Archivio istituzionale della Ricerca - Università degli Studi di Parma
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Multimodality in language teaching and learning: a scoping review
No full textReflections on the concept of multimodality in the study of language systems have increasingly challenged the traditional amodal perspective of language. This scoping review aims to investigate the dichotomy between the amodal and (multi)modal nature of language within the field of Educational Linguistics, and to explore the theoretical frameworks adopted in the field to conceptualize multimodality, specifically in second/foreign language teaching and learning. Out of the 1,784 originally identified records - 38 related to the amodal view and 1,746 to the multimodal view of language - only 67 were included in the final analysis. The findings reveal that educational linguistic research embraces a multimodal perspective on language, with the majority of theoretical frameworks adopted across the studies promoting social semiotic and cognitive views on multimodality. Furthermore, a tendency emerges to consider multimodality and multisensory approaches as synonyms, particularly in the literature on second/foreign language teaching to learners with specific learning differences. Lastly, the evolution of theoretical frameworks on multimodality highlights a growing emphasis on integrating these complementary perspectives to develop a more comprehensive understanding of multimodality to enhance second/foreign language learning and teaching
Development of a Fuzzy Logic-Based Tool for Evaluating KPIs in a Lean, Agile, Resilient, and Green (LARG) Supply Chain
No full textFeatured Application: The fuzzy logic-based tool proposed in this paper can support supply chain managers in evaluating the implementation level of Lean, Agile, Resilient, and Green practices across different operational areas. Thanks to its software-based design, the tool is easily applicable in real-world industrial contexts to identify targeted improvement opportunities. This study proposes a fuzzy logic-based approach to better manage supply chain uncertainty and improve decision-making flexibility. The developed framework categorizes supply chain activities into procurement, production, distribution and reverse logistics and integrates Lean, Agile, Resilient, and Green (LARG) KPIs within a hierarchical structure. The tool was implemented using Microsoft ExcelTM to enhance usability for practitioners. To test its applicability, the model was applied to a real case study. The results show that lean and resilient practices are consistently well-established across all supply chain phases, while agility and green practices vary significantly depending on the operational area—particularly between internal function (i.e., production and reverse logistics) and external ones (i.e., procurement and distribution). These findings help to better understand how the LARG capabilities are distributed across the different operational areas of the supply chain and offer practical guidance for managers seeking targeted performance improvement. Although the numerical results are context-specific, the framework’s adaptability makes it suitable for diverse supply chain environments
Pathogenic Potential of Shiga Toxin-producing Escherichia coli Isolated from Red Deer (Cervus elaphus)
No full textIn 2023, human infections by Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) were reported as the third zoonosis in EU/EEA countries. Symptoms in humans vary from non-bloody diarrhoea to haemorrhagic colitis and the life-threatening haemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). STEC can produce two types of Shiga toxin (Stx1 and Stx2) comprising four subtypes for Stx1 (a, c, d and e) and 15 for Stx2 (a–o). Adhesion to the intestinal cells is mediated by the protein intimin, encoded by the eae gene, or by different mechanisms. In Europe, five serogroups named “top-5” (O26, O103, O111, O145 and O157) have been associated with most human cases for years. Nevertheless, other human pathogenic serogroups are emerging. The major reservoir of STEC are ruminants, including wild species. The occurrence of STEC in red deer (Cervus elaphus) has been demonstrated in many European countries, with proportions ranging from 9.5 % (Portugal) to 19.9 % (Italy) in faeces and 7 % in carcasses (Spain). Among the top-5, stx1 and/or stx2- and eae-harbouring STEC O157:H7 was found in red deer faeces with variable prevalences (12 %–0.35 %) among countries. Nevertheless, most STEC belongs to O27:H80 and O146:H28 serotypes and are positive for stx2b and negative for eae genes. Although they do not belong to the top-5, they have the potential to cause diarrhoea and HUS in humans, as reported in Belgium in 2023. Currently, we are testing faecal and diaphragm samples from red deer hunted in Italy (Central-Western Alps) according to the ISO/TS 13136:2012 method. The study is ongoing and we only have preliminary results. However, whole genome sequencing of 11 isolates identified only the two stx2b-positive and eae-negative O27:H80 and O146:H28 serotypes. Since a recent EFSA classification of the most frequent serogroups of STEC from human infections includes O146, the wide distribution of STEC O146:H28 in red deer should alert the entire game meat chain to the possible risks for both hunters and consumers
Long-term survival can be achieved in a significant fraction of older patients with core binding factor acute myeloid leukemia treated with intensive chemotherapy
No full textAcute Myeloid Leukemia is mainly a disease of the elderly: however, the
knowledge on the outcomes of treatment in core binding factor AML (CBFAML)
in older population, is limited. We retrospectively collected data on 229
patients with CBF- AML followed long-term in the last two decades.
A 5-year overall survival (OS) of 44.2% (95%CI, 39.9 - 47.5) and a 5-year
event – free survival (EFS) of 32.9% (95%CI, 25.5 - 40.1) was observed. In a
subgroup of >70-year patients who completed intensive therapy (induction +
>3 courses of consolidation including autologous stem cell transplant: 10
patients) the median EFS was 11.8 months (95%CI, 9.4 – 15.2) and OS was
40.0% (95%CI, 36.4 – 44.1) at 5yr. In univariate analysis, age >70 (hazard
ratio (HR) 1.78, [95%CI, 1.15 – 2.54], p=.008), failure to achieve remission
following induction (HR, 8.96 [95%CI, 5.5 – 13.8], p=<.0001), no consolidation
therapy (HR, 0.75 [95%CI, 0.47 – 1.84], p=.04) and less than 3 cycles of
consolidation (HR, 1.48 [95%CI, 0.75 – 3.2], p=.0004), predicted poorer EFS.
