Search

Purpose To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is a first attempt to deal with the phenomenon of new venture failure from the business network perspective of the Industrial Marketing and Purchasing (IMP) Group. In particular, this study aims to explore the post-failure phase of a new venture to investigate what happens to the new venture’s resources and relationships in the aftermath of its failure and the role of the entrepreneur in this process. Design/methodology/approach The paper builds on an explorative multiple case study of two failed new ventures, unfolding the failure and post-failure phase: evidence from both cases is confronted and discussed. Findings This study shows that the post-failure is a complex phase of recombination of activities and residual resources that may lead to new business opportunities. It is discussed that residual resources influence the direction and extent of post-failure activities in terms of restrictions as well as opportunities to restart new projects or ventures. It is also shown how the entrepreneur deals with the “business remains”. Originality/value While much attention has been devoted to new ventures’ failure, the paper focuses on the post-failure phase, an almost neglected topic in industrial marketing research. This study sheds some new light upon the journey through which entrepreneurs come to develop the set of resources, activities and relationships that are not only key to the establishment of the venture but also relevant in the complex and intricate trajectories of post-failure.

The artistic activity of Tadeusz Kuntze, nicknamed ‘Taddeo Polacco’ (Zielona Góra 1727 – Rome1793) has not as yet been properly evaluated, despite him having been one of the most prolific painters active in Rome from the mid-1760s to the 1780s. An attempt at placing Kuntze’s creative accomplishments in a broader context of artistic interconnections and influences has been made. Among the latter, it is Kuntze’s bonds with the Spanish colony in Rome that are of special importance, particularly the impact of his art on the formation of young Francisco Goya. A separate, however not less important issue is the influence of the Polish artist on the Madrazo family of painters whose members played a key role in 19th-century Spanish art.

We report a non-invasive and multi-analytical physico-chemical method for the characterization of paper artworks, able to identify sizing, inks, and glues and to quantify oxidative degradation by-products. The proposed methodology is mostly carried out in situ by using easy-to-use and cheap portable instrumentation for the acquisition of multispectral images, punctual ultraviolet-visible-near infrared fiber-optics reflectance spectroscopy (FORS) and punctual fiber optics fluorescence spectroscopy. Further analytical information is provided by non-invasive in-situ sampling of paper surface by using soft latex sponges, making possible laboratory chromatographic and infrared spectroscopic analyses on the aqueous sponge extracts. The proposed diagnostics method was applied to two 17th century letters written by St Francis of Sales (1567-1622), collected at the Chigi Palace in the town of Ariccia (Italy). Results show an intense oxidative degradation of the letters, also localized in water spots, and the presence of carboxylic acids by-products. Analysis of FORS spectra provided the concentration of chromophores in the paper substrate. The diagnostic method allowed the identification of gelatin sizing, the presence of starch glue in specific areas of the letters and the type of ink used in the text. Our diagnostic approach aims to offer to conservator-restorer a characterization of a paper artwork, that can be applied to other, for a correct planning of conservation interventions.

Purpose This paper aims to examine the emergence of passion-driven entrepreneurship within the context of small and medium-sized towns (SMSTs). SMSTs are seen as peripheral areas lacking the resources to support autonomous economic development and renewal. The paper explores the relationship between entrepreneurship and the context of SMSTs through the concepts of entrepreneurial passion (EP) and domain passion (DP). Industrial marketing and purchasing approach is adopted as a theoretical foundation to conduct the analysis through the actors–activities–resource framework. Design/methodology/approach This paper adopts a multiple case-study methodology. Two passion-driven entrepreneurial ventures (PDEVs) have been traced from the conception of the initial idea until the new ventures establishment. Findings EP and DP emerge as key resources in transforming the initial idea into a real entrepreneurial venture in resource-scarce settings as SMSTs. Shared passion fosters the involvement of local actors and the propensity to overcome relevant hurdles in the entrepreneurial process. Originality/value This paper contributes to the literature on entrepreneurship through the analysis of the role of PDEVs in SMSTs’ contexts. It highlights the role of “passion for place” as a new dimension of passion in entrepreneurial studies. From a managerial perspective, it emphasizes the role of passion as a key resource for networking and marketing. From a policy perspective, it calls for monitoring and support for training, funding and networking.

