Formal property rights in the face of the substantial right to housing

This paper explores the dichotomy between formal property rights and use value of rights in the field of the right to housing for homeless people, focusing on the entitlement of the squatting practices to claim the collective rights in the public domain. This collective claim can be considered an alternative to the ‘traditional’ conception of the public property as 'exclusive' domain of State. In the cities of Southern Europe, urban space has become an ‘object’ of contention by groups of inhabitants, who are organized at various levels, and an object of claiming – through illegal (although not illegitimate) forms of occupation of public or social private properties – the right to housing as primary expression of the broader ‘right to the city’. Starting from the evidences emerging from the informal practices of reappropriation of spaces (occupied spaces) in the case study of Palermo, the aim of the paper is to demostrate that the use value is applicable in the housing field through the lens of the right to the city. The self-help housing practises suggest a “third way” in the theoretic interpretation on the right to housing, overtaking the division between natural rights and legal rights

Rights of Migrants in European Space: Notes for an Introduction

Thisintroductorychapterreflectsonthenatureofcontemporarymigratory movements, focusing on transversally relevant themes, such as the spatial dimension of reception, with particular reference to the “right to the city” and the right to housing; the sphere of human rights, with particular attention to the right to mobility, citizenship and social security; the sphere of multilingualism and linguistic rights, with particular regard to migrants’ narratives and education. Starting from these key themes, the volume’s editors provide a synthesis of the experiences gained at the national and international level by the authors of the individual chapters, comparing them with the current international scientific debate on migration. The interdisci- plinary approach and the different and innovative ways of deepening the thematic content of the migration phenomenon have allowed us to identify some key research questions. Their answers find their place in the articulated and complex system of contributions that develops within the book, through three main parts that correspond to the three aforementioned themes

Evaluation of the acceptability of Peer Physical Examination (PPE) in medical and osteopathic students: a cross sectional survey

BACKGROUND: Peer physical examination (PPE) is a method of training in medical and osteopathic curricula. The aim of this study was to compare the acceptability of PPE in two classes of medical and osteopathic students after their first experience, to obtain comparative information useful for an understanding of the different professional approaches. The leading hypothesis was that osteopathic students enter the curriculum with a more positive attitude to bodily contact. As a secondary aim, this study validated the new version of a questionnaire to assess the acceptability of PPE. METHODS: A new version of a previously validated questionnaire and an instrument from the literature (the Examining Fellow Student [EFS] questionnaire) were used for a cross-sectional survey in a class of 129 3rd year medical students and in two parallel classes of 1st year osteopathic students (total of 112 students). RESULTS: The mean score of the new questionnaire was significantly higher for the osteopathic students than for the medical students (53.4 ± 6.3 vs. 43.4 ± 8.9; p < 0.01). The only independent variables that were significantly predictive of the score in a linear regression analysis were gender and the condition of medical or osteopathic student. The EFS mean score also showed a significant difference between the osteopathic and medical students (30.76 ± 2.9 vs. 27.85 ± 4.3; p < 0.01). Factor analysis of the new questionnaire identified three factors (appropriateness and usefulness, sexual implications and passive role) accounting for 62.8% of the variance. Criterion validity was assessed by correlation with the EFS (Pearson’s r coefficient = 0.61). Reliability was expressed in terms of Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, which equals 0.86. CONCLUSIONS: These quantitative results are consistent with previous qualitative research on the process of embodiment both in medicine and osteopathy. The new questionnaire proved to be valid and reliable. The objective assessment of the acceptability of PPE is a way to determine differences in students’ attitudes towards contact with the body and can be used for counselling students regarding career choice. This study can also highlight differences between students from different professions and serve as a basis for reflection for improved mutual interprofessional understanding and future interprofessional education

e-Health interventions targeting pain-related psychological variables in fibromyalgia: a systematic review

There is growing evidence to support the potential benefit of e-Health interventions targeting psychosocial outcomes and/or pain-related psychological variables for chronic pain conditions, including fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). This systematic review aims at providing an in-depth description of the available e-Health psychological and/or multicomponent interventions for patients with FMS. Searches were made in PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, and PsycINFO up to 15 May 2023, finally including twenty-six articles. The quality of the included articles was medium–high (average quality assessment score of 77.1%). 50% of studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (n = 13), and the majority of them focused exclusively on adult patients with FMS (n = 23) who were predominantly female. Four categories of e-Health modalities were identified: web-based (n = 19), mobile application (m-Health) (n = 3), virtual reality (VR) (n = 2), and video consulting (n = 2). Interventions were mainly based on the cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) approach (n = 14) and mostly involved contact with a healthcare professional through different digital tools. Overall, a growing number of psychological and multicomponent interventions have been created and delivered using digital tools in the context of FMS, showing their potentiality for improving psychosocial outcomes and pain-related psychological variables. However, some digital tools resulted as underrepresented, and the literature on this topic appears highly heterogeneous precluding robust conclusions

eHealth-Integrated Psychosocial and Physical Interventions for Chronic Pain in Older Adults: Scoping Review

