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Evidence of marginal deterrence: kidnapping and murder in Italy
No full textEmpirical evidence of the marginal deterrent effect is provided. Exploring a data set of kidnapping crimes in Italy between 1960 and 2012, changes in Italian policy regarding sanctions for kidnapping and their associated impact on murders is considered. Deaths associated with kidnappings increase in prevalence when the kidnapping sanction increased, causing a decrease in the marginal sanction for murder. Death rates reversed when enhanced sanctions for murder were later introduced
Effects of linseed oil and natural or synthetic vitamin E supplementation in lactating ewes' diets onmeat fatty acid profile and lipid oxidation from their milk fed lambs
No full textForty-eight Churra ewes with their new-born lambs were separated into four dietary treatments: Control
(without added fat), LO (with 3% linseed oil), LO-Syn E (LO plus 400 mg/kg TMR of synthetic vitamin E) and
LO-Nat E (LO plus 400 g/kg TMR of natural vitamin E). Linseed oil caused an increase in trans-11 C18:1 (VA), trans-10 C18:1, cis-9, trans-11 C18:2 (RA), trans-10, cis-12 C18:2 and C18:3 n-3 (ALA) in milk fat compared to the Control. The addition of vitamin E to the LO diets did not influence significantly the majority of milk fatty acids compared with the LO diet alone. Trans-10 C18:1, VA, RA, trans-10, cis-12 C18:2 and LA levels were higher in intramuscular lamb fat from treatments with linseed oil. No statistically significant differences were observed in these FA due to vitamin E supplementation or the type of vitamin E (synthetic vs. natural). Vitamin supplementation resulted in lipid oxidation levels below the threshold values for detection of rancidity in lamb meat
Oligo-thiophene tethered 1,10-phenanthroline as N-chelating moiety: electrochemical and optical characterization of the π-conjugated molecule and of the relevant conducting polymer and metallopolymers
No full textThe synthesis and characterization of a new highly conjugated molecule, 4-(2,2':50,200-terthien-3'-ethynyl)-
1,10-phenanthroline (TAF4) is reported. The new compound features an expanded π-conjugation as compared with the analogue 2,20:60,200-terpyridine derivative (4'-(2,2':50,200-terthien-3'-ethynyl)- 2,2':60,200-terpyridine) we have recently reported. The electrochemical polymerization of TAF4 allows to obtain the corresponding conducting polymer PTAF4. Electrochemical and spectroscopic characterization were performed on both the original tether TAF4 and the polymer, and the results are compared with
related structures bearing different spacers and nitrogen substituents. PTAF4 shows a remarkable lowering of band gap value that is consequent on the nature both of the spacer and of the substituent on the terthiophene fragment.
Furthermore, the synthesis and characterization of the Ru(II) complex, [Ru(TAF4)3][PF6]2, and of the corresponding metallopolymers, are reported.</br
Role of two co-occurring Mediterranean sea urchins in the formation of barren from <i>Cystoseira</i> canopy
No full textIn the Mediterranean Sea the co-occurring sea urchins Paracentrotus lividus and Arbacia lixula are usually considered to share the same ecological role in the formation of barren from Cystoseira canopy. However,
their foraging ability may vary due to feeding behavior and species-specific morphological traits. The
relative effects of P. lividus and A. lixula on Cystoseira canopy was tested experimentally both in the laboratory, at a density of about 20 ind./m2, and in the field by gut content analysis. Field and laboratory results show that A. lixula is unable to affect Cystoseira spp. Furthermore, these results confirmed the great ability of P. lividus to consume Cystoseira canopy, thus supporting the evidence of the major role of this species in the creation of a barren state
International symposium of Mediterranean temporary ponds: book of abstracts
No full textThe International symposium on Mediterranean temporary ponds offers an opportunity to researchers with different cultural background, students, practitioners, policy makers,
and other stakeholders for exchanging experiences and information on the ecology, the biodiversity and the management of this type of habitat, with the aim of promoting its effective conservation and improving public awareness
Residue levels and performance of potassium sorbate and thiabendazole and their co-application against blue mold of apples when applied as water dip treatments at 20 or 53 °C