Nickel (Ni) dermatitis remains a highly prevalent allergic condition in Italy. There is a continuous need for clinical and epidemiological surveillance to evaluate whether or not European Ni Directive has been effective in contact allergy prevention.To assess the prevalence of Ni dermatitis among patch-tested patients and self-interviewed school students and to analyse Ni release from earlobe jewellery.Results of patch tests performed in 2006-2007, 2015-2016 and 2017-2018 were retrieved. A questionnaire was compiled by 315 secondary school students. Ni release from earring parts was analysed with the EN1811:2015 method.A significant time trend of decreasing Ni positivity from 2006-2007 to 2017-2018 was observed both in the overall population (44.1% in 2006-2007, 33.0% in 2015-2016, 31.6% in 2017-2018, P 0.0001) and in female patients (P 0.0001). Conversely, change was not significant in males (P = 0.16). Decrease was significant for all age groups, except for those aged60 years (P = 0.51). Among 242 students who reported earring use, 130 (54%) reported symptoms at earlobes, mostly associated with jewellery of materials other than gold and silver (59% of those with earlobe symptoms). Ni release exceeded the migration limit in 4/21 (20%) earring parts.A high prevalence of Ni dermatitis and earlobe symptoms were found in Rome. A decreasing time trend was noted, with a significant decline in Ni sensitivity compared to the situation observed right after Ni Directive implementation. This most likely represents the consequence of reduced Ni content in earring parts, although a major care in the use of Ni-containing objects could contribute to explain these findings.

The on-line coupling of asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation (AF4-FFF) to multi-angle light scattering (MALS) and UV diode array (UV-DAD) detectors to simultaneously separate, collect information about the size and quantify the polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) was tested. A mixture of PS-NPs with nominal size of 20±2 nm, 60±4 nm, 100±3 nm and 200±5 nm was prepared by dilution with ultrapure deionized water and gentle mixing. From the AF4- FFF results, the smaller nanoplastics (20 nm) had a dominant peak at short elution time while the larger ones (200 nm) had the dominant peak at high elution time, and nanoplastics at 60 nm and 100 nm eluted in the middle region. From MALS analysis using the 90° scattering angle, the obtained size of the different peaks was consistent with the values provided by the supplier. By UV-DAD detection, concentrations of the nanoplastic populations were measured at the wavelength of 215 nm. The power of AF4-FFF resides in its essential tunability: simply by changing flow rates, a single separation channel can be used to explore complex samples across the size range 20 nm-200 nm, with high resolution between differently sized nanoplastics, and providing the possibility to identify sample components through coupling to on-line detectors.

In the analysis of complex stratigraphical structures like painted artefact, infrared (IR) techniques can provide precious information about elements hidden under superficial layers of the artwork, such as pictorial features and structural defects. This paper presents a novel complementary use of reflectographic and thermographic techniques for the survey of three baroque paintings, preserved at the Chigi Palace in Ariccia (Italy). First, the IR-ITR laser scanner prototype has been used for the preliminary and remote near-IR reflectographic survey of the areas where the canvas was located. The resulting map was then used for planning the thermographic and mid-IR reflectographic studies, focusing the analyses on the most interesting areas of one of the paintings, called “La Primavera”. The combination of the three imaging techniques revealed several details not visible by the naked eye, such as restored lacunas and pentimenti, demonstrating the validity and complementarity of the proposed combined methodologies.

Neurodevelopmental disorders are constantly increasing on a global scale. Some elements like heavy metals are known to be neurotoxic. In this cross-sectional study we assessed the neurobehavioral effect of the exposure to trace elements including lead, mercury, cadmium, manganese, arsenic and selenium and their interactions among 299 schoolchildren residing in the heavily polluted Taranto area in Italy. Whole blood, urine and hair were collected for metal analyses, while the Child Behavior Checklist and the Social Responsiveness Scale, administered to the main teacher and the mothers were considered to identify behavioral problems in children. Blood lead mainly influenced social problems, aggressive behavior, externalizing and total problems. Urinary arsenic showed an impact on anxiety and depression, somatic problems, attention problems and rule breaking behavior. A significant interaction between lead and arsenic was observed, with a synergistic effect of the two metals increasing the risk of attention problems, aggressive behavior, externalizing problems and total problems. Overall, we were able to test that higher blood lead, urinary arsenic concentrations and their interaction increase the risk of neurobehavioral problems. This is in line with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s priority list of hazardous substances where arsenic and lead are ranked as first and second respectively.

Although high or repeated exposure to different forms of Hg can have serious health consequences, the most important toxicity risk for humans is as methylmercury (MeHg) which exposure is mainly through consumption of fish. Generally, more than the 80% of Hg in hair is as MeHg, which is taken up by hair follicles as MeHg-cysteine complexes. In this context, hair samples were collected from 200 children (7 years) living in a coastal site in the North-East (A) of Italy and from 299 children (6-11 years) living in a urban area of South of Italy (B) to determine the levels of MeHg. Considering the neurotoxicity of MeHg, children were subjected to cognitive and neuropsychological tests. The hair values of Hg in the children population groups were comparable with data reported in other international surveys. On the other hand, combining results of the neurological tests with Hg levels, a possible relationship between Hg and an increase of the errors average reported in some neurological tests has been noted. Although the Hg levels were not elevated, a possible neurological influence in children, a population more susceptible than adults, might not be excluded, but the influence on neurological performances of the children could be also due to the family environment (socio economic status, educational level, etc.).

