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Fostering Inclusion in Italy: Analyzing the 2022 Educational Guidance Reforms for Students with Disabilities
Get PDFThe educational guidance and inclusion practices in Italian schools have undergone significant evolution over the last few years. Recent legislative updates emphasize equity, inclusion, and personalized educational paths, acknowledging the diverse backgrounds, languages, and abilities of students. The 2022 guidelines for school guidance, introduced within the framework of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), further underline the importance of creating an inclusive educational environment. This article explores the most recent regulations from 2020 alongside the latest Eurydice reports to analyze their implications for inclusive education, the role of pedagogical frameworks, and strategies to advance equity and accessibility in schools. By integrating legislative analysis, pedagogical frameworks, and comparative European perspectives, the study identifies challenges and proposes strategies for improving accessibility, teacher training, and systemic collaboration to ensure the realization of inclusive education for every student
Towards a Sustainable Digital Future: Exploring AI, Legal Frameworks, and Environmental Transformations in the Post-COVID Era?
Get PDFThis research paper examines the environmental, legal, and governance implications of digitalization, focusing on the intersection of software engineering, sustainability, and accountability. As digital systems and Artificial Intelligence (AI) become increasingly embedded in society, their environmental footprint and regulatory challenges demand urgent attention. Drawing upon theories from scholars such as Beck on modernity and Haraway on the interconnected digital era, this study investigates how digitalization reshapes governance structures and sustainability efforts. The research addresses the growing environmental impact of AI and digital technologies, identifying gaps in existing legal and governance frameworks that fail to account for sustainability. The key objectives are to assess the energy consumption and ecological footprint of digitalization, analyze the perspectives of software professionals on sustainability, and propose accountability mechanisms that integrate environmental governance with software engineering practices. Methodologically, this study combines a literature review with qualitative research, including interviews with software professionals, to explore how sustainability considerations are—or are not—integrated into software development. The research highlights the lack of systematic approaches in current governance models and the absence of clear regulatory oversight regarding AI’s environmental impact. Acknowledging the limitations of available data and the challenges of regulatory harmonization, this study underscores the need for interdisciplinary collaboration between technologists, policymakers, and environmental researchers. Key findings emphasize the necessity of incorporating accountability into sustainability frameworks to foster effective transformations. The research examines software engineering practices, particularly regarding energy efficiency, carbon footprints, and the broader environmental consequences of digitalization. Using the concept of co-production, this study highlights the interconnectedness of technological advancements and environmental governance. Strategies based on Science and Technology Studies (STS) are proposed to guide the socio-technical transformation required for sustainability. To address these challenges, the study recommends the implementation of comprehensive legal frameworks, the adoption of sustainability metrics within software engineering, and the promotion of knowledge-sharing initiatives that enhance digital governance. By emphasizing the role of education, legal culture, and governance mechanisms, this research aims to contribute to a paradigm shift toward a more accountable and sustainable digital future
Attention Distribution according to the Size, Color, and Location of Stimuli in the Visual Space
Get PDFVisual attention allows individuals to select the information most relevant to ongoing behavior. Attention mechanisms serve two critical roles. First, attention can be used to select behaviorally relevant information and/or to ignore irrelevant or distracting information. Second, attention can modulate or enhance the selected information according to the perceiver’s state and goals. With attention, perceivers are more than passive receivers of information. They become active seekers and processors, able to interact intelligently with their environment. Among the characteristics of visual stimuli, size can refer to the spatial extent of an item. Searching for the largest item is particularly efficient. Regarding color, it has long been accepted as a pre-attentive feature. The aim of our research was to determine the importance of three characteristics of a visual object – size, color, and location in the visual field in the process of attention distribution under central and peripheral vision conditions. In the no-text experiment (without additional information), when foveal information is scarce, attention distribution based on the size of the stimuli is more refined, and such stimuli are detected faster than in the text experiment (with additional information), where foveal information plays a more significant role. In both the no-text and text experiments, yellow and red stimuli are detected faster than green and blue. We assume that when perceiving a scene, the eye begins moving from the upper left corner to the lower left area, then to the lower right, and finally to the upper right during the no-text series when focal information is scarce. Apparently, regardless of stimulus parameters and the intensity of the information flow, stimuli located in the upper left corner of the scene are perceived faster. This may be due to the habitual left-to-right reading pattern, or one can also pay attention to the phenomenon of pseudoneglect, which is often left-sided
