University of Modena and Reggio Emilia
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Reality vs. perception: exploring the Dunning-Kruger Effect on literacy and numeracy skills in university students
No full textThe present research aims to explore the Dunning-Kruger (DKE) eìt on literacy and numeracy skills among university students just enrolled in the (rst year of the Digital Education degree course at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (a.y. 2023/2024).
Also called by the authors “unskilled and unaware”, the DKE shows that incompetent individuals have more difficulty recognizing their true level of ability than more competent individuals, generating estimation errors in performance by both.
We explore these effects in our study, investigating a sample of students who assessed their ability in literacy and numeracy skills, according to ISFOL de(nition (2014), through an incoming skills assessment tests on basic knowledge to verify that there are no significant deficiencies in particular disciplines. In line with DKE, it has been hypothesized that students with lower performance may show a tendency to overestimate their abilities, while those with higher performance may have a more accurate perception of their skills.
Statistical methods of analysis processed the results of a questionnaire on Metacognition Awareness (MAI) and put in relation literacy and numeracy tests results to the student’s perception of performance, expressed through a range of choice from -10 to 30 (literacy test) and 10 e 30 (numeracy test).
The results of this research aim to contribute to the lack of research studies on the impact of the Dunning-Kruger effect on literacy and numeracy skills, besides having important implications for the educational practice and skill development of university students
Metaphors and popularisation: how to explain artificial intelligence to the lay public
No full textThe relationship between metaphor and artificial intelligence (AI) is an emerging field of study
that can explore how metaphors, as cognitive tools, can influence and enhance understanding
and interaction with AI systems. Metaphors play a key role in understanding and interacting with
artificial intelligence. Thanks to familiar analogies, conceptual metaphors such as AI IS AN
ARTIFICIAL BRAIN or AI IS AN ALLY not only facilitate learning and acceptance of the
technology, but also influence the design of AI systems themselves, making them more
accessible and intuitive for the lay public
Unveiling the nature of electronic transitions in RbV3Sb5 with avoided level crossing μSR
No full textLayered kagome metals AV(3)Sb(5) provide a unique platform for studying the interplay between a variety of electronic orders, including superconductivity, charge density waves, nematic phases, and more. Understanding the evolution of the electronic state from the charge density wave to the superconducting transition is essential for unraveling the interplay of charge, spin, and lattice degrees of freedom giving rise to the unusual magnetic properties of these nonmagnetic metals. Previous zero-field and high-field muon spin relaxation (mu SR) studies revealed two anomalies in the muon spin relaxation rate, a first change at T-CDW similar to 100 K and a second steep increase at T* similar to 40 K, further enhanced by an applied magnetic field, thus suggesting a contribution of magnetic origin. In this Letter, we use the avoided level crossing mu SR technique to investigate charge order in near-zero applied field. By tracking the temperature dependence of quadrupolar level-crossing resonances, we examined the evolution of the electric field gradient at V nuclei in the kagome plane. Our results show a significant rearrangement of the charge density starting at T* indicating a transition in the charge distribution, likely electronic in origin, well below T-CDW. These findings, combined with previous mu SR, scanning tunneling microscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies, emphasize the intertwined nature of proximate phases in these systems, with the charge rearrangement dominating the additional increase in mu SR relaxation rate below T-& lowast;
Deep brain stimulation in progressive supranuclear palsy: a dead-end story? A narrative review
