University of Bari Aldo Moro
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Firm-level bargaining and within-firm wage inequality: Evidence across Europe
No full textStarting from the 1990s the collective bargaining process in European economies has gradually shifted from centralised bargaining to firm-level agreements. This transition allows firms to change their internal wage structure responding to local conditions, with potentially contrasting effects on within-firm inequality. This paper examines the empirical association between firm-level bargaining and within-firm wage inequality, particularly the distance between wages of highly-paid and low-paid employees. We exploit employer-employee data from the European Structure of Earnings Survey spanning the period 2006-2018 for six European economies – Belgium, Spain, Germany, France, the Czech Republic and the UK – allowing to test for heterogeneity of main effects across different collective bargaining traditions and over time. The findings document ample heterogeneities in the estimated effect of firm-level bargaining, across countries and over time. At the same time, such heterogeneities do not map neatly into country-specific features of national bargaining systems or into broad classifications of countries based on prevailing bargaining levels
Darts fast-learning reduces theta power but is not affected by Hf-tRNS: A behavioral and electrophysiological investigation
No full textSports trainers have recently shown increasing interest in innovative methods, including transcranial electric stimulation, to enhance motor performance and boost the acquisition of new skills during training. However, studies on the effectiveness of these tools on fast visuomotor learning and brain activity are still limited. In this randomized single-blind, sham-controlled, between-subjects study, we investigated whether a single training session, either coupled or not with 2 mA online high-frequency transcranial random noise stimulation (hf-tRNS) over the bilateral primary motor cortex (M1), would affect dart-throwing performance (i.e., radial error, arm range of motion, and movement variability) in 37 healthy volunteers. In addition, potential neurophysiological correlates were monitored before and after the training through a 32-electrode portable electroencephalogram (EEG). Results revealed that a single training session improved radial error and arm range of motion during the dart-throwing task, but not movement variability. Furthermore, after the training, resting state-EEG data showed a decrease in theta power. Radial error, arm movement, and EEG were not further modulated by hf-tRNS. This indicates that a single training session, regardless of hf-tRNS administration, improves dart-throwing precision and movement accuracy. However, it does not improve movement variability, which might require multiple training sessions (expertise resulting in slow learning). Theta power decrease could describe a more efficient use of cognitive resources (i.e., attention and visuomotor skills) due to the fast dart-throwing learning. Further research could explore different sports by applying longer stimulation protocols and evaluating other EEG variables to enhance our understanding of the lasting impacts of multi-session hf-tRNS on the sensorimotor cortex within the framework of slow learning and training assistance
Le jeu de la transmission. Langue, santé, intégration
No full textCette contribution s’insère dans le cadre d’un projet de recherche interdisciplinaire de l’Université de Bari Aldo Moro en Italie, dont l’objectif est la création d’un modèle innovant et réplicable d’échange : le jeu sérieux (serious game/pervasive game). Les apports et le potentiel de ces jeux peuvent être fondamentaux dans une optique transversale touchant à plusieurs domaines. L’équipe de recherche, formée entre autres de linguistes, informaticiens, médecins, est en train de mettre au point un instrument plurilingue, ludique et didactique au service des migrants, à même de conjuguer l’apprentissage linguistique et la transmission de prestations socio-sanitaires. Se situant à la croisée entre transmission, intégration, éducation et bien-être, cette communication se concentrera en premier lieu sur les enjeux et les divers niveaux de difficultés qui sont à prendre en compte quand on envisage un projet de ce genre (choix des scénarios, aspects culturels, gestion des stéréotypes, définition des archétypes éducatifs etc.). On illustrera ainsi les bénéfices d’une formation expérientielle favorisée par la portée innovative de ces instruments et par ses retombées positives dans plusieurs secteurs. En conclusion, on présentera les résultats de ce projet, en donnant la possibilité de tester un prototype qui ouvrira un regard prospectif sur les défis de la transmission
Non-conventional yeast-based platform to obtain value-added bioproducts
No full textYarrowia lipolytica è un lievito oleaginoso e non convenzionale con un significativo potenziale come fabbrica microbica biotecnologicamente rilevante. È versatile ed efficiente nell'utilizzare vari substrati, dai carboidrati come glucosio e glicerolo ai substrati idrofobici come acidi grassi, oli e acidi grassi volatili a catena corta. Questo lievito produce naturalmente una vasta gamma di prodotti, tra cui acidi organici, zuccheri, lipidi ed enzimi, rendendolo un ospite adatto per la produzione eterologa grazie agli strumenti molecolari recenti per la manipolazione genetica. Il primo capitolo esplora l'uso degli oli di cottura esausti (WCO) come materia prima per la produzione di oli cellulari (SCO) e lipasi usando il ceppo selvatico di Y. lipolytica. Lo studio dimostra la capacità del lievito di utilizzare alte concentrazioni di WCO per produrre lipidi intracellulari e lipasi extracellulari, con l'attività delle lipasi valutata mediante metodi spettrofotometrici e l'analisi dei lipidi intracellulari effettuata con citometria a flusso. Sono stati testati diversi mezzi minimali e condizioni di pH, rivelando una correlazione tra la riduzione degli acidi grassi liberi nel mezzo di coltura e l'aumento di SCO e dell'attività delle lipasi.
