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Rhodoliths, formed by free‐living coralline algae, are distributed worldwide, and the rhodolith beds (RBs) that they form are recognized as structurally complex habitats. In the Mediterranean, they are generally distributed in the mesophotic zone, at depths of 30–100 m; so far, only a few shallow RBs (<2 m) have been reported (e.g. Îles Kuriat, Tunisia, and Stagnone Marsala, Italy).Here a shallow‐water RB located in the Mar Piccolo of Taranto (south‐eastern Italy, Mediterranean Sea) is described. The diversity of associated invertebrates, the rhodolith‐forming algal species, the type of sediments, and the bed extent are characterized.The RB investigated extends over 5 ha at depths of 0.5–1.5 m. The rhodoliths vary in shape and size, from pralines to large spherical structures, and are formed by a single species, Neogoniolithon brassica‐florida, growing around nuclei of both natural and anthropogenic origin. The associated fauna consisted of 158 taxa, 79 (50%) of which were new basin records. The associated diversity was approximately twice that of the underlying and nearby sediments.The structural complexity of the RBs promotes biodiversity and provides shelter, food, and a breeding ground for numerous species, including seahorses, which are a conservation priority in this basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current information and communication technology (ICT) has the potential to bring further changes to education. New learning techniques must be identified to take advantage of recent technological tools, such as smartphones, multimodal interfaces, multi-touch displays, etc. Game-based techniques that capitalize on ICT have proven to be very valuable. This paper presents a study aimed at validating a new educational format, inspired by the Discovery Learning technique, which integrates educational games, designed to be played on large multi-touch displays, with other types of formal and informal learning. Six classes of a primary school were involved in the study. The results showed that the proposed educational format is effective and that games on these novel multi-touch systems engage pupils very much, stimulate their collaboration and help consolidating knowledge.

Quality of e-learning systems is one of the important topics that the researchers are investigating in the last years. This paper refines the concept of quality of e-learning systems and proposes a new framework, called TICS (Technology, Interaction, Content, Services), which focuses on the most important aspects to be considered when designing or evaluating an e-learning system. Our proposal emphasizes user-system interaction as one of such important aspects. Guidelines that address the TICS aspects and an evaluation methodology, called eLSE (e-Learning Systematic Evaluation) have been derived. eLSE methodology combines a specific inspection technique with user-testing. This inspection, called AT inspection, uses evaluation patterns, called Abstract Tasks (ATs), that precisely describe the activities to be performed during inspection. The results of an empirical validation of the AT inspection technique, carried out to validate this technique, have shown an advantage of the AT inspection over the other two usability evaluation methods, demonstrating that Abstract Tasks are effective and efficient tools to drive evaluators and improve their performance. (Contains 1 table and 2 figures.)

Low-deforming regions are characterized by long earthquake recurrence intervals; thus, it is fundamental to extend back as much as possible the record of past events. Evidence from single sites or proxies may be not compelling, whereas a more substantial picture may be obtained from the integration of paleo- and archaeo-seismic evidence at multiple sites, eventually supplemented with historical chronicles. Here, we document deformations observed in a stratigraphic sequence (i.e., Via Manzoni Site) and in an archaeological site (Roman Baths) in the city of Como (N. Italy). We perform stratigraphic and sedimentological analyses on the sedimentary sequences at via Manzoni and we document Earthquake Archaeological Effects at the Roman Baths by means of Structure from Motion and field surveys. We interpret the observed deformations as due to earthquake ground shaking and provide constraints on the lower threshold for the triggering of such evidence. Radiocarbon datings and chronological constraints from the archaeological site allow to bracket the time of occurrence of the deformations at the VI century AD. We move toward a more regional view to infer possible seismogenic sources by exploiting