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Currently, many generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools are being integrated into the educational technology landscape for instructors. Our paper examines the potential and challenges of using Large Language Models (LLMs) to code student-generated content in online discussions based on intended learning outcomes and how instructors could use this to assess the intended and enacted learning design. If instructors were to rely on LLMs as a means of assessment, the reliability of these models to code the data accurately is crucial. Employing a diverse set of LLMs from the GPT family and prompting techniques on an asynchronous online discussion dataset from a blended-learning bachelor-level course, our research examines the reliability of AI-supported coding in educational research. Findings reveal that while AI-supported coding demonstrates efficiency, achieving substantial, moderate agreement with human coding for specific nuanced and context-dependent codes is challenging. Moreover, the high cost, token limits, and the advanced necessary skills needed to write API scripts might limit the usability of AI-driven coding. Finally, implementation would require specific parameterization techniques based on the class and may not be feasible for widespread implementation. Our study underscores the importance of transparency in AI coding methodologies and the need for a hybrid approach that integrates human judgement to ensure data accuracy and interpretability. In addition, it contributes to the knowledge base about the reliability of LLMs to code real, small datasets using complex codes that are common in the instructor's practice and explores the potential and challenges of using these models for assessment purposes.

Game-based assessment (GBA), a specific application of games for learning, has been recognized as an alternative form of assessment. While there is a substantive body of literature that supports the educational benefits of GBA, limited work investigates the validity and generalizability of such systems. In this paper, we describe applications of learning analytics methods to provide evidence for psychometric qualities of a digital GBA called Shadowspect, particularly to what extent Shadowspect is a robust assessment tool for middle school students' spatial reasoning skills. Our findings indicate that Shadowspect is a valid assessment for spatial reasoning skills, and it has comparable precision for both male and female students. In addition, students' enjoyment of the game is positively related to their overall competency as measured by the game regardless of the level of their existing spatial reasoning skills.

Lung transplant recipients (LTRs) respond poorly to vaccination. SARS-CoV-2 pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with tixagevimab/cilgavimab (TIX/CIL) reduces the incidence of infection and the evolution to severe COVID-19. In vitro data show decreased activity against Omicron variants. We evaluated the clinical efficacy and safety of TIX/CIL in LTRs during the Omicron wave. A prospective observational cohort study was conducted at ISMETT in Palermo (Italy). In June 2022, SARS-CoV-2 PrEP with TIX/CIL 150/150 mg was offered to LTRs. LTRs who received TIX/CIL were compared to LTRs who did not. Logistic regression analysis (adjusted for prior COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, age, years from transplant, and rejection) was performed. The objective of this study was to compare the following among the two populations: prevalence of SARS-CoV-2, length of SARS-CoV-2 positivity, and COVID-19 disease severity. Among 110 eligible LTRs, 79 (72%) received TIX/CIL and 31 (28%) did not. SARS-CoV-2 infections occurred in 6% (n = 5) of patients who received TIX/CIL and 29% (n = 9) of patients who did not (p < 0.001). In both groups, infections were mild/asymptomatic, and no one was hospitalized or died. At multivariate analysis, TIX/CIL was associated with a lower risk of infection (aOR 0.22; 95%CI 0.06–0.78; p = 0.02). TIX/CIL was safe and effective in reducing the risk of SARS-CoV-2 in LTRs during the Omicron wave.

The latest advances in the architectural survey and 3D reconstruction have produced new technologies and methodologies to enhance cultural assets and improve their accessibility. The possibility of virtually visiting a place of historical and cultural interest is often the only way to have access to it. This can happen for various reasons: users' disabilities, temporary site closure, assets located in remote and inaccessible places, and assets destined to disappear over time. Fortunately, new Geomatics and Computer Science technologies allow the virtual reconstruction of entire archaeological and monumental sites with high levels of accuracy. Considering the technologies related to VR, online virtual fruition techniques were recently adopted, using the open source WebGL JavaScript libraries. These libraries allow users to virtually explore the virtual model employing web browsers without installing any client-side applications. The work presented adopts these technologies. It falls within the VASARI project, whose goal is to create a single digital platform for the enhancement, use, and management of the Italian artistic heritage. In particular, the described work concerns the survey, 3D reconstruction, and web visualization of the archaeological site of the Inquisition Prisons located within the monumental complex of Palazzo Chiaramonte in Palermo, known as the "Steri" and today the headquarters of the Rectorate of the University of Palermo. The adopted workflow and encountered issues during implementation will be described.