Acacia senegal (L.) Willd., une espèce polyvalente dans la vie des communautés vivant autour des gommeraies au Niger
Get PDFAcacia senegal est l’une des espèces les plus utilisées dans les programmes de reboisement en Afrique du fait de sa rusticité et de son importance économique et écologique. La présente étude se propose d’explorer les différents types d’usages contemporains de l’espèce Acacia senegal et les modes de gestion et d’exploitation des gommeraies au Niger. Dans le cadre de la collecte de données, l’échantillonnage a concerné 4 localités toutes situées dans les bassins gommiers occidental et central où des interviews, focus group et entretiens ont été organisés. Il ressort de l’analyse des résultats que les modes de gestion et d’exploitation des peuplements artificiels et sites privés se sont avérées les plus efficaces, avec une densité et une fréquence de régénération appréciables du fait d’un niveau adapté d’entretien et de sécurité. S’agissant des typologies d’usages de l’arbre, sa capacité dans l’amélioration de la fertilité des sols et son utilisation comme haie-vive sont les plus citées. Concernant l’usage domestique de ses produits, l’alimentation humaine et animale sont les plus évoqués, avec en particulier l’utilisation de la gomme et des feuilles. A propos des usages spécifiques des organes, les feuilles sont principalement utilisées dans l’alimentation animale, l’écorce dans la phytothérapie, les racines pour fabriquer les filets lave-vaisselle, et le bois dans la production de l’énergie domestique. Grâce à cette étude, des pistes d’amélioration du modèle de gestion et d’exploitation d’Acacia senegal ont pu être identifiées, qui pourrait passer par la transformation des relais communautaires en chérifs forestiers avec un renforcement de compétences dans la gestion environnementale. En outre, pour garantir leur réussite, les programmes de reboisement devraient prendre en compte les intérêts locaux pour Acacia senegal en vue de promouvoir l’inclusion communautaire et l’appropriation.
Acacia senegal is one of the most widely species used in reforestation programs in Africa, due to its hardiness, and economic and ecological importance. The aim of this study is to explore the different types of current uses of Acacia senegal, and the ways in which gum plantations are managed and exploited in Niger. As part of the data collection, 4 sites were sampled, all located in the western and central gum tree basins, where interviews and focus groups were organized. Analysis of the results showed that the management and exploitation methods used for artificial stands and private sites proved to be the most effective, with a significant density and frequency of regeneration due to an appropriate level of maintenance and safety. Regarding the uses of the trees, their ability to improve soil fertility and their use as hedgerows are the most frequently cited. Regarding the domestic use of its products, human and animal nutrition are the most frequently mentioned, and more specifically gum and leaves. As for the specific uses of the organs, the leaves are mainly used for animal food, the bark for herbal medicine, the roots to make dishwasher nets, and the wood to produce domestic energy. Thanks to this study, new ways of improving the management and exploitation model of the Acacia senegal have been identified, which could involve community relays transformed into forest chiefs, with enhanced environmental management skills. In addition, to ensure their success, reforestation programs should consider local interests in Acacia senegal to reinforce community inclusion and ownership
La fibrillation atriale : aspects épidémiologiques, cliniques, paracliniques et évolutifs au service de cardiologie du centre hospitalier universitaire de l’amitié sino-centrafricaine (CHUASC) de Bangui
Get PDFObjectif : la fibrillation atriale (FA) est le trouble du rythme cardiaque le plus fréquent. Elle pose un réel problème de santé publique compte tenu de la fréquence élevée et croissante. Patients et méthodes : étude rétrospective et descriptive des patients hospitalisés au CHUSC de Bangui, incluant tous les patients présentant une fibrillation atriale (FA) à l’ECG de surface quelle qu’en soit la cardiopathie causale sur une période de 21 mois. Résultats : quarante et cinq patients ont été enregistrés, soit une fréquence hospitalière de 9,7%. Le sex-ratio était de 0,73. L’âge moyen était de 59,13ans avec les extrêmes de 18 et 79 ans. L’hypertension artérielle était retrouvée dans 51 % de cas, suivie de, l’obésité (31%). L’insuffisance cardiaque représentait 37% des circonstances de découverte suivie des complications thromboemboliques (17,7%). l’anémie était retrouvée dans 34,1%. La fonction rénale était altérée dans 48,7%. A l’électrocardiogramme, La FA à petites mailles était plus fréquente 66,6% contre 33,4%. L’hypertrophie ventriculaire était retrouvée dans 31,1% des cas. 29,6% des patients avaient le rétrécissement mitral suivi de cardiopathie hypertensive (22,2%) à l’echoDoppler cardiaque qui a permis de retrouver également une dilatation de l’oreillette gauche dans 88,9%. La fraction d’éjection moyenne était de 52,56% avec des extrêmes de 25% et 72%. Sur le plan thérapeutique, 80% des patients ont bénéficié d’un traitement ralentisseur et 3 patients d’une tentative de cardioversion (chimique et électrique). Tous les patients porteurs de FA valvulaires étaient sous anti vitamine K . Les complications hémodynamiques (31%) dominaient dans notre série suivie de celles thromboemboliques (27%). Un cas de décès à la phase aiguë était noté. Conclusion : la fibrillation atriale pose un réel problème de santé publique. Son pronostic reste redoutable par ses complications par la diminution de la qualité de vie et la majoration du risque de décès.