a dataset of published paleoseismic evidence in Swiss and N. Italy lakes. We perform an inverse grid search to identify magnitude and location of an earthquake that can explain all the positive and negative evidence consistent with the time interval of the event dated at Como. Our results show that a so far undocumented earthquake (minimum Mw 6.32) with epicenter located at the border between Italy and Switzerland may account for all the observed effects. Our study calls for the need to refine the characterization of the local seismic hazard, especially considering that this region seems unprepared to face the effects of a potential earthquake similar to the VI century AD one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following the 2012 Emilia-Romagna seismic sequence, widespread liquefaction of silty sands was observed, providing the opportunity to enhance our knowledge of the influence of fines content on seismic hazard and mitigation works. This paper presents the results of a thorough geotechnical investigation performed in connection with full-scale controlled blast tests in Bondeno, Italy, a small village that suffered liquefaction in 2012. Piezocone (CPTU) and seismic dilatometer (SDMT) tests were performed in natural and improved soils after rammed aggregate pier (RAP) treatment to a depth of 9.5 m to provide accurate soil characterization, evaluate liquefaction, and verify the effectiveness of the ground improvement. The combined use of piezocone (CPTU) and flat dilatometer (DMT) data provided reliable estimates of the overconsolidation ratio and at-rest earth pressure coefficient and highlighted the soil improvement in silty sands between 4 and 9 m in depth. Shear-wave velocity measurements showed a low sensitivity to RAP installation. The treatment effectiveness was also confirmed by the use of the simplified procedures for liquefaction assessment, underlining the important influence of the adopted fines profile and by the blast-induced liquefaction. CPTU and DMT parameters remained approximately unchanged between the piers after the detonation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To estimate the number of patients who receive a cumulative effective dose (CED) of ≥ 100 mSv from computed tomography (CT) in a single day or episode of care.Methods: We examined 28,870 patients who underwent 49,834 CT examinations in a tertiary care centre in Italy in 2.5 years. Radiation exposures were retrieved from the hospital's automatic exposure monitoring system. Two cohorts were identified as those who received a CED of ≥ 100 mSv in a single day and within a month starting from the first examination. Organ doses were estimated for the first cohort.Results: Among the 1765 (6.1%) patients who received CED ≥ 100 mSv in the observation period, 427 received a CED of ≥ 100 mSv within a month (and 70 patients in a single day). This group represented 1.5% of all patients who underwent CT exams and 24% of those who received CED ≥ 100 mSv in the observation period. The clinical indication for referral included cancer in 132 patients (31%) and non-oncological indications in 295 patients (69%). In 68/70 patients with CED > 100 mSv in a single day, at least one organ/tissue received a dose of ≥ 100 mGy.Conclusions: The finding of a sizeable percentage of patients undergoing CT exams and receiving CED ≥ 100 mSv in a single episode of care points toward the need of imaging appropriateness criteria, to revise the routine protocols, to replace older machines, and to provide to the radiologist the patient's prior radiation history to facilitate an appropriate decision-making process.Key Points: • Patients can receive effective doses greater than 100 mSv in a single CT or in multiple CT examinations performed in a single episode of care in 1.5% of patients in a 2.5-year period. • In this study, the clinical indication for CT referral was non-oncological in 69% of patients. • The patient's prior radiation history should be provided to the referring physicians and the radiological medical practitioner to facilitate an appropriate decision-making process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background International literature suggests that disadvantaged groups are at higher risk of morbidity and mortality from SARS-CoV-2 infection due to poorer living/working conditions and barriers to healthcare access. Yet, to date, there is no evidence of this disproportionate impact on non-national individuals, including economic migrants, short-term travellers and refugees. Methods We analyzed data from the Italian surveillance system of all COVID-19 laboratory-confirmed cases tested positive from the