This study sought to develop analytical methods to characterize titanium dioxide (TiO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs), including the particle size distribution and concentration, in cream and spray sunscreens with different sun protection factor (SPF). The Single Particle Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (SP ICP-MS) was used as screening and fast method to determine particles size and number. The Asymmetric Flow-Field Flow Fractionation (AF4-FFF) as a pre-separation technique was on-line coupled to the Multi-Angle Light Scattering (MALS) and ICP-MS to determine particle size distributions and size dependent multi-elemental concentration. Both methods were optimized in sunscreens in terms of recovery, repeatability, limit of detection and linear dynamic range. Results showed that sunscreens contained TiO2 particles with an average size of ≤107 nm and also a minor number of ZnO particles sized ≤98 nm. The higher fraction of particles

The rapid increase in the use of silver (Ag) and gold (Au) nanoparticles (NPs) can be a potential risk to humans. Ag and Au NPs may enter the blood, accumulate in organs and be cleared from the body. It is therefore necessary to develop detection and quantification methods for Ag and Au NPs in human matrices. To this end, the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used as single particle detector (SP-ICP-MS) and coupled on-line with asymmetric flow field flow fractionation (AF4-FFF-ICP-MS), multi-angle scattering (MALS) and UV. Both methods enabled the qualitative and quantitative measurement of mixtures of Ag NPs (20, 60 and 100 nm) and Au NPs (5, 20, 40 and 60 nm) in human urine, blood and serum. Methods were validated by estimating linearity, limit of detection, resolution, repeatability, recovery and stability of Ag and Au NPs measurements in fluids. The SP-ICP-MS showed concentration limits for Ag and Au NPs lower than AF4-FFF-ICP-MS (pg/mL vs. ng/mL, respectively), while AF4-FFF-ICP-MS could detect smaller sized NPs (2-5 nm vs. 7-14 nm for SP-ICP-MS) with good resolution between monodispersed NPs fractions. In addition, MALS detector was more promising respect to higher sizes of Ag and Au NPs (40 nm), while UV for lower sized particle (20 nm). The observed performances will allow to use ICP-MS-based methods, also coupled to other detectors, to carry out human biomonitoring campaigns dedicated to the analysis of metallic NPs in the general population and in exposed subjects.

The artwork “St. Joseph with the Child”, preserved in Palazzo Chigi of Ariccia (Rome), is today the only painting signed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. In this work, for the first time, an integrated spectroscopic imaging and analysis approach was performed to study and characterize Bernini's wall painting. Complementary in situ analyses, imaging in the UV–VIS–NIR–SWIR range, FT-IR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, laser-induced fluorescence and XRF were performed to obtain information on the state of conservation, the execution technique and the composition of the materials of the painting investigated. The results achieved were discussed and delivered to the conservator of Palazzo Chigi, to plan further restoration treatments and conservation programs. In conclusion, preliminary considerations are presented to define if the painting studied represents a definitive painting or a preparatory drawing.

The study and characterization of an art work carried out by two or more artists is always an interesting challenge since each painter, although belonging to the same artistic current, can introduce specific pictorial materials or peculiar aesthetic effects, which constitute the artist fingerprint. This work presents a preliminary analytical study of the “Portrait of Mario Nuzzi”, painted by Giovanni Maria Morandi and Mario Nuzzi. In particular, non-invasive investigations were conducted using UV–VIS–NIR–SWIR multispectral imaging, radiography and X-ray spectroscopy (XRF). Multivariate analyses (PCA) were performed on VIS–NIR multispectral imaging in order to highlight some details not clearly visible using a traditional univariate analysis. Such an approach could be useful for authentication processes. In particular, in this paper we propose the use of the score density plot to determine the artist’s “chiaroscuro” fingerprint. Finally, the artist’s palette was compared with that of the “Primavera” painting, painted by Mario Nuzzi and Filippo Lauri, by using XRF analyses. We discovered that “Portrait of Mario Nuzzi” has not been significantly changed since the final version. Furthermore, the elemental composition of the pigments revealed that the palette used in the two paintings does not completely overlap. This aspect encourages us to perform a more detailed analysis of the pigments with the aim of better discriminating the parts painted by Mario Nuzzi from those of each collaborator.

The main purpose of this paper is to analyse the role of crowdfunding (CF) in cultural entrepreneurship processes by adopting a Business Network perspective.

