Systemic circular economy solutions for fiber reinforced composites

This open access book provides an overview of the work undertaken within the FiberEUse project, which developed solutions enhancing the profitability of composite recycling and reuse in value-added products, with a cross-sectorial approach. Glass and carbon fiber reinforced polymers, or composites, are increasingly used as structural materials in many manufacturing sectors like transport, constructions and energy due to their better lightweight and corrosion resistance compared to metals. However, composite recycling is still a challenge since no significant added value in the recycling and reprocessing of composites is demonstrated. FiberEUse developed innovative solutions and business models towards sustainable Circular Economy solutions for post-use composite-made products. Three strategies are presented, namely mechanical recycling of short fibers, thermal recycling of long fibers and modular car parts design for sustainable disassembly and remanufacturing. The validation of the FiberEUse approach within eight industrial demonstrators shows the potentials towards new Circular Economy value-chains for composite materials

Process study of the formation of biodegradable polymer microspheres for tissue engineering

A series of polymer microspheres was prepared via solvent evaporation by dispersing dichloromethane solutions of polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) in water. The dimensions of the final dry particles were measured by laser diffraction and correlated to the main fluid-dynamic parameters of the dispersion process, namely viscosity ratio, volume fraction of dispersed phase, intensity of stirring, and Weber number (We). Data analysis indicated that the system under study can be quantitatively well described by empirical models present in the literature and concerning the dispersion of liquid-liquid immiscible systems. The PLGA microspheres obtained in this way may be employed for fabrication of biodegradable scaffolds for tissue engineering

The determinants of university strategic positioning: A reappraisal of the organizational dimension

This paper makes a contribution to the debate on university organisational actorhood by theorising the determinants of institutional strategic positioning. It argues that besides environmental forces and managerial rationality, the organisational dimension needs to be accounted for. Addressing the mixed empirical evidence in the relevant literature, we conceptualise the organisational dimension as a meso-level intervening variable mediating both external influences (outside-inside) and organisational action (inside-outside). We operationalize the organizational dimension along three components: organizational structure, identity, and centrality, which are further elaborated in sub-components and indicators. A set of hypotheses to be tested in empirical research is provided. The paper offers new perspectives on the dynamics of change in higher education and on strategic agency of organizational actors

The role of the organisational dimension in university positioning: a case-study approach

This paper argues that university strategic positioning is influenced by the organisational dimension, operationalised along the variables of organisational structure, identity and centrality. A comparative case study is presented including two English and two Italian universities and drawing on a set of sixty interviews with academic leaders, managers and administrators. The analysis of the trajectory of the four universities from 2004 to 2018 illustrates the articulation of the link between the three organisational variables and positioning and how this has changed over time. Finally, the paper outlines six propositions on the expected impact of the organisational structure, identity and centrality on positioning processes of universities

The determinants of university strategic positioning: a reappraisal of the organisation

This paper makes a contribution to the debate on university organisational actorhood by theorising the determinants of institutional strategic positioning. It argues that besides environmental forces and managerial rationality, the organisational dimension needs to be accounted for. Addressing the mixed empirical evidence in the relevant literature, we conceptualise the organisational dimension as a meso-level intervening variable mediating both external influences (outside-inside) and organisational action (inside-outside). We operationalise the organisational dimension along three components: organisational structure, identity and centrality, which are further elaborated in sub-components and indicators. A set of hypotheses to be tested in empirical research is provided. The paper offers new perspectives on the dynamics of change in higher education and on strategic agency of organisational actors

Molecular Biomarkers in Sinonasal Cancers: New Frontiers in Diagnosis and Treatment

Purpose of Review: Sinonasal tumors are rare and heterogeneous diseases which pose challenges in diagnosis and treatment. Despite significant progress made in surgical, oncological, and radiotherapy fields, their prognosis still remains poor. Therefore, alternative strategies should be studied in order to refine diagnosis and improve patient care. Recent Findings: In recent years, in-depth molecular studies have identified new biological markers, such as genetic abnormalities and epigenetic variations, which have allowed to refine diagnosis and predict prognosis. As a consequence, new histological entities have been described and specific subgroup stratifications within the well-known histotypes have been made possible. These discoveries have expanded indications for immunotherapy and targeted therapies in order to reduce tumor spread, thus representing a valuable implementation of standard treatments. Summary: Recent findings in molecular biology have paved the way for better understanding and managing such rare and aggressive tumors. Although further efforts need to be made in this direction, expectations are promising

Is merit pay changing ethos in public administration?

This article aims to explore the changes in the organizational culture of public administrations following the implementation of performance-related pay\u2014 PRP systems. The work explores the switch to an explicit remuneration system through the implementation of incentives and focuses on the effects, positive or negative, this has had on the ethos of public administrations. Data from a survey carried out among private and public employees in a specific area of Southern Italy are used to analyze how the shift from an implicit to an explicit remuneration system has impacted the public servants\u2019 ethos. Due to the application of PRP, public servants are now expected to be compensated based on their performance. The ineffective management of incentives in public administrations affects the intrinsic motivation of public employees and may lead to moral disengagement. While the previous literature has focused on the practical challenges and limitations of PRP, less has been written about how PRP has changed the culture of public administrations. This article shows how PRP can change the traditional ethos ofpublic administrations\u2019 services based on the Weberian model of bureaucracy, replacing the latter with a new on

Il percorso della valutazione e controllo nei ministeri italiani

The set of laws named after the minister Brunetta has modified control systems in Italian public administrations by paying particular attention to the question of performance. In addition to important innovations there are, however, continuities with the existing evaluation framework which had previously undergone several improvements. Making reference to Italian Ministries, this paper reconstructs the multifaceted and complex development of evaluation from 1993 on and examines the determinants of the effectiveness of evaluation and control systems. The analysis concludes that the factors that were an impediment to the development of evaluation in public administrations in the past do not appear to find a solution in the new legislatio