A study of the relationship between regulatory systems, assessment e locomotion, and online learning groups

The present paper examines the relationship between assessment, locomotion and attitudes and learning outcomes in a Computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) framework. Results showed that regulatory mode predicted exam marks, numbers of tasks completed, messages sent and attitudes towards the course and the ingroup. The theoretical implications and some reflections about CSCL and Regulatory-mode Theory (RMT) are presented

Guardando al «Siculorum» del 1948

Riflettere sulla prima annata del «Siculorum», datata 1948, vuol dire anzitutto per noi riconnetterci simbolicamente al principio, alle pagine da cui tutto ha avuto inizio, ma significa anche specchiarci in una temperie sociale, culturale e politica molto diversa. Si tratta, in altre parole, di un'occasione per comprendere noi stessi a partire da un passato recente ma lontanissimo, vista la velocità estrema dei cambiamenti succedutisi lungo questi settant'anni. Cominciamo insomma la nostra sezione di reprint non da un dibattito intorno ad un tema specifico, sollecitato dalla ristampa digitale di un grande libro, bensì da un tentativo di conversazione e di pensiero sul nostro ieri e sul nostro oggi, in vista di un domani incerto, difficilmente prevedibile ma (altrettanto) ineludibile. In questa riflessione, i primi due numeri del «Siculorum Gymnasium» ci fanno da falsariga e da apripista, in quanto pongono implicitamente alcune questioni decisive, anche in ordine al senso della cultura umanistica, al suo ruolo e ai suoi spazi nella società, ai suoi orizzonti di ricerca e ai suoi atteggiamenti etici, ai suoi saperi e alle sue forme. Abbiamo inviato i due numeri della prima annata in digitale a quattro studiosi, rappresentanti di diverse aree della ricerca umanistica. Abbiamo richiesto loro di rispondere ad alcune questioni poste dalla redazione

A linear domain decomposition method for two-phase flow in porous media

This article is a follow up of our submitted paper [11] in which a decomposition of the Richards equation along two soil layers was discussed. A decomposed problem was formulated and a decoupling and linearisation technique was presented to solve the problem in each time step in a fixed point type iteration. This article extends these ideas to the case of two-phase in porous media and the convergence of the proposed domain decomposition method is rigorously shown.Comment: 8 page

Volumetric capnography and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease staging

Spirometry is difficult for some COPD patient to perform. Volumetric capnography could be a second choice test to evaluate the severity of functional disturbances. The aim of this work is to test this hypothesis. A total number of 98 subjects were classified either as normal ex-smokers (N=14) or COPD patients. The latter were staged following GOLD recommendations. Spirometry and volumetric capnography recordings were obtained from each patient. Spirometry parameters, Bohr Dead Space (V(D)Bohr), Airways Dead Space from the pre-interface expirate corrected curve (V(D)aw), Phase III slope (Sl(III)) and Volume of alveolar ejection (V(AE)) were measured. Index of Ventilatory Efficiency (IVE), and Index of Airways Heterogeneity (IAH) were calculated as: IVE = V(AE)/(V(T) - V(D)aw) and IAH = 1-[(V(T)-V(D)Bohr)/(V(T) - V(D)aw)]. In ANOCOVA analysis IAH showed the greatest association with stage (F >40), with no significant covariant dependence on V(T). A receiver operating characteristics curve analysis showed values of the area under the curve greater than 0.9 for IAH and IVE at all stage levels, with a sensitivity = specificity value greater than 80%. We conclude that IAH and IVE can be used when spirometry cannot be reliably performed, as an alternative test to evaluate the degree of functional involvement in COPD patients

Relationship between behavioural coping strategies and acceptance in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome: Elucidating targets of interventions