Objective: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common heart rhythm disorder. It poses a real public health problem given the high and increasing frequency. Patients and methods: Retrospective and descriptive study of patients hospitalized at the CHUSC of Bangui, including all patients presenting with atrial fibrillation (AF) on the surface ECG regardless of the causal heart disease over a period of 21 months. Results: Forty-five patients were registered, representing a hospital frequency of 9.7%. The sex ratio was 0.73. The mean age was 59.13 years with extremes of 18 and 79 years. Arterial hypertension was found in 51% of cases, followed by obesity (31%). Heart failure represented 37% of the circumstances of discovery followed by thromboembolic complications (17.7%). Anemia was found in 34.1%. Renal function was impaired in 48.7%. On the electrocardiogram, small-mesh AF was more frequent 66.6% versus 33.4%. Ventricular hypertrophy was found in 31.1% of cases. 29.6% of patients had mitral stenosis followed by hypertensive heart disease (22.2%) on cardiac echoDoppler which also found left atrial dilation in 88.9%. The mean ejection fraction was 52.56% with extremes of 25% and 72%. In terms of therapy, 80% of patients received slowing treatment and 3 patients received an attempt at cardioversion (chemical and electrical). All patients with valvular AF were on anti-vitamin K. Hemodynamic complications (31%) dominated in our series followed by thromboembolic complications (27%). One case of death in the acute phase was noted. Conclusion: atrial fibrillation poses a real public health problem. Its prognosis remains formidable due to its complications, the reduction in quality of life, and the increase in the risk of death. Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common heart rhythm disorder. It poses a real public health problem given the high and increasing frequency
Evaluation de la qualité physico-chimique des eaux de surface et des eaux des nappes au niveau de deux zones humides continentales en Mauritanie : Mahmouda et Tamourt Naaj
Get PDFLes zones humides continentales constituent les écosystèmes les plus productifs en Mauritanie, dans la zone de transition saharo-sahélienne. La présente étude cherche à évaluer la qualité physico- chimique des eaux de surface et des eaux des nappes au niveau de deux zones humides en Mauritanie : Mahmouda et Tamourt Naaj. De par leurs positions géographiques et stratégiques, ces deux zones humides offrent d’importantes fonctions hydrologiques et écologiques. Dans le but de mieux connaitre l’aptitude des eaux à satisfaire les besoins domestiques des villages environnants, nous avons analysé de nombreux prélèvements d’eau, en utilisant un pH-mètre (HI 8314), un conductimètre (HI 8733), un Spectrophotomètre UV-Visible (WEG 7100), un photomètre de flamme et la méthode volumétrique Mohr pour le dosage des métaux alcalins. Les données ont été soumises à des logiciels de traitement de données, et traduits en diagrammes (Piper, Schoeller) afin de ressortir les éléments majeurs pour une représentation des faciès des points d’eau. Les résultats d’analyses physico-chimiques montrent une minéralisation faible à moyenne (conductivité entre 10 µs/cm et 237 µs/cm), un taux d’oxygène dissous élevé (5,3 et 18 mg/l) et un pH basique (7,8-9,3) pour la plupart des échantillons d’eau étudiés, ne dépassant pas la norme relative à la qualité des eaux superficielles. Cette eau peut être utilisée pour des fins domestiques en suivant un procédé de traitement de clarification et de désinfection. Cependant, et eu égard aux multiples services écosystémiques qu’elles offrent, ces zones humides restent très vulnérables à la pollution et à la dégradation, ce qui appellent des mesures urgentes et lucides de gestion intégrée, de protection et de conservation.
Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems that exist across the globe. The wetlands studied here are considered to represent the best examples of ecosystem with their geographical and strategic position and their hydrological and ecological functions in Mauritania. However, they are currently poorly conserved and protected due to overgrazing and poaching, which would cause pollution of these wetlands. The aim of this study is to assess the physico-chemical quality of surface water and groundwater of Mahmouda and Tamourt Naaj wetlands in Mauritania. In order to investigate the suitability of these wetland waters as drinking water supply for the area, surrounding villages, livestock and agricultural purposes, efficient data processing software, such as the Piper and the Schoeller diagrams as well as other methods, are used to derive the key elements for a representation of the facies of water points. Likewise, the data processing from the measurement campaign would make it possible to guide the qualitative use of water from wetlands
Socioemotional Linguistic and Rhetorical Markers of the September 2024 Hostilities in Lebanon: Insights from Academics across Lebanese Universities
Get PDFSeveral theoretical frameworks examine the intricate relationship between language and socioemotional dynamics. Drawing upon Fairclough's tripartite framework of critical discourse analysis, this research case study endeavors to show how linguistic expression encapsulates the socioemotional experiences of displacement, trauma, resilience, and solidarity among university faculty impacted by the airstrikes in Lebanon in 2024. This research's main objective is to scrutinize the use of lexical choices and rhetorical strategies to articulate these emotions while reflecting social and ideological constructs in reaction to the prevailing hostilities. Data were collected from the perspectives of sixty-two instructors and staff members across thirteen Lebanese universities through a twenty-item online survey, which served as the foundation for both statistical and descriptive analysis. Furthermore, as a result, twenty-six online narrative reflection logs provided a linguistically nuanced representation of socioemotional linguistic indicators related to displacement, trauma, resilience, and solidarity, while also invoking rhetorical techniques such as similes, metaphors, hypophoras, epizeuxis, and anaphoras that signified a connection to a collective identity
National Security and Cyber Defense in the Rise of Artificial Super Intelligence
Get PDFThe rise of Artificial Superintelligence (ASI) marks a pivotal transformation in the global cybersecurity landscape. Surpassing the limitations of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), ASI introduces systems capable of autonomous reasoning, instantaneous threat response, and strategic adaptability far beyond human capability. While its defensive applications hold immense promise, the offensive potential of ASI presents an equally formidable challenge. Real-world events such as the SolarWinds infiltration in 2020 and the NotPetya ransomware outbreak in 2017 illustrate the devastating impact of AI-augmented cyber operations on national infrastructure and global commerce. These cases underscore the urgency of preparing for more advanced threats as ASI technology matures. This paper investigates the dual role of ASI in modern cyber conflict through a mixed-method approach combining empirical case study analysis, comparative evaluation of AGI and ASI capabilities, and scenario-based modeling. Particular emphasis is placed on examining how ASI alters traditional cyberattack vectors and reshapes defensive paradigms. The study further explores the integration of advanced countermeasures, including blockchain-backed data integrity systems, zero-trust security models, and autonomous deception frameworks. In addressing the wider implications, the paper also considers the ethical, legal, and governance challenges posed by opaque, autonomous decision-making in high-stakes security contexts. By mapping current capabilities and foreseeable trajectories, the analysis offers a policy-oriented framework to guide the responsible development and secure integration of ASI into national defense infrastructures
La contribution des coopératives artisanales à l’attractivité territoriale : Une analyse multidimensionnelle cas de la province d’El Haouz
Get PDFNotre objectif est d'étudier le rôle des coopératives artisanales dans le renforcement de l’attractivité territoriale dans la province d’El Haouz, située à la région de Marrakech-Safi, reconnue pour son patrimoine culturel et artisanal. Les coopératives artisanales jouent un rôle central dans la préservation des savoir-faire traditionnels, l’inclusion sociale et le développement économique local. Cependant, leur contribution à l’attractivité territoriale et les déterminants de leur efficacité demeurent insuffisamment étudiés dans les travaux de recherche. Adoptant une approche économétrique, cette recherche s’appuie sur un modèle de régression multiple pour analyser les relations entre les activités des coopératives et l’attractivité territoriale, mesurée par le flux annuel de visiteurs et les investissements locaux. Les variables explicatives incluent : (i) la contribution économique, évaluée par les revenus générés et les emplois créés ; (ii) la préservation culturelle, mesurée par le nombre de savoir-faire artisanaux conservés et la participation à des événements culturels ; (i) l’inclusion sociale, mesurée par l’implication des femmes et des jeunes dans les coopératives ; et (iv) la durabilité environnementale, évaluée par l’adoption de pratiques écoresponsables et l’utilisation de matières premières locales. Les données ont été collectées auprès de 84 coopératives artisanales grâce à des enquêtes structurées et complétées par des rapports institutionnels. Les résultats révèlent que les coopératives artisanales contribuent de manière significative à l’attractivité territoriale, notamment grâce à leur impact économique, leur rôle dans la préservation du patrimoine culturel et leur capacité à promouvoir l’inclusion sociale. Pour maximiser leur impact, plusieurs mesures sont recommandées à savoir: un soutien financier renforcé (fonds dédié, microcrédits, subventions écologiques), des formations en gestion et marketing digital, la promotion des produits artisanaux via une marque territoriale et le e-commerce, le développement des infrastructures et l’encouragement de l’inclusion sociale et environnementale. Ces stratégies, combinées à des partenariats public-privé et un dispositif de suivi, permettront de renforcer la contribution des coopératives à un développement territorial durable et inclusif.