Il secondo capitolo si concentra sulla produzione di acido isocitrico (ICA) attraverso strategie di ingegneria genetica e miglioramento dei bioprocessi. Le modifiche genetiche hanno comportato la cancellazione del trasportatore mitocondriale del citrato Ylyhm2 e la sovraespressione dei geni YlSfc1 e Cex1, incrementando significativamente la produzione di ICA. La sovraespressione di YlOAC1, che codifica per il trasportatore mitocondriale dell'ossalacetato, ha migliorato il flusso di carbonio verso il ciclo dell'acido tricarbossilico, aumentando ulteriormente l'efficienza della produzione di ICA. Il processo ottimizzato ha raggiunto una produzione record di ICA di 152,7 g/L con una selettività del 92%. Il terzo capitolo esamina la produzione di acido itaconico (IA) utilizzando le vie biosintetiche di Aspergillus terreus e Ustilago maydis in Y. lipolytica, combinata con la cancellazione dei geni Ylyhm2 e Cex1, ottenendo una produzione elevata di IA su glucosio (55,08 g/L) e glicerolo (37,71 g/L), enfatizzando l'importanza della regolazione dei flussi metabolici e dell'uso di condizioni di coltivazione semplici. Il quarto capitolo si concentra sulla conversione dell'acetato in acido itaconico (IA) utilizzando un ceppo geneticamente ingegnerizzato di Y. lipolytica. L'ottimizzazione della supplementazione di amminoacidi, dei livelli di pH e delle dimensioni dell'inoculo ha migliorato la produzione di IA. Il processo di scala in un bioreattore da 5 litri utilizzando una strategia batch e fed-batch ha dimostrato la fattibilità, raggiungendo una produzione finale di IA di 3,0 g/L e 13,7 g/L di biomassa. Nonostante rese inferiori rispetto agli studi batterici precedenti, Y. lipolytica mostra promesse per la produzione di IA da acetato. Questi studi evidenziano la robustezza e la versatilità di Y. lipolytica come fabbrica microbica per la produzione sostenibile di composti ad alto valore come ICA e IA, enfatizzando l'importanza dell'ingegneria genetica e dei bioprocessi ottimizzati per applicazioni industriali.Yarrowia lipolytica is an oleaginous, unconventional yeast with significant potential as a biotechnologically relevant microbial factory. It is versatile and efficient in utilizing various substrates, from carbohydrates like glucose and glycerol to hydrophobic substrates such as fatty acids, oils, and volatile short-chain fatty acids. This yeast naturally produces a wide range of products, including organic acids, sugars, lipids, and enzymes, making it a suitable host for heterologous production through recent molecular tools for genetic manipulation. The first chapter explores the use of Waste Cooking Oils (WCOs) as a feedstock for producing Single Cell Oils (SCOs) and lipases using wild-type Y. lipolytica. The study demonstrates the yeast ability to utilize high concentrations of WCOs to produce intracellular lipids and extracellular lipases, with lipase activity assessed by spectrophotometric methods and intracellular lipids analysed using flow cytometry. Various minimal media and pH conditions were tested, revealing a correlation between reduced free fatty acids in the culture medium and increased SCO and lipase activity. The second chapter focuses on producing isocitric acid (ICA) through genetic engineering and bioprocess improvement strategies. Genetic modifications involved deleting the citrate mitochondrial carrier Ylyhm2 and overexpressing the citrate mitochondrial carrier YlSfc1 and the citrate membrane export Cex1 genes, significantly increasing ICA production. Overexpression of YlOAC1, encoding for oxaloacetate mitochondrial carrier, improved carbon flux towards the tricarboxylic acid cycle, further enhancing ICA production efficiency. The optimized process achieved a record ICA production of 152.7 g/L with a selectivity of 92%. The third chapter examines itaconic acid (IA) production using biosynthetic pathways from Aspergillus terreus and Ustilago maydis in Y. lipolytica, combined with deletion of Ylyhm2 and Cex1 genes, resulting in high IA production on glucose (55.08 g/L) and glycerol (37.71 g/L), emphasizing the importance of regulating metabolite fluxes and using simple cultivation conditions. The fourth chapter focuses on converting acetate into itaconic acid (IA) using genetically engineered Y. lipolytica. Optimizing amino acid supplementation, pH levels, and inoculum size enhanced IA production. The scale-up process in a 5-L bioreactor using a batch and fed-batch strategy demonstrated feasibility, achieving a final IA titre of 3.0 g/L and 13.7 g/L of biomass. Despite lower yields compared to bacterial studies, Y. lipolytica shows promise for IA production from acetate
