Empowered or engaged employees? A fuzzy set analysis on knowledge transfer professionals

Purpose This paper combines the literature on knowledge transfer and that on organizational behavior to analyze how perceived empowerment and perceived engagement affect knowledge transfer offices’ (KTOs’) performance, measured in terms of the number of license agreements. Design/methodology/approach The authors measured the cognitions which constitute perceived empowerment and perceived engagement through a survey sent to Italian KTOs’ professionals. The authors performed “fuzzy set qualitative analysis” to investigate if this cognition, together or in isolation, may influence KTOs’ management performance, measured by the number of license agreements. Findings The results highlight the role of individual cognitions in influencing KTOs’ performance. Furthermore, an important finding from the analysis of the main configurations is that the co-presence of perceived engagement and perceived empowerment leads to more license agreements only in the presence of specific individual cognitions. More precisely, the level of organizational citizenship behavior, the degree to which an individual influences results at work (degree of impact) and the value of a work goal (degree of meaning) are the cognitions which lead to a higher number of license agreements. Originality/value Despite the growing interest in the investigation of the determinants of KTOs’ performance, a relevant research gap still concerns the explanation of KTOs’ performance considering individual cognitions such as attitudes, norms, perceived behavioral control and intentions. This study looks at the combined effect of the individual cognition of perceived engagement and perceived empowerment on KTOs’ performances

Neuroscience approach for management and entrepreneurship: a bibliometric analysis

This study focuses on the role of individuals in the innovation management process, by concentrating on leaders and associated behaviors. Specifically, Entrepreneurial Leadership (EL) represent one of the most important fields of innovation management that has become increasingly multifaceted and interdisciplinary with its evolution. Thus, the purpose of this study is to examine a newly emerging research trend with a new lens that is “neuroscience”. This paper finds an evidence-based roadmap by reviewing the literature with a quantitative Bibliometric Analysis (BA) employing Co-Citation (Co-C) and bibliographic coupling analysis (BcA) to find linkages between the leadership and entrepreneurship literature and the neuroscience literature. This study identifies five promising groups of research areas such as the organizational approach, the biological approach, the cognitive approach, the emotional approach and it identify five future research topics such as dynamic skills in innovation exploitation process, the human aspect of leadership, the building process of leadership, the biological perspective of leadership and the application of neuroscience in the ecosystem. Moreover, we find an evidence-based roadmap for stimulating focused EL within the broad topic of innovation management research, to move the field forward. Although the past few years have observed the necessity of review studies on the subsets of biological factors, no reviews have sought to bring those different subsets together into a broader biological perspective. This study provides important indications on the interdisciplinary developments between the neuroscience aspects and EL, as a new emerging paradigm within the broad field of innovation managemen

Not just numbers! Improving TTO performance by balancing the soft sides of the TQM

Purpose: This study investigates the role of “soft” factors of total quality management – in terms of empowerment and engagement of employees – in facilitating or hindering organizational performance of the university technology transfer offices. Design/methodology/approach: The authors developed an Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), multiple regression model to test if empowerment and engagement affect organizational performance of the university technology transfer offices. Findings: The authors found that “soft” factors of total quality management – in terms of empowerment and engagement – facilitate the improvement of organizational performance in university technology transfer offices. Practical implications: The authors’ analysis shows that soft total quality management practices create the conditions for improving organizational performance. This study provides practical implications by showing that, in the evaluation of the technology transfer office, not only the “hard” variables (e.g. number of employees and employee experience) but also the “soft” one (e.g. empowerment and engagement) matter. Therefore, university technology transfer managers or university technology transfer delegates should take actions to promote not only empowering employees but also create a climate conducive to employees' engagement in the university technology transfer offices. Originality/value: With regards to the differences in organizational performances of university technology transfer offices, several studies have focused their attention on technology transfer professionals in technology transfer offices, but only a few of them have examined the “soft side” of total quality management. Thus, this study examines the organizational goals of technology transfer offices through “soft” factors of total quality management in terms of empowerment and engagement employees

Ten years of Basic Life Support provider course: results and challenges from the Italian Resuscitation Council's experience

Introduction: Widespread basic life support (BLS) training plays a central role in improving cardiac arrest (CA) survival. This study presents an extensive analysis of numbers, candidates’ characteristics, and outcomes over 10 years of BLS provider courses organized by the Italian Resuscitation Council (IRC) in Italy. Method: This is a retrospective analysis of data recorded in the national IRC BLS training database from January 2014 to December 2023. Candidates’ demographic and professional factors were analyzed with regional differences and course outcomes. Results: Over the study period, a total 906,686 candidates attended the course, 646,743 (71.3%) of whom were healthcare professionals (HP) and 259,943 (28.8%) non-healthcare professionals (NHP). The percentage of candidates passing the final exam was 99.5% for HP and 99.8% for NHP. The rate per 1000 HP per year of physicians and nurses attending the BLS course varied considerably across the Italian regions, ranging from 4.2 in central Italy to 669.7 in some northern areas. The rate per 1000 inhabitants of NHP per year attending the BLS course was also different among regions, varying from 0.1 in the southern and central regions up to 1.7 in the northern and northeastern ones. Conclusion: The pass rate of the BLS provider course is overall very high, indicating that it provides an easy and accessible set of skills for both HP and NHP candidates. Regional disparities (e.g. the rates of trained individuals and distribution between HP and NHP) and the low attendance of retraining courses represent important challenges that need to be addressed. Analysing training registers is a valuable tool for better planning future training projects

