Archivio Istituzionale della Ricerca - Università degli Studi di Pavia
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Acquiring and Processing Two Languages in One Brain
No full textThis chapter examines the acquisition, storage and processing of second languages (L2).We delve into neurological methods used in L2 research, highlighting their findings. Additionally, we discuss key factors in L2 acquisition such as age and L1/L2 differences. We also review theories on mental lexicon and syntactic/semantic processing in L2, and how L2 learning impacts brain structure and cognition. Finally, we address the ambiguity surrounding definitions of L2 proficiency and call for clarity in research methodologies
International consensus for the assessment of social cognition in neurocognitive disorders: framework definition and clinical recommendations of the SIGNATURE initiative
No full textBackground: Socio-cognitive assessment in neurocognitive disorders (NCDs) is rare in clinical practice and no consensus exists as to a uniform operationalization of socio-cognitive measures for NCDs in memory clinics. The SIGNATURE initiative aims to optimize the use of socio-cognitive measures in memory clinics, defining expert recommendations. We report consortium guidelines for the use of socio-cognitive measures in NCDs based on available evidence from the literature and the current state of practices in memory clinics. Methods: Using a Delphi consensus method supported by a literature review and the results of an international survey, 22 specialists defined recommendations for the context of use, relevance in NCD diagnosis, priorities for future research and facilitators/obstacles of socio-cognitive assessment in major and mild NCDs. Results: Overall, panelists recommended social cognition testing in routine diagnostic assessment to evaluate both socio-cognitive and socio-behavioral alterations. A set of clinical, methodological, implementation and external factors facilitating or hampering the use of socio-cognitive tasks was identified. Conclusions: This is the first focused endeavor to favor the implementation of socio-cognitive assessment, which is required by DSM-5 but seldom performed despite clear evidence of its clinical relevance for diagnosis and care. Our results provide an initial set of recommendations, refinable through the future actions of the SIGNATURE initiative. Future collaborative clinical research projects should overcome current limitations and foster the use of ecological and cross-culturally validated measures in clinics
Optical Engineering of a Gradient Antireflective Coating to Boost the Current Density in Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells
No full textAntireflection coatings (ARCs) are a well-established yet often underutilized strategy for enhancing light management in perovskite solar cells. In this study, we report on a scalable and effective ARC solution based on engineering a bilayer architecture composed of a planar magnesium fluoride (MgF2) and a top MgF2 layer deposited at tilted angles using low-energy vapor deposition. The tilted deposition induces a gradient in the refractive index between the two layers, enabling superior optical impedance matching at the air/device interface. Optical constants of both planar and tilted MgF2 layers were extracted via spectroscopic ellipsometry and incorporated into optical simulations to optimize the layer thicknesses. Excellent agreement between modeling and experimental data was achieved (error <1%). The optimized device reaches a power conversion efficiency of 23.7%, with open-circuit voltage Voc = 1.137 V, Jsc = 24.7 mA/cm(2), and a fill factor of 84.3%. Structural and morphological analyses confirm the presence of nanostructures promoting light trapping, while contact angle measurements indicate enhanced hydrophobicity and antisoiling behavior
Mentoring in Hospital Settings: A Systematic Review of Guidance, Care, and Professional Development
No full textSmart conductive nanofibers integrating electrical stimulation for enhanced fibroblast alignment and collagen deposition in chronic wound repair
No full textChronic skin wounds affect millions globally, causing significant patient morbidity and posing a major healthcare challenge. Conventional treatments, such as gauze dressings, wound debridement, and pressure off-loading, often fail to accelerate healing or reduce inflammation, resulting in low healing rates and frequent wound recurrence. Emerging studies evidenced the critical role of endogenous electric fields generated by transepithelial potentials in regulating cell migration and wound repair. The use of exogenous electrical stimuli aims to mimic these bioelectric cues, promoting fibroblast alignment, collagen deposition, angiogenesis, and re-epithelialization, thus promoting wound healing.
Given these premises, this study focuses on the design and the development of electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds based on polycaprolactone and collagen, doped with conductive graphene nanosheets, to support electrical current flow and enhance wound healing. High conductive and biocompatible graphene has been selected since it facilitates efficient electrical signal transmission and this should stimulate cellular responses, critical for tissue regeneration.
The scaffolds were characterized for morphology, mechanical properties, degradation, surface wettability, zeta potential, and electrical conductivity. In-vitro assays confirmed scaffolds biocompatibility and fibroblast proliferation and adhesion onto the nanofibers with and without electrical treatment. Conductive Gr-loaded scaffolds in combination with electrical stimulation proved to support orientated aligned fibroblast growth. In-vivo studies on a murine model showed a significantly improved wound closure, tissue re-epithelialization and organized collagen deposition when the conductive scaffold was combined with external electrical stimulation