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Italy
Kinds of Italy Selected AbstractsAFRICA,FRANCE, ITALY: Campaigners Criticise Aid FailuresAFRICA RESEARCH BULLETIN: ECONOMIC, FINANCIAL AND TECHNICAL SERIES, Issue 5 2009Article first published online: 3 JUL 200 No abstract is available for this article. [source] SENSORY CHARACTERISTICS OF TRADITIONAL FIELD GROWN TOMATO GENOTYPES IN SOUTHERN ITALYJOURNAL OF FOOD QUALITY, Issue 6 2007FIORELLA SINESIO ABSTRACT This study was conducted with the aim to characterize the diversity of fruit sensory quality of traditional tomato genotypes, grown in open fields, by means of descriptive profile analysis. It gives the results from sensory profiling of fresh tomato genotypes San Marzano, Vesuviano, Corbarino and Sorrento, originating from Southern Italy, and their respective commercial hybrids over 3 years of harvesting. The effects of genotypes, year of production (2002, 2003, 2004) and fields located in different geographical areas on sensory data were analyzed using principal component analysis and multivariate analysis of variance partial least square regression. For most sensory characteristics, the greatest variation was caused by differences in genotypes, suggesting that there was considerable level of genetic diversity. Minor effects were given to year of harvest and experimental fields. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Tomato is one of the most frequently consumed vegetables in many countries. Italy is one of the main tomato producers in the world, where the genetic variability among traditional tomato genotypes, hybrid and wild varieties in terms of variability in shape, dimension and sensorial attributes is enormous. A feasible area of improvement of tomato production is toward the increase or changing the original flavor. The knowledge of the effect of variety and season on sensory-perceived quality and the selection by breeding of genotypes with improved aroma and flavor profile is a tool to better orientate the tomato production. [source] FAULT-RELATED SOLUTION CLEAVAGE IN EXPOSED CARBONATE RESERVOIR ROCKS IN THE SOUTHERN APENNINES, ITALYJOURNAL OF PETROLEUM GEOLOGY, Issue 2 2001A. Billi The deformation associated with a number of kilometre-scale strike-slip fault zones which cut through outcropping carbonate rocks in the Southern Apennines was investigated at regional and outcrop scales. These faults trend roughly east-west and were studied at the Gargano Promontory on the Adriatic Coast (in the Apulian foreland) and in the Matese Mountains, about 120 km to the west (within the Apenninic fold-and-thrust belt). The fault zones are 200,300 m wide and typically comprise a core surrounded by a damage zone. Within fault cores, fault rocks (gouges and cataclasites) typically occur along master slip planes; in damage zones, secondary slip planes and solution cleavage are the most important planar discontinuities. The protolith carbonates surrounding the fault zone at Gargano show little deformation, but they are fractured in the Matese Mountains as a result of an earlier thrust phase. Cleavage surfaces in the damage zone of the studied faults are interpreted to be fault-propagation structures. Our field data indicate that cleavage-fault intersection lines are parallel to the normals of fault slip-vectors. The angle between a fault plane and the associated cleavage was found to be fairly constant (c. 40") at different scales of observation. Finally, the spacing of the solution cleavage surfaces appeared in general to be regular (with a mean of about 22 mm), although it was found to decrease slightly near a fault plane. These results are intended to provide a basis for predicting the architecture of fault zones in buried carbonate reservoirs using seismic reflection and borehole data. [source] THE EVOLUTION OF A MODEL TRAP IN THE CENTRAL APENNINES, ITALY: FRACTURE PATTERNS, FAULT REACTIVATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF CATACLASTIC ROCKS IN CARBONATES AT THE NARNI ANTICLINEJOURNAL OF PETROLEUM GEOLOGY, Issue 2 2001F. Storti Recent hydrocarbon discoveries in the Southern Apennines of Italy have focussed attention on the importance of studying fracturing and cataclasis in carbonate rocks because of their fundamental impact on reservoir permeability and connectivity. The Narni Anticline in the central Apennines consists of a stack of easterly-verging carbonate thrust sheets compartmentalized by extensional and strike-slip fault zones. The structure provides afield analogue for studying the evolution of superimposed fold- and fault-related fractures in carbonate reservoir rocks. The fracture pattern at the Narni Anticline developed as a result of three mechanisms: (a) layer-parallel shortening predating folding and faulting; (b) thrust-related folding and further thrust breakthrough; and (c) extensional and strike-slip faulting. Along-strike (longitudinal) fractures developed during progressive rollover fault-propagation folding, and their intensity depends on the precise structural position within the fold: fracture intensity is high in the forelimb and low in the crest. The 