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The increasing use of English in higher education around the world has prompted a large amount of research into the causes, effects and perceptions of this phenomenon, particularly relating to the introduction of English-medium instruction. While most previous research has focussed on institutions that have effectively 'added' English to existing teaching programmes, this paper investigates attitudes towards and experience of the presence and use of English in a somewhat different context: the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano (unibz), which, since its creation in 1997, has offered teaching in English alongside the two local languages, German and Italian. This plurilingual approach, enshrined in the university statue, is explored through a thematic analysis of oral interviews with members of the unibz community (both staff and students). While some of the themes identified in the analysis mirror issues raised in studies of institutions elsewhere, a number of novel themes are also discussed and the overall picture to emerge is of a university whose language policy is relatively stable in terms of both acceptance and implementation, perhaps by virtue of the fact that a plurilingual approach has been adopted and supported since the university's creation and has always been a key part of its identity.

The paper presents a survey among 300 employees in Northern Italy to assess the willingness to mentor and identify the factors that affect it. Men and respondents with previous mentoring experience indicate a higher willingness to be a mentor. Willingness is affected by personal characteristics that are perceived as necessary for a mentor and the perceived benefits and drawbacks of mentoring.

About 19 % of the Italian territory is covered by protected areas (PAs), 5.1 % of which fall in IUCN categories Ia and II, which can be considered strictly protected areas (StPAs). The 2030 EU Biodiversity Strategy sets a target of 30 % coverage for PAs (of which 10 % should be StPAs). We assessed the area coverage of StPAs, for the territory of Italy, with respect to biogeographical regions, ecoregions, elevation range, habitats, and the distribution of species threatened with extinction according to the IUCN Red List (Vulnerable, VU; Endangered, EN; or Critically Endangered, CR). We found that most of the StPAs are located in the Mediterranean biogeographical region, followed by the Alpine and Continental regions, and that the spatial distribution of such protected areas is biased towards higher elevation. Moreover, we found that three of the fourteen terrestrial ecoregions of Italy are not protected at all by StPAs (i.e., Illyrian, Ligurian-Provencal, and Central-Adriatic), while the Po Plain and the Sicilia Sections are only marginally protected. Moreover, nine habitats are not covered by any StPAs including one priority habitat (Inland salt meadows). Finally, we found unprotected species among freshwater fish (21), amphibians (3 VU, 3 CR), reptiles (1 CR), birds (2 NE), mammals (1 VU), and plants (20 VU, 14 EN, 21 CR). Our findings suggest that the current amount and spatial distribution of StPAs of Italy are far from the targets of the EU Biodiversity Strategy and needs improvements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work focuses on the arenaceous reefs by the polychaete Sabellaria spinulosa and addresses microplastics pollution. The main aim is to assess microplastics amount in a bioconstruction located in the Adriatic coast of Italy (Mediterranean Sea) through a comparative approach: sea-floor sediment and bioconstruction samples were analysed to quantify microplastics absolute abundance in both substrates. A total of 431 MPs were found in the investigated substrates: respectively 85 % fibers and 15 % fragments. Multivariate analysis indicates that MPs within bioconstruction occur in higher abundances and with different morphologies than in sediment samples. The analysis of bioconstruction polished sections allowed for observation of MPs agglutinated in their original position: higher concentration is reported in inter-tube areas. Results suggest that physical characteristics of MPs could play a key-role in bioconstruction inclusion processes and raise questions on effective role of sabellariid bioconstructions as a trap for this pollutant in the littoral environment. [Display omitted] • The absolute abundance of microplastics was quantified through a comparative approach. • Microplastics are much more abundant in bioconstruction than in sediment samples. • Sabellariid bioconstructions can act as a trap for MPs. • The bioconstruction could temporarily storage MPs on the coast. • The work defines a new step-by-step protocol for MPs investigation of environmental matrices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An essay is presented on Ottonian art. It offers the history and historiography of the Sacramentary commissioned by Bishop Warmund of Ivrea. It says that the Sacramentary is a collection of manuscripts and miniature paintings depicting several events such as the crowning of Otto III, the ordination of bishop and anointing and consecration of a king. It mentions that the Sacramentary serve as a reflection of the several liturgical rituals that shows the legitimacy of Warmund as a local leader.

