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Rethinking the retail and tourism Nexus as a heritage-making performance: A European perspective
No full textThe Head Pendant from the Marchetti Collection: Phoenicio-Punic Glass or Modern Forgery?
Get PDFThis article focuses on the archaeological and archaeometric characterization of a glass head pendant in Phoenicio-Punic style from the Marchetti Collection, a formerly private assemblage now belonging to the University of Padova. After the first visual inspection, the typology and appearance of the object raised serious doubts about its authenticity. For this reason, an integrated approach combining stylistic and typo-chronological analyses with archaeometric data was implemented for reconstructing the manufacturing techniques and identifying the raw materials used (i.e., silica source, flux composition, and colouring and opacifying agents). The analytical techniques used include stereomicroscopy (SM) to identify the production techniques, OM, SEM-EDS, and μ-Raman for textural and chemico-mineralogical investigations. The archaeological study and the comparison of our analytical results with the data published in the scientific literature agree in confirming that the investigated obje..
Scuole dell’infanzia, famiglie in situazione di vulnerabilità e servizi: quale accompagnamento nel contesto della trasformazione digitale?
Get PDFIn questo articolo, presentiamo le prime fasi di un progetto di ricerca-azione-formazione partecipata, finanziato con fondi PNRR, nell’ambito del progetto INEST. Si tratta di una nuova e specifica azione di ricerca sviluppata nell’ambito del programma nazionale P.I.P.P.I. L’obiettivo della ricerca è quello di migliorare il benessere dei bambini a scuola e l’inclusione sociale delle famiglie, realizzando un sistema di supporto completo e integrato, tra scuola e servizi socio-sanitari, anche attraverso il potenziamento delle competenze digitali degli insegnanti.
L’articolo inizia con una panoramica delle sfide poste, alla società attuale, dall’era post-digitale, evidenziando l’importanza delle competenze digitali e del processo di trasformazione digitale nelle scuole. Prosegue con un focus sul ruolo pedagogico-sociale delle tecnologie nella scuola e, nel terzo paragrafo, delinea il potenziale delle tecnologie dal punto di vista delle “tecnologie di comunità” come leva per rafforzare il capitale sociale e umano e per riconcettualizzare il lavoro di prevenzione e intervento sociale, da questa prospettiva. Il quarto paragrafo descrive il processo di ricerca-azione-formazione partecipata, dalla fase iniziale allo stato attuale, concludendo con le azioni future previste
SEMbeddings: how to evaluate model misfit before data collection using large-language models
Get PDFIntroduction: Recent developments suggest that Large Language Models (LLMs) provide a promising approach for approximating empirical correlation matrices of item responses by utilizing item embeddings and their cosine similarities. In this paper, we introduce a novel tool, which we label SEMbeddings. Methods: This tool integrates mpnet-personality (a fine-tuned embedding model) with latent measurement models to assess model fit or misfit prior to data collection. To support our statement, we apply SEMbeddings to the 96 items of the VIA-IS-P, which measures 24 different character strengths, using responses from 31,697 participants. Results: Our analysis shows a significant, though not perfect, correlation (r = 0.67) between the cosine similarities of embeddings and empirical correlations among items. We then demonstrate how to fit confirmatory factor analyses on the cosine similarity matrices produced by mpnet-personality and interpret the outcomes using modification indices. We found that relying on traditional fit indices when using SEMbeddings can be misleading as they often lead to more conservative conclusions compared to empirical results. Nevertheless, they provide valuable suggestions about possible misfit, and we argue that the modification indices obtained from these models could serve as a useful screening tool to make informed decisions about items prior to data collection. Discussion: As LLMs become increasingly precise and new fine-tuned models are released, these procedures have the potential to deliver more reliable results, potentially transforming the way new questionnaires are developed
Hidden β-γ Dehydrogenation Products in Long-Chain Fatty Acid Oxidation Unveiled by NMR: Implications on Lipid Metabolism
Get PDFWe present a comprehensive analysis of the initial α,β-dehydrogenation step in long-chain fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO). We focused on palmitoyl-CoA oxidized by two mitochondrial acyl-CoA dehydrogenases, very-long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (VLCAD) and acyl-CoA dehydrogenase family member 9 (ACAD9), both implicated in mitochondrial diseases. By combining MS and NMR, we identified the (2E)-hexadecenoyl-CoA as the expected α-β-dehydrogenation product and also the E and Z stereoisomers of 3-hexadecenoyl-CoA: a “γ-oxidation” product. This finding reveals an alternative catalytic pathway in mitochondrial FAO, suggesting a potential regulatory role for ACAD9 and VLCAD during fatty acid metabolism
