated and the differences observed in this study a harmonization of regulation on contaminant residues in herbs and spices for human consumption should be needed, considering their increased use in diet and cooking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different specialty extra virgin oils, produced by cold-pressing fruits/nuts (olive, pequi, palm, avocado, coconut, macadamia and Brazil nut) and seeds (grapeseed and canola), and retailed in the Brazilian region of Minas Gerais, were chemically characterized. Specifically, for each type of oil, the fatty acid composition was elucidated by GC-FID, the contents of selected polyphenols and squalene were determined respectively by UHPLC-MS and UHPLC-PDA, whereas minerals were explored by means of ICP-MS. Olive oil was confirmed to have the highest MUFA content due to a valuable level of oleic acid, while oils from grapeseed, Brazil nut and canola were marked by nutritionally important PUFA levels. The highest SFA content found in coconut oil was mainly due to the high levels of lauric acid, known for its advantageous HDL-raising effects. As for polyphenols, gourmet oils from palm, coconut and canola showed higher levels of phenolic acids ( e.g. p -hydroxybenzoic, ferulic, syringic, acids) than olive oil, which was though characterized by peculiar antioxidants, such as tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol. Also, olive oil had the highest amount of squalene, followed by the oil from Brazil nut. Finally, all the investigated oils had very low levels (order of μg/kg) of pro-oxidant elements, such as Cu, Fe and Mn. Overall, these findings may fill the gaps still present in literature on certain compositional aspects of commercially available gourmet oils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In the present study, 18 plasticizers and residues in 10 different Tunisian and Italian culinary herbs and spices (black pepper, mint, caraway, coriander, oregano, rosemary, thyme, fennel, verbena, and laurel) were determined by GC/MS. Di‐methylphthalate, di‐(2‐methylpropyl)adipate, di‐n‐butyladipate, di‐propylphthalate, benzylbenzoate, di‐phenylphthalate, and bisphenol A were lower than their LOQ in all 118 samples. Among the Tunisian samples, di‐(2‐ethylhexyl)phthalate was found in all types of samples and di‐butylphthalate in 50% of types; all other phthalates were rarely dectected. Among the adipates, only di‐methyladipate was found in 90% of types; di‐ethyladipate was seldom found and di‐(2‐ethylhexyl)adipate only in samples of caraway. Di‐(2‐ethylhexyl)terephthalate was found in all types of samples; di‐(2‐ethylhexyl)sebacate was detected rarely but with high values. Among the Sicilian samples, di‐ethylphthalate and di‐(2‐methylpropyl)phthalate were detected only in samples of mint; di‐methyladipate, di‐butylphthalate, and benzylbutylphthalate were identified in oregano and laurel; di‐(2‐ethylhexyl)terephthalate and di‐(2‐ethylhexyl)sebacate only in oregano. In any case, the results suggested that intake of these contaminants through spices and herbs is not a dangerous risk to the consumers. Probably, as already observed for the other food, these contaminants could result from pollution of the environment (air, water, and/or soil) and/or farming methods. Practical Application: Plasticizers and BPA in Tunisian and Italian spices were determined by GC/MS. Tunisian spices seem to contain more residues than Italian samples. Intake of these contaminants by spices is not a dangerous risk to the consumers. These pollutants could result from environmental pollution or agricultural practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An ICP-MS validated method was employed for monitoring major and trace elements along the “farm-to-fork” chains of whole grain (WG) KAMUT ® , common buckwheat and durum wheat, considering the different steps of pasta production, and the cooking procedure as well. A PCA analysis identified the elements responsible for sample discrimination, thus providing potential markers of food quality and safety. Stone milling of grains was responsible for maintaining high mineral contents in the downstream products of all the chains, thus defining their WG nature (mean losses in the range of 1.08–5.52% were tracked). Pasta making affected to a greater extent the elemental profile of the different types of pasta, probably due to bronze extruders and long-time drying processes (mean enrichments between 4.00% and 90.08% were monitored). Pasta cooking induced the most severe elemental enrichments (22–225%) and losses (7.70–84.90%) in the “ready-to-eat-product”, as a consequence of complex chemical transformations underlying moisture gain and leaching events. Overall, WG common buckwheat grains, flour and pasta resulted the major source of valuable minerals ( e.g. Mg, Ca, P, Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn) and the minor source of contaminants ( e.g. Ni, Cd, and Pb), when compared to the WG durum wheat and KAMUT ® counterparts. Nevertheless, the Sicilian durum wheat (cultivar Simeto) chain was marked by a precious content of Se. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Opuntia ficus-indica L. Miller fruits, particularly 'Ficodindia dell'Etna' of Biancavilla (POD), 'Fico d'india tradizionale di Roccapalumba' with protected brand and samples from an experimental field in Pezzolo (Sicily) were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in order to determine the multi-element profile. A multivariate chemometric approach, specifically principal component analysis (PCA), was applied to individuate how mineral elements may represent a marker of geographic origin, which would be useful for traceability. RESULTS PCA has allowed us to verify that the geographical origin of prickly pear fruits is significantly influenced by trace element content, and the results found in Biancavilla PDO samples were linked to the geological composition of this volcanic areas. It was observed that two principal components accounted for 72.03% of the total variance in the data and, in more detail, PC1 explains 45.51% and PC2 26.52%, respectively. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that PCA is an integrated tool for the traceability of food products and, at the same time, a useful method of authentication of typical local fruits such as prickly pear. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Sicilian nopal (O.ficus-indica) was characterized for its macro- and micronutrients. • Solar-dried samples from different cultivars and pruning seasons were considered. • Sicilian nopal was a precious source of fibre, sugars, minerals, and polyphenols. • Although very low in fat, healthy short and long chain fatty acids were revealed. • Pruning season had a greater effect on chemical composition of nopal than cultivar. Sicilian dried nopal (Opuntia ficus-indica L.) was for the first time chemically characterized in relation to the cultivar (i.e., Sanguigna, Surfarina and Muscaredda) and the pruning season (i.e., January-February and June-July 2019). To this purpose, a variety of analytical techniques were employed for elucidating its proximate composition, fatty acid composition, sugars, element fingerprint, and single polyphenols. Sicilian nopal was rich in dietary fiber (44.11–49.55 %), inorganic elements -such as Ca (4780.31–5041.47 mg/100 g) and K (4899.25–6612.95 mg/100 g)- phenolic acids (4.10–5.3 g/Kg) and flavonoids (3.80–4.85 g/Kg), including the characteristic kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside and isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside. It was also a good source of carbohydrates, with predominant monosaccharides such as glucose (9.30–12.00 g/100 g) and galacturonic acid (6.16–7.90 g/100 g) and demonstrated to be low in fat (0.76–2.46 %). In particular, its fatty acid composition was characterized by the predominance of short and long chain fatty acids, such as caprylic acid (3.48–7.65 %), linoleic (20.81–24.27 %) and linolenic acids (11.02–16.83 %). Additionally, obtained results pointed out that macro- and micronutrients were affected by both cultivar and pruning season, however, the influence of the pruning season being more pronounced. Such variability should be taken into account when evaluating the employment of Sicilian nopal in food and nutraceutical areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]