No full text: Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a rare, debilitating neurodegenerative disorder that significantly impairs both motor and cognitive functions. Current pharmacological treatments offer only transient symptomatic relief, driving interest in the past in alternative therapeutic strategies such as deep brain stimulation. Deep brain stimulation (DBS), known for its success in treating motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease, has been explored as a possible symptomatic treatment for PSP, considering the pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN), involved in motor control and postural stability, as a promising target for deep brain stimulation in PSP. However, its complex anatomy and the clinical variability of PSP complicate the prediction and generalization of the effectiveness of DBS. The present review examines the existing studies in the literature about DBS in PSP patients. Some studies highlighted modest benefits in motor symptoms, while others reported variable outcomes and inherent risks of the procedure. Generally, patients with a parkinsonism predominant phenotype have shown some subjective or clinical improvements in gait and balance when subjected to low-frequency stimulation. While DBS of the PPN holds promise for ameliorating gait and balance of PSP, current evidence does not yet establish clear criteria for ideal candidates, nor does it provide overwhelmingly supportive results in favor of PPN-DBS in PSP patients. Without any further systematic study is not possible to define accurate candidate selection parameters and understand long-term outcomes and safety profiles
Efficient and Flexibile IoT Communication Through a Plugin-Based MQTT Processing Architecture
No full textThis research focuses on the development and evaluation of advanced filtering, modification, and redirection capabilities for messages in an MQTT-based device network. In standard configurations, the MQTT broker solely handles message routing according to protocol rules, without altering their structure or destination (topics). The integration of message manipulation and rerouting capabilities enhances network flexibility and versatility, enabling operations such as unit standardization, file format conversion, and meaningful data filtering. These functionalities improve overall system efficiency by significantly reducing network traffic and optimizing message processing times, offloading computationally intensive tasks to more capable systems and alleviating the load on end devices (subscribers). To achieve these objectives, two distinct yet interoperable software solutions are proposed. The first involves modifying an open-source MQTT broker to include message manipulation and rerouting features prior to subscriber delivery. The second entails implementing an external software module, running on a dedicated device, which independently processes messages and reinjects them into the MQTT network for broker publication. These solutions represent a significant advancement in optimizing MQTT networks, offering enhanced versatility, efficiency, and scalability over standard configurations, with broad applicability in real-world scenarios
Low Cost C-ITS Stations Using Raspberry Pi and the Open Source Software OScar
No full textThe deployment of cooperative-intelligent transport systems (C-ITS) has started, and standardization and research activities are moving forward to improve road safety and vehicular efficiency. An aspect that is still felt as a limitation by the research groups active in the field, is the difficulty to validate the solutions with real hardware and software, because of the huge investments that are needed when multiple equipped vehicles need to be considered. In this work, we present a platform with low-cost hardware based on a Raspberry Pi and a Wi-Fi module transmitting at 5.9 GHz, and on the open-source software Open Stack for Car (OScar), which is compliant with the ETSI C-ITS standards. With a limited cost in the order of 200 €, the platform realizes a device which is standard compliant and can be used as either on-board unit (OBU) or road side unit (RSU). The limited cost makes the testbed scalable to several units with limited budget and the limited size makes it also deployable on mini-cars to test advanced connected and autonomous vehicle (CAV) networks and applications. Our tests demonstrate its interoperability with other devices, compliance in terms of power spectrum, and a range of a few hundred meters in line-of-sight (LOS) conditions using the standard settings of ITS-G5
Eco-friendly Smart Home Devices: The Role of Artificial Intelligence Functioning and Environmental Effectiveness on Purchasing Intention
No full textThis study examines the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in promoting environmental
sustainability through AI-powered smart home devices. In two experimental studies, a
moderated mediation model is tested, focusing on two key characteristics of smart home
devices: AI functioning (responsive vs. intelligent) and environmental effectiveness (high vs.