Intelligenza artificiale generativa nella medicina di laboratorio: innovazioni, limiti e considerazioni etiche
No full textGenerative artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to transform Laboratory Medicine by enhancing data processing, report generation, and research productivity. Large language models (LLMs), can generate coherent text, extract critical information from complex datasets, and assist in scientific writing, significantly reducing the time and effort required for these tasks. By streamlining these processes, AI might improve the efficiency and accuracy of clinical operations and research. However, the integration of AI in healthcare raises significant challenges, including the risk of AI producing erroneous outputs, known as “hallucinations,” where the generated content is inaccurate or fabricated, highlighting the need for human oversight. In addition to automating text summarization and document management, AI is powerful for data analysis, lowering technical barriers and making advanced statistical processing more accessible to laboratory professionals. These capabilities are particularly valuable in a field where the ability to process large datasets is critical for research potentially impacting on diagnostics. Despite these benefits, ethical concerns such as potential plagiarism, automation bias, and data privacy risks remain pressing issues, given that AI relies on large datasets, including sensitive patient information. This manuscript critically examines the current state of AI in Laboratory Medicine, addressing its potential to innovate the field, while outlining the ethical and practical considerations that must be addressed to ensure its responsible implementation. The future of AI in Laboratory Medicine depends on developing robust frameworks for its use and training healthcare professionals to leverage these tools effectively, ensuring they augment rather than replace human expertise
Evaluating the personality of dogs involved in Animal-Assisted Interventions and their relationship with the handler: the Italian landscape
No full textTherapy dogs involved in animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) can be a valuable support for individuals with physical or psychological difficulties. The effectiveness of the intervention is influenced by the functioning of the dog-handler dyad. In Italy, handlers who have completed the requisite training are registered on the ’Digital Pet’
platform. This study aimed to construct a general profile of the Italian population of therapy dogs and handlers and to investigate the mechanisms underlying the dog-handler relationship. We administered a survey to the handlers registered on Digital Pet. The survey included information on the dyad, an Italian translation of the C/
DORS to assess the relationship between the dog and the owner (in this case, the handler), and of the C-BARQ to assess the dog’s personality. The data from both questionnaires were subjected to Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). Subsequently, factor scores were calculated for each dog-handler dyad and then tested across a series of background variables, including the dog’s age, sex, weight, origin, and breed. In conclusion, the correlations between the C-BARQ and C/DORS factors were calculated. A total of 240 respondents were obtained from the
809 handlers who were contacted. EFA identified 14 factors for the C-BARQ and six factors for the C/DORS, which differs from other studies. As expected, the examined cohort of therapy dogs exhibited minimal scores and limited variability for the C-BARQ factors pertaining to behavioral issues, including ’Owner-directed aggression’,
’Stranger-directed aggression’, and ’Territoriality’. Conversely, the highest median value was observed for the ’Attachment/attention seeking’ factor. With regard to the C/DORS, the factor designated ’Perceived costs’ exhibited the lowest median scores, while the highest median value was observed for the factor designated ’Perceived emotional closeness – emotional support’. Weak correlations were identified between the factors of the two questionnaires. Moreover, the age and weight of the dog was found to affect some factor scores of both questionnaires. Additionally, specific factors of the C-BARQ were found to be affected by the breed, origin and sex/neuter status of the dog. These preliminary results are part of a multimodal analysis of the dog personality and dog-handler relationship. Further investigation will be conducted through behavioral and hormonal observations, with the aim of elucidating the factors that contribute to the efficacy of AAI teams
The assessment of transversal competences: principles and methodological tools
No full textThis paper explores the topic of the assessment of transversal competences. In a complex and ever-changing
society, in addition to essential disciplinary skills, it is necessary to acquire transversal skills that are fundamental
in different work and life contexts. These skills are not tied to a specific discipline, situation or profession, but can
be applied in different areas. Transversal competences are particularly important for the holistic development of
the individual and for his/her personal, educational and professional success.
