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Online learning of physics during a pandemic: A report from an academic experience in Italy
No full textThe need for online learning, as a consequence of the social distancing imposed by Sars-Cov II, has opened a new window on teaching physics in academia. Frontal lectures have left space for online teaching, teachers have been facing with a new way of spreading knowledge, adapting contents and modalities of their courses. Students have coped with a new way of learning physics, which relies on free access to materials and their informatics knowledge. We investigated
on how online didactics has influenced lecturers’ teaching of physics and students’ assessments, motivation, and satisfaction in learning physics during the pandemic in 2020. The research involved bachelor and master students attending the degree course in Physics and lecturers of the Physics Department at the University of Cagliari. The Multivariate ANalysis Of VAriance (MANOVA) supported significant mean differences concerning gender and university level with higher values for girls and master students in almost all variables investigated. Correlations showed that student-student, student-teacher interaction, and the organization of the courses are significantly related to satisfaction and motivation in learning physics. The results of this study can be used to improve the standards of teaching in Physics at the University of Cagliari
Clustering effects in nuclear reactions at low and medium energies
No full textWe discuss some recent achievements in the study of the structure of light and medium mass nuclei. In particular, we investigated the spectroscopy of 11C and 12C isotopes above the alpha emission threshold with low and medium energy nuclear reactions. The obtained results point out some interesting properties linked to possible cluster structure of such nuclei. Finally, we briefly discuss some investigations on possible effects linked to the cluster nature of the reaction partners in the low energy fusion of heavy ions
The new fragment in-flight separator at INFN-LNS
No full textAn upgrade project of the Superconducting Cyclotron has been
underway at INFN-LNS since 2019. One of the goals of this project is to deliver RIBs (Radioactive Ion Beams) of high intensity. To reach this aim, a dedicated facility
consisting of a new fragment separator FRAISE (FRAgment In-flight SEparator) is ongoing, exploiting primary beams with a power up to ≈2–3 kW. The high intensity achievable with FRAISE requires the use of suitable diagnostics and tagging systems, able to operate also in a strong radioactive environment. In this framework, an R&D program has been started to develop the FRAISE facility, the diagnostics
system and the tagging device; the latter will be especially useful in the CHIMERA multidetector beam line. The present contribution discusses the status of the R&D program, with particular focus on the RIBs available thanks to the use of FRAISE
Hyperosmolar Therapy for Diabetic Hyperosmolar Ketoacidosis
Get PDFHyperglycaemic hyperosmolar state (HHS) and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) features can occur simultaneously in 27% of diabetic emergencies and have a two-fold increased risk of death. Despite the high prevalence of this combination, recommended treatments from leading guidelines may not be compatible with the clinical picture. A 36-year-old man presented with explicit concurrent HHS and DKA. The recommended treatment with simultaneous insulin and volume repletion was followed but resulted in an excessively rapid decline in serum osmolarity. Hyperosmolar therapy (NaCl 3%) was initiated to mitigate the risk of potentially fatal cerebral osmotic shifts.The concomitant presence of DKA and HHS leads to a treatment dilemma with a high risk of excessive osmolarity shifts. More evidence is needed, but it is reasonable to initiate tailored treatment to avoid osmolarity reduction rates exceeding the hypernatraemia-based limit of 24 mOsm/l/day. Hyperosmolar therapy can be considered but requires frequent monitoring of electrolytes and osmolarity
Severe Persistent Eczema in a Recipient of the Gam-COVID-Vac vaccine
Get PDFSince the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, efforts have been made to design safe and effective vaccines against SARS-CoV-2.Numerous vaccines have been designed and tested in limited clinical trials in various countries. Among them, the Sputnik V vaccine has shown a relatively safe profile and, to our knowledge, has no associated major side effects. We describe the case of a 40-year-old female healthcare worker who developed severe persistent eczematous lesions on the second day after she received the first dose of the Sputnik vaccine. The eczematous lesions were refractory to an antihistamine and persisted at the 1 month follow-up. Severe persistent eczematous lesions should be viewed as a potential side effect of vaccination with the Sputnik V vaccine. Moreover, a severe allergic reaction to a COVID-2019 vaccine may indicate the vaccine is ineffective in the recipient
Anaphylaxis to Ciprofloxacin Requiring Emergent Surgical Cricothyrotomy
Get PDFAlthough allergies to antibiotics are commonly stated, anaphylactic reactions are uncommonly reported. This is especially the case with reactions to fluoroquinolone antibiotics. Furthermore, airway emergencies are rare. We present a case of ciprofloxacin-induced acute airway obstruction and anaphylaxis, necessitating emergent surgical cricothyrotomy following respiratory distress
A Rare Case of Benign Histiocytic Neoplasm of Cutaneous Rosai–Dorfman Disease: A Case Report and Literature Review
Get PDFRosai–Dorfman disease (RDD) is a rare disorder characterized by the proliferation of histiocytes in lymph nodes. It can occur anywhere in the body but commonly involves the cervical area of the neck. Its clinical presentation varies and patients with skin manifestations may develop papules, nodules, plaques, or pustules. Histologically, it typically presents with emperipolesis, where intact lymphocytes are found within histiocytes. The definitive treatment of RDD is not well established given the rarity of the disease and indeed skin lesions can regress spontaneously. Therapeutic treatment options include cryotherapy, radiation, or topical agents such as steroids or retinoids. Here we describe the case of a 24-year-old Hispanic female who presented with skin manifestations which proved to be histologically positive for Rosai–Dorfman disease. The patient clinically improved following the administration of intralesional steroids
Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder Associated with Cryptogenic Organizing Pneumonia in a Young Patient
Get PDFNeuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is associated with other autoimmune disorders and probably with cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (COP) as well. Here we present the case of a 14-year-old girl presenting with typical NMOSD together with radiological evidence of COP. Our case is unique as the previous two reports of this association were in elderly patients
Successful Treatment of Spondylodiscitis and Infectious Sacroiliitis due to Listeria monocytogenes using Meropenem as Salvage Therapy
Get PDFInfectious sacroiliitis is a rare disease that can occur in conjunction with other osteoarticular infections. Furthermore, it is very unusual for Listeria monocytogenes to be identified in an osteoarticular infection, with spondylodiscitis being the most frequent such infection. We report a case of spondylodiscitis with infectious sacroiliitis due to infection with L. monocytogenes treated successfully with meropenem as salvage therapy
Spinal Cord Compression Secondary to a Spontaneous Cervical Epidural Haematoma
Get PDFWe report the case of an 86-year-old female patient with chronic neck pain who presented with an initial misleading clinical picture suggesting an ischaemic stroke. No recent or previous anticoagulation treatment or fall history was reported. The patient developed a paraplegia of the upper limbs needing magnetic resonance imaging which revealed a compressive cervical haematoma. The patient benefitted from cervical laminectomy and evacuation of the cervical haematoma. Motricity in upper extremities was recovered but paresis in the lower extremities persisted 1 week after surgical intervention