Background: Chronic noncancer pain (CNCP) is highly present among older adults, affecting their physical, psychological, and social functioning. A biopsychosocial multimodal approach to CNCP management is currently extensively suggested by international clinical practice guidelines. Recently, the growing development and application of eHealth within pain management has yielded encouraging results in terms of effectiveness and feasibility; however, its use among the older population remains underexamined. Objective: The overall aim of this scoping review was to systematically map existing literature about eHealth multimodal interventions (including both physical and psychosocial components) targeting older adults with CNCP. Methods: This review adhered to the JBI methodology, a protocol was a priori registered as a preprint on the medRxiv platform, and the results were reported according to the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines. Four electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, and PsycINFO) were systematically searched for relevant articles. Studies were included if they reported on multimodal interventions (including both physical and psychosocial components) delivered through any eHealth modality to an older population with any type of CNCP. Two reviewers selected the studies: first by screening titles and abstracts and second by screening full-text articles. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Quality Assessment Tool for Studies with Diverse Designs. The results of the studies were summarized narratively. Results: A total of 9 studies (n=6, 67% published between 2021 and 2023) with quality rated as medium to high were included, of which 7 (78%) were randomized controlled trials (n=5, 71% were pilot and feasibility studies). All the included studies evaluated self-management interventions, most of them (n=7, 78%) specifically designed for older adults. The participants were aged between 65 and 75 years on average (mean 68.5, SD 3.5 y) and had been diagnosed with different types of CNCP (eg, osteoarthritis and chronic low back pain). Most of the included studies (5/9, 56%) involved the use of multiple eHealth modalities, with a higher use of web-based programs and video consulting. Only 1 (11%) of the 9 studies involved a virtual reality-based intervention. The evaluated interventions showed signs of effectiveness in the targeted biopsychosocial outcomes, and the participants' engagement and ratings of satisfaction were generally positive. However, several research gaps were identified and discussed. Conclusions: Overall, of late, there has been a growing interest in the potential that eHealth multimodal interventions offer in terms of improving pain, physical, and psychosocial outcomes in older adults with CNCP. However, existing literature on this topic still seems scarce and highly heterogeneous, with few proper randomized controlled trials, precluding robust conclusions. Several gaps emerged in terms of the older population considered and the lack of evaluation of comorbidities. International registered report identifier (irrid): RR2-10.1101/2023.07.27.23293235

Perspectives and Experiences on eHealth Solutions for Coping With Chronic Pain: Qualitative Study Among Older People Living With Chronic Pain

Background: Chronic noncancer pain (CNCP) is a major health issue among the older population, affecting multiple aspects of individual functioning. Recently, the use of eHealth solutions has been proposed in supporting chronic pain self-management even among older adults, although some barriers have emerged. Few qualitative studies, with none conducted in Mediterranean countries, have explored older people's experiences and perceptions regarding the types of strategies used to cope with chronic pain and eHealth tools for chronic pain management. Objective: This study's objectives were to explore the perspectives and experiences of older adults regarding the coping strategies used to manage chronic pain, the use of digital technologies in everyday life, and the potentiality and barriers in using those technologies for health and pain management. Methods: A multimethod approach (ie, self-report questionnaires and a semistructured interview) has been adopted targeting older adults (ie, those who are aged 65 to 80 years and presenting different types of CNCP) who are attending a pain therapy center in Italy. Qualitative answers were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Overall, participants reported using a variety of pain coping strategies; however, they showed an attitude of resignation to their CNCP condition. Nearly 70% (12/18) of the interviewees referred to using digital technologies for purposes related to health and pain management, mostly involving very basic management activities. The participants' opinions on the useful functions that need to be incorporated in eHealth tools for chronic pain management have been categorized into four themes: (1) specific pain self-management skills, (2) support in organizing various health-related aspects, (3) sharing experiences with others, and (4) increasing pain-related personal knowledge. Conversely, the following potential barriers to adopting eHealth tools emerged: (1) computer illiteracy, (2) negative effects or risks, (3) impersonal interaction, and (4) physical limitations. Conclusions: The use of eHealth solutions still seems low, often being accompanied by a perceived lack of digital skills or attitude among a sample of older adults from Italy with CNCP. Before introducing innovative eHealth solutions, it would be of primary importance to take action to enhance, on the one hand, self-efficacy in pain management and, on the other, the digital literacy level among older people

