Search

In the Italian university context, almost all universities offer blended degree courses, digital environments and e-learning systems. In many cases, dedicated centres also provide technical support and, less frequently, teaching and methodological support. The development of digital learning environments often does not correspond to the spread of an effective culture of educational innovation in university courses. The research examined the experiences of instructional design among 44 university teachers of blended degree courses at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. The analysis focused on teachers' level of satisfaction and the processes of teaching innovation linked to the blended methodology, investigating also the possible criticalities and strengths related to the process of (re)design and innovation. The activities of training and design for teachers contributed to the dissemination of good teaching practices and professional development. In line with what emerged from the research on blended learning, it seems necessary to build a framework for the adoption and implementation of 'blended learning' strategies at the institutional level, starting from the construction of a concrete agenda setting shared between the actors of the innovation process.

Introduction: recently the Italian Society of Clinical Biochemistry and Clinical Molecular Biology (SIBioC) Big Data and Artificial Intelligence Working Group (BAI-WG) conducted a survey to examine technological and information technology readiness for developing BAI applications and to investigate laboratory professionals' knowledge and skills. This article examines specific survey questions related to supporting data. These data are visible only by laboratory professionals for the purpose of supporting all laboratory processes and, ultimately for the validation of results and they can be generally ascribed under the quality management system (QMS). Methods: the questionnaire, designed by the BAI-WG, was sent to 1351 SIBioC members. The responses were evaluated using Survey-Monkey software and Google Sheets. Results: over 90% of respondents work in laboratories with a QMS in place. The participants consider digitisation of QMS as highly advantageous (93%). Nevertheless, computerisation of the QMS is actually often incomplete, and the connection between QMS and Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) is usually lacking or missing. Consequently, alternative systems, separate from the LIS, have been developed to record various QMS data essential for monitoring processes. Discussion: the integration of medical data sources is crucial for developing BAI applications. The issue of integration is relevant and strongly linked to digitisation. However, algorithms may often consider only reported data, but integration should also be extended to supporting data, which could be correlated with clinical and process outcomes. Current LIS lack the necessary features for BAI applications and QMS digitisation is still too far behind to allow for real-time control. Software vendors should move towards the total integration of health data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The advent, in 2004, of online universities in Italy followed the global trend of open and distance learning institutions. Within a brief span, the authorization of as many as 11 online universities was granted. Despite ongoing regulatory revisions and a prevailing skepticism regarding the actual quality of education these institutions furnish, student enrollment continues to rise annually. This study explores enrollment trends in Italian online universities from their inception through 2021, considering concurrent enrollment trends in traditional public and private universities. Additionally, we examine in detail the gender composition, subject areas of degree programs, and, most importantly, the geographic origins of enrolled students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 82-year-old man suffering from pemphigus and Parkinson's disease presented at the emergency department of the Misericordia Hospital in Grosseto (Tuscany, Italy) with subconjunctival bleeding. Laboratory blood tests showed a prolonged activated thromboplastin time (aPTT), with normal prothrombin time (PT) and slightly reduced haemoglobin. The negative family and personal history of haemorrhagic disease rose the suspicion of the presence of an acquired inhibitor. The patient was referred for further diagnostics to the University Hospital of Siena where second level tests were performed at the Coagulation Unit. The aPTT mixture test revealed a non-correction both at room temperature and, more markedly, after incubation at 37°C for 2h, confirming the presence of an intrinsic pathway inhibitor. Among the measured factors, only the activity level of factor VIII was extremely low. The titration of FVIII inhibitor confirmed the diagnosis of Acquired Haemophilia A (AHA). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: the Italian Society of Clinical Biochemistry and Clinical Molecular Biology (SIBioC) Big Data and Artificial Intelligence (BAI) Working Group promoted a survey to frame the knowledge, skills, and technological predisposition in Clinical Laboratories. Methods: questionnaire, focusing on digitization, IT infrastructures, data accessibility, and BAI projects underway was sent to 1351 SIBioC participants. The responses were evaluated using SurveyMonkey software and Google Sheets. Results: the 227 respondents (17%) from all over Italy (47% of 484 labs), mainly biologists, laboratory physicians and managers, mostly from laboratories of public hospitals, revealed lack of hardware, software and corporate Wi-Fi, and dearth of PCs. Only 25% work daily on clouds, while 65%-including Laboratory Directors-cannot acquire health data from sources other than laboratories. Only 50% of those with access can review a clinical patient’s health record, while the other access only to laboratory information. The integration of laboratory data with other health data is mostly incomplete, which limits BAI-type analysis. Many are unaware of integration platforms. Over 90% report pulling data from the LIS, with varying degrees of autonomy. Very few have already undertaken BAI projects, frequently relying on IT partnerships. The majority consider BAI as crucial in helping professional judgments, indicating a growing interest. Conclusions: the questionnaire received relevant feedback from SIBioC participants. It highlighted the level of expertise and interest in BAI applications. None of the obstacles stands out more than the others, emphasising the need to allaround work: IT infrastructures, data warehouses, BAI analysis software acquisition, data accessibility and training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]