Balancing Objectivity and Subjectivity in Agricultural Funding: The Case of AKIS Measures
No full textThe agri-food system is faced with numerous challenges of sustainability, calling for the improved evaluation of rural development projects. However, a gap exists in the comprehension of the application of both objective and subjective indicators in project selection criteria among regions. This study aims to bridge this gap by exploring, in detail, the nature and utilization of objective and subjective indicators in the Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS) environment in Italy. The approach entails the analysis of documents, with a focus on data relating to the AKIS initiative across regions. The comparative approach is also used to establish the priority that regions assign to indicators. The results include the use of both objective indicators, such as the number of sectors covered, and subjective ones, such as innovation and responsiveness to local needs. Besides, the comparative approach emphasizes the complexity of the AKIS initiative, with some domains tending toward objective indicators, while others tend toward subjective indicators. The study contributes to the development of a composite framework for evaluating rural development projects and emphasizes the need for further research to develop evaluation methodologies further, so that future frameworks will be standardized as well as sensitive to regional heterogeneity
Lift It Up Right: A Recommender System for Safer Lifting Postures
No full textWork-related musculoskeletal disorders, often caused by poor lifting posture and unsafe manual handling, continue to pose a significant threat to worker health and safety. This paper presents a health recommender system designed to prevent injury by assessing and correcting posture for lifting techniques. Leveraging monocular video input, our method estimates key ergonomic parameters to compute the Lifting Index based on the Revised NIOSH Lifting Equation. When the computed Lifting Index exceeds a predefined safety threshold, the system automatically generates graphical and textual recommendations to guide the worker towards safer postural strategies. This safety-aware recommender system provides interpretable and actionable feedback without requiring wearable sensors or multi-camera setups, making it suitable for deployment in real-world workplace environments. By integrating ergonomics with recommender system design, we contribute to a new class of context-aware, safety-oriented recommendation technologies tailored for occupational health
Poteri privati digitali tra distorsioni del mercato e limiti costituzionali
No full textLa tesi mira a dimostrare come le piattaforme digitali siano diventate dei poteri privati capaci di contrastare il potere pubblico grazie alle posizioni di mercato assunte attraverso Big data e strumenti di IA. Vengono a tal fine analizzate le diverse distorsioni nel mercato e al di fuori di esso causate dalle Big Tech prima di approfondire nel dettaglio la regolazione dell'Unione Europea in materia individuandone punti a favore e limiti. Infine si analizzano gli elementi in crisi dello Stato moderno a causa del mercato digitale e le diverse soluzioni fornite dalla dottrina giuspubblicistica, fornendo una chiave di sintesi per rimodulare il rapporto di potere tra gli attori privati e le istituzioni democratiche.This thesis aims to show how digital platforms have become private powers capable of counteracting public power thanks to the market positions they have assumed through Big Data and AI tools. To this end, the various distortions in the market and outside of it caused by Big Tech are analysed before going into detail on the European Union's regulation on the subject, identifying its points in favour and limits. Finally, the elements in crisis of the modern state due to the digital market and the different solutions provided by the legal-publicist doctrine are analysed, providing a key to reshaping the power relationship between private actors and democratic institutions