Sull’agire collettivo. Riflessioni sull’esperienza della città di Palermo tra innovazione ed esclusione

Le pratiche di rigenerazione urbana che nel corso degli ultimi vent’anni hanno interessato molte città del Sud Italia risultano spesso l’esito di un lento, ma talvolta profondo, processo di rinnovamento della governance urbana, avendo contribuito a cambiare in alcuni casi in maniera significativa le relazioni di potere e i ruoli tra soggetto pubblico e attori economici e sociali. In un clima di sostanziale crisi ed indebolimento dell’azione pubblica, tuttavia le pratiche di innovazione sociale che hanno di fatto governato tali processi si configurano come una moltitudine di eterogenee micro-azioni indirizzate al soddisfacimento di bisogni materiali ed immateriali cui né il soggetto pubblico, né il libero mercato sono stati in grado di rispondere. Una moltitudine di forme sociali emergenti che ha contribuito al ridisegno delle politiche pubbliche, in molti casi riscritte in assenza di una qualificata regia pubblica. La diffusione e il radicamento di tali pratiche non sempre hanno contribuito a costruire una reale coscienza collettiva, indipendentemente dagli esiti del loro agire e/o dalla potenza della loro azione trasformativa. In relazione al suddetto quadro di riferimento, le esperienze maturate a Palermo negli ultimi vent’anni si offrono come significativo caso di studio per chiarire alcune delle principali contraddizioni che ruotano attorno al ruolo che le pratiche di innovazione sociale svolgono all’interno delle politiche urbane. Il contributo intende proporre una riflessione critica sulla reale natura collettiva di tali pratiche che possono talvolta accrescere la capacità selettiva del processo, piuttosto che perseguire obiettivi di interesse comune

La povertà vista da Sud, tra diseguaglianze e diritto alla città. Il caso di Palermo

Nei territori estesi della post-metropoli, le diseguaglianze, e i più ampi diritti di cittadinanza, investono differenti popolazioni urbane. Dai diritti negati ai nuovi arrivati (immigrati, rifugiati, ecc.), alle difficoltà di accesso alla casa di porzioni sempre più significative di abitanti tanto dei centri urbani quanto dei sobborghi suburbani, fino alla richiesta di servizi da parte degli abitanti delle estese periferie suburbane. Il presente contributo affronta la domanda di conoscenza più stimolante e, al medesimo tempo, più allarmante sui processi di regionalizzazione dell’urbano, ossia quella relativa alla rilettura socio-spaziale della crescita delle diseguaglianze e delle forme di polarizzazione sociale, attraverso il filtro del diritto alla città. Rispetto a questi temi, l’approfondimento della deprivazione abitativa nella città Palermo è da considerarsi un caso esemplificativo degli effetti spaziali dei fenomeni di diseguaglianza, anche in relazione alle difficoltà di accesso ai servizi e ai beni/diritti fondamentali negati alle fasce di popolazione che vivono in condizioni di emergenza abitativa. Ci si propone di riconoscere e tematizzare l’emergere di nuove e plurali “questioni urbane” legate al tema dell’abitare e al diritto alla città indagando le diverse geografie dell’esclusione che ruotano attorno al tema dell’emergenza abitativa

Efficacy of virtual patients in medical education: A meta-analysis of randomized studies

A meta-analysis was performed to assess the Effect Size (ES) from randomized studies comparing the effect of educational interventions in which Virtual patients (VPs) were used either as an alternative method or additive to usual curriculum versus interventions based on more traditional methods. Meta-analysis was designed, conducted and reported according to QUORUM statement on quality of reporting of meta-analyses. Twelve randomized controlled studies were retrieved, assessing a total of 25 different outcomes. Under a random-effect model, meta-analysis showed a clear positive pooled overall effect for VPs compared to other educational methods (Odds Ratio: 239; 95% C.I. 1.48 divided by 3.84). A positive effect has been documented both when VPs have been used as an additive resource (O.R.: 2.55; C.I. 1.36 divided by 4.79) and when they have been compared as an alternative to a more traditional method (O.R.: 2.19; 1.06 divided by 4.52). When grouped for type of outcome, the pooled ES for studies addressing communication skills and ethical reasoning was lower than for clinical reasoning outcome. There is evidence that VPs are effective but further research is needed to clarify which is their best possible integration in curricula and their value and cost/benefit ratio with respect to other active learning methods. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved