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The impact of immersive educational environments on productive and receptive vocabulary in dyslexic university students of EFL: A case study.
No full textThis study investigates the impact of Immersive Educational Environments (IEEs) on English vocabulary acquisition among university students with Specific Learning Disorders, particularly dyslexia. Grounded in Universal Design for Learning and the Italian Framework for Inclusive Language Education, the research combines inclusive pedagogical theory with innovative technological tools. A mixed-method case study was conducted at the University of Genoa, involving 92 students in an experimental online English course. Results revealed that IEEs enhanced learners’ motivation, engagement, and lexical performance—particularly in vocabulary retention and contextual usage. Compared to traditional methods, immersive and multisensory environments provided higher accessibility and supported both receptive and productive vocabulary development. The study also highlights dyslexic students’ specific needs, including preferences for visual, interactive content and structured, transparent instruction. While limitations exist, findings support IEEs as promising tools for inclusive language education, offering new pathways to address diverse learner profiles in higher education
Integrative phenotyping reveals new insights into the anemonefish adaptive radiation
No full textEvolutionary radiations are fundamental to the generation of biodiversity, occurring when organisms rapidly diversify to exploit various ecological niches. Symbiosis can serve as a powerful catalyst for such diversification, as illustrated by the iconic association of anemonefish and sea anemones. However, a critical gap in our understanding of adaptive radiations lies in determining how ecological opportunities drive adaptive morphological, behavioral, and physiological traits and how these traits, in turn, influence diversification. Using anemonefish (Amphiprion spp.) as a model, we investigated the phenotypic diversification accompanying their evolutionary history following symbiosis with giant sea anemones. While host specificity has traditionally been viewed as the primary driver of anemonefish adaptive radiation, we present an alternative perspective, showing that distinct ecological strategies—independent of host species—may also significantly contribute to their diversification. By examining half of the described anemonefish species, we combined field observations, swimming tunnel experiments, computational simulations, and morphological analyses to empirically reveal the presence of eco-morphotypes that exist independently of host specificity. Our findings provide novel insights into the evolutionary history and processes shaping anemonefish diversity. We show that, beyond sea anemone hosts, multiple drivers significantly contributed to their diversification. Integrative phenotyping, combining in situ and laboratory observations, reveals the forces driving adaptive radiations. It uncovers an unexpected, fine-tuned diversification in anemonefish, exemplifying how natural selection precisely shapes biodiversity during radiative bursts and highlighting the complexity of ecological interactions and evolutionary mechanisms
Forecasting Achievement of Inactive Disease in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis with Artificial Intelligence
No full textObjective: to seek for predictors of inactive disease (ID) in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) with artificial intelligence. Methods: The clinical charts of patients seen within 6 months after disease onset between 2007 and 2019 and with follow-up visits at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months were reviewed retrospectively. Sixty-eight potential predictors were recorded at each visit. The primary endpoint was ID at 24 months by 2004 Wallace criteria. Data obtained from diverse combinations of visits were examined to identify the best forecasting model. After pre-processing, the cohort was divided into training (50%) and testing (50%) cohorts. Multivariate time series forecasting, coupled with the Random Forest method, was used to train the machine learning (ML) forecasting model. Predictive performance was assessed through the Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC). Results: A total of 414 patients were included. The best performance in predicting ID at 24 months in the training cohort was provided by the 0–12 months interval (MCC = 0.68). In the testing cohort, the same ML model confirmed a high forecasting performance (MCC = 0.65). Assessment of feature importance and impact analysis showed that the most relevant predictor of ID was the physician’s global assessment (PhGA), followed by the count of active joints (AJC). Conclusions: PhGA and AJC values over the first 12 months were the strongest predictors of ID at 24 months. This finding highlights the importance of regular quantitative assessment of disease activity by the caring physician in monitoring the course of the patient toward achievement of complete disease quiescence
Landscapes of the Cluster. A Spatial Approach to Ports
No full textAs ports expand to meet global demands for sustainability and energy transition, European states are reshaping their maritime landscapes through port clusters—new organizational structures that transform both administration and governance. This book critically examines how port clusterization is redefining the relationship between cities and their ports, challenging conventional urban and architectural research on port-city conditions. It explores the spatial impacts and physical footprints of this transformation into landscapes of the cluster and introduces design tools to help port city institutions navigate pressing challenges. From coastal land consumption to sustainable infrastructures and the shifting perception of ports within cities, Landscapes of the Cluster provides fresh insights into the future of port-city dynamics
EXPLORING THE EVERLASTING ATTRACTION FOR BIRDS
No full textFrom Neanderthals to users of citizen science platforms, birds always held a special place in human societies. Birds are the most attractive animal group in many human cultures, possessing a unique set of morphological and non-morphological traits. One of the most fascinating non-morphological features of birds is active flight, a character that is often overlooked by researchers. Therefore, we compared the only three animal groups possessing active flight (i.e., birds, bats, and insects), using Kellert’s nine core attitudes
towards animals, and birds always conveyed more positive feelings. The special attraction of humans towards birds is probably responsible for the ratification of the first international conventions dedicated to the legal protection of this specific animal taxon
Transnationalism Despite the Border Regime: (De)Bordering Processes and Multiscalar Solidarities Among Moroccan Irregularized Travelers
No full textAlpinismo classico e narrazioni epiche. Dalle origini a Walter Bonatti
No full textThis article explores the intersection of classical mountaineering and epic narratives through the life and
achievements of Walter Bonatti (1930–2011), one of the most iconic climbers of the 20th century. By analyzing
Bonatti’s literary works, alpine exploits, and philosophical reflections, the study positions him as a modern epic
hero who bridged ancient mythological traditions with the ethical and existential challenges of mountaineer-
ing. The paper traces the origins of mountaineering as a cultural practice, from its roots in classical Greek and
Roman literature–where mountains symbolized divine realms and human hybris–to its evolution during the
Enlightenment and modern era. Bonatti’s narratives, characterized by journalistic rigor and introspective depth,
reinterpret the heroic ethos of antiquity, emphasizing self-discovery, respect for nature, and ethical integrity
over mere conquest. The article also critiques the commercialization of alpinism, contrasting Bonatti’s values
with contemporary trends. Through a multidisciplinary lens, the study underscores Bonatti’s enduring legacy
as both a cultural and literary figure, whose adventures transcended sport to become metaphors for human
endurance and introspection
La Giornata Nazionale degli Alberi e il primo ciclo d'istruzione. Un documento di approfondimento delle scuole
No full textHistorical GIS, spazializzazione dei dati e storia dei paesaggi boschivi
No full textLungi dal rappresentare paesaggi “naturali”, i boschi italiani hanno alle spalle una densa storia. Per secoli le aree verdi hanno rappresentato una risorsa e sono state interessate da molteplici usi, diritti, sistemi produttivi che ne hanno condizionato nel tempo estensione, composizione e la stessa ecologia. Larici, faggi, ma anche pecore e ronchi: questo volume è un viaggio in tante storie locali di boschi alpini e appenninici. Unendo geografia, storia, ricerca di terreno e analisi cartografica, si propone un approccio biografico ai paesaggi boschivi per riscoprire i processi di biodiversificazione, gli effetti paesaggistici delle pratiche produttive e le eredità dei patrimoni storico-ambientali, per una ricerca geografico-storica che possa anche sostenere l’attuale programmazione ambientale sostenibile