beginning of the outbreak (20th of February) to the 19th of July 2020. We used multilevel negative-binomial regression models to compare the case fatality and the rate of admission to hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) between Italian and non-Italian nationals. The analysis was adjusted for differences in demographic characteristics, pre-existing comorbidities, and period of diagnosis. Results We analyzed 213 180 COVID-19 cases, including 15 974 (7.5%) non-Italian nationals. We found that, compared to Italian cases, non-Italian cases were diagnosed at a later date and were more likely to be hospitalized {[adjusted rate ratio (ARR)=1.39, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.33–1.44]} and admitted to ICU (ARR=1.19, 95% CI: 1.07–1.32), with differences being more pronounced in those coming from countries with lower human development index (HDI). We also observed an increased risk of death in non-Italian cases from low-HDI countries (ARR=1.32, 95% CI: 1.01–1.75). Conclusions A delayed diagnosis in non-Italian cases could explain their worse outcomes compared to Italian cases. Ensuring early access to diagnosis and treatment to non-Italians could facilitate the control of SARS-CoV-2 transmission and improve health outcomes in all people living in Italy, regardless of nationality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Sustainable mobility and collaborative consumption are debated issues in the literature. In this field, car sharing (CS) represents a growing tendency that attracts interest by academicians for its potential positive impact on sustainability. This study aims to understand the main drivers of CS usage, unveiling the role of service quality and the possible inhibitors. Design/methodology/approach: Based on theoretical assumptions in the literature, the authors developed a theoretical framework that aims at understanding the main antecedents of CS usage. An empirical investigation involving the city of Rome (Italy) was performed. The study presents a qualitative and quantitative survey, while the proposed theoretical model has been tested through structural equation modelling statistical techniques. Findings: The findings show that usefulness positively affects the intention to use CS services. Moreover, the green attitude and expected service quality indirectly influence the intention to use CS services impacting perceived usefulness. The results show that the expected service quality has a strong influence on usefulness, whereas green attitude has a weaker influence on usefulness. The intention to use CS services is directly influenced by the usefulness and inhibitors that affect it negatively. Originality/value: The originality of this paper lies in the fact that this study discloses the main antecedents of the intention to use CS services, emphasizing the role of service quality. This study provides fruitful insights to policy and decision-makers to understand how to improve the CS usage in the urban transport system of the city of Rome. It suggests developing a higher level of service quality in the vehicles, suitable technological applications and effective communication as well as on overcoming its main inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutraceutics is a growing research field in which researchers study and attempt to improve the biological properties of metabolites in food. Wine is one of the most consumed products in the world and contains a plethora of molecules biologically relevant to human health. In this article, several polyphenols with potential antioxidant activity were measured in wines from Apulia, in Southeast Italy. Hydroxytyrosol, gallic and syringic acids, luteolin, quercetin, and trans-resveratrol were identified and quantified by HPLC. The amount of the analyzed metabolites in wines were largely dependent on their color, with red ones being the richest compared to white and rose wines. Gallic acid was the most abundant polyphenol, followed by syringic acid and luteolin. Nevertheless, significant amounts of hydroxytyrosol, quercetin, and trans-resveratrol were also found. The average concentration of polyphenols found in these wines could have potential health-promoting effects, especially if consumed in moderate quantities on a regular basis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this study is to identify possible correlations between the stated "enablers" and "results" in excellence models, and to explain how different variables contribute to the "enablers" and "results". A cross-case study of two different excellence models, the Common Assessment Framework (CAF) in Italy and the Swedish Institute