Swedish experiences of the Reggio Emilia Approach Inspired schools: an explorative study on history, inclusion and learning environments

The Reggio Emilia Approach (REA) is briefly defined as an educational approach based on pedagogical pillars such as child-centred education, the importance of the environment as the third educator, and the recognition of the existence of 100 children’s languages. Originally developed during the period of the Post World War II in the city of Reggio Emilia,in Italy, in a special context of traditions, political and cultural movements, and now exists as a global phenomenon. Alongside the pillars that structure the approach, we considered it important to highlight one particular aspect: its ability to inspire different cultures and to challenge them in return, particularly through a process of cultural comparison carried out by teachers.This study first explores how the REA was introduced in the 1960s through the contemporary vision of education professionals in Reggio Emilia inspired schools and the Reggio Emilia Institutet based in Stockholm. Secondly, it focuses more precisely on how the approach is currently contextualised in modern Sweden (Stockholm and its surroundings), particularly by concentrating on aspects related to the learning environment and inclusion. In order to conduct this study, we applied a qualitative methodology involving interviews with the staff and collaborators of the Reggio Emilia Institutet, as well as with education professionals in Swedish schools all inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach, in the city of Stockholm and surroundings, with the status of atelierista, pedagogista, educators, teachers and school headmasters. The interviews were exploratory, semi-structured, anonymised, voluntary and conducted at the workplace of the interviewed, in Sweden. A thematic analysis was then carried out using a coding system based on a deductive approach, allowing space for innovation. Moreover, for the focus on the environment, we also used photographs and videos of Reggio Emilia inspired schools. Data triangulation was performed using existing literature in order to analyse, in a recursive process, what emerged from the interviews and the elements detected in the learning contexts. Three main points emerged from this research work. The first aspect concerns a range of historical, political, and cultural factors in the Swedish context, as mentioned in the interviews and narratives, which facilitated the arrival of the REA in Sweden. This leads to the point of convergence between the Swedish context and the REA, highlighting the key introductory factors that contributed to the approach’s introduction and appropriation within Swedish culture. Secondly, referring specifically to the environment, the values and qualities that characterize these learning contexts turn out to be a valid interpretation of the REA to which the Swedish schools explicitly refer. The attention, care, functionality and support for learning, the coherence with the educational objectives of the materials and tools present, make it that third educator to which Loris Malaguzzi referred when speaking of the learning environment, albeit in the different connotations that another culture offered it. Thirdly, following the broad concept of Inclusion as grounded in the perspective of removing barriers to learning and participation and enhancing the potential of every child, the interviews highlights both continuities, such as active pedagogy, the image of the competent child, and collaborative project work, and differences, particularly regarding inclusive practices, where the presence of a specialized co-teacher emerges as a key enabling factor. Through this investigation, we show how via a process of careful revision and deconstruction of different meanings, elements specific to REA culture are transposed and incorporated into the culture of the Swedish schools visited

The Creed of Nicaea (325). The status quaestionis and the neglected topics

This volume, the outcome of the first international conference held in Istanbul in December 2022 and promoted by the Fondazione per le scienze religiose, delves deeply into the Council's historical significance, particularly its role in shaping the Nicene Creed. The different contributions meticulously examine the Creed's development and its crucial role in defining Christian doctrine. Fresh perspectives are applied to understudied aspects of the Creed, such as its reception in different regions or its influence on theological debates. By charting new paths for future research, this volume promises to be a valuable resource for scholars and anyone interested in the enduring legacy of the Council of Nicaea and its creed

Protocells Either Synchronize or Starve

Two different processes take place in self-reproducing protocells, i.e., (i) cell reproduction by fission and (ii) duplication of the genetic material. One major problem is indeed that of assuring that the two processes take place at the same pace, i.e., that they synchronize, which is a necessary condition for sustainable growth. In previous theoretical works, using dynamical models, we had shown that such synchronization can spontaneously emerge, generation after generation, under a broad set of hypotheses about the architecture of the protocell, the nature of the self-replicating molecules, and the types of kinetic equations. However, an important class of cases (quadratic or higher-order self-replication) did not synchronize in the models we had used, but could actually lead to divergence of the concentration of replicators. We show here that this behavior is due to a simplification of the previous models, i.e., the “buffering” hypothesis, which assumes instantaneous equilibrium of the internal and external concentrations of those compounds which can cross the cell membrane. That divergence disappears if we make use of more realistic dynamical models, with finite transmembrane diffusion rates of the precursors of replicators

Variegated digitalisation Comparing digital trajectories in two I4.0 manufactures in Northern Italy