low). The results show that AI functioning indirectly affects purchase intentions through three
mediators: positive emotions (amazement and delight), perceived self-efficacy, and the desire
to own the product. Moreover, the study reveals that environmental effectiveness moderates
the relationship between AI functioning and positive emotions. Specifically, when
environmental effectiveness is high, responsive AI generates stronger positive emotions
compared to intelligent AI. This suggests that consumers prefer smart products with
responsive AI, particularly when the product’s environmental effectiveness is high. This
preference reflects consumers' desire to maintain control over pro-social behaviors, opting for
a moderate degree of technological advancement
The Impact of Common-to-External Iliac Arterial Diameter Ratio on Mid- to Long-term Patency of Kissing Aortoiliac Stents
No full textPurpose: To identify anatomical characteristics affecting the primary patency of the kissing stent (KS) technique in patients with aortoiliac occlusive disease (AIOD), with a focus on the external iliac artery (EIA) diameter. Materials and Methods: All consecutive patients treated for AIOD with KSs between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2021, were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 107 patients exhibiting all classes of Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC) lesions were included (28, 36, 24, and 19 TASC Class A, B, C, and D, respectively). Preprocedural anatomical features were evaluated by reviewing computed tomography (CT) angiography images to record the vessel size, plaque calcifications, and aortic thrombi. The primary outcome was primary patency and the secondary outcomes were technical success, secondary patency, and procedure-related reinterventions over time. Results: Technical success was achieved in 99% of cases. The median follow-up was 36 months (interquartile range, 32–42 months; range, 0–84 months); Kaplan-Meier estimates of primary patency rates were 100%, 94%, 91%, and 86% at 3 months and 1, 2, and 4 years, respectively. Advanced age, postdeployment balloon angioplasty molding of the stents, and the increase in maximum aortic diameter were protective factors against primary patency failure. In contrast, the common iliac artery (CIA)/EIA ratio was a significant predictor of primary patency failure, with a 5.3-fold increased risk when the ratio was ≥1.5. Conclusions: Higher CIA/EIA ratio and smaller aortic diameter were relevant predictors of primary patency failure of KS technique. These anatomical features should be evaluated for the treatment choice, particularly in younger patients
Prevalence and Characteristics of Idiopathic Scoliosis in Dancers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
No full textBackground: The prevalence of Idiopathic Scoliosis (IS) is 2% to 3% in the general population. The presence of a hump can be detected clinically, but only X-rays can confirm the diagnosis. Early detection and treatment can prevent IS progression and complications. There is a lack of knowledge about the actual prevalence and predictors of IS among dancers.Purpose: To investigate the prevalence of IS in dancers, how it is diagnosed and classified, and explore possible predictors. Study Design: Prevalence systematic review with meta-analysis.Methods: PubMed, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL Plus databases and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched up to August 2024.Study Selection Criteria: Original research involving dancers who received a diagnosis of IS and reporting a measure of its prevalence, or sufficient data to compute it, were included.Data Synthesis: Random-effects model meta-analysis. The risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklists. The certainty of evidence was judged using the GRADE approach.Results: Fifteen studies, accounting for 5709 dancers aged 8 to 41 years, were included in the analysis. The overall prevalence of IS was 15.8% (10%-22%). When X-rays were not performed, clinical examination alone skewed the prevalence, making it appear 48.1% to 73.4% higher.Conclusions: The prevalence of IS in dancers, regardless of level of training or age, has been found to be at least three times higher than in the general population. However, the lack of standardized assessment and diagnostic tools makes these results questionable. Dancers' screening for scoliosis, with standardized testing procedures, should be used for X-rays referral, to allow for early diagnosis and treatment.Trial Registration Registered on PROSPERO the 01/05/2023: CRD42023418019
Stability of Worldviews and Their Organizing Structures Over Time: A Retrospective Analysis
No full textThe scientific literature widely recognizes the role of worldviews in influencing psychological and socio-cultural phenomena. The investigation into the temporal stability of worldviews has mainly focused on the individual and population levels, ignoring the question of the stability of their content. This study adopts the Semiotic Cultural Psychology Theory (SCPT) to analyze the stability of worldviews and their organizational structures. Through the analysis of data collected at three distinct time frames (2016, 2021 and 2022), the results showed that the content of worldviews in the Italian context maintained significant stability over time – although varying in incidence –, while their underlying structures demonstrated even greater stability. These results provide solid empirical support for SCPT and suggest new opportunities for the development of more effective measurement tools useful for analyzing the impact of symbolic universes and lines of semiotic force on cultural dynamics and human behavior