Managerial research has hitherto paid scant attention to the study of team formation and development in entrepreneurial contexts and processes. The purpose of the chapter is to contribute in this direction, investigating the dynamics of passion(s) in entrepreneurial teams’ formation and evolution in the context of a new venture development.

Background Metal exposure is a public health hazard due to neurocognitive effects starting in early life. Poor socio-economic status, adverse home and family environment can enhance the neurodevelopmental toxicity due to chemical exposure. Disadvantaged socio-economic conditions are generally higher in environmentally impacted areas although the combined effect of these two factors has not been sufficiently studied. Methods The effect of co-exposure to neurotoxic metals including arsenic, cadmium, manganese, mercury, lead, selenium, and to socio-economic stressors was assessed in a group of 299 children aged 6–12 years, residing at incremental distance from industrial emissions in Taranto, Italy. Exposure was assessed with biological monitoring and the distance between the home address and the exposure point source. Children’s cognitive functions were examined using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC) and the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB). Linear mixed models were chosen to assess the association between metal exposure, socio-economic status and neurocognitive outcomes. Results Urinary arsenic, cadmium and hair manganese resulted inversely related to the distance from the industrial emission source (β − 0.04; 95% CI -0.06, − 0.01; β − 0.02; 95% CI -0.05, − 0.001; β − 0.02 95% CI -0.05, − 0.003) while the WISC intellectual quotient and its sub-scores (except processing speed index) showed a positive association with distance. Blood lead and urinary cadmium were negatively associated with the IQ total score and all sub-scores, although not reaching the significance level. Hair manganese and blood lead was positively associated with the CANTAB between errors of spatial working memory (β 2.2; 95% CI 0.3, 3.9) and the reaction time of stop signal task (β 0.05; 95% CI 0.02, 0.1) respectively. All the other CANTAB neurocognitive tests did not show to be significantly influenced by metal exposure. The highest socio-economic status showed about five points intellectual quotient more than the lowest level on average (β 4.8; 95% CI 0.3, 9.6); the interaction term between blood lead and the socio-economic status showed a significant negative impact of lead on working memory at the lowest socio-economic status level (β − 4.0; 95% CI -6.9, − 1.1). Conclusions Metal exposure and the distance from industrial emission was associated with negative cognitive impacts in these children. Lead exposure had neurocognitive effect even at very low levels of blood lead concentration when socio-economic status is low, and this should further address the importance and prioritize preventive and regulatory interventions.

The recent application of manufactured nanomaterials (MNMs) in plant protection products (PPPs) enhances stability of the active substance (a.s.), minimizes application losses, reduces the quantities of a.s., increases coverage on leaf surface, improves precise application, etc. Besides offering benefits, there is high concern about the potential risk for human and environment associated with the use of nanopesticides. In this study, a panel of complementary methodologies were used to determine size distribution and chemical identification of four different formulations of nanopesticides. Measurements were performed by dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), asymmetric field flow fractionation-multi angle light scattering (AF4-FFF-MALS), gas/liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS, LC-MS/MS) or diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Results indicated average size values in the ranges: 27.4–148.7 nm by DLS; 39.1–82.0 nm by AF4-FFF-MALS; and 42–90 nm by TEM. Linked to these nanosized particles both organic active ingredients and inorganic ones were identified. In addition, the obtained data revealed that all the four PPPs contained more than 50% of particles with number size distribution between 1 and 100 nm and, according to the European Commission definition, they can be defined as nanopesticides.

We have applied different analytical techniques for studying the size and metal composition of nanoparticles (NPs) and microparticles in tattoo inks. The morphology and size distribution of particles were determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). These techniques allowed us to obtain size information on all particles in tattoo mixtures. Higher resolution characterization of the size distributions was achieved by means of asymmetric flow field fractionation (AF4) combined with multi-angle light scattering (MALS) detection, which allowed for particle fraction separation and sizing. The high sensitivity and multi-elemental capability of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) enabled the off-line determination of the metal concentration of the particles in the AF4 fractions. Counting and sizing of particles were also performed by single particle (SP)-ICP-MS. The TEM images of the tattoo inks indicated the presence of individual particles and of aggregates and agglomerates of different shapes; carbon black was recognized in black inks and TiO2 in lighter shades. The DLS measurements showed that the inks were polydispersed with particles continuously distributed from tens to hundreds of nanometers (the Z-average hydrodynamic diameter range was 31–421 nm). The use of AF4 revealed the presence of two different fractions of particles in colored inks and one fraction in black inks, with mean sizes ranging from ca. 50 nm to ca. 400 nm. AF4 and off-line ICP-MS analyses of these fractions showed micronic and sub-micronic Al and Ti particles and Cu at the nanometer level (