Our study shows that intensive therapy, in selected older CBF-AML patients,
leads to longer survival. Achieving a CR seems to be the most important first
step and at least 3 cycles of consolidation, an important second one. The
analysis suggests that these patients should not be excluded from studies with
intensive therapies
Farming Innovation: botanicals, novel food notification and the concept of “derived from primary production”
No full textConsumers’ interest in plant-based foods with beneficial effects has inflated the theme of botanicals. In addition to the absence of a definition, the topic presents several challenges that require resolution. The paper focuses in particular on a very specific aspect of the marketing of botanicals and botanical preparations: their placing on the market as novel food from third countries. After a very general introduction, the analysis pay attention to the notification procedure, as regulated by Regulation (EU) 2015/2283, breaking down the relevant provisions on their constituents (categories, history of safe food use, derivation from primary production, cutoff date), in order to offer food business operators support in deciding what procedure should be followed. Despite the opportunities that a notification can open for the market, the paper recognizes the limited chances that EU farmers enjoy with the novel food provisions
Evaluation of a genetic algorithm for constrained multi-objective structural optimization in laminated glass design
No full textWe evaluate an in-house implementation of a Nondominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II) for stiffness and cost efficiency multi-objective structural optimization of laminated glass under wind and self-weight, considering accidental partial breakage according to safety standards. Variables include glass thermal/chemical treatments and thickness, and interlayer types, encoded in a binary representation subjected to mutations. Load duration affects glass strength and shear coupling of the glass plies; the "Enhanced Effective Thickness"(EET) method is the reduced order calculation model. Structural verification are handled as constraints through the Compliance Score technique, influencing selection probability via penalty functions. Dynamically changing mutation probabilities are explored to prevent premature convergence to a single part of the Pareto front. The "Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution"(TOPSIS) is discussed for selecting the best solution within the Pareto set based on design inputs. The worked problem allows evaluation of all configurations and calculation of the true Pareto set via pairwise comparison, serving as a benchmark for assessing algorithm efficiency based on population size and mutation probability type (fixed or dynamically changing). Findings confirm the great potential of genetic algorithms in multi-objective structural optimization of laminated glass
Non-invasive intracranial pressure assessment in adult critically ill patients: A narrative review on current approaches and future perspectives
No full textIntracranial hypertension (IH) is a life-threatening complication that may occur after acute brain injury. Early recognition of IH allows prompt interventions that improve outcomes. Even if invasive intracranial monitoring is considered the gold standard for the most severely injured patients, scarce availability of resources, the need for advanced skills, and potential for complications often limit its utilization. On the other hand, different non-invasive methods to evaluate acutely brain-injured patients for elevated intracranial pressure have been investigated. Clinical examination and neuroradiology represent the cornerstone of a patient's evaluation in the intensive care unit (ICU). However, multimodal neuromonitoring, employing widely used different tools, such as brain ultrasound, automated pupillometry, and skull micro-deformation recordings, increase the possibility for continuous or semi-continuous intracranial pressure monitoring. Furthermore, artificial intelligence (AI) has been investigated to as a tool to predict elevated intracranial pressure, shedding light on new diagnostic and treatment horizons with the potential to improve patient outcomes. This narrative review, based on a systematic literature search, summarizes the best available evidence on the use of non-invasive monitoring tools and methods for the assessment of intracranial pressure
Olfactory Dysfunctions and Chronic Kidney Disease: A Scoping Review
No full textChronic kidney disease (CKD) represents a significant global public health challenge. Among the various clinical complications associated with CKD, olfactory dysfunction has been identified as a factor that substantially affects the quality of life of patients. This study aims to systematically explore the prevalence, implications, and therapeutic avenues of anosmia in CKD patients. This scoping review utilized the Arksey and O'Malley framework, incorporating the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology, and followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. The research question, formulated using the PIO framework, guided a thorough search of databases PubMed/Medline, Embase, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), Cochrane Library and gray literature sources. Eligibility criteria focused on studies involving CKD patients with olfactory dysfunctions. From an initial pool of 832 articles, 17 studies met the criteria, providing insights into olfactory alterations in 4,025 CKD patients. The data that have been reported, define that 55,34% of the sample experienced olfactory changes and the 8.5% experienced anosmia. This review revealed a complex interplay of factors contributing to olfactory alterations, including uremic toxins, dialysis procedures, electrolyte imbalances, and malnutrition. Findings suggested the potential recovery of olfactory function following kidney transplantation. Various assessment tools were utilized, with the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test and Sniffin’ Sticks emerging as the primary instruments. The observed variability in findings highlights the need for continued research to understand the mechanisms, enhance therapies, and improve quality of life for CKD patients with olfactory dysfunctions. Future studies should employ standardized methods, explore new assessment tools, and prioritize longitudinal assessments to advance our understanding and management of olfactory dysfunctions in this population