3-D architecture of the mechanical anisotropy associated with thrusting, folding, and related fracturing constrained the location and geometry of subsequent extensional and strike-slip faulting. The superimposition in damage zones of a fault-related cleavage on the pre-existing fracture pattern, which is associated with layer-parallel shortening and thrust-related folding, resulted in rock fragmentation and comminution, and the development of cataclastic bands. The evolution of fracturing in the Narni Anticline, its role in constraining thrust breakthrough trajectories and the location of extensional and strike-slip faults, and the final development of low-permeability cataclastic bands, will be relevant to studies of known oilfields in the Southern Apennines, as well as for future exploration. [source] TIMING AND MODES OF DEFORMATION IN THE WESTERN SICILIAN THRUST SYSTEM, SOUTHERN ITALYJOURNAL OF PETROLEUM GEOLOGY, Issue 2 2001L. Tortorici Imbricate units in the western Sicilian fold-and-thrust belt originated on the southern continental margin of Neotethys, and were deformed during the Neogene-Recent in response to convergence between the African and European Plates. Neogene-Pleistocene synorogenic sediments, deposited in flexural foredeeps and satellite piggy-back basins, contain a record of the belt's evolution. Progressive migration of the thrust front southwards into the foreland has been documented, beginning in the Tortonian and continuing to the present-day particularly in western parts of the belt. In the eastern part, activity on Quaternary strike-slip fault zones has produced asymmetric flower structures and other interference structures. In this paper, we present two regional sections across the western Sicilian foreland-thrust belt system. These structural cross-sections extend down as far as the top of the Hercynian basement and integrate our field observations with previously-acquired well log, magnetic and seismic data. We show that complex interactions between the foreland-migrating thrust belt, which developed between the Late Miocene and the Pleistocene, and Pleistocene strike-slip faults led to the development of structural traps which constitute potential targets for hydrocarbon exploration. [source] PERMIAN OSTRACODS FROM THE LERCARA FORMATION (MIDDLE TRIASSIC,CARNIAN?), SICILY, ITALYPALAEONTOLOGY, Issue 3 2008SYLVIE CRASQUIN Abstract:, A rich, diverse Permian ostracod fauna has been recovered from the red and grey, laminated shales and quartz-rich shales of the Triassic Lercara Formation. Forty-seven species have been identified, 13 of which are newly described here; they belong to 26 genera of which three are new: Anahuacia lercaraensis sp. nov., Aurigerites siciliaensis sp. nov., Bairdia portellaensis sp. nov., Cristanaria? katyae sp. nov., Fabalicypris gruendeli sp. nov., Lethiersa salomonensis gen. et sp. nov., Lethiersia sinusoventralis gen. et sp. nov., Portella trapezoida gen. et sp. nov., Siciliella elongata gen. et sp. nov., Siciliella infernespinosa gen. et sp. nov., Siciliella prima gen. et sp. nov., Siciliella quadrata gen. et sp. nov., and Siciliella spinorobusta gen. et sp. nov. The assemblages contain or are composed of palaeopsychrospheric forms, which are regarded as index fossils for deep environments. The bathymetry of the different associations in life is evaluated. [source] HORSETAILS AND SEED FERNS FROM THE MIDDLE TRIASSIC (ANISIAN) LOCALITY KÜHWIESENKOPF (MONTE PRÀ DELLA VACCA), DOLOMITES, NORTHERN ITALYPALAEONTOLOGY, Issue 5 2007EVELYN KUSTATSCHER Abstract:, Well-preserved floras from the Alpine Early,Middle Triassic are rare, and thus our understanding of the vegetation in this area during this period of time continues to be incomplete. As a result, every new find represents a significant piece of information that deserves thoughtful consideration. Anisian (Middle Triassic) sphenophytes and pteridosperms have recently been recovered from the Kühwiesenkopf locality (Monte Prà della Vacca) in northern Italy. The sphenophytes are represented by stem fragments, strobili and isolated sporangiophore heads of Equisetites, as well as by a few specimens of Neocalamites sp. and Echinostachys sp. The pteridosperms include abundant remains of the peltasperm foliage type Scytophyllum bergeri. A second Scytophyllum species in this flora, S. apoldense, is regarded as conspecific with S. bergeri based on epidermal anatomy; the two morphotypes are interpreted as sun and shade leaves of a single biological species. The seed-bearing disc Peltaspermum bornemannii sp. nov. probably represents the female reproductive structure of S. bergeri. Additional pteridosperm remains include foliage assignable to Sagenopteris sp. and Ptilozamites sp., in both cases perhaps the earliest records of these genera. [source] MORAL HAZARD AND LABOUR-MANAGED FIRMS IN ITALY AFTER THE LAW N. 142/2001ANNALS OF PUBLIC AND COOPERATIVE ECONOMICS, Issue 2 2008Francesco REITO ABSTRACT,:,Instead of focusing on the difference between a labour-managed (LMF) and a profit maximizing firm (PMF) in terms of final out-come and occupation, this paper considers the actual