The use of nanomaterials is increasing but the real risk associated with their use in humans has to be defined. In fact, nanomaterials tend to accumulate in organs over a long period of time and are slowly degraded or eliminated by the body. Exosomes are nanovesicles actively shuttle molecules, including chemical products and metals, through the body. Macrophages scavenge the body from both organic and inorganic substances, and they use to release high amounts of exosomes. We hypothesized that macrophages may have a role in eliminating nanomaterials through their exosomes. We treated human primary macrophages with 20 nm gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), analyzing the presence of AuNPs in both cells and the released exosomes by the implementation of different techniques, including SP-ICP-MS and NTA. We showed that macrophages endocytosed AuNPs and released them through exosomes. Our study on one hand provide the evidence for a new methodology in the early identification of the nanomaterials levels in exposed subjects. On the other hand we depict a way our body shuttle virtually intact nanoparticles through macrophage-released exosomes.

In the last years, silver nanoparticle (AgNP) use is increased due to the presence in several consumer products, including cosmetics and food packaging, for their antimicrobial activities. Silver in its elemental form is authorised as food additive E174 and EFSA noted that approximately a 20% of AgNPs are released from confectionary pearls. Toxicological assessment of E174 performed by EFSA concluded that the available information was insufficient to assess the safety for consumers and one of the major issue was the in vivo genotoxic potential. Aim of the present study was to provide data on in vivo genotoxicity of AgNPs by Alkaline Comet Assay - according to the OECD Test Guideline (TG) 489 - and by Micronucleus Assay. AgNP dispersions (20 nm) were orally administered to male and female mice for three days at 50, 150, 300 mg/kg bw per day on the basis of the OECD TG 489. AgNP dispersions were fully characterized. Comet assay was performed on blood, liver, spleen, duodenum and kidney, and Micronucleus assay on spleen lymphocytes, to evaluate the genotoxic potential. Biodistribution and histopathological assessment were performed. AgNPs accumulated in duodenum as first contact site and transferred to other target tissues; in liver and duodenum they were free in the cytoplasm or included in organelles but never in the nucleus, as detected by Transmission Electron Microscope analysis. No genotoxic or tissue damage was recorded by both assays in all the tested tissues. The in vivo genotoxicity data supported a more comprehensive risk assessment of AgNPs.

Background The presence of hexavalent chromium (Cr[VI]), which is carcinogenic to humans and a dermal sensitizer, in tattoo inks may represent a serious health concern. The level of this impurity is limited to 0.2 mg/kg in tattoo inks by the European Resolution ResAP(2008)1. Objectives To analyse 29 tattoo inks, produced in Europe and the United States, of different colours and brands, for Cr(VI) to assess their conformity with ResAP(2008)1 and to characterize dermal and systemic risks. Methods Ion chromatography and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry were used to determine the levels of Cr(VI) in inks; risk characterization was performed by calculating the systemic exposure dosage (SED) and margin of safety (MoS). Results Ninety per cent of inks contained Cr(VI) (range: 0.22-4.09 mg/kg), ie, above the maximum allowed level, and no information appeared on the label. More than 1 mg/kg Cr(VI) was detected in 27.6% of inks; these might represent a possible cause of dermal adverse reactions. Exposure to Cr(VI) in inks resulted in negligible SED values and MoS values of >100 (safety threshold), indicating no appreciable systemic risk. Conclusions The minimization of Cr(VI) contamination and the use of technology compliant with good manufacturing practices is recommended to increase the safety of tattoo inks.

This study sought to develop analytical methods to characterize titanium dioxide (TiO