Incidence, characteristics, and outcome of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in Italy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction: Data on out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is limited in Italy, and there has never been a comprehensive systematic appraisal of the available evidence. Therefore, this review aims to explore the incidence, characteristics, and outcome of OHCA in Italy. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and conference proceedings up to September 23, 2022. Studies investigating OHCA in Italy and reporting at least one outcome related to cardiac arrest were considered eligible. The primary outcome was survival at the longest follow-up available. Risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool. A random-effects model proportion meta-analysis was performed to calculate the pooled outcomes with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: We included 42 studies (43,042 patients) from 13 of the 20 Italian regions published between 1995 and 2022. Only five studies were deemed to be at low risk of bias. The overall average incidences of OHCA attended by emergency medical services and with resuscitation attempted were 86 (range: 10-190) and 55 (range: 6-108) per 100,000 populations per year, respectively. Survival at the longest follow-up available was 9.0% (95% CI, 6.7-12%; 30 studies and 15,195 patients) in the overall population, 25% (95% CI, 21-30%; 16 studies and 2,863 patients) among patients with shockable rhythms, 28% (95% CI, 20-37%; 8 studies and 1,292 patients) among the Utstein comparator group. Favourable neurological out-come was 5.0% (95% CI, 3.6-6.6%; 16 studies and 9,675 patients). Return of spontaneous circulation was achieved in 19% (95% CI, 16-23%; 40 studies and 30,875 patients) of cases. Bystanders initiated cardiopulmonary resuscitation in 26% (95% CI, 21-32%; 33 studies and 23,491 patients) of cases but only in 3.2% (95% CI, 1.9-4.9%; 9 studies and 8,508 patients) with an automated external defibrillator. The mean response time was 10.2 (95% CI, 8.9-11.4; 25 studies and 23,997 patients) minutes. Conclusions: Survival after OHCA in Italy occurred in one of every ten patients. Bystanders initiated cardiopulmonary resuscitation in only one-third of cases, rarely with a defibrillator. Different areas of the country collected data, but an essential part of the population was not included. There was high heterogeneity and large variation in outcomes results and reporting, limiting the confidence in the estimates of incidence and outcome. Creating and maintaining a nationwide registry is a priority

Acute Lung Injury after Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: A Narrative Review

Although cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) includes lifesaving maneuvers, it might be associated with a wide spectrum of iatrogenic injuries. Among these, acute lung injury (ALI) is frequent and yields significant challenges to post-cardiac arrest recovery. Understanding the relationship between CPR and ALI is determinant for refining resuscitation techniques and improving patient outcomes. This review aims to analyze the existing literature on ALI following CPR, emphasizing prevalence, clinical implications, and contributing factors. The review seeks to elucidate the pathogenesis of ALI in the context of CPR, assess the efficacy of CPR techniques and ventilation strategies, and explore their impact on post-cardiac arrest outcomes. CPR-related injuries, ranging from skeletal fractures to severe internal organ damage, underscore the complexity of managing post-cardiac arrest patients. Chest compression, particularly when prolonged and vigorous, i.e., mechanical compression, appears to be a crucial factor contributing to ALI, with the concept of cardiopulmonary resuscitation-associated lung edema (CRALE) gaining prominence. Ventilation strategies during CPR and post-cardiac arrest syndrome also play pivotal roles in ALI development. The recognition of CPR-related lung injuries, especially CRALE and ALI, highlights the need for research on optimizing CPR techniques and tailoring ventilation strategies during and after resuscitation

heterogeneity of large cell carcinoma of the lung an immunophenotypic and mirna based analysis

Large cell carcinomas (LCCs) of the lung are heterogeneous and may be of different cell lineages. We analyzed 56 surgically resected lung tumors classified as LCC on the basis of pure morphologic grounds, using a panel of immunophenotypic markers (adenocarcinoma [ADC]-specific, thyroid transcription factor-1, cytokeratin 7, and napsin A; squamous cell carcinoma [SQCC]–specific, p63, cytokeratin 5, desmocollin 3, and Δnp63) and the quantitative analysis of microRNA-205 (microRNA sample score [mRSS]). Based on immunoprofiles 19 (34%) of the cases were reclassified as ADC and 14 (25%) as SQCC; 23 (41%) of the cases were unclassifiable. Of these 23 cases, 18 were classified as ADC and 5 as SQCC according to the mRSS. Our data show that an extended panel of immunohistochemical markers can reclassify around 60% of LCCs as ADC or SQCC. However, a relevant percentage of LCCs may escape convincing immunohistochemical classification, and mRSS could be used for further typing, but its clinical relevance needs further confirmation. Large cell carcinoma (LCC) of the lung is 1 of 4 major histopathologic tumor subtypes recognized by current classifications of lung tumors. However, although squamous cell carcinoma (SQCC), adenocarcinoma (ADC), and small cell carcinoma are well-defined entities with typical morphologic, immunophenotypic, and molecular features, LCCs, with the exception of the rare neuroendocrine, rhabdoid, basaloid, and lymphoepithelioma-like subtypes, are defined as poorly differentiated non–small cell tumors lacking features of ADC and SQCC. Therefore, the term LCC has frequently and improperly been used as a synonym of undifferentiated non–small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) and has been used as a "wastebasket" for tumors lacking a definite morphologic pattern. Studies show that, by using ancillary techniques, a relevant percentage of LCCs could be reclassified as SQCC or ADC. Gene profiling shows that most LCCs have profiles quite similar to ADC or SQCC. 1-3 Similarly, by using appropriate immunohistochemical stains, almost two thirds of LCCs can be reclassified as poorly differentiated ADC or SQCC. 4,5 These studies have profound clinical relevance because rendering a diagnosis of LCC may represent a challenge for oncologists who need accurate subtyping of lung cancers to provide patients with optimal targeted chemotherapeutic agents, showing different efficacy with specific NSCLC categories (usually effective for ADC and not for others). 6,

LUCAS Versus Manual Chest Compression During Ambulance Transport : A Hemodynamic Study in a Porcine Model of Cardiac Arrest

Background-Mechanical chest compression (CC) is currently suggested to deliver sustained high-quality CC in a moving ambulance. This study compared the hemodynamic support provided by a mechanical piston device or manual CC during ambulance transport in a porcine model of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Methods and Results-In a simulated urban ambulance transport, 16 pigs in cardiac arrest were randomized to 18 minutes of mechanical CC with the LUCAS (n=8) or manual CC (n=8). ECG, arterial and right atrial pressure, together with end-tidal CO2 and transthoracic impedance curve were continuously recorded. Arterial lactate was assessed during cardiopulmonary resuscitation and after resuscitation. During the initial 3 minutes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the ambulance was stationary, while then proceeded along a predefined itinerary. When the ambulance was stationary, CC-generated hemodynamics were equivalent in the 2 groups. However, during ambulance transport, arterial and coronary perfusion pressure, and end-tidal CO(2 )were significantly higher with mechanical CC compared with manual CC (coronary perfusion pressure: 43 +/- 4 versus 18 +/- 4 mmHg; end-tidal CO2: 31 +/- 2 versus 19 +/- 2 mmHg, P Conclusions-This model adds evidence in favor of the use of mechanical devices to provide ongoing high-quality CC and tissue perfusion during ambulance transport.Peer reviewe

A shift from distal to proximal neoplasia in the colon: a decade of polyps and CRC in Italy

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>In the last years a trend towards proximalization of colorectal carcinomas (CRC) has been reported. This study aims to evaluate the distribution of CRC and adenomatous polyps (ADP) to establish the presence of proximalization and to assess the potential predictors.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We retrieved histology reports of colonic specimens excised during colonoscopy, considering the exams performed between 1997 and 2006 at Cuneo Hospital, Italy. We compared the proportion of proximal lesions in the period 1997-2001 and in the period 2002-2006.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Neoplastic lesions were detected in 3087 people. Proximal CRC moved from 25.9% (1997-2001) to 30.0% (2002-2006). Adjusting for sex and age, the difference was not significant (OR 1.23; 95% CI: 0,95-1,58). The proximal ADP proportion increased from 19.2% (1997-2001) to 26.0% (2002-2006) (OR: 1.43; 95% CI: 1.17-1.89). The corresponding figures for advanced proximal ADP were 6.6% and 9.5% (OR: 1.48; 95% CI: 1.02-2.17). Adjusting for gender, age, diagnostic period, symptoms and number of polyps the prevalence of proximal advanced ADP was increased among people ≥ 70 years compared to those aged 55-69 years (OR 1.49; 95% CI: 1.032.16). The main predictor of proximal advanced neoplasia was the number of polyps detected per exam (> 1 polyp versus 1 polyp: considering all ADP: OR 2.16; 95% CI: 1.59-2.93; considering advanced ADP OR 1.63; 95% CI: 1.08-2.46). Adjusting for these factors, the difference between the two periods was no longer significant.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>CRC do not proximalize while a trend towards a proximal shift in adenomas was observed among people ≥ 70 years.</p

ISARIC-COVID-19 dataset: A Prospective, Standardized, Global Dataset of Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19

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