No full textThe efficacy of potassium sorbate (K-sorb) as an antifungal, alone or combined with thiabendazole (TBZ), and hot water at 53 °C, was studied against blue mold on apples. Results demonstrated the fungistatic effect of K-sorb: 2000 mg L−1 significantly reduced Penicillium expansum growth, and a 24 h delay in fungi development was observed in the amended liquid culture. K-sorb at 1% significantly diminished decay incidence, especially when applied at 53 °C. The performance of TBZ was not improved by the co-application of K-sorb. Treatments efficacy was related to K-sorb distribution on fruit surface. ESEM and X-ray qualitative spectra analyses revealed an irregular distribution of K-sorb over the fruit surface and areas with salt accumulation. K-sorb residues remained quite unchanged until 3 d of storage then they declined progressively. Their degradation was influenced by water temperature: it was faster on fruit treated at 53 °C. An inverse relation between P. expansum growth and K-sorb concentration was observed. After 72 h of incubation, P. expansum depleted 99% of K-sorb from liquid culture media.
The low efficacy of K-sorb treatments against blue mold decay on apple fruit may be ascribed to the low persistence of K-sorb residues, to the irregular spatial distribution of the salt on the fruit surface, and the ability of P. expansum to degrade the salt
Non-linear modelling of the in-plane seismic behaviour of timber <i>Blockhaus</i> log-walls
No full textThis paper investigates the non-linear modelling of the cyclic behaviour of Blockhaus timber log-walls under in-plane lateral loads. The structural behaviour of Blockhaus log-walls in the examined loading condition strictly depends on the geometry – thus on the deformability and ultimate resistance – of the adopted corner joint, namely the joint between perpendicular log-walls. The presence of metal fasteners is in fact minimized and the structural interaction between the basic timber components is provided by simple mechanisms such as notches, tongues and grooves, multiple surfaces in contact. In this paper, a computationally effective FE-model is developed, in order to predict the cyclic behaviour of an entire Blockhaus log-wall once the cyclic behaviour of the adopted corner joint is known. The model uses non-linear hysteretic springs to describe the joint behaviour, where all typical features such as pinching behaviour, strength and stiffness degradation can be considered. By comparing the numerical and the experimental predictions of the cyclic response of full-scale Blockhaus log-walls, a general good agreement is found. Simulations confirmed the high flexibility of the studied structural systems, as well as the significant effect of possible openings such as doors and windows on their global resistance to in-plane lateral loads. In conclusion, the presented study confirmed that the proposed modelling approach can be used to estimate the load-carrying capacity and vulnerability to seismic events of Blockhaus shear walls, and that the same model could be extended to full Blockhaus buildings
Effects of prior annealing on the spark plasma sintering of nanostructured Y<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> powders
No full textThe effects produced by annealing Y2O3 nanopowders on their spark plasma sintering (SPS) behavior are systematically investigated in this work. It is found that the annealed powders display higher sinterability with respect to the as-received ones. Indeed, the maximum densification level reached from pristine powders is about 97.5%, whereas density decreases when further increasing either the sintering temperature or the dwell time. In contrast, the density of SPS products obtained from pretreated powder monotonically increases with temperature and processing time, thus leading to fully dense materials in 30 min at 1050°C and 60 MPa. Correspondingly, it is found that the annealing treatment markedly inhibits grain coarsening during SPS. Thus, dense translucent samples with grain size below 100 nm can be attained from annealed powders. On the other hand, white-opaque specimens with significantly coarser microstructures (up to 1-μm-sized grains) are obtained when pristine powders are directly processed under the same sintering conditions. Furthermore, it is observed that the annealing treatment of SPS samples in air allows for graphite contamination removal, whereas no improvement in term of light transmittance is produced
