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Purpose: This paper is a proposal for improving ESL text comprehension by merging a multimodal perspective on language (Kress et al. [2005]. "Urban Classrooms, Subject English: Multimodal Perspectives on Teaching and Learning." London: Routledge Falmer.) with an integrated psychological (or 'metacognitive') approach to language learning and awareness (Fairclough [1992]. "Critical Language Awareness." London: Longman, 1). Design: A multichannel approach is presented, based on two strategies: a main 'multichannel' strategy for reading the text, which focuses on the assessment of the visual, auditory, cognitive and kinaesthetic/emotional channels and relative functions, and a corollary one, specifically dedicated to implementing the cognitive function. Methodology/approach: The approach has been extensively applied in university-level English classes (Reggio Emilia, Parma, Bologna University) using a 'multichannel test' based on students' feedback to explore the effectiveness of the method. In this paper, a case study is offered: data have been collected with specific reference to the University of Bologna, A. Y. 2017/18 and 2018/2019. Originality/value: Evidence suggests that further and diversified applications promise an empowerment of the approach and of its impact on ELT as well as on students' awareness and satisfaction.

Donkeys (Equus asinus) have been used extensively in agriculture and transportations since their domestication, ca. 5000–7000 years ago, but the increased mechanization of the last century has largely spoiled their role as burden animals, particularly in developed countries. Consequently, donkey breeds and population sizes have been declining for decades, and the diversity contributed by autochthonous gene pools has been eroded. Here, we examined coding-region data extracted from 164 complete mitogenomes and 1392 donkey mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control-region sequences to (i) assess worldwide diversity, (ii) evaluate geographical patterns of variation, and (iii) provide a new nomenclature of mtDNA haplogroups. The topology of the Maximum Parsimony tree confirmed the two previously identified major clades, i.e. Clades 1 and 2, but also highlighted the occurrence of a deep-diverging lineage within Clade 2 that left a marginal trace in modern donkeys. Thanks to the identification of stable and highly diagnostic coding-region mutational motifs, the two lineages were renamed as haplogroup A and haplogroup B, respectively, to harmonize clade nomenclature with the standard currently adopted for other livestock species. Control-region diversity and population expansion metrics varied considerably between geographical areas but confirmed North-eastern Africa as the likely domestication center. The patterns of geographical distribution of variation analyzed through phylogenetic networks and AMOVA confirmed the co-occurrence of both haplogroups in all sampled populations, while differences at the regional level point to the joint effects of demography, past human migrations and trade following the spread of donkeys out of the domestication center. Despite the strong decline that donkey populations have undergone for decades in many areas of the world, the sizeable mtDNA variability we scored, and the possible identification of a new early radiating lineage further stress the need for an extensive and large-scale characterization of donkey nuclear genome diversity to identify hotspots of variation and aid the conservation of local breeds worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Livestock guardian and herding shepherd dogs are morphologically and behaviourally different, due to the long selection for different tasks made by farmers and breeders. This study aimed to identify genomic regions that best distinguish and characterise four livestock guardian and five herding Italian dog breeds. Genomic SNP data of 158 dogs were compared using two analyses, allowing for the identification of regions harbouring 29 genes. Sixteen runs of homozygosity islands were found in livestock guardians, four of which were partially shared with the fifteen found in herding shepherd dogs. The identified genes were related to dog domestication and behaviour, including herding behaviour, body size and muscle development, the prick or drop ear phenotype, and eye development and functionality. These results contribute to a better understanding of how human selection shaped the genome of dogs selected for different tasks, even considering a limited geographic area. Livestock guardian (LGD) and herding shepherd (HSD) dogs have distinct morphological and behavioural characteristics, long selected by farmers and breeders, to accomplish different tasks. This study aimed to find the genomic regions that best differentiate and characterise Italian LGD and HSD. Genomic data of 158 dogs of four LGD and five HSD breeds, obtained with the 170K canine SNPchip, were collected. The two groups were compared using FST and XP-EHH analyses, identifying regions containing 29 genes. Moreover, 16 islands of runs of homozygosity were found in LGD, and 15 in HSD; 4 of them were partially shared. Among the genes found that better differentiated HSD and LGD, several were associated with dog domestication and behavioural aspects; particularly, MSRB3 and LLPH were linked to herding behaviour in previous studies. Others, DYSK, MAP2K5, and RYR, were related to body size and muscle development. Prick ears prevailed in sampled HSD, and drop ears in LGD; this explains the identification of WIF1 and MSRB3 genes. Unexpectedly, a number of genes were also associated with eye development and functionality. These results shed further light on the differences that human selection introduced in dogs aimed at different duties, even in a limited geographic area such as Italy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is limited research into horse slaughter, particularly ante mortem welfare, and the effectiveness of captive-bolt gun (CBG) stunning, despite this being a widely used method worldwide. To address this evidence gap and explore associations between ante and post mortem factors, the welfare of 62 horses was assessed at a commercial Italian abattoir. Animal-based measures were used to identify stress-related behaviours and stunning effectiveness. A sub-sample (44%; 27/62) of heads were assessed for gross brain pathology. All animals in the study showed stress-related behaviours at all stages of the slaughter process. Additionally, 53% (33/62) of horses slipped in the stunning box, with poor floor surface condition and use of force associated with this. At least one sign of an ineffective stun was observed in 22% (14/62) of animals. Six animals were shot twice, with the application of a second shot significantly associated with a higher stress behaviour index score in the stunning box. Damage to critical brainstem structures was found in 85% (23/27) of heads that were assessed with gross pathology. An absence of damage to critical brainstem structures meant that animals were ten times more likely to show signs of ineffective stunning. These results highlight the risks to equine welfare throughout the slaughter process and suggest that mitigating ante mortem stress could improve stunning effectiveness, whilst CBG usage should be refined to ensure that critical brainstem structures are targeted., Competing Interests: None., (© The Author(s) 2025.)