for Quality (SIQ) model for performance excellence, is proposed. Design/methodology/approach - The study is based on the evaluation of assessment reports of public organizations across two countries, Italy and Sweden. Canonical correlation was used for data analysis. Two hypotheses were formulated: There is a correlation between "enablers" and "results" in the CAF model, and there is a correlation between "enablers" and "results" in the SIQ model. Findings - The results show that the hypotheses are supported. It turned out that the correlation is higher for the SIQ model than for the CAF model. For the CAF model, "strategy and planning" is the main contributor to the "enablers", and for the SIQ model, "human resource development" is the main contributor. For the "results" set, similar criteria provide the strongest contributor for both models; these are "customer/citizen-oriented results" for the CAF and "customer satisfaction" for the SIQ. Originality/value - The paper contributes to the knowledge gained from a cross-case analysis of two different excellence models applied in public sector organizations, the CAF in Italy and the SIQ model for performance excellence in Sweden. The paper also contributes to an ongoing discussion of a need of excellence models being adapted specifically for the public sector; from this study, no support for such a sector-specific model is shown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A crucial problem associated with urban trees is the need ensure citizens' safety. It requires the development and application of rapid and precise diagnostic techniques for detecting decay and other types of structural defects in trees to prevent falling due to strength failure or damage caused by internal decay. Significant effort has been devoted to developing robust non-destructive technologies, such as specialized sensors, capable of predicting the intrinsic properties of the wood of individual trees. In this study, the authors used four different devices with its sensors to measure decay: a microsecond timer, an electric resistivity tomograph, an acoustic tomograph and a resistograph. An inspection protocol combined stress wave, electrical resistance, and drilling resistance to detect internal defects on Mindi trees (Melia azedarach L.) located in the city of Reggio Calabria in Southern Italy. The percentages of the decayed wood areas, calculated by the different instruments, were compared to establish at which degree the use of simple and rapid instruments can guarantee reliability in detecting the extent of damaged woody tissues. This study's experimental results indicate high correlations between the resistance drilling and the stress wave methods. These high correlations may provide the opportunity to replace the resistograph with the microsecond timer or the acoustic tomograph, both of which are less invasive tools for detecting defects in standing trees. Compared to the resistograph, the electrical resistivity tomograph proved to be the least sensitive instrument for detecting wood decay. [Display omitted] • Sensors applied to urban forest management can be very useful for risk prevention diagnosis. • Non-destructive methods are important for both the theory and practice of urban green planning. • An inspection protocol has been developed to detect internal defects on Mindi trees (Melia azedarach L.). • Microsecond timer, acoustic tomograph, electrical resistivity tomography, and resistograph were tested. • Relationship has been determined by resistograph and the damaged zones reported by other tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses research conducted to investigate the variations of physiological and perceptual variables during a 10,000-meter race walking event in an effort to trace a performance profile of the distance. Researchers evaluated 14 male athletes. They found that they spent 95.4% at 90-100% of their peak heart rate and that during the race, a shift toward higher heart rate values was observed because the percentage of heart rate increased by 3.6% in the last 1,000-meter sector.