Entrepreneurship is perceived as a key process to be promoted in the current economic and social context. Academic researchers, policy makers and practitioners acknowledge that a “traditional” view on entrepreneurship is no longer sufficient to encompass all possible forms of entrepreneurship. In this line of thought there is a growing interest to gain a deeper understanding of ‘unconventional’ entrepreneurial initiatives. This paper aims to provide a contribution on the development process of unconventional entrepreneurial processes, placing emphasis on their networked nature. The paper adopts the IMP approach as the guiding conceptual framework and examines a single longitudinal case study of RATATA' Festival concerning figurative arts. This research contributes to the emerging literature on unconventional entrepreneurship emphasizing the key role of the interplay between the community of passionate people promoting the initiative and the wider business network progressively enacted along the different editions of the Festival.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to preliminary attempt to deal with the phenomenon of business incubation from the industrial network perspective (Hakansson et al., 2009). The study draws on the Industrial Marketing and Purchasing (IMP) insights on new business formation and development in business networks as a starting point to shed light on the incubator–incubatee relationship content and development to see how this specific relationship influences the development process of a mid-stage business venture. The author believes that the IMP tradition – with its focus on interactions in business relationships – can positively contribute to implementing this neglected topic of incubation research. Design/methodology/approach The paper develops a longitudinal case study describing a mid-stage start-up venture initiating and developing a business relationship with a private business incubator. The relationship is explored through an abductive research design grounded in the IMP ARA model of analysis. The investigation focuses on how the incubation process unfolds through resources’ and actors’ interactions at different scales of analysis: the focal dyad, the incubation internal environment and the surrounding network. Particular “contextual” emphasis is put on new venture’s prior relationships. The study reveals three main findings. Findings Business incubation results as an emergent, and interdependent, process of interaction that develops among the incubator, the incubatee and external networked actors. In this perspective, the paper aims to re-discuss the role of the incubator in the process of forming and developing a new company considering its minor role in the wider developmental setting surrounding the incubatee. Research limitations/implications The paper introduces IMP concepts to business incubation debates, which can positively challenge and provide novel explanations about the recurring gaps of the literature. Further research should provide more detail on the role and functioning of interactive incubation in a business network context, addressing complex topics such as incubation performance and outcomes. Further research should also deepen and discuss the role of incubation relationships within the set of initial relationships of a new venture. Practical implications This analysis can be used to revise the general approach to the management and configuration of business incubators. Present insights could be helpful, in fact, to design more effective incubation offerings and models, as well as develop best managerial practices targeted at interacting with new venture especially in the resource dimension, both within and outside the incubation environment. Originality/value The incubation dyad, as a unit of analysis, has been scarcely addressed in incubation research. This is central for addressing the role of interactions, relationships and networks in incubation, all elements which have been too scarcely investigated. In addition, the paper deals with a private business incubator, a particular model which is in need for more research. Finally, the case of an established new venture which decides to enter a business incubator at a later stage of its development represents a peculiar case which does not fit classical research typically focused on new ventures “born and raised” entirely in incubation.

The chromium(VI) salts are possible contaminants of the chromium(III) pigments used as colorants in face powder and eye shadow preparations. The use of products containing these contaminants poses acute risks for sensitization and contact allergies. Usually, in cosmetics, the levels of hexavalent chromium are very low and should not lead to skin sensitization. However, if a consumer has already been sensitized to Cr(VI) from other sources, the low concentration permitted in cosmetics could arise allergic reactions. In addition to the effect allergenic compounds of Cr(VI) can cause chronic toxicity and have been classified as carcinogenic to humans (IARC). An analytical method to analyze trace levels of chromium(VI) in cosmetic products was developed in this study. The method is based on an extraction of the chromium(VI) from the sample using alkaline extraction in according to method US EPA 3060A developed for soil samples. The Cr(VI) specie present in the extracts were separated by ion chromatography system (IC) and detected using dynamic reaction cell inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (DRC-ICP-MS). This method has a limit of quantification for chromium(VI) of 0.11 mg kg−1, an average recovery of 106%. The precision of the method was calculated as 13.2% and 11.5% for 10 ng mL−1 and 20 ng mL−1 of Cr(VI) respectively. Moreover the method shows that the Cr(VI) is stable during the extraction and analytical phases. We applied the optimized method to analyse 4 eye shadows and 1 face powder. One out of 4 of the eye shadow products contained more than 5 mg L−1. This value is higher than the threshold limits for allergic reactivity to Cr(VI).

Mercury is a heavy metal that causes serious health problems in exposed subjects. The most toxic form, i.e., methylmercury (MeHg), is mostly excreted through human hair. Numerous analytical methods are available for total Hg analysis in human hair, including cold vapour atomic fluorescence spectrometry (CV-AFS), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and thermal decomposition amalgamation atomic absorption spectrometry (TDA-AAS). The aim of the study was to compare the TDA-AAS with the ICP-MS in the Hg quantification in human hair. After the washing procedure to minimize the external contamination, from each hair sample two aliquots were taken; the first was used for direct analysis of Hg by TDA-AAS and the second was digested for Hg determination by the ICP-MS. Results indicated that the two data sets were fully comparable (median; TDA-AAS, 475 ng g−1; ICP-MS, 437 ng g−1) and were not statistically different (Mann-Whitney test; p = 0.44). The two techniques presented results with a good coefficient of correlation (r = 0.94) despite different operative ranges and method limits. Both techniques satisfied internal performance requirements and the parameters for method validation resulting sensitive, precise and reliable. Finally, the use of the TDA-AAS can be considered instead of the ICP-MS in hair analysis in order to reduce sample manipulation with minor risk of contamination, less time consuming due to the absence of the digestion step and cheaper analyses.