Starting with a review of the literature on transversal competencies, the paper continues with an in-depth
examination with respect to the ways in which these competencies can be assessed. In particular, in addition
to proposing some methodological issues, we reflect on 43 different tools found in the literature. These are
both qualitative and quantitative tools used in different contexts to assess transversal competencies, listening to
multiple actors and valuing different methods.
This reflection on competences assessment and on assessment tools help to highlight the complexity of the topic
and underline some practical examples to reflect on different assessment modalities and perspectives. Each
context, from this, can reflect and develop appropriate assessment practices
CologEM: Hydrogel derivato da pazienti per il miglioramento della medicina personalizzata attraverso la replicazione del microambiente del cancro del colon retto
No full textIntroduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the most prevalent cancers globally and is associated with a high mortality rate, particularly in advanced stages. In the realm of drug discovery, the use of innovative and highly translational preclinical CRC models is essential. Currently, the most relevant in vitro tumor approaches are three dimensional (3D) models. However, most 3D models of solid tumors are based either on synthetic materials or animal-derived commercial hydrogels, which fail to accurately mimic the biology of native tissues and originate from non-human sources. In contrast, hydrogels derived from human decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM) retain signaling cues from native tissue and represent a bioactive mechanical structure that can foster tumor cell growth in a tissue-specific 3D in vitro environment.
Aim of the study: The objective of this thesis is to develop and characterize a patient-derived decellularized ECM hydrogel, identified as CologEM, from human colon biopsies. Furthermore, the formulated CologEM will be used as culture platoform CRC patient-derived organoid (PDOs) with the final goal of producing an integrated and reliable 3D in vitro preclinical model that accurately replicates CRC biology.
Methods: Healthy colon biopsies, obtained through surgical resection, were decellularized using a detergent-enzymatic treatment (DET). The decellularized tissues were then lyophilized and ground into powder that was pepsin-digested to formulate CologEM. The physical, chemical, and structural properties of CologEM were evaluated through DNA quantification, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, swelling tests, fluorescence recovery after photobleaching, scanning electron microscopy, and gelation, collagenase, hydroxyproline, and diffusion assays. CRC cell lines, including HCT-116, HCT-15, and HT-29, were then embedded in CologEM. To evaluate the biocompatibility of CologEM, cell viability assays, drug treatments, and gene expression analysis were performed. Additionally, PDOs were also embedded into CologEM and biocompatibility was assessed. Furthermore, the interaction between PDOs and CologEM was also investigated.
Results: This study demonstrated that patient-derived decellularized colon ECM can be processed into a hydrogel, producing CologEM, suitable for the culture of CRC cells, PDOs and suitable for drug screening studies. The decellularization protocol preserved key ECM proteins, such as collagens and glycosaminoglycans, while leaving only insignificant levels of residual DNA. CologEM displayed a fibrous ultrastructure with interconnected pores, with notable differences observed between 1% and 3% (w/V) CologEM. Both 1% and 3% CologEM showed good biocompatibility, with 3% CologEM demonstrating a higher propensity to induce a mesenchymal phenotype and resistance to antitumor drugs. CRC PDOs from CRC biopsies was isolated and characterized. The biocompatibility of CologEM for PDOs culture was also successfully demonstrated. CRC PDOs in CologEM reveal not only a different growth pattern, but also a higher differentiation from the same PDOs line cultured in commercial hydrogel. Finally, the ability of PDOs to remodel and interact with the surrounding environment was also demonstrated.
Conclusions: CologEM is a suitable scaffold for 3D CRC models as it replicates critical characteristics of the tumor microenvironment. This model holds promise for facilitating the discovery and development of chemotropic drugs for cancer treatment