New product introduction and product tenure: What effects on firm growth?

This study contributes to the recent empirical literature on the innovation-firm performance relationship by investigating the effect of product introduction on firm growth in a sample of Italian firms from 2000 to 2006. We adopted a novel approach that exploits the interpretative content of the tenure of the last product introduced (i.e., the number of years since its first introduction) as an additional variable into the explanatory scheme of firm sales growth rate. This variable aims to capture peculiar characteristics of new goods, such as their novelty and complexity. The estimated results confirmed the relevance of this model specification and helps in understanding the reason why previous studies have failed to find a statistically robust relationship between product innovation and growth. Moreover, we found the following: first, the release of a new product enhances growth opportunity among multiproduct firms; second, product development promotes the growth of firms belonging to sectors with stronger commitment to research and development; and third, new product development enhances firm growth substantially in those sectors that absorb externally originated patents.     

Microtextural and microchemical studies of hydraulic ancient mortars: Two analytical approaches to understand pre-industrial technology processes

Two different analytical approaches have been taken into account to investigate the role of Si-rich phases in enhance hydraulic reactions of bedding mortar mixtures from San Lorenzo Church in Milan (Northern Italy) and from the Medicean Aqueduct in Pisa (Central Italy). In the first case, mortars show clear hydraulic type reactions in the form of coronal layers between the reacting additive and the binder mass. In the second one, the hydraulic reactions do not develop visible mineral phases and processes have been inferred from chemical, mineralogical analyses and mass balance calculation. The microstructural studies not always are sufficient to understand the complex dynamics of reaction attained during pre-industrial manufacturing processing of mortars and related binders. In fact, if the reacting raw materials are fine-grained and/or have remarkable chemical reactivity, no relicts are preserved by mortar microtextures.     

Push-off forces in elite short-track speed skating

This study performed an analysis of the push-off forces of elite-short-track speed skaters using a new designed instrumented short-track speed skate with the aim to improve short-track skating performance. Four different skating strokes were distinguished for short-track speed skaters at speed. The strokes differed in stroke time, force level in both normal and lateral directions, and the centre of pressure (COP) on the blade. Within the homogeneous group of male elite speed skaters (N = 6), diversity of execution of the force patterns in the four phases of skating was evident, while skating at the same velocities. The male participants (N = 6) with a better personal record (PR) kept the COP more to the rear of their blades while hanging into the curve (r = 0.82, p < 0.05), leaving the curve (r = 0.86, p < 0.05), and entering the straight (r = 0.76, p < 0.10). Furthermore, the male skaters with a better PR showed a trend of a lower lateral peak force while entering the curve (r = 0.74, p < 0.10). Females showed a trend towards applying higher body weight normalised lateral forces than the males, while skating at imposed lower velocities.     

Mechanical and EMG responses of the vastus lateralis and changes in biochemical variables to isokinetic exercise in endurance and power athletes

Twelve endurance athletes and six power athletes performed fatiguing isokinetic knee flexions/extensions. Isokinetic torque was recorded during the exercise. Isometric torque, cortisol and lactate responses, electromyographic (EMG) mean power frequency, average rectified value, and conduction velocity were analysed before and after the isokinetic exercise to determine correlations between electrophysiological variables and mechanical performances and/or blood concentrations of biomarkers in the two groups of athletes. The EMG variables were estimated from signals recorded from the vastus lateralis in both voluntary and electrically elicited isometric contractions. Power athletes recorded higher values than endurance athletes for the following variables: pre-exercise isometric maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), isokinetic MVC, rate of mechanical fatigue during isokinetic contractions, pre - post exercise variations and recovery times of conduction velocity and mean power frequency, and lactate concentrations. Moreover, conduction velocity overshooting was observed in endurance athletes during the recovery phase after exercise. The correlation analyses showed that the higher the rate of mechanical fatigue, the higher the lactate production and the reduction in conduction velocity due to the exercise.     

Energy balance and dietary habits of America's Cup sailors

This research, which was conducted with crew members of an America's Cup team, had the following objectives: (a) to assess energy expenditure and intake during training; (b) to evaluate the sailors' diet, and (c) to identify any dietary flaws to determine the appropriate intake of nutrients, correct possible dietary mistakes, and improve their food habits. Energy expenditure was estimated on 15 sailors using direct measurements (oxygen consumption) and a 3-day activity questionnaire. Oxygen consumption was measured on sailors during both on-water America's Cup sailing training and dry-land fitness training. Composition of the diet was estimated using a 3-day food record. Average daily energy expenditure of the sailors ranged from 14.95 to 24.4 MJ, depending on body mass and boat role, with the highest values found in grinders and mastmen. Daily energy intake ranged from 15.7 to 23.3 MJ (from +6% to -18% of energy expenditure). The contributions of carbohydrate, protein, and fat to total energy intake were 43%, 18%, and 39% respectively, values that are not in accord with the recommended guidelines for athletes. Our results show the importance of assessing energy balance and food habits for America's Cup sailors performing different roles. The practical outcome of this study was that the sailors were given dietary advice and prescribed a Mediterranean diet, explained in specific nutrition lectures.     

Physiological characteristics of America's Cup sailors

The aim of this study was to assess the physiological profile of America's Cup grinders and mastmen, by measuring energy expenditure during sailing and assessing their aerobic and anaerobic fitness. The study focused on estimating the energy used during grinding activity, by measuring oxygen uptake (VO(2)) during sail setting in real sailing conditions. In the laboratory, using an arm-cranking ergometer, we measured VO(2peak) during an incremental maximal exercise test and total energy expended during the effort and recovery phases of an all-out test that simulated grinding activity, in six grinders and mastmen and ten sailors of the same crew. Total energy used during grinding corresponded to 45% (s = 9) and 51% (s = 5) of that used in the all-out test (234 kJ, s = 21.7) for tacks and gybes, respectively. In both grinding activity and the all-out test, VO(2) increased during and after the effort. The "VO(2) top value" was 53% (s = 8.6), 68% (s = 5.5), and 78% (s = 3.1) of VO(2peak) (4.7 l . min(-1), s = 0.43) in tacks, gybes, and the all-out test, respectively. During fast sequences of grinding activity, the "VO(2) top value" reached 65% (s = 7.1) VO(2peak) in tacks and 91% (s = 3.3) VO(2peak) in gybes. Our results suggest that grinders and mastmen are characterized by a high anaerobic capacity but their performance can be improved by powering aerobic fitness, to increase this energy contribution to all-out efforts and to guarantee fast recovery when grinding activity is repeated with short rest intervals.