Our objective is to study the role of handicraft cooperatives in enhancing territorial attractiveness in the province of El Haouz, located in the Marrakech-Safi region, renowned for its cultural and artisanal heritage. Handicraft cooperatives play a central role in preserving traditional know-how, fostering social inclusion, and promoting local economic development. However, their contribution to territorial attractiveness and the determinants of their effectiveness remain insufficiently explored in research studies. Adopting an econometric approach, this research relies on a multiple regression model to analyze the relationships between cooperative activities and territorial attractiveness, measured by the annual visitor flow and local investments. The explanatory variables include: (i) economic contribution, assessed through generated revenues and jobs created; (ii) cultural preservation, measured by the number of preserved artisanal skills and participation in cultural events; (iii) social inclusion, evaluated through the involvement of women and youth in cooperatives; and (iv) environmental sustainability, assessed by the adoption of eco-friendly practices and the use of local raw materials. Data were collected from 84 handicraft cooperatives through structured surveys, supplemented by institutional reports. The results reveal that handicraft cooperatives significantly contribute to territorial attractiveness, particularly through their economic impact, their role in preserving cultural heritage, and their ability to promote social inclusion. To maximize their impact, several measures are recommended, including enhanced financial support (dedicated funds, microcredits, ecological subsidies), training in management and digital marketing, promotion of handicraft products through a territorial brand and e-commerce, infrastructure development, and encouragement of social and environmental inclusion. These strategies, combined with public-private partnerships and a monitoring system, will help strengthen the contribution of cooperatives to sustainable and inclusive territorial development
Combining Biosafety Experts’ Evaluations and Workers’ Perceptions to Disclose Biological Risks in Biomedical Laboratories
Get PDFObjectives: This paper focuses on examining the biological risks in biomedical laboratories of public hospitals in Athens, Greece, by combining expert evaluations and laboratory workers’ perception. It also aimed to review how personnel managed biological materials, assess the level of safety awareness and training of workers, and propose hazards mitigation actions according to local legislation and international biosafety guidelines. Materials and Methods: A total of 36 biosafety level 2 (BSL-2) laboratories in 20 hospitals were evaluated for biosafety containment specifications and adherence to biosafety procedures. The study was conducted as a cross-sectional survey using a checklist and a detailed health and safety (H&S) questionnaire, focusing on biosafety and biorisk management. An expert biosafety officer inspected and completed a checklist for each laboratory (n=36) across the 20 hospitals. Additionally, 415 lab professionals completed a biosafety-specific health and safety questionnaire. Results: Both the checklists and questionnaires revealed that, although some positive findings were observed, a significant percentage of laboratories lacked effective management of biological agents and materials overall. The main deficiencies identified included restricted access, safety equipment, standard operating procedures (SOPs), biorisk management systems, risk assessments, biosafety manuals, biosafety officers, accident reporting, and biosafety training programs. Conclusion: The significant shortcomings in some areas of engineering and administrative controls, as well as in the implementation of Greek and European biosafety legislation, demonstrate that the laboratories do not fully comply with internationally accepted BSL-2 standards. Therefore, there is an urgent need for more comprehensive and proactive measures, adequate biosafety training for workers, and stricter enforcement of existing laws and directives to ensure the safety of laboratory professionals, the community, and the environment