possibility for a firm to be financed from outside. A simple case of moral hazard in the credit market is analyzed. A bank, for limited funds, can finance one of two potential firms, a LMF or a PMF, both with similar project size. The Italian case is taken into account: the law n. 142/2001 has equalized the position of workers and members of a LMF as (own) firm creditors during a liquidation. This has an effect on the structure of creditors priorities in case a firm goes bankrupt and, in particular, on money-lenders likelihood of getting their loans back. It is argued that, before the law, the LMF had in general an advantage on the PMF, from banks viewpoint, for it faced a lower moral hazard problem on effort contribution. After the law, even though the direct consequence seems to be a draw back in LMF credit-worthiness, the model shows that, on given conditions, this type of firm remains more competitive as a bank borrower. [source] THE SECTILIA PANELS OF FARAGOLA (ASCOLI SATRIANO, SOUTHERN ITALY): A MULTI-ANALYTICAL STUDY OF THE GREEN, MARBLED (GREEN AND YELLOW), BLUE AND BLACKISH GLASS SLABSARCHAEOMETRY, Issue 3 2010E. GLIOZZO Analyses at the Cu,K, Fe,K and Mn,K edge were performed to study the green, marbled (green and yellow), blue and blackish (deep greyish olive green) glass slabs decorating three sectilia panels from the archaeological site of Faragola. Results indicate that all slabs were made by mixing siliceous sand with natron, sometimes probably mixed with small percentages of plant ash. Cu2+ and Pb antimonates should be responsible for the opaque green colours. The dark green and yellow portions of the marbled slabs are respectively comparable to the slabs comprising only one of these colours. Cu2+ together with Ca antimonates probably produced light blue slabs, whereas cobalt was used to produce dark blue slabs. We consider it possible that the abundance ratio of Fe2+/Fe3+ and the complex Fe3+S2, would have an effect on the blackish slabs. The contribution of Mn cannot be ascertained even if it could have played a role in darkening glass colour. The comparison between the chemical composition of Faragola samples and several glass reference groups provided no conclusive evidence of provenance; whereas, the presence of a secondary local workshop can be hypothesized. [source] GEOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING GEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF THE VOLCANIC TUFFS USED IN THE ETRUSCAN TOMBS OF NORCHIA (NORTHERN LATIUM, ITALY) AND A STUDY OF THE FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR RAPID SURFACE AND STRUCTURAL DECAYARCHAEOMETRY, Issue 2 2010P. CICCIOLI The geochemical and engineering geological properties of the tuffs used in the rock-cut cliff tombs of the Etruscan necropolis of Norchia were investigated to evaluate their susceptibility to different weathering agents and confirm their origin. For the first time, materials were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT,IR), thermogravimetric analyses (TGA, DGA and DTG), scanning electron microscopy (SEM,EDS) and energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (ED,XRF), and their different origins confirmed. Tests of material properties indicate that both tuffs are poorly durable, but one of them is less susceptible to weathering. Although tombs made with the more resistant material show limited surface weathering, they undergo severe structural damage because of stress release and plant root infiltration. This, combined with the microclimatic conditions established inside river canyons, can trigger rock falls, leading ultimately to the complete destruction of these tombs. [source] LOCALIZING HISTORICAL CLUES USING IRT AND PETROGRAPHIC ANALYSES AT VILLA MIRABELLO, MONZA (ITALY)*ARCHAEOMETRY, Issue 5 2009E. ROSINA The rebuilding of Villa Mirabello started in 1666. Built on designs of Gerolamo Quadrio, the project refurbished and enlarged a smaller 16th century country house (,casa da nobile e da massaro'). Archival documents report on the remodelling, which consisted of selective demolition of portions of the structure, re-using most of the masonry as the core of the new building, and the reinforcement of retained masonry by insertion of ,ceppo' stone quoins to update new exteriors. The aim of Quadrio was to create an elegant and sumptuous mansion, suitable for noble owners such as Giuseppe Durini and his family. The plan and a small part of original finishing (,marmorino' plaster decoration) are recognizable nowadays. Nevertheless, there are many questions in interpretation when one compares the documents and the building. That is, Cardinal Angelo Durini made a major modification in the 18th century, and further minor changes were made in the 19th century. Although these latter modifications did not alter the plan, they changed the distribution of rooms and masked both decoration and finishing. After over 20 years of neglect, Villa Mirabello is now close to being restored. Architects in charge ordered a preliminary set of diagnostics to assess damage and study the historical evolution of the building. Integration of IR