Evaluating climate between working excellence and organizational innovation: What comes first?

This research introduces a new concept of organizational climate, seen as a "mediator", namely a factor liable to produce positive eects on both individual performances and on work processes and relations, thereby creating a favorable relationship between work excellence and organizational innovation. Health systems have been called to promote sustainability, as actors who work for the health and well-being of their patients. Starting from these considerations, this work shows the main results of a longitudinal study conducted in the pediatric department of a large hospital in southern Italy, for a period of three years (May 2014-May 2017). The reference survey was very broad because in the first step of the research a general questionnaire was adopted which included various aspects. Subsequently, the analysis of the influence of the "climate" factor was carried out according to a 3-dimensional scheme: structural, interpersonal/relational and individual. The focus was therefore set - especially in the second survey - on those indicators responding to the objective of the research and that were consistent with the epistemological choice made. The main scope was to verify the conditions according to which the organizational climate can emerge as a novel factor capable of siding with and orienting innovative patient-centered policies of human resources management

Differential expression of aquaporin 3 in Triturus italicus from larval to adult epidermal conversion

By using immunohistochemical techniques applied to confocal microscopy, the presence of aquaporin 3 water channel in the epidermis of Triturus italicus (Amphibia, Urodela) has been shown. We analysed the expression of aquaporin 3 (AQP3) during the larval, pre-metamorphic and adult phases; we also showed the localization of the water-channel protein AQP3 in free-swimming conditions and during aestivation in parallel with histological analysis of the skin, focusing on the possible relationship between protein expression and terrestrial habitats. Our results indicate that aquaporin is produced as the epidermis modifies during the functional maturation phase starting at the climax. Moreover, our data suggest an increase in enzyme expression in aestivating newts emphasizing the putative functional importance of differential expression related to a distinct phase of the biological cycle

Smart working as an organisational process or as a social change? An Italian pandemic experience

Purpose: Along the coronavirus pandemic, huge business challenges are facing as a result of collapsing customer demand and organisational significant changes supported by digital development, while the increasing social and environmental needs involve business and individuals. The authors argue that this trend is modifying organisational and market logic, replacing them with values and practices linked to community-based models. The present work aims to study the impact that smart working (SW) has on the worker, seen both as a member of the organisation and the social community. Design/methodology/approach: The study data were collected from a computer-assisted web interview administered in 2020 to public employees working for health agencies across the Campania region, in South Italy. To test the conceptual model, partial least squares-structural equation modelling is used. Considering the abductive soul of the research, the study represents a pilot survey that will deliver stochastic results to be subsequently replicated in all Italian health agencies. Findings: The results of the research highlighted how the evolutionary dynamics of SW employees tend towards a reconceptualisation of workspaces, a redefinition of time and emotions and a better balance between work and personal life, thus creating a greater space for social and community aspects and determining a greater involvement in their working life. Originality/value: This research introduces a new win-win logic in the labour market, one capable of generating advantages for people, organisations and the entire social system by allowing workers to better reconcile working times with their personal needs and with flexibility demands coming from companies

Beetles "in red": are the endangered flat bark beetles Cucujus cinnaberinus and C. haematodes chemically protected? (Coleoptera: Cucujidae)

Two native species of the genus Cucujus show a wide geographic distribution in Europe, Cucujus cinnaberinus (Scopoli, 1763) and C. haematodes Erichson, 1845. Although data on the distribution and ecology of these rare and endangered species are increasing, there are few reports on their biology and behaviour, and some aspects of their feeding ecology remain problematic. Our aim was to study, for the first time, the cuticular chemical profiles of these two beetles to (i) investigate the presence of chemicals potentially involved in defence by pathogens and (ii) lay the foundation for understanding the role of their bright red colour. The analysis of the cuticular profile was performed in-vivo by solid phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. In the cuticular profiles of the two species we identified 24 compounds belonging to different classes of molecules, i.e. hydrocarbons, aldehydes, esters, n-alkyl morpholines, and a high number of organic acids. Qualitative differences in terms of both signal intensity and detected compounds were found between the two species. As reported in other insects, the remarkable array of avoidance substances suggests a strict relationship with the bright red colour of the adults, which probably acts as an aposematic or warning signal. European Cucujus species are probably well protected against enemies because some identified chemicals, particularly fatty acids, are related to an anti-predatory strategy to fight off predators that use their sense of smell to locate their prey. Other substances found on the cuticular layer of these beetles are probably involved in an antimicrobial and antifungal function, as demonstrated in other insects living in habitats that host many pathogens

CHANGE IN FOOTSTRIKE POSITION IS RELATED TO ALTERATIONS IN RUNNING ECONOMY IN TRIATHLETES

Biomechanical factors are likely related to the impairment in running economy frequently observed in triathletes when running after cycling (Millet et al., 2000). Cycling has been shown to interfere with muscle recruitment during subsequent running in some highly-trained triathletes (Chapman et al., 2008), but the implications of this on run performance are unknown. Links between muscle recruitment and running economy have been established during isolated running (Paavolainen et al., 1999), which compel the proposition that any change in muscle recruitment following cycling might be associated with running economy. Stride frequency, stride length and hip and knee angles have been reported to be unchanged after cycling (Quigley & Richards, 1996; Hue et al., 1997), however, muscle recruitment and limb movement have not been simultaneously measured in previous studies that have investigated the relationship between biomechanical factors and running economy after cycling. The purpose of the current investigation was to evaluate changes in neuromuscular control (muscle and movement control) during running after a 45 min high-intensity cycle and their relationships to alterations in running economy

