Coopetitive game solutions for the eurozone economy

This paper aims at providing, through a game theory model of coopetition, feasible solutions in a cooperative perspective to the problems that affect the Eurozone economy after the Greek crisis. In particular, it focuses on stability and growth as the primary goals, which should drive the Eurozone economy in consequence of the financial and economic crisis of the Greek economy with its effects throughout the Euro area. By means of two coopetitive models derived by an original general analytical framework of coopetition, we show in our paper the strategies that could bring to feasible solutions in a cooperative perspective between Germany and Greece, where these feasible solutions aim at “sharing the pie fairly”, by offering a win-win outcome for both countries, within a growth path represented by a non-zero sum game. A remarkable analytical result of the paper consists in the determination of the winwin solution by a new selection method on the transferable utility Pareto boundary of the coopetitive game.Eurozone Economy, Coopetition, Game Theory

Coopetitive game solutions for the eurozone economy

This paper aims at providing, through a game theory model of coopetition, feasible solutions in a cooperative perspective to the problems that affect the Eurozone economy after the Greek crisis. In particular, it focuses on stability and growth as the primary goals, which should drive the Eurozone economy in consequence of the financial and economic crisis of the Greek economy with its effects throughout the Euro area. By means of two coopetitive models derived by an original general analytical framework of coopetition, we show in our paper the strategies that could bring to feasible solutions in a cooperative perspective between Germany and Greece, where these feasible solutions aim at “sharing the pie fairly”, by offering a win-win outcome for both countries, within a growth path represented by a non-zero sum game. A remarkable analytical result of the paper consists in the determination of the winwin solution by a new selection method on the transferable utility Pareto boundary of the coopetitive game

Coopetitive game solutions for the eurozone economy

This paper aims at providing, through a game theory model of coopetition, feasible solutions in a cooperative perspective to the problems that affect the Eurozone economy after the Greek crisis. In particular, it focuses on stability and growth as the primary goals, which should drive the Eurozone economy in consequence of the financial and economic crisis of the Greek economy with its effects throughout the Euro area. By means of two coopetitive models derived by an original general analytical framework of coopetition, we show in our paper the strategies that could bring to feasible solutions in a cooperative perspective between Germany and Greece, where these feasible solutions aim at “sharing the pie fairly”, by offering a win-win outcome for both countries, within a growth path represented by a non-zero sum game. A remarkable analytical result of the paper consists in the determination of the winwin solution by a new selection method on the transferable utility Pareto boundary of the coopetitive game

Scientific Guidance on the data required for the risk assessment of flavourings to be used in or on foods

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA developed a new scientific guidance to assist applicants in the preparation of applications for the authorisation of flavourings to be used in or on foods. This guidance applies to applications for a new authorisation as well as for a modification of an existing authorisation of a food flavouring, submitted under Regulation (EC) No 1331/2008. It defines the scientific data required for the evaluation of those food flavourings for which an evaluation and approval is required according to Article 9 of Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008. This applies to flavouring substances, flavouring preparations, thermal process flavourings, flavour precursors, other flavourings and source materials, as defined in Article 3 of Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008. Information to be provided in all applications relates to: (a) the characterisation of the food flavouring, including the description of its identity, manufacturing process, chemical composition, specifications, stability and reaction and fate in foods; (b) the proposed uses and use levels and the assessment of the dietary exposure and (c) the safety data, including information on the genotoxic potential of the food flavouring, toxicological data other than genotoxicity and information on the safety for the environment. For the toxicological studies, a tiered approach is applied, for which the testing requirements, key issues and triggers are described. Applicants should generate the data requested in each section to support the safety assessment of the food flavouring. Based on the submitted data, EFSA will assess the safety of the food flavouring and conclude whether or not it presents risks to human health and to the environment, if applicable, under the proposed conditions of use

Sustainability, innovation, and efficiency:A key relationship

Sustainability has become the emerging goal for countries, companies, and people. Sustainability usually refers to the need to develop models necessary for both human beings and our planet to survive. However, sustainability is not a short-term problem; it is above all a long-term issue, posing intergenerational equity problems. Moreover, sustainability needs efficiency. The efficient use of energy, natural, material, and informational resources is vital for sustainability and sustainable development, which should be the major goal of every country, as established in Rio in 1992, and reaffirmed at Rio+ 20 in 2012. But any strategy aiming at sustainability and efficient use of resources must focus on innovation and technological progress. Consequently, innovation is fundamental to making sustainability possible and improving efficiency. Yet, innovation for sustainability must be environmentally friendly (e.g., green technologies). The principle behind such a strategy is better instead of more. This paper aims at highlighting the key relationship among sustainability, innovation, and efficiency. First, it examines the concept of sustainability, looking at the neoclassical literature on sustainability and its relationship with innovation. Then, it analyzes different theoretical approaches and discusses the policy issues for sustainability where innovation, natural capital, human capital, population, and institutions are fundamental factors

PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF POLYLACTIC ACID/SILICA AND POLYLACTIC ACID/CLAYS BIONANOCOMPOSITE ELECTROSPUN SYSTEMS

Introduction Electrospinning is a versatile process technology for the production of fibers ranging from nano- to micro-scale. In order to develop high performance electrospun systems, the use of nanofillers is achieving more and more interest. In this context, silica (Si) and clays (Cl) are often used as fillers due to the possibility to combine the advantages of polymeric materials, such as light weight and flexibility, and inorganic materials, such as high mechanical strength, heat stability, and chemical stability. In this work, the morphology of PLA/Si and PLA/Cl were evaluated on two different weight ratios: 99/1 and 95/5 wt/wt. Material and Methods The nanoparticles were added to a solution of TCM/Ac (2:1 volume). PLA (10 wt% with respect to the solvent phase) was then added to the mixture and completely dissolved by continuous magnetic stirring. Nanofibrous mats were produced with a filler mass ratio equal to 1% and 5%. The nanofibers were collected on a grounded rotary drum rotating at 10 rpm. The morphology of the materials was studied by using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Results SEM images revealed that PLA showed the typical morphology of an electrospun material with smooth and homogenous fibers in the nearly-nanoscale and randomly oriented. Fillers added at 1 wt% are well dispersed in the polymer matrix. Si caused a slight increase and Cl a slight reduction of the fiber diameter. PLA/Si 5 wt% fibers are characterized by a worst particles’ distribution and higher fiber diameters if compared with PLA/Cl 5 wt%. Discussion The different dispersion degree observed at high filler concentration can be likely ascribed to the different affinity of the nanoparticles with both the polymer matrix and the solvent systems. The different fiber diameter can be ascribed to the viscosity of the polymeric solution. Silica induced an increment of the viscosity and a consequent increase of the fiber diameter. The lower fiber diameter observed for PLA/Cl nanocomposites can be ascribed to the reduction of the viscosity probably due to a degradation of PLA, as already observed in other works