thermography (IRT) and endoscopy allowed restorers to detect the structure's texture underneath the plaster, and to detect openings filled with masonry. Moreover, archive documents confirmed these results and, above all, defined a date for the use of specific building techniques. This research constitutes a reference for buildings set in the same time and location that do not have significant archival documentation. Active IRT provided useful information for structural assessment (such as location of arches, chimney stacks, different thickness of wall, wooden elements, voids, beams etc.) and for crack pattern evaluation. This information directs design professionals working on this conservation project, and helps define the costs of intervention. [source] ARCHAEOMETRIC STUDY OF SHELLS OF HELICIDAE FROM THE EDERA CAVE (NORTHEASTERN ITALY),ARCHAEOMETRY, Issue 1 2009L. BONIZZONI The Edera Cave, near Aurisina in the Trieste Karst, retains a stratigraphy that extends from the Mesolithic to the modern era. At Sauveterrian layers, many specimens of Helix cincta are present, which are considerably crushed, and a small percentage of which are also blackened. Chemical analyses show that the blackened specimens were exposed to a temperature of between 500 and 550°C, and suggest that many others were destroyed by fire at temperatures of above 700°C. Consequently, only a part of the Helix cincta shells is assumed to be the residue of human meals, since several factors render plausible an accidental combustion of shells already present in the ground before the lighting of Mesolithic hearths. [source] GLAZED CERAMIC MANUFACTURING IN SOUTHERN TUSCANY (ITALY): EVIDENCE OF TECHNOLOGICAL CONTINUITY THROUGHOUT THE MEDIEVAL PERIOD (10TH,14TH CENTURIES),ARCHAEOMETRY, Issue 1 2008C. FORTINA Archaeometric investigation allowed the characterization of two important classes of ceramics: ,vetrina sparsa' and ,invetriata grezza'. Their archaeological peculiarity makes them particularly suited for tracing the evolution of glaze manufacturing in southern Tuscany throughout the medieval period (10th,14th centuries). These ceramics were found in different sites of historical importance, and also from a mining perspective. Local copper, lead, zinc and iron mineralizations supported the growth of several settlements in the vicinity of the mines. The many castles and different archaeological finds (ceramics, glazed ceramic, slag etc.) attest to the intense mineral exploitation of the area from at least the first millennium bc up to the modern period. In light of these geological and archaeological characteristics, archaeometric investigation was intended to provide insight into ancient technical knowledge of ceramic glazing and to determine the source area for raw materials in the medieval period (10th,14th centuries). Ceramic bodies were analysed through OM, XRDp, SEM,EDS and XRF, while coatings were investigated through SEM,EDS. Mineralogical, petrographic and chemical analyses revealed slightly different preparation and firing processes for the two classes of ceramics. These data suggest the continuity through the centuries of the ,vetrina sparsa' and ,invetriata grezza' production technology. The mineralogical phases, such as monazite, xenotime, zircon, barite, Ti oxide, ilmenite, titanite, tourmaline and ilvaite, and the lithic (intrusive and volcanic) fragments detected within the ceramic bodies suggest a source area in the vicinity of the Campiglia mining district. Lastly, the presence of Cu,Zn,Pb (Ag) and Fe sulphide mineralizations (materials used to produce glaze) in the area supports the hypothesis of local manufacture. [source] COMMENTS ON I. ANGELINI AND P. BELLINTANI, ,ARCHAEOLOGICAL AMBERS FROM NORTHERN ITALY: AN FTIR,DRIFT STUDY OF PROVENANCE BY COMPARISON WITH THE GEOLOGICAL AMBER DATABASE', ARCHAEOMETRY, 47(2) (2005), 441,54,ARCHAEOMETRY, Issue 4 2006E. RAGAZZI First page of article [source] ARCHAEOMETRIC STUDY OF PROTOHISTORIC GRINDING TOOLS OF VOLCANIC ROCKS FOUND IN THE KARST (ITALY,SLOVENIA) AND ISTRIA (CROATIA),ARCHAEOMETRY, Issue 4 2004F. ANTONELLI This paper presents the results of the archaeometric study of 30 grinding tools found in the Karst plateau (an area that spreads from the northeastern border of Italy to Slovenia) and in the Istria peninsula (Croatia). The petrographic and geochemical characteristics of the artefacts indicate that most of them would be made of trachytic volcanites extracted from the Euganean Hills, near Padua (Veneto). It is known that trachytic rocks from this area had been widely exploited in northern Italy during protohistoric times, but these data considerably enlarge the area of diffusion of saddle-querns made of these rocks, extending it to Istria. Additionally, the likely provenance from Mount Etna of few other pieces of mugearites and hawaiites represents a new element, to be fully evaluated in the context of trans-Adriatic exchange/trade connections. Analytical data and possible archaeological inferences are presented in detail in the text. [source] Condition Assessment by Visual Inspection for a Bridge Management SystemCOMPUTER-AIDED CIVIL