Tattoo-induced pseudolymphoma is a cutaneous inflammatory response, the pathogenesis of which is still unknown. The objective of the present work was to find a possible causal relationship between pseudolymphomatous reactions on the red areas of tattoos and the metals contained in tattoo pigments and skin biopsies. Three individuals with cutaneous lesions on the red areas of tattoos were observed. Clinical and immunohistochemical examinations of the lesions were performed, and the concentrations of Cd, Co, Cr, Hg, Ni and Pb were measured in pigments and biopsy samples. Pseudolymphomas in the red areas were diagnosed in all three cases; one showed the prevalence of B-lymphocytes, whereas the other two showed a prevalence of T cells with a lichenoid pattern. Patch tests were negative. Corticosteroid therapy was ineffective. Cadmium, Co, Hg and Pb in the pigments were probably present as impurities, whereas Cr and Ni were the main components. Chromium and Ni had the highest concentrations, also in the biopsy samples. Permanent tattoos appear to be unsafe, considering the increasing number of diagnosed pseudolymphomas. It can be excluded that Hg was responsible for the reactions, given that the concentration in the red dyes and biopsies was very low. Significant levels of Cr and Ni should be considered as the causes of possible dermal reactions.

Mass interferences, caused by atomic or polyatomic species and having the same mass/charge ratio of the analyte, can be a severe limit for a reliable assay of trace and ultratrace elements by ICP-MS. The DRC™ technology uses a reaction gas to overcome these interferences. Reactions of charge exchange, atom transfer, adduct formation, condensation and analyte association/condensation are the main mechanisms. Interfering ions tend to react with the gas exothermally, while, the analyte reacts endothermally. Selecting the most appropriate reaction gas in DRC-ICP-MS is the very critical point for the determination of strongly interfered elements. A careful evaluation of the reaction mechanisms and the chemistry involved are required. The DRC allows the use of different gases, among them, ammonia (NH(3)), methane (CH(4)), hydrogen (H(2)) and oxygen (O(2)) are the most known, but there are other potentially useful gases like nitrous oxide (N(2)O), nitrogen oxide (NO), carbon dioxide (CO(2)), fluoromethane (CH(3)F), sulphur hexafluoride (SF(6)) and carbon disulfide (CS(2)). This paper provides a review on the analytical challenges for a reliable assay of As, Cr, Se and V by DRC-ICP-MS and illustrates different approaches and mechanisms involved in the analysis of polymers, biological fluids (serum, urine and whole blood), rock, soil and particulate matter.

Palladium (Pd) belongs to the platinum group elements and its use has more than doubled in the past ten years. Encouraged by positive patch test results in some patients suffering from oral syndromes, Pd was included in the routine patch testing for contact dermatitis. In the present study, differences in the trend of sensitization to Pd in a contact derma- titis clinic population between 1996 and 2006 were evaluated. Since many in vitro studies have confirmed the corrosion of dental alloys and indicated that metal components are released in the oral cavity, Pd content was examined in leaching so- lutions from dental prostheses and in samples of saliva, serum and urine of subjects with adverse reaction to dental pros- theses. Measurements were performed by means of Sector Field Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (SF- ICP-MS). Results showed that the frequency of mono-reactions to Pd are increased from 1996 (0.11%) to 2006 (1.6%), suggesting that this metal is becoming a "new" potential allergen. The mean values of Pd levels detected in urine were higher than those found in saliva and in serum. All biological samples collected from patients showed significantly higher levels of Pd than controls (saliva, 255 ng/L vs 11; serum, 60 vs 15; urine, 580 vs 20). Moreover, after removal of the pros- theses a consistent reduction of Pd content in fluids was observed.

Metallic piercing which have lack of resistance to sweat corrosion might be able to release metallic ions in the local tissue producing adverse effects in the human body, including allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). The aim of this study was double: 1) the metallic characterization of piercings and 2) the release of metals (Al, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ir, Mn, Ni, Pd, Pt, Rh, Ti, V and Zn) in artificial sweat to simulate conditions of use. Stainless steel and titanium piercings were sam- pled, and both the official and non official markets were checked. The X-ray microanalysis by Energy-Dispersion Spec- trometry and the Sector Field Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry were the techniques of election for metallic characterization and leaching analysis. The piercings analyzed were alloys of Fe/Cr/Ni or Fe/Mn/Cr. The coloured pierc- ings had a layer of Ti varying from 0.3 to 0.5 μm above the steel core and an external C stratum (0.04 μm). The titanium piercing was pure Ti. Piercings sampled from the official market released less than 0.05 μg/cm 2 /week of metal and thus, most likely, they are allergologically safe. Piercing purchased from the non official market were more susceptible to sweat corrosion promoting the release of considerable amounts of Cr (2.78 μg/cm 2 /week), Fe (26.95μg/cm 2 /week), Mn (51.15 μg/cm 2 /week) and Ni (0.157 μg/cm 2 /week). Iridium, Pd, Pt and Rh were not leached by any of the analyzed piercings.