Emanuele Ciaceri e le origini di Roma
No full textDescrizione e storia del volume di Emanuele Ciaceri, Le origini di Roma. La monarchia e la prima fase dell’età repubblicana dal sec. VIII alla metà del sec. V a.C. (Milano-Genova-Roma-Napoli, Società anonima editrice Dante Alighieri, 1937), proveniente dalla biblioteca di Nicola Festa (1866-1940
The new face of the northernmost coral reefs of the Maldives revisited after 13 years
No full textCoral reef ecosystems in Ihavandhippolhu Atoll, the northernmost atoll of the Maldives, have undergone significant changes following the 1998, 2010, and 2016 bleaching events. This study evaluates the recovery after 13 years following repeated bleaching events and the shift in coral reef composition in this remote and scantly explored region of the Indian Ocean. Data collected in January 2024 from ten strategic sites within the atoll reveal substantial shifts in benthic composition compared to earlier surveys from 2011. We observed a significant increase in overall hard coral cover, with resilient taxa—such as massive and encrusting corals—becoming dominant after bleaching events. In contrast, more sensitive genera like branching and tabular Acropora have declined sharply, indicating a shift in the benthic community composition toward more resistant coral taxa. The substantial recovery of hard coral cover over time suggests the resilience of the coral ecosystem in this remote atoll, although the recovery process is still ongoing, as shown by the incomplete restoration of original diversity and colony growth forms. A standardized and periodic monitoring plan in Ihavandhippolhu Atoll will be needed to track the ongoing changes in reef community composition under conditions of minimal human influence
Circulating exosomes with unique lipid signature in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis
No full textExosomes are small, membrane-bound vesicles secreted by most cell types into the extracellular environment. They play a crucial role in intercellular communication by transporting bioactive molecules, including proteins, lipids, and RNAs, thereby influencing the phenotype and potentially the genotype in recipient cells. In recent years, exosomes have gained increasing attention in the study of pathophysiological conditions and numerous diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune disorder with myelin sheath and neuroaxonal damage in the central nervous system. In this study, we isolated and purified serum-derived exosomes from patients with relapsing remitting MS (RR-MS) and characterized their lipid profiles using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight/mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/MS). Lipid analysis was performed in both negative and positive ion modes on intact exosomes, bypassing lipid extraction steps and significantly reducing sample-processing time. The lipid profiles of RR-MS exosomes were compared to those of exosomes isolated from the serum of healthy subjects (HS), and statistical analysis was applied to mass spectra to identify potential lipid biomarkers. The specific phospholipid marker of exosomal membranes, bis(monoacylglycero)phosphate (BMP), was clearly detected in both MALDI lipid profiles, with no significant differences in its content between the two sample groups. However, RR-MS exosomes exhibited significantly lower levels of phosphatidic acid (PA) compared to HS exosomes, despite PA being a key structural component of extracellular vesicles. Notably, comparative analysis revealed an enrichment of several lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) species in RR-MS exosome membranes, aligning with their known proinflammatory role in MS pathology. Our most significant finding was a markedly lower phosphatidylcholine (PC) to LPC ratio in the pathological group indicating potential alterations in membrane lipid homeostasis. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to report a distinct lipid signature in serum-derived exosomes from RR-MS patients using direct MALDI-TOF/MS analysis