This paper explores empirically the digital trajectories implemented by two German owned manufacture plants in Northern Italy Both firms, global leaders sports cars and high-tech room air conditioners, respectively, are inspired by lean principles and the I4 0 paradigm, but characterized by different industrial relations, business models, type of product and broader industrial environment Results suggest that, while a predominance of digital shadow can be found in both cases, the reasons leading to that outcome differ sensibly: in one case participation of unions to decision making processes seems to be a key element; in the other, the degree of automatization is constrained by production volumes and product type These findings make the case for a “varieties of digitalisation” argument, where digital trajectories are not determined by the technological potential of innovations, but can be seen as the outcome of different dynamic and polymorphic “variegated” process, involving different sets of rationales

La teologia dei diritti al banco di prova della realtà

Il contributo prende in esame il libro di Agostino Carrino Le ragioni di Creonte ricostruendo la riflessione dell'autore sulla separazione tra la sfera della morale e quella della politica, che si sostiene non possa prescindere dalla tradizionale categoria di sovranità e dal legame con una concreta realtà storico-territoriale. Fino ad arrivare a una critica radicale della dottrina dei diritti umani, soprattutto dal punto di vista di un'indebita espansione a scapito dei poteri legislativi ed esecutivi delle autorità giurisdizionali incaricate di garantirne il rispetto a livello nazionale ma soprattutto internazionale

L'entità dell'enfisema nei pazienti con CPFE e IPF: significato prognostico e implicazioni cliniche per l'approccio terapeutico