Copyright of Sessões do Imaginário is the property of EDIPUCRS - Editora Universitaria da PUCRS and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of International Annals of Criminology is the property of Cambridge University Press and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of International Annals of Criminology is the property of Cambridge University Press and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Knowledge of quality of pain and its perception, and the psychological attitude of patients is helpful in the management of people with herpes zoster. The aim of the present study is to verify in Italy whether a concise questionnaire designed to assess in few items the severity and quality of pain, personality and attitude of patients with herpes zoster can give enough information compared to extended questionnaires. For this purpose, we designed a short questionnaire, with few items selected on the basis of the descriptions given by patients with acute herpes zoster or post-herpetic neuralgia. We compared the results with those obtained by administering the following tests and questionnaires: VAS, STAY (State Trait Anxiety Inventory-form Y), BDI (Beck Depression Inventory) and SF12 (12-Item Short-Form Health Survey). One hundred and nineteen immunocompetent adults > 18 years of age with acute herpes zoster and 65 with post-herpetic neuralgia for at least 6 months filled both extended and our short questionnaires. The comparisons were statistically significant for all the variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To determine the origin of a cryptogenic granulomatosis using an innovative diagnosis technique. Materials and Methods: A patient affected by fever of unknown origin for 9 years was diagnosed with colestasis and acute renal failure with pathological evidence, in parenchimal samples, of granulomatosis of unknown origin. New scanning electron microscopic observations on the biopsy samples from the liver and the kidney and x-ray elemental microanalyses showed the presence of debris made of silicone, aluminum, sodium and potassium, and aluminum-silicate similar to dental porcelain. The same SEM and x-ray analyses were carried out on the patient's worn porcelain dental bridges. Results: A correlation was demonstrated between wear debris of porcelain and the cryptogenic granulomatosis, which lead to a different therapeutic approach and the removal of the origin of the debris; this stabilized the situation and caused an improvement of the disease. The results indicated that a material can be biocompatible when used in a solid bulk, but this property can be lost when it is degraded into small particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air pollution can increase the risk of respiratory diseases, enhancing the susceptibility to viral and bacterial infections. Some studies suggest that small air particles facilitate the spread of viruses and also of the new coronavirus, besides the direct person-to-person contagion. However, the effects of the exposure to particulate matter and other contaminants on SARS-CoV-2 has been poorly explored. Here we examined the possible reasons why the new coronavirus differently impacted on Italian regional and provincial populations. With the help of artificial intelligence, we studied the importance of air pollution for mortality and positivity rates of the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in Italy. We discovered that among several environmental, health, and socio-economic factors, air pollution and fine particulate matter (PM2.5), as its main component, resulted as the most important predictors of SARS-CoV-2 effects. We also found that the emissions from industries, farms, and road traffic - in order of importance - might be responsible for more than 70% of the deaths associated with SARS-CoV-2 nationwide. Given the major contribution played by air pollution (much more important than other health and socio-economic factors, as we discovered), we projected that, with an increase of 5–10% in air pollution, similar future pathogens may inflate the epidemic toll of Italy by 21–32% additional cases, whose 19–28% more positives and 4–14% more deaths. Our findings, demonstrating that fine-particulate (PM2.5) pollutant level is the most important factor to predict SARS-CoV-2 effects that would worsen even with a slight decrease of air quality, highlight that the imperative of productivity before health and environmental protection is, indeed, a short-term/small-minded resolution. Image 1 • Air quality is linked to respiratory diseases and may facilitate microbial infections. • The prolonged exposure to air pollution can affect SARS-CoV-2 outbreak. • We found that air quality is the best predictor for SARS-CoV-2 mortality in Italy. • A prominent role is played by PM2.5 and emissions from industries and farms. • A worsening of air quality may inflate the death toll of similar future pandemics. Short summary : Artificial intelligence reveals that, in Italy, air pollution mainly due to fine particulate matter produced by industries, farms, and road traffic may severely affect the susceptibility to respiratory infections caused by SARS-CoV-like pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this study was to analyze, in a sample of female healthcare workers in Italy, the training needs to improve positive relationships in the healthcare organization. To better understand these needs, perceived workplace bullying and its consequences in terms of professional commitment and well-being were analyzed from a descriptive and quantitative perspective (or mixed-methods analysis). A questionnaire was completed online in a healthcare facility in northwestern Italy. The participants were 231 female employees. The quantitative data showed that, on average, the sampled population perceived a low burden of WPB. The majority of the sample expressed moderate engagement at work and moderate perception of psychological well-being. It is interesting to note that one element seemed to be overarching in the responses to the open-ended questions: communication, which emerged as a problematic element that affects the entire organization. The research data provide useful evidence for intervention in favor of an environment that helps to recognize the phenomenon and intervene in time, offering the possibility of accepting the discomfort and fatigue of healthcare workers and offering useful interventions to the individual and the team.