AND INFRASTRUCTURE ENGINEERING, Issue 2 2005Vincenzo Gattulli This article deals with a procedure for bridge condition assessment by visual inspection developed during the planning and preliminary design of the BMS for the public railway networks in Italy. The main modules adopted in the procedure are: bridge inventory, computer-aided visual inspection, automated defect catalog, and priority-ranking procedure. The probabilistic models used to calibrate the condition evaluation algorithm are discussed. Different levels of deficiency have been individuated for each class of bridge structure belonging to the managed stock. The procedure allows comparison and relative ranking of deficiency conditions across different types of bridge structures. The results of a visual inspection campaign conducted for a set of bridges with different structural characteristics are reported and evaluated within the framework of the developed BMS. [source] Abstracts: 43rd Annual Meeting of the Association of European Pediatric Cardiology,Venice, Italy, May 21,24, 2008CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE, Issue 6 2008Christopher S. Snyder MD No abstract is available for this article. [source] Zoning Marine Protected Areas through Spatial Multiple-Criteria Analysis: the Case of the Asinara Island National Marine Reserve of ItalyCONSERVATION BIOLOGY, Issue 2 2002Ferdinando Villa Systematic, objective approaches to site selection and design can help reconcile conflicting interests, represent stakeholders' viewpoints fairly and evenly, and extend the scope of planning studies from single reserves to networks. We illustrate the use of spatial multiple-criteria analysis for determining the suitability of marine areas for different uses and levels of protection. This technique couples geographic information systems (GIS) for land assessment and evaluation with a formal statement of the design priorities as seen from the different viewpoints of all involved stakeholders. The planning process, while staying focused on the main purposes of conservation and feasibility, involves all the main interest groups in the definition of priorities so that conflicts and tensions are kept under control. We used multiple-criteria analysis to integrate objective data with the contrasting priorities of different stakeholders in the planning of a marine protected area. The results of the analysis can be used to define an optimal spatial arrangement of different protection levels. As a case study, we developed a zoning plan for one of the first marine protected areas in Italy, the Asinara Island National Marine Reserve. Resumen: Puesto que el papel de las áreas marinas protegidas está siendo mejor entendido y se está volviendo más sofisticado, la planeación para abordar eficientemente estas áreas se está volviendo más complicada para las personas que toman decisiones. Las metodologías sistemáticas y objetivas para la selección de sitios y el diseño de reservas pueden ayudar a reconciliar los conflictos de intereses, representar los puntos de vista de los usuarios de manera equitativa y balanceada y extender la dimensión de los estudios de planeación para reservas individuales o en redes. Ilustramos el uso de un análisis de criterios espaciales múltiples para determinar la viabilidad de áreas marinas para diferentes usos y niveles de protección. Esta técnica une sistemas de información geográfica (GIS) para estimación y evaluación de suelos con una declaración de prioridades de diseño tal y como es percibida por los diferentes usuarios involucrados. El proceso de planeación, al mismo tiempo que se enfoca en los propósitos principales de la conservación y en su viabilidad, involucra a los principales grupos interesados en la definición de prioridades de tal manera que los conflictos y tensiones pueden ser manejadas. Utilizamos el análisis de criterios espaciales múltiples para integrar datos objetivos con las prioridades contrastantes de los diferentes usuarios en la planeación de un área marina protegida. Los resultados del análisis pueden ser usados como una guía para definir arreglos espaciales óptimos con diferentes niveles de protección. Como caso de estudio desarrollamos un plan de desarrollo de zonificación para una de las áreas marinas protegidas de Italia, la Reserva Nacional Marina de la Isla Asinara. [source] Textile dye allergic contact dermatitis prevalenceCONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 4 2000Kathryn L. Hatch This article summarizes textile dye prevalence studies and makes recommendations for advancing knowledge about textile-dye sensitization. Prevalence data is provided by study and by dye. Dermatology teams are encouraged to conduct textile-dye prevalence studies in countries other than Italy, include dyes for which the least prevalence data has been collected, to standardize method of application and reading, and to verify purity and identity of dyes used for patch testing. Testing with pure dyes and other chemicals in dye formulations should provide insights in choosing dye systems that will decrease sensitization. [source] Particle in Cell Simulation of Low Temperature Laboratory PlasmasCONTRIBUTIONS TO PLASMA PHYSICS, Issue 8-9 2007K. Matyash Abstract Several applications of PIC simulations for understanding basic physics phenomena in low-temperature plasmas are presented: capacitive radiofrequency discharges in Oxygen, dusty plasmas and negative ion sources for heating of fusion plasmas. The analysis of these systems based on their microscopic properties as accessible with PIC gives improved insight into their complex behavior. These studies are results of joint efforts over about one decade of research groups from Greifswald University, Germany; Bari University, Italy; Keio University, Japan and Innsbruck University, Austria. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Beyond the Black Box of Demography: board processes and task effectiveness within Italian firmsCORPORATE GOVERNANCE, Issue 5 2007Fabio Zona In this paper we analyse boards of directors as workgroups, i.e. groups of people that perform one or more tasks within an organisational context. Building on previous studies, we developed a model that relates group's social-psychological processes to three different board tasks: service, monitoring and networking. We tested our model through a survey on 301 large manufacturing firms in Italy. Our findings support the idea that (a) process variables and, to a limited extent, demographic variables significantly influence board task performance; (b) board processes have a different impact on each specific board task; (c) board task performance varies depending upon firm and industry characteristics. [source] What Do Shareholders' Coalitions Really Want?CORPORATE GOVERNANCE, Issue 2 2007Evidence from Italian voting trusts This paper studies the effects of having multiple large shareholders who share the control of firms, by analysing a unique dataset of Italian shareholders' agreements (voting trusts). We investigate the separation between ownership and control granted by such agreements, showing that, on average, a voting trust owning 52 per cent of the total company's cash-flow rights is able to exercise up to 87 per cent of the total board rights; the wedge is particularly beneficial to the largest shareholder within the voting trust who is able to get the majority of board rights despite owning only a minority fraction of the company's cash-flow rights. Then, an event-study analysis of a sample of voting trusts' announcements is performed. The results support the "entrenchment effects" hypothesis (Stulz, 1988) linking the ownership structure and the firm value, and are consistent with the view that, in Italy, voting trust agreements are mainly aimed at both protecting controlling shareholders from hostile takeovers and entrenching incumbent management. [source] An innovative model to promote CSR among SMEs operating in industrial clusters: evidence from an EU projectCORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT, Issue 3 2010Massimo Battaglia Abstract This paper presents the findings of our EU co-funded project, an idea developed to better understand the opportunities to formalize corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in a clustered system. Small companies often have to compete in a global market; for this reason, cooperation among SMEs, and with local stakeholders and intermediary institutions, might be facilitated by a collective answer to new market requests. Cooperation and social capital are key elements to facilitate trust amongst involved local actors. Moreover, they can also play a key role in the formalization of CSR policies and practices for small companies. In our project, we aimed at identifying and understanding the role of the ,intermediary institutions' (such as trade unions, local authorities, business consortia) in the cluster. Throughout the paper, we focus on the analysis of three industrial clusters in Tuscany (Italy). Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment. [source] EMAS and its local diffusion in ItalyCORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT, Issue 1 2003Rita Jirillo Due to the growing awareness among enterprises of the relevance of ,sustainable development', applications of the Environmental Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) in Italy are expanding. With the second era of EMAS (EMAS II), this scheme will become a global instrument, enabling Italian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to master environmental challenges while improving their competitive position. This report intends to demonstrate that area and local agreements between local government units and research centres, such as universities or energy and environmental boards, can simplify and improve the diffusion of EMAS in the country. Reported examples of some small Italian municipalities that have applied EMAS are demonstrations of how government units can increase all citizens' quality of life while taking care of environmental aspects. Since 1993, the year of the first applications of Regulation 1836/93, local government units have understood the important role they can play in this subject. This work illustrates that the development of ISO and EMAS local applications must be based on government's local promotion aimed at encouraging enterprises to voluntarily adopt these instruments for environmental safeguard. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. and ERP Environment. [source] Continuous and Discontinuous Innovation: Overcoming the Innovator DilemmaCREATIVITY AND INNOVATION MANAGEMENT, Issue 4 2007Mariano Corso Challenged by competition pressures and unprecedented pace of change, firms can no longer choose whether to concentrate on the needs of today's customers or on the anticipation of those of tomorrow: they must be excellent in both. This requires managing two related balancing acts: on the one side, being excellent in both exploitation and exploration of their capabilities and, on the other side, being excellent in managing both incremental and radical innovation. These balances are critical since exploitation and exploration, on the one side, and incremental and radical innovation, on the other, require different approaches that have traditionally been considered difficult to combine within the same organization. Working on evidence and discussion from the 7th CINet Conference held in Lucca (Italy) in 2006, this Special Section is aimed at contributing to theory and practice on these two complex balancing acts that today represent a hot issue in innovation management. [source] Fractional CO2 laser: a novel therapeutic device upon photobiomodulation of tissue remodeling and cytokine pathway of tissue repairDERMATOLOGIC THERAPY, Issue 2009F. Prignano ABSTRACT Minimally ablative fractional laser devices have gained acceptance as a preferred method for skin resurfacing. Notable improvements in facial rhytides, photodamage, acne scarring, and skin laxity have been reported. The aim of the present work was to compare how different CO2 laser fluences, by modulating the secretory pathway of cytokines, are able to influence the wound-healing process, and how these fluences are associated with different clinical results. Eighteen patients, all with photodamaged skin, were treated using a fractional CO2 laser (SmartXide DOT, Deka M.E.L.A., Florence, Italy) with varying laser fluences (2.07, 2.77, and 4.15 J/cm2). An immunocytochemical study was performed at defined end points in order to obtain information about specific cytokines of the microenvironment before and after treatment. The secretory pathway of cytokines changed depending on the re-epithelization and the different laser fluences. Different but significant improvements in wrinkles, skin texture, and hyperpigmentation were definitely obtained when using 2.07, 2.77, and 4.15 J/cm2, indicating fractional CO2 laser as a valuable tool in photorejuvenation with good clinical results, rapid downtime, and an excellent safety profile. [source] Prevalence and epidemiologic characteristics of FASD from various research methods with an emphasis on recent in-school studiesDEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES RESEARCH REVIEW, Issue 3 2009Philip A. May Abstract Researching the epidemiology and estimating the prevalence of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and other fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) for mainstream populations anywhere in the world has presented a challenge to researchers. Three major approaches have been used in the past: surveillance and record review systems, clinic-based studies, and active case ascertainment methods. The literature on each of these methods is reviewed citing the strengths, weaknesses, prevalence results, and other practical considerations for each method. Previous conclusions about the prevalence of FAS and total FASD in the United States (US) population are summarized. Active approaches which provide clinical outreach, recruitment, and diagnostic services in specific populations have been demonstrated to produce the highest prevalence estimates. We then describe and review studies utilizing in-school screening and diagnosis, a special type of active case ascertainment. Selected results from a number of in-school studies in South Africa, Italy, and the US are highlighted. The particular focus of the review is on the nature of the data produced from in-school methods and the specific prevalence rates of FAS and total FASD which have emanated from them. We conclude that FAS and other FASD are more prevalent in school populations, and therefore the general population, than previously estimated. We believe that the prevalence of FAS in typical, mixed-racial, and mixed-socioeconomic populations of the US is at least 2 to 7 per 1,000. Regarding all levels of FASD, we estimate that the current prevalence of FASD in populations of younger school children may be as high as 2,5% in the US and some Western European countries. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Dev Disabil Res Rev 2009; 15:176,192. [source] Diabetes trends in EuropeDIABETES/METABOLISM: RESEARCH AND REVIEWS, Issue S3 2002Philippe Passa Abstract Estimates and projections suggest an epidemic expansion of diabetes incidence and prevalence in Europe. To evaluate trends in type 1 and type 2 diabetes in seven European countries (Finland, Denmark, the UK, Germany, France, Spain, and Italy), a variety of information is available, including population-based studies on small or large cohorts of subjects representative of the general population in a particular country, European co-operative studies, and sales figures for insulin and oral hypoglycemic agents that allow extrapolation of the number of pharmacologically treated diabetic patients. The incidence of type 1 diabetes in young people is increasing in most European countries, as is its prevalence in all age groups. Type 2 diabetes is the major contributor to the epidemic rise in diabetes. From 1995 to 1999, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes increased considerably, particularly in the UK, Germany, and France. Costs of ambulatory and in-hospital diabetic care (including antidiabetic, antihypertensive, and hypolipidemic agents) have increased even more rapidly than has the number of affected patients. Diabetes trends in Europe are alarming; health care professionals involved in diabetes care must be made aware of these detrimental trends, and health care delivery to patients with diabetes must be improved. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Perception of, and anxiety levels induced by, laser treatment in patients with sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy.DIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 10 2006A multicentre study Abstract Aims To investigate how laser treatment is perceived, in terms of anxiety and awareness, by diabetic patients attending four centres in Northern Italy with specific interest and expertise in diabetic retinopathy, where work settings and flow are organized differently. Methods The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Family Apgar-List of Threatening Experiences (FA-LTE), State-Trait Anxiety Inventories 1 and 2 (STAI-1 and STAI-2) questionnaires were completed by 259 patients, 131 waiting for laser treatment and 128 control subejcts awaiting non-intervention visits. Open questions were also asked on whether patients had ever heard the word ,laser' and whether they could describe laser treatment. Results High scores were detected by HADS, STAI-1 and STAI-2 among patients waiting for photocoagulation. Anxiety was greater in women and people with poor schooling. After controlling for centres, gender, previous laser treatment and schooling, HADS and STAI-1 remained significantly lower among persons waiting for non-intervention visits. Having received photocoagulation previously did not modify anxiety. Anxiety was lower in those centres where facilities and resources were more patient-oriented. Most patients could neither describe photocoagulation nor explain why they were about to receive it, but had a negative perception and some described it with words evoking cruelty and pain. Conclusions These data suggest that laser treatment is experienced as an event that causes anxiety. Preoperative education and counselling may help to reduce fear and patients' avoidance of treatment. [source] European comparison of costs and quality in the prevention of secondary complications in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (2000,2001)DIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 7 2002A. Gandjour Abstract Aims To compare the out-patient costs and process quality of preventing secondary complications in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus in France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, and the UK. Methods A total of 188 European physician practices assessed annual services for one hypothetical average patient (cost evaluation) and 178 practices reported retrospective data on one or two real patients (quality evaluation) in 2000/2001. In countries with a detailed fee-for-service schedule (Germany, Italy, and Switzerland) reimbursement fees were used to approximate costs. These fee-for-service schedules were also used to develop index (average) fees for all countries, in order to measure resource utilization. The following process quality indicators were evaluated: control of HbA1c; control of lipids; urine test for (micro)albuminuria; control of blood pressure; foot examination; neurological examination; eye examination; and patient education. For each country an average quality rating was calculated by weighting the response to each quality indicator with the level of scientific evidence. Results Average quality ratings ranged from 0.40 in The Netherlands to 0.62 in the UK (0 = lowest rating; 1 = highest rating). Total annual costs for secondary prevention were higher in Switzerland than in Germany and Italy (EUR475, EUR381, and EUR283, respectively). Resource utilization was highest in Germany and lowest in the UK. Conclusions The overall quality of preventive services documented was found to be poor in the seven European countries studied. The UK rated as both the most effective and the most efficient country in providing secondary prevention in Type 2 diabetes. 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