Objective. To determine the role of Class II HLAs in SSc patients from Italy and Spain and in SSc patients of Caucasian ancestry.Methods. Nine hundred and forty-four SSc patients (Italy 392 patients; Spain 452 patients) and 1320 ethnically matched healthy controls (Italy 398 patients; Spain 922 patients) were genotyped up to the fourth digit by PCR with sequence-specific oligonucleotides for HLA-DRB1, DQA1 and DQB1 loci. Patients included 390 ACA-positive and 254 anti-topo I-positive subjects. Associations between SSc or SSc-specific antibodies and HLA alleles or HLA haplotypes were sought via the chi-square test after 10 000-fold permutation testing. A meta-analysis including this study cohort and other Caucasoids samples was also conducted.Results. In both the cohorts, the strongest association was observed between the HLA-DRB1*1104 allele and SSc or anti-topo I antibodies. The HLA-DRB1*1104 -DQA1*0501 -DQB1*0301 haplotype was overrepresented in Italian [odds ratio (OR) = 2.069, 95% asymptotic CIs (CI95) 1.486, 2.881; P < 0.001] and in Spanish patients (OR = 6.707, CI95 3.974, 11.319; P < 0.001) as well as in anti-topo-positive patients: Italy (OR = 2.642, CI95 1.78, 3.924; P < 0.001) and Spain (OR = 20.625, CI95 11.536, 36.876; P < 0.001). In both the populations we also identified an additional risk allele (HLA-DQB1*03) and a protective allele (HLA-DQB1*0501) in anti-topo-positive patients. The meta-analysis showed different statistically significant associations, the most interesting being the differential association between HLA-DRB1*01 alleles and ACAs (OR = 1.724, CI95 1.482, 2.005; P < 0.001) or topo I antibodies (OR = 0.5, CI95 0.384, 0.651; P < 0.001).Conclusions. We describe multiple robust associations between SSc and HLA Class II antigens in Caucasoids that may help to understand the genetic architecture of SSc. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The sensory profile technique was applied to the Italian Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) Fiore Sardo cheese, made exclusively from raw ewe's milk in artisanal farms in Sardinia. The descriptive sensory analysis was used to find the sensory attributes which characterize this PDO cheese at two different ripening times (105 and 180 days). The product specification states that the cheese must have no less than 105 days of maturation before being sold, while at more than 180 days it is usually used grated. Twelve expert panelists, whose efficacy was confirmed by variance analysis, identified and evaluated 10 sensory attributes on cheese samples: smoked and rennet for odor; sour and salty for taste, piquant for trigeminal sensation; smoked and rennet for aroma; floury, grainy and friability for texture. The judges were also asked to provide an overall evaluation of sensory typicality. Cheeses from different farms ripened for 105 days differed significantly for smoked odor, salty, grainy and typicality, whereas the cheeses ripened for 180 days were significantly different for smoked odor, piquant, friability and sensory typicality. The comparison between cheeses from the same farm at 105 and 180 days showed no significant differences. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS The quality policy implemented in the European Union (EU) for agricultural products has met with growing interest among producers and consumers. Quality means to satisfy the expectations of the consumers. Indeed, consumers are giving increasing importance to the quality of foodstuffs rather than the quantity, generating a demand for agricultural products with an identifiable geographical origin. This can be obtained by providing certifications, such as Protected Designation of Origin and Protected Geographical Indication, with established characteristics of production and defined product characteristics, including sensory attributes which are strong determinants of acceptability. The study of traditional products, such as Fiore Sardo cheese, can be of considerable benefit to the rural economy (particularly in remote areas) by improving the incomes of farmers and by retaining the rural population in these areas. Moreover, the use of the sensory profile may help to preserve the identity of Fiore Sardo cheese by means of a sensory quality certification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents an analysis of the letters written by citizens and immigrants to the mayor of the city of Sesto San Giovanni, in the northern Italy, begging for a place where they could live with their families. The author discusses the severe housing crisis that occurred as consequence of the demographic growth and how public administration tackled the issue.

The article provides information on the M-Learning Game at Archaeological Parks in Southern Italy. It states that M-Learning is a combination of e-learning and mobile technologies designed to capture the nature of e-learning by providing users with independence from the constraints of time and location. It notes the three main phases of the game carried out by the Explore! It mentions that the user experience with an interactive system depends on system's characteristics, needs, and motivations. It also notes the importance and practical advantage of Explore!