Chlamydia pneumoniae antibodies and angiographically demonstrated coronary artery disease in a sample population from Italy

Recent reports suggest an association between Chlamydia pneumoniae and chronic coronary heart disease. This case-control study investigates the relationship between the presence of immunoglobin G (IgG) and immunoglobin A (IgA) when measured by means of microimmunofluorescence (MIF) and angiographically diagnosed coronary disease. Cases (n = 150) were angiography patients with at least one coronary artery lesion occupying at least 50% of the luminal diameter. Controls (n = 49) were angiography patients with no detectable signs of coronary artery disease and patients (n = 56) without signs or symptoms of coronary disease and with normal ECG results. No significant differences were revealed between the seroprevalence of IgG and IaA and geometric mean titers (GMT) as measured in cases and controls. When cases were compared with controls whose angiographic results were normal, after adjusting for established risk factors (cholesterol, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, age, gender and family history), the estimated risk of coronary artery disease was 0.79 (95% confidence interval (C.I.), 0.31-1.99) for the presence of IgG and was 0.94 (95 C.I., 0.37-2.39) for IgA. When cases were compared with controls with normal ECG results, the adjusted odds ratio (O.R.) for coronary artery disease was 1.17 (95%, C.I., 0.52-2.62) for the presence of IgG and 0.82 195% C.I., 0.36-1.86) for the presence of IgA. These results do not support an association between C. pneumoniae infection and coronary disease

THE INFLUENCE OF SPEED ON PATELLOFEMORAL JOINT KINETICS IN RECREATIONAL RUNNERS

This study aimed to determine the influence of running speed on patellofemoral joint (PFJ) kinetics. Twenty recreational runners ran on an instrumented treadmill at four running speeds with simultaneous 3D motion capture. A musculoskeletal model derived peak and cumulative (per 1km of continuous running) PFJ force and stress for each speed. Peak PFJ force and stress significantly increased with faster speeds. In contrast, cumulative PFJ measures decreased with faster speeds. Running at faster speeds increases the magnitude of peak PFJ kinetics but conversely results in less accumulated force over a set distance. Clinicians and coaches should be aware of the relatively high PFJ cumulative force and stress associated with slow running (~2.5 m/s) and consider moderate-speed interval running as part of overuse knee injury prevention and management plans

SHORT-TERM PLYOMETRIC TRAINING IMPROVES ALTERED NEUROMOTOR CONTROL DURING RUNNING AFTER CYCLING IN TRIATHLETES

Cycling has a direct negative effect on some highly-trained triathletes’ ability to execute optimal neuromotor strategies specific to running (Chapman et al., 2008). The presence of altered neuromotor control when running off-the-bike has been associated with exercise-related leg pain (Chapman et al., 2010). Accordingly, identification of training interventions that could minimise this interference may aid in prevention of injury and augmentation of performance during running following cycling. Plyometric training is a specific form of strength training that has been reported to improve running economy by enhancing neuromuscular function (Paavolainen et al., 1999). The primary aim of this study was to examine the effect of plyometric training on triathletes neuromotor control and running economy in those in which neuromotor control is aberrant during running after cycling

Biodiversità dei Coleotteri Carabidi (Coleoptera: Carabidae) nell’agroecosistema oliveto in Calabria

CARABID BEETLES (COLEOPTERA CARABIDAE) IN OLIVE GROWING OF THE CALABRIA, ITALY In this work are analyzed the Carabid fauna found by means of pitfall traps in olive grove of the province of Cosenza (Calabria, Italy) different in the type of agronomical conduction. A total of 14.940 individual adult carabids, belonging to 71 species were collected from four localities. The most abundant species were Calathus fuscipes (DAa max 31.92, min 0.46; DO 38,9 %), Pterostichus melas (DAa max 9,89, min 0,08; DO 27,5 %), and Pseudoophonus rufipes (DAa max 3,89, min 0,2; DO 9,09 %). Key words: diversity, biondicator, olive grove, fauna, Southern Italy. Questa ricerca, è un contributo alla conoscenza dei Coleotteri Carabidi che popolano l’agroecosistema oliveto. I campionamenti sono stati eseguiti in oliveti rappresentativi della provincia di Cosenza, mediante l’utilizzo di trappole a caduta. Sono stati catturati 14.940 Carabidi, appartenenti a 71 specie, tra le quali Asaphidion flavipes, Calathus circumseptus, Parophonus hirsutulus, Parophonus planicollis e Syntomus foveatus risultano segnalate per la prima volta in Calabria. La Carabidofauna investigata è una componente abbondante ed eterogenea, ricca di specie opportuniste ad ampia valenza ecologica. Parole chiave: biodiversità, oliveti, coleotteri carabidi, sud Italia