The ecological management effectiveness (EME) of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) is the degree to which MPAs reach their ecological goals. The significant variability of EME among MPAs has been partly explained by MPA design, management and implementation features (e.g. surface area, enforcement, age of protection). We investigated EME variability by employing, for the first time, Organization Science. Eight Mediterranean MPAs were taken into account as case studies to explore the relationships between EME and MPA features, such as: 1) organizational size (i.e. the ratio between the number of full-time employees and the total MPA surface area), 2) management performance (i.e. the level of effort exerted to enhance and sustain the MPA management, including enforcement), 3) total surface area, and 4) MPA age. The log-response ratios of fish biomass and density in protected vs unprotected (control) areas were used as a proxy of EME. Management performance, organizational size and, to a lesser extent, MPA age were positively correlated with the log-response ratio of fish biomass, whereas total surface area did not display a significant role. None of the four features considered was significantly correlated with the log-response ratio of fish density. Based on our findings, we argue that the employment of Organization Science in the management effectiveness assessment can assist MPA managers to reach MPAs goals more effectively, with a more efficient use of available resources.

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Given a bounded open connected set Ω ⊂ ℝ 2 {\Omega\subset\mathbb{R}^{2}} with Lipschitz boundary, we consider the class of piecewise constant maps u taking three fixed values α , β , γ ∈ ℝ 2 {\alpha,\beta,\gamma\in\mathbb{R}^{2}} , vertices of an equilateral triangle; for any u in this class, using a weak notion of Jacobian determinant valid for BV functions, we give a precise description of Det ⁡ ( ∇ ⁡ u ) {\operatorname{Det}(\nabla\kern 0.569055ptu)} and show that the relaxed graph area of u is bounded from above by a quantity related to the flat norm of Det ⁡ ( ∇ ⁡ u ) {\operatorname{Det}(\nabla\kern 0.569055ptu)} . The provided upper bound allows to show the validity of a De Giorgi conjecture regarding the relaxed area functional when one restricts to this class of piecewise constant functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Syringe irrigation, commonly used for delivering sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) during root canal treatment, requires careful handling to prevent NaOCl extrusion into periapical tissues. This randomised controlled in vitro study aimed to quantify syringe plunger forces exerted by dental undergraduates and to assess the impact of an educational intervention on adherence to safe irrigant delivery parameters. Methods: Fifty-two undergraduates performed syringe irrigation at three intervals: baseline (T1), after two weeks (T2), and after 12 weeks (T3). At T1, irrigation was conducted without prior educational intervention, while at T2, it was preceded by an intervention. The educational intervention involved a short video highlighting safe irrigation practices, including plunger force and time recommendations for syringe irrigation. At T3, the undergraduates were randomly allocated to two groups: One received a repeated intervention, while the other did not. Syringe irrigation was performed on a 3D-printed tooth using two side-vented cannulas: one of 25 Gauge (G) and another of 30 G. A syringe equipped with a force sensor recorded the plunger forces. Based on earlier research, plunger forces exceeding 10 Newtons (N) for the 25 G cannula and 40 N for the 30 G cannula were deemed critical. The data were subjected to descriptive statistical analyses. Results: Overall, the mean of maximum values of plunger forces remained under 10 N for the 25 G and below 20 N for the 30 G cannulas, with only a few measurements exceeding 40 N. Instances of surpassing the critical plunger force threshold were more common with the 25 G side-vented cannula than with the 30 G variant. At T3, the group that received the repeated educational intervention exhibited lower average maximum plunger forces for both cannulas than the group that did not receive the intervention. Conclusion: Integrating plunger force measurements with targeted educational interventions presents an effective approach for instructing undergraduates in the proper techniques of syringe irrigation. The findings suggest that, generally, undergraduates do not apply excessive plunger forces that could risk apical irrigant extrusion. Implementing repeated educational interventions decreased the plunger forces exerted by undergraduates, underscoring its effectiveness in fostering safe endodontic irrigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are a cornerstone of marine conservation. Globally, the number and coverage of MPAs are increasing, but MPA implementation lags in many human-dominated regions. In areas with intense competition for space and resources, evaluation of the effects of MPAs is crucial to inform decisions. In the human-dominated Mediterranean Sea, fully protected areas occupy only 0.04% of its surface. We evaluated the impacts of full and partial protection on biomass and density of fish assemblages, some commercially important fishes, and sea urchins in 24 Mediterranean MPAs. We explored the relationships between the level of protection and MPA size, age, and enforcement. Results revealed significant positive effects of protection for fisheries target species and negative effects for urchins as their predators benefited from protection. Full protection provided stronger effects than partial protection. Benefits of full protection for fish biomass were only correlated with the level of MPA enforcement; fish density was higher in older, better enforced, and -interestingly- smaller MPAs. Our finding that even small, well-enforced, fully protected areas can have significant ecological effects is encouraging for "crowded" marine environments. However, more data are needed to evaluate sufficient MPA sizes for protecting populations of species with varying mobility levels.