Introduction: We assessed the performance of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected people who use drugs (PWUDs) in terms of sustained virological response (SVR) and adherence rates in comparison to a location-matched cohort of non-PWUD HCV patients., Methods: All consecutive HCV RNA-positive PWUDs were enrolled between 2015 and 2019. All subjects underwent DAA treatment according to international guidelines and then followed, at least, up to 12 weeks after the end of treatment (SVR12). The SVR and adherence to treatment was compared with that of non-PWUD HCV patients observed at hepatological units of the CLEO platform. Intention-to-treat analysis was performed., Results: A total of 1,786 PWUDs who were followed up were available for assessment. Most PWUDs (85.4%) were managed inside the specialized outpatient addiction clinics (SerDs). The overall SVR rate was 95.4%. The SerDs group achieved an SVR rate of 96.2% compared with 91.6% of the non-SerDs group (P < 0.001). Comparison with the non-SerDs group and the control HCV group showed a significant difference in the dropout rate (0.6% in the SerDs group versus 2.8% in the non-SerDs group and 1.2% in the control group; P < 0.001). At multivariate analysis, factors independently associated with SVR were use of the most recent regimens (elbasvir/grazoprevir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, and sofosbuvir/velpatasvir; odds ratio: 3.126; P = 0.000) and belonging to the SerDs group (odds ratio: 2.356; P = 0.002)., Discussion: The performance of DAAs in PWUD is excellent, if 2 conditions are met: (i) that the latest generation drugs are used and (ii) that the patients are managed within the SerDs., (Copyright © 2021 by The American College of Gastroenterology.)

Background: Quality of working life has been shown to play a key role in reducing strain inside and outside the workplace, supporting the fulfillment of workers' wellbeing and increasing workforce productivity. Van Laar et al. in 2007 developed the Work-Related Quality of Life (WRQoL) scale that was applied to several different work environments and translated into nine languages., Objectives: We aimed to test and validate an Italian version of the WRQoL scale., Methods: A cross-sectional design was conducted to collect a sample of healthcare professionals (N=430) in 8 hospitals in the Northwest of Italy. Internal consistency of each scale was tested through Cronbach's alpha. A Confirmatory factor analysis was performed. Independent samples t-tests and ANOVA were performed to determine whether the scores on the subscales differed according to various socio-demographic variables., Results: A seven factors structure was confirmed (Control at work; General well-being; Home-work interface; Stress at Work; Job and career satisfaction; Working conditions; Employee Engagement; χ2=682.453, p<.001; χ2 and df(251) ratio=2.71; CFI=.90; RMSEA=.06; SRMR=.06). All subdimensions showed Cronbach's alphas ≥ 0.70 but for Stress at Work (alpha 0.65). The subscales differentiated between groups of people according to several socio-demographic characteristics (i.e., profession, age, length of employment)., Discussion: The Italian version of WRQoL is a brief and sufficiently reliable tool that can contribute to a more complex and complete evaluation of the psychological well-being at work due to its multidimensionality. Overall, the use of this tool in occupational health practice, in addition to that of other instruments already available, should prove useful in monitoring workers' well-being before and after interventions.

Aim: The study investigated the association of narcissistic leadership, workload and emotional demands with nurses' job satisfaction and the mediational role of meaningful work., Background: Considering the strong positive relationship that meaningful work has with job satisfaction, investigating its antecedents is crucial., Method: A group of 602 nurses participated in the study completing a self-report questionnaire. Structural equation model analysis was applied., Results: Narcissistic leadership showed a negative association while emotional demands showed a positive one with meaningful work. The three determinants had a negative association with job satisfaction, while meaningful work showed a positive one. The indirect relationship with job satisfaction mediated by meaningful work was negative for narcissistic leadership and positive for emotional demands., Conclusion: The study adds to the literature mainly by the investigation of the mediational role of meaningful work in a sample of nurses., Implications for Nursing Management: Measures should promote supportive, instead of narcissistic, leadership behaviours. Moreover, nurses should be assisted in identifying emotional demands as a meaningful aspect of their work., (© 2019 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background and Aims: It is paramount to identify predictors of treatment failure with direct antiviral agents in 'field-practice' patients, including people who inject drugs (PWID). Data on the efficacy of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (GLE/PIB) in a field-practice scenario are scant. The multicentre MISTRAL study enrolled 1177 patients, including PWID, to assess real-life efficacy and safety of GLE/PIB and to identify the predictive factors for this treatment., Methods: This was a prospective, longitudinal study. The outcome variable was the rate of sustained virological response (SVR) at week 12., Results: A total of 123 patients (10%) were infected from hepatitis C virus (HCV) 3. METAVIR fibrosis score was F4 in 104 subjects (9%); 118 patients (10%) were PWID. Overall, 1163/1177 (99%) patients achieved SVR. The baseline clinical factors discriminating between treatment success and treatment failure were age at treatment (P = 0.031) and creatinine level (P = 0.034). SVR rates were not influenced by gender, substance abuse, previous treatment, treatment duration, fibrosis or chronic kidney disease stage. Compared with non-substance users, the 118 PWID exhibited a significantly different genotype pattern distribution (χ 2  < 0.001). A total of 40/118 (33.9%) of substance users were HCV3 compared to 83/1056 (7.9%) non-substance users. Only 6 patients (0.5%) reported a serious adverse event., Conclusions: The MISTRAL study provides evidence of GLE/PIB efficacy in a field-practice scenario in a highly epidemic HCV area in southern Italy; it unveiled significant differences in genotype distribution among the most underserved and difficult-to-treat patient subgroups including PWID., (© 2019 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Aim: This study investigated how work relationships (perceived organisational support, supervisor and co-worker work-family backlash) and job demands (workload, emotional dissonance) can interact with work-family conflict and work-family enrichment., Background: Despite the extensive literature on the work-family interface, few studies on the nursing profession have considered the role of job demands and work relationships, focusing on both the positive and negative side of the work-family interface., Method: The study involved a sample of 500 nurses working in an Italian hospital. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were used to test hypotheses., Results: Analyses showed that work-family conflict has a positive relationship with job demands and supervisor backlash, and a negative relationship with perceived organisational support. Work-family enrichment was found to have a negative relationship with job demands and a positive relationship with perceived organisational support. No significant relationships were found between work-family enrichment and both backlash dimensions., Conclusion: The study confirmed the importance of promoting a balance between job demands and resources in order to create favourable conditions for work-family enrichment and to prevent work-family conflict., Implications for Nursing Management: The findings suggest that it may be advisable for health-care organisations to invest in measures at individual, team and organisational levels, specifically in training and counselling for nurses and supervisors., (© 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: Work-family interface is an increasingly central research topic in organizational studies, and it is considered particularly relevant in healthcare contexts. Several studies on nursing staff showed the role of work-family conflict (WFC) and enrichment (WFE) in influencing work dynamics., Objectives: The present study aims  at examining the relationship between work-family interface (in terms of conflict and enrichment) and turnover intentions (TI), in a sample of Italian nurses., Methods: A sample of 478 nurses filled in a self-report questionnaire, consisting of different scales based on the international literature., Results: Regression analysis, with TI as dependent variable, showed a positive relationship with WFC and a negative relationship with WFE., Conclusions: The results of the study confirmed that WFC was a potential predictor of TI, able to influence the tendency to desire a new job and look for a new occupation. WFE also had a role in influencing this outcome: perceptions of enrichment from work to family can contribute to reducing TI. The results of the present study indicate the importance of developing working contexts that will foster work-family conciliation, through policies and practices able to reduce the negative interference from work to family, and to increase opportunities to improve and develop new skills that can be used also in other contexts.

A serological survey of respiratory virus infections was carried out from 1998 to 2001 in Lecco province, Italy, as part of a health monitoring programme in a population of alpine chamois, many of which died of pneumonia in autumn and winter 2000 to 2001; 194 carcases of all age classes were found over a short period and in a small area. Eighteen of them, which were examined postmortem, consistently showed signs of severe fibrinous lobar pneumonia or catarrhal bronchopneumonia. Samples of serum from 145 chamois collected from hunted animals and carcases were tested by a virus neutralisation test against bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), bovine viral diarrhoea virus, bovine herpesvirus type 1 and parainfluenzavirus type 3. Positive results were detected only for BRSV. The area was divided into two subunits on the basis of the distribution of deaths; in the areas where fatalities were observed there was a significant increase of BRSV titres at the beginning of the outbreak. Furthermore, during the 2000 and 2001 hunting seasons antibody titres to BRSV were significantly higher in the areas where mortality occurred. The roe deer living in the same area were not affected by pneumonia and had a low prevalence of titres to BRSV which did not vary during the period of the study.