The analysis of geochemical markers is a known valid tool to explore the water sources and understand the main factors affecting natural water quality, which are known issues of interest in environmental science. This study reports the application of geochemical markers to characterize and understand the recharge areas of the multi-layer urban aquifer of Como city (northern Italy). This area presents a perfect case study to test geochemical markers: The hydrogeological setting is affected by a layered karst and fractured aquifer in bedrock, a phreatic aquifer hosted in Holocene sediments and connected with a large freshwater body (Lake Como); the aquifers recharge areas and the water geochemistry are unknown; the possible effect of the tectonic setting on water flow was overlooked. In total, 37 water samples were collected including water from two stacked aquifers and surface water to characterize hydrochemical features. Moreover, six sediment samples in the recent palustrine deposits of the Como subsurface were collected from cores and analyzed to understand the main geochemistry and mineralogy of the hosting material. The chemical analyses of water allow to observe a remarkable difference between the shallow and deep aquifers of the study area, highlighting different recharge areas, as well as a different permanence time in the aquifers. The sediment geochemistry, moreover, confirms the differences in trace elements derived from sediment-water interaction in the aquifers. Finally, an anomalous concentration of As in the Como deep aquifer was observed, suggesting the need of more detailed analyses to understand the origin of this element in water. This study confirms the potentials of geochemical markers to characterize main factors affecting natural water quality, as well as a tool for the reconstruction of recharge areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The protective role against SARS-CoV-2 infection by the third booster dose of mRNA vaccines in cancer patients with solid malignancies is presently unknown. We prospectively investigated the occurrence of COVID-19 in cancer patients on active therapy after the booster vaccine dose. Cancer patients on treatment at the Center for Immuno-Oncology (CIO) of the University Hospital of Siena, Italy, and health care workers at CIO who had received a booster third dose of mRNA vaccine entered a systematic follow-up monitoring period to prospectively assess their potential risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Serological and microneutralization assay were utilized to assess levels of anti-spike IgG, and of neutralizing antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 Wild Type, Delta and Omicron variants, respectively, after the booster dose and after negativization of the nasopharyngeal swab for those who had developed COVID-19. Ninety cancer patients with solid tumors on active treatment (Cohort 1) and 30 health care workers (Cohort 2) underwent a booster third dose of mRNA vaccine. After the booster dose, the median value of anti-spike IgG was higher (p = 0.009) in patients than in healthy subjects. Remarkably, 11/90 (12%) patients and 11/30 (37%) healthy subjects tested positive to SARS-CoV-2 infection during the monitoring period. Similar levels of anti-spike IgG and of neutralizing antibodies against all the investigated variants, with geometric mean titers of neutralizing antibodies against the Omicron being the lowest were detected after the booster dose and after COVID-19 in both Cohorts. The occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 infection we observed in a sizable proportion of booster-dosed cancer patients and in healthy subjects during the Omicron outbreak indicates that highly specific vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 variants are urgently required. • Patients with solid tumours on active therapy received the third dose of mRNA vaccine to SARS-CoV-2. • Anti-spike and neutralising Ig increased equally in patients and healthy subjects. • COVID-19 risk was prospectively assessed during the Omicron outbreak. • High rates of COVID-19 occurred in booster-dosed patients and healthy subjects. • More specific vaccines for SARS-CoV-2 variants are urgently required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the engineering geology field increased attention has been posed in recent years to potential liquefaction mitigation interventions in susceptible sand formations. In silty sands this is a major challenge because, as the fines content increases, vibratory methods for densification become progressively less effective. An alternative mitigation technique can be the installation of Rammed Aggregate Pier® (RAP) columns that can increase the resistance of the soil, accounting for its lateral stress increase and for the stiffness increase from soil and RAP composite response. To investigate the influence of these factors on liquefaction resistance, full-scale blast tests were performed at a silty sand site in Bondeno (Ferrara, Italy) where liquefaction was observed after the 2012 Emilia-Romagna earthquake. A multidisciplinary team of forty researchers carried out devoted experimental activities aimed at better understanding the liquefaction process at the field scale and the effectiveness of the treatment using inter-related methods. Both natural and improved areas were investigated by in-situ tests and later subjected to controlled blasting. The blast tests were monitored with geotechnical and geophysical instrumentation, topographical surveying and geological analyses on the sand boils. Results showed the RAP effectiveness due to the improvement of soil properties within the liquefiable layer and a consequent reduction of the blast-induced liquefaction settlements, likely due to soil densification and increased lateral stress. The applied multidisciplinary approach adopted for the study allowed better understanding of the mechanism involved in the liquefaction mitigation intervention and provided a better overall evaluation of mitigation effectiveness. • Blast tests produced liquefaction and sand boils at a silty sand site in northern Italy. • Blast tests produced volumetric strain similar to that expected in an earthquake. • Aggregate piers as a liquefaction hazard mitigation strategy improved soil performance. • Geophysical and geotechnical site investigations were carried out before and after blasting. • Field responses of treated and non-treated soils during blasting were compared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]