Value dimensions in consumers' experience: combining the intra- and inter-variable approaches in the hospitality sector
No full textWithin the deep and extensive research on value, two main areas of discussion emerge: multidimensionality (intra-variable approach) and interrelationships with other constructs (inter-variable approach). Independently, the two areas have produced relevant knowledge; however, when studying them jointly, the results are inconsistent. The paper aims first to build four self-oriented value scales for a hospitality experience (efficiency, quality, play, and aesthetics), and second to test them in a SEM model with overall perceived value, customer satisfaction, and customer loyalty, upon a sample of 585 hotel consumers in Sardinia (Italy). The results show both unexpected (for the intra-variable approach) and confirmatory (for the inter-variable approach) findings: first, in spite of being a hedonic experience (leisure tourism), intrinsic values (play and aesthetics) are weaker predictors than extrinsic ones (efficiency and service quality) of both overall value and loyalty. Second, a clear quality–value–satisfaction–loyalty chain is confirmed, with relevant indirect effects
Relationship between markers of botanical origin in nectar and honey of the strawberry tree (<i>Arbutus unedo</i>) throughout flowering periods in different years and in different geographical areas = Relación entre los marcadores de origen botánico en néctar y miel del madroño (<i>Arbutus unedo</i>) con sus períodos florales en diferentes años y áreas geográficas
No full textThe amounts of four well-recognized markers of the floral origin of strawberry tree honey (i.e., 2,5-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, homogentisic acid; (±)-2-cis,4-trans-abscisic acid, c,t-ABA; (±)-2-trans,4-trans-abscisic acid, t,t-ABA, and 2-(1,2-dihydroxypropyl)-4,8,8-trimethyl-1-oxaspiro[2.5]oct-4-en-6-one, unedone) were measured in the nectar of the strawberry tree throughout the flowering periods of two years and at various sampling sites. The concentration of these compounds was also measured in reference to strawberry tree honey samples from the same geographical origin in order to establish correlations and verify the possibility that one (or more) of them may act as marker(s) of the purity level, i.e., of the amount of nectar by strawberry tree flowers that has been transferred to the relevant honey. The data obtained show that despite the existence of a good correlation level between the markers, none of them at the moment can be proposed as a marker of purity of this honey, due to very complex interactions between contamination by foreign nectars in strawberry tree honey and spatial (geographical origin of the samples) and temporal (year and flowering period) parameters. Among these compounds, homogentisic acid appears to be the most reliable marker of botanical origin of strawberry tree honey due to its higher concentration with respect to those measured for isomers of abscisic acid and unedone.
Las cantidades de cuatro marcadores bien conocidos de la miel del madroño (ácido 2,5-dihidroxifenilacético o ácido homogentísico; ácido (±)-2-cis,4-trans-abscísico o ácido c,t-ABA; (±)-2-trans,4-trans-abscísico o t,t-ABA y 2-(1,2-dihidroxipropil)-4,8,8-trimetil-1-oxaspiro[2.5]oct-4-en-6-ona o unedona) fueron medidos en el néctar, en los distintos períodos florales del madroño, durante dos años en varios puntos de muestreo. Las concentraciones de estos compuestos también fueron medidas en referencia a muestras de miel de madroño de los mismos orígenes geográficos para poder establecer correlaciones y verificar la posibilidad de que uno (o más) de ellos puedan actuar como marcador del nivel de pureza, es decir, de la cantidad de néctar de flor de madroño que ha sido transferida a la miel. Los datos obtenidos muestran que, a pesar de la existencia de una buena correlación entre los marcadores, ninguno de ellos puede ser propuesto como un marcador de pureza de esta miel todavía, debido a las complejas interacciones entre la contaminación de néctar foráneo en la miel del madroño con los parámetros espaciales (orígenes geográficos de las muestras) y temporales (año y período floral). Entre estos compuestos, el ácido homogentísico parece ser el marcador de origen botánico más confiable para el madroño debido a su mayor concentración respecto a aquellos en los que se midieron isómeros del ácido abscísico y unedone