BACKGROUND: Previous research has found that acceptance of pain is more successful than cognitive coping variables for predicting adjustment to pain. This research has a limitation because measures of cognitive coping rely on observations and reports of thoughts or attempts to change thoughts rather than on overt behaviours. The purpose of the present study, therefore, is to compare the influence of acceptance measures and the influence of different behavioural coping strategies on the adjustment to chronic pain. METHODS: A sample of 167 individuals diagnosed with fibromyalgia syndrome completed the Chronic Pain Coping Inventory (CPCI) and the Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire (CPAQ). RESULTS: Correlational analyses indicated that the acceptance variables were more related to distress and functioning than were behavioural coping variables. The average magnitudes of the coefficients for activity engagement and pain willingness (both subscales of pain acceptance) across the measures of distress and functioning were r = 0.42 and 0.25, respectively, meanwhile the average magnitude of the correlation between coping and functioning was r = 0.17. Regression analyses examined the independent, relative contributions of coping and acceptance to adjustment indicators and demonstrated that acceptance accounted for more variance than did coping variables. The variance contributed by acceptance scores ranged from 4.0 to 40%. The variance contributed by the coping variables ranged from 0 to 9%. CONCLUSIONS: This study extends the findings of previous work in enhancing the adoption of acceptance-based interventions for maintaining accurate functioning in fibromyalgia patients

Diversity and evolution of an abundant ICEclc family of integrative and conjugative elements in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Microbial populations swiftly adapt to changing environments through horizontal gene transfer. While the mechanisms of gene transfer are well known, the impact of environmental conditions on the selection of transferred gene functions remains less clear. We investigated ICEs, specifically the ICEclc-type, in Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates. Our findings revealed co-evolution between ICEs and their hosts, with ICE transfers occurring within strains. Gene functions carried by ICEs are positively selected, including potential virulence factors and heavy metal resistance. Comparison to publicly available P. aeruginosa genomes unveiled widespread antibiotic-resistance determinants within ICEclc clades. Thus, the ubiquitous ICEclc family significantly contributes to P. aeruginosa's adaptation and fitness in diverse environments

Diamondback squid (Tysanoteuthis rhombus) exploration in the South China Sea, Area III: Western Philippines

The diamondback squid (Tysanoteuthis rhombus) is a potential resource popularized mainly for the export market in the Central Philippines and the positive results from other experimental activities. Exploratory fishing for the species using the giant squid jig was conducted on board MV SEAFDEC and MV Maya-Maya in the South China Sea (Western Philippines) to determine its occurrence, abundance and distribution in these areas. The gear employed is basically used in small boats hence, its operation on bigger vessels was very difficult. The result was discouraging with only one diamondback squid caught out of the 175 jigs set. The description and fishing operations of the gear are presented with comparison from other research and fishing results conducted in Camotes Sea, Calauag Bay, and Ormoc Bay which are considered potential areas

Validation of the Spanish version of the Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire (CPAQ) for the assessment of acceptance in fibromyalgia

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The aim of this study was to validate a Spanish version of the Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire (CPAQ). Pain acceptance is the process of giving up the struggle with pain and learning to live a worthwhile life despite it. The Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire (CPAQ) is the questionnaire most often used to measure pain acceptance in chronic pain populations.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A total of 205 Spanish patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia syndrome who attended our pain clinic were asked to complete a battery of psychometric instruments: the Pain Visual Analogue Scale (PVAS) for pain intensity, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Medical Outcome Study Short Form 36 (SF-36), the Pain Catastrophising Scale (PCS) and the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Analysis of results showed that the Spanish CPAQ had good test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.83) and internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's α: 0.83). The Spanish CPAQ score significantly correlated with pain intensity, anxiety, depression, pain catastrophising, health status and physical and psychosocial disability. The Scree plot and a Principal Components Factor analysis confirmed the same two-factor construct as the original English CPAQ.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The Spanish CPAQ is a reliable clinical assessment tool with valid construct validity for the acceptance measurement among a sample of Spanish fibromyalgia patients. This study will make it easier to assess pain acceptance in Spanish populations with fibromyalgia.</p