La Sindrome Fibrosi-Enfisema Combinati (CPFE) è una pneumopatia interstiziale fumo-relata a prognosi sfavorevole caratterizzata dalla coesistenza di enfisema e fibrosi, con volumi relativamente preservati per l'equilibrio tra restrizione e ostruzione polmonare. Sebbene la coesistenza dell’enfisema influenzi significativamente la sopravvivenza dei pazienti con fibrosi, i dati sulla significatività della sua estensione e sugli esiti clinici sono scarsi. La terapia broncodilatatrice inalatoria ha dimostrato efficacia nel migliorare la qualità di vita (QoL) in pazienti con pattern ostruttivo, tuttavia, mancano dati del suo effetto nei pazienti con CPFE. Questo progetto di ricerca mira a studiare l'impatto clinico dell'enfisema (E) nei pazienti con fibrosi polmonare per quanto riguarda la prognosi e la risposta alla terapia con broncodilatatori. Il primo progetto è stato condotto mediante uno studio retrospettivo, osservazionale, longitudinale che ha raccolto dati (epidemiologia, comorbilità, funzionalità polmonare e mortalità) di 155 pazienti dell'Ospedale Universitario di Bellvitge (Barcellona) alla diagnosi,1, 3, 5 anni: 43 CPFE(>10%E), 31 IPF+E (5% e 10%E), 31 IPF senza E e 50 BPCO-E. Lo studio ha dimostrato che i pazienti con CPFE e IPF+E avevano maggiore esposizione al fumo e prevalenza di ipertensione polmonare (PH), cancro polmonare, E parasettale e pneumotorace. I pazienti con CPFE presentavano maggiore dispnea e fabbisogno di ossigeno (O2) alla diagnosi, con progressione più elevata durante il primo anno (valutata con distanza e O2-terapia al 6MWT). I pazienti avevano una sopravvivenza peggiore proporzionale all'entità dell'enfisema e ancora peggiore nella CPFE-IPF (CPFE-IPF >IPF+E >IPF senza E;p<0,001). Alla diagnosi i pazienti con CPFE rispetto ai pazienti con IPF presentavano valori più elevati di FVC, RV, FRC, che aumentavano gradualmente con l'estensione dell'enfisema; valori più bassi di MEF50%,25% (flusso espiratorio massimo), FEV1 e KCO (coefficiente di trasferimento di CO) che diminuivano gradualmente con l'estensione dell'enfisema. I pazienti con CPFE hanno avuto maggiore prevalenza di comorbidità e un tasso di progressione più elevato durante il primo anno dopo la diagnosi. Lo studio ha rilevato che la mortalità dei pazienti con CPFE-IPF e IPF e le comorbidità erano proporzionali all’entità dell’enfisema. Il secondo progetto è stato condotto con uno studio retrospettivo, osservazionale, longitudinale, multicentrico includendo i pazienti dello studio precedente e pazienti con CPFE e IPF+E afferenti al Centro per le Malattie Rare del Polmone dell'Ospedale Universitario di Modena (MaRP), per un totale di 90 pazienti con CPFE e 35 con IPF+E. Sono stati valutati come possibili fattori prognostici indici spirometrici come il declino di FEV1+FVC in 1 anno> del 5 o 10%. Il terzo progetto è stato condotto mediante uno studio prospettico monocentrico che ha arruolato 30 pazienti con CPFE senza deficit ostruttivo riferiti al Centro MaRP di Modena con l'obiettivo di valutare variazioni su sintomi, QoL, funzione respiratoria e prestazione funzionale in seguito a terapia broncodilatatrice per 3 mesi. Sintomi, QoL (mediante SGRQ, mMRC, CAT), volumi polmonari mediante test di funzionalità polmonare (PFT) e prestazioni funzionali mediante 6MWT sono stati misurati al basale e a 3 mesi. Al basale i punteggi medi QoL erano 33(23-46) per SGRQ, 2(2-3) per mMRC, 15(11-21) per CAT. A 3 mesi è stato registrato un calo significativo dei 3 punteggi (SGRQ -10,9, mMRC -0,82, CAT -4,9,p<0,0001). Inoltre sono state misurate una riduzione significativa del RV (p=0,048) e tendenza all'aumento di distanza al 6MWT (p=0,07). Questo studio ha dimostrato l'efficacia della terapia con broncodilatatori su QoL e volume residuo nei pazienti con CPFE.Combined Pulmonary Fibrosis and Emphysema Syndrome (CPFE) is a smoking-related interstitial lung disease with poor prognosis, characterized by the coexistence of emphysema and fibrosis, with relatively preserved lung volumes due to the balance of restriction and obstruction. Although the coexistence of emphysema significantly affects the survival of patients with concurrent pulmonary fibrosis, data on the significance of its extent and clinical outcomes are scarce. Inhaled bronchodilator therapy has shown effectiveness in improving quality of life (QoL) in patients with obstructive patterns. However, data on the effects of these drugs in patients with CPFE are lacking. This research project aims to study the clinical impact of emphysema (E) in patients with pulmonary fibrosis regarding prognosis and response to bronchodilator therapy. The first project was conducted with a retrospective, observational and longitudinal study that collected data (epidemiology, comorbidities, pulmonary function, mortality) from 155 patients of Bellvitge University Hospital (Barcelona) at diagnosis, 1, 3, 5 years: 43 CPFE (>10% E), 31 IPF with E (5% and 10%E), 31 IPF without E, and 50 COPD with E. The study showed that patients with CPFE and IPF with E had greater exposure to smoking and a higher prevalence of pulmonary hypertension (PH), lung cancer, paraseptal E and pneumothorax. Patients with CPFE exhibited greater dyspnea and oxygen (O2) need at diagnosis, with more rapid progression during the first year after diagnosis (assessed based on distance and O2 therapy in the 6MWT). The survival rate was worse and proportional to the extent of E, with even poorer outcomes in CPFE-IPF (CPFE-IPF > IPF with E > IPF without E;p<0.001). At diagnosis patients with CPFE compared to those with IPF had higher values of FVC, RV, FRC, which gradually increased with the extent of emphysema; and lower values of MEF50%, 25% (maximum expiratory flow), FEV1 and KCO (CO transfer coefficient) that decreased gradually with the extent of emphysema. Patients with CPFE had a higher prevalence of comorbidities and a greater rate of progression during the first year after diagnosis. The study found that mortality in patients with CPFE-IPF and IPF and comorbidities were directly proportional to the extent of emphysema. The second project was conducted as a retrospective, observational, and longitudinal multicenter study, including patients from the previous study and patients with CPFE and IPF+E referring to the Center of Rare Lung Disease of University Hospital of Modena (MaRP). In total 90 patients with CPFE and 35 with IPF+E were evaluated. Potential prognostic factors were assessed, focusing on spirometric indicators such as a decline in FEV1+FVC over 1 year greater than 5% or 10%. The third project was conducted with a monocentric prospective study that enrolled 30 patients with CPFE with no obstruction referred to the MaRP of Modena, aimed at evaluating changes in symptoms, QoL, respiratory function, and functional performance following bronchodilator therapy for 3 consecutive months. Symptoms, QoL (measured by SGRQ, mMRC, CAT), pulmonary volumes through pulmonary function tests (PFT), and functional performance with the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) were assessed at baseline and after 3 months. At baseline the average QoL scores were 33 (23-46) for SGRQ, 2 (2-3) for mMRC, 15 (11-21) for CAT. At 3 months, a significant decrease in all 3 scores was recorded (SGRQ -10.9, mMRC -0.82, and CAT -4.9, p<0.0001). Additionally a significant reduction in RV was measured (p=0.048) and there was a trend towards increased distance in the 6MWT (p=0.07). This study demonstrated the effectiveness of bronchodilator therapy on QoL and residual volume in patients with CPFE