Allergic reactions to metals and metal salts used in pigments for tattoos are surprisingly frequent. The objective of this study was to quantify the metal content of tattoo inks using the sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spec- trometry analysis (SF-ICP-MS). The inks were subjected to a robust microwave digestion in a mixture of nitric and fluoridric acids, and hydrogen-peroxide. A total of 13 tattoo inks including various colors, as black, blue, brown, green, red, violet, white and yellow, were examined for the content of Cd, Co, Cr, Hg and Ni. The limits of detection and quanti- fication were as follows (ng/ml): Cd, 0.02 and 0.07; Co, 0.06 and 0.20; Cr, 0.80 and 2.64; Hg, 0.50 and 1.65; and Ni, 0.40 and 1.32. The method was accurate reporting the following mean recoveries (%): Cd, 92; Co, 94; Cr, 96; Hg, 105; and Ni, 103. The precision of the method was calculated as intra-day (%) and inter-day repeatability (%) and results were: Cd, 2.09 and 5.20; Co, 1.58 and 2.67; Cr, 2.07 and 2.99; Hg, 3.88 and 4.55; and Ni, 4.05 and 5.11. All the tested metals were present in the tattoo pigments, but the relative contribution of elements to the tattoo ink compositions was highly variable between samples and even among like-colored pigments. The highest element was Cr in all the pigments (315-4720 ng/g) followed by Ni (37.5-2318 ng/g) and Cd (6.67-1150 ng/g); the lower elements were Co (2.78-125 ng/g) and Hg (

Offal includes viscera and internal organs that have been removed from butchered animals, that may be either directly eaten or processed for the production of other foodstuff. Such organs are able to accumulate high concentrations of potentially toxic heavy metals posing a risk for human health when ingested. Because high levels of Cd and Pb may produce damages to humans, Commission Regulation no. 1881/2006 and its amendment established maximum levels for those two elements in edible bovine, porcine, and ovine offal. In the present study, a method based on microwave acid-assisted digestion and quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometric quantification of Cd and Pb in offal was validated according to the EU common standards. The main parameters evaluated in the validation process were: the detection and the quantification limits (LoD, LoQ), the recovery, the repeatability, the within-laboratory reproducibility, the linearity range, and the standard measurement uncertainty. The results obtained for LoD and LoQ in microg kg(-1) were, respectively, Cd, 1.8 and 5.4; Pb, 5.1 and 15.5; meanwhile, the mean recovery was about 98% for Cd and 103% for Pb. Repeatability was around 5% for Cd and 4% for Pb. The expanded standard measurement uncertainty, expressed as percentage and with a coverage factor of 2, was estimated as follows: Cd, 4.9%; Pb, 8.7%. For both elements, the main contribution was due to the within-laboratory reproducibility of the measurements.

With Regulation No. 1881/2006 the European Union fixed a maximum level for lead in milk. Consequently, there is the need to determine very low concentration of elements that may be present in milk in trace and ultratrace levels. Quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (Q-ICP-MS) combined with dynamic reaction cell (DRC) has been widely employed in order to reach very low concentration, requested for this product. Furthermore, the DRC technology can help in removing polyatomic and argon-based interferences. In the present study, a method for the determination of arsenic, cadmium, chromium and lead in bovine milk was validated according to the EU common standards by means of DRC-ICP-MS. The main parameters evaluated in the validation were: recovery, repeatability and within-laboratory reproducibility, detection and quantification limits, linearity range and measurement uncertainty. Additionally, stability studies of the analyte in solution and ruggedness studies were carried out. The results obtained for limit of detection (LoD) and limit of quantification (LoQ) in microg kg(-1) were respectively: As, 3.1 and 9.5; Cd, 0.08 and 0.24; Cr, 0.229 and 0.693; Pb, 0.5 and 1.5. While for the recovery: As, 91%; Cd 96%; Cr 99%; Pb, 95%. As for the repeatability: As, 7%; Cd, 3%; Cr, 6%; Pb, 4%.

The immobilization of phosphine-free perfluoro-tagged palladium nanoparticles Pd-1 on fluorous silica gel (FSG) and their utilization in the Heck reaction have been investigated. High yields of vinylic substitution products have been obtained. Recycling studies have shown that the solid-supported palladium catalyst can be readily recovered and reused several times without significant loss of activity. Reactions and recovery of the solid-supported palladium catalyst system can be carried out in the presence of air, without any particular precaution.