Precipitation formation in low-level mixed-phase clouds: determining relevant processes and drivers based on cloud radar observations from a high Arctic site

Low-level mixed-phase clouds (LLMPCs) shroud large portions of Earth’s surface at high latitudes. They have been shown to dramatically affect the surface energy budget, yet, large uncertainties in their model representation remain, both in climate simulations, and in numerical weather prediction. Both computational limitations and poor understanding of a number of processes taking place in LLMPCs are thought to give rise to such uncertainties. In particular, precipitation formation processes have been relatively understudied in LLMPCs, and reaching a refined understanding is expected to lead to an improvement in model performance, as precipitation determines the cloud’s mass sink, and hence lifetime. In this dissertation, precipitation formation processes are investigated in LLMPCs at the high Arctic site of Ny-Ålesund, based on long-term cloud radar observations. Cloud radars are in fact especially suited for ice microphysical studies, due to the wide spectrum of observational fingerprints of ice microphysical processes that they provide. Doppler radar observations provide information on dynamics, multi-frequency radar observations on ice particle size, and polarimetric radar observations on particle shape and concentration. Radar data are combined with thermodynamic information, which further allows to discriminate between ice microphysical processes, due to their high sensitivity to temperature. In the first part of the dissertation, the relevance of the aggregation process for LLMPCs at Ny-Ålesund is assessed. Aggregation occurs when ice particles collide to form larger ice particles. A long-term dataset of dual-frequency radar observations, as well as thermodynamic information, is used to statistically assess the relevance of aggregation and its sensitivity to varying cloud thermodynamic conditions. The study finds that larger aggregate snowflakes are predominantly produced in LLMPCs whose mixed-phase layer is at temperatures compatible with the growth and subsequent mechanical entanglement of dendritic crystals. Surprisingly, the second enhanced aggregation zone close to the 0°C isotherm, typically observed in deeper cloud systems, is absent. In the second part, a novel state-of-the-art long-term dataset developed within this dissertation is presented. It combines dual-frequency and polarimetric Doppler cloud radar observations, together with thermodynamic information, and other auxiliary variables. After detailing the processing and curation approaches, the results on aggregation are confirmed, and expanded upon. Additionally, temperature regimes where columnar ice particles, riming, i.e., the collection of supercooled liquid droplets by ice crystals, and secondary ice production are likely to occur are identified. In the final part of the dissertation, the developed dataset is used to assess the effect of turbulence on aggregation and riming in LLMPCs at Ny-Ålesund. LLMPCs are in fact inherently turbulent, and maintained by turbulent overturning generated at cloud top. The turbulent kinetic energy dissipation rate (EDR) is retrieved, and the sensitivity of aggregation and riming to varying EDR conditions is investigated. It is shown that higher EDR regimes enhance the aggregation of particles, and are associated with signatures of increased ice particle concentration, possibly caused by fragmentation of ice particles. In temperature regimes more favorable to riming, turbulence dramatically enhances the particles’ fall velocities, denoting higher degrees of riming

Big Data Analytics National Educational System Monitoring and Decision Making

This paper reviews the applications of big data in supporting monitoring and decision making in the National Educational System. It describes different types of monitoring methodologies and explores the opportunities, challenges and benefits of incorporating big data applications in order to study the National Educational System. This approach allows to analyze schools as entities, which included in a local context with specific social, economic, and cultural development features. In addition, the paper attempts to identify the prerequisites that support the implementation of data analysis in the national educational system. This review reveals that there are several opportunities for using big data (structured and unstructured information) in the educational system, in order to improve strategic multidimensional knowledge for decision making and developing educational policies; however, there are still many issues and challenges that need to be addressed so as to achieve a better use of this technology

Is the ratio of pleural mesothelioma mortality to pleural cancer mortality approximately unity for Italy? Considerations from the oldest regional mesothelioma register in Italy

doi:10.1038/sj.bjc.6600363 www.bjcancer.co

Sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 1 is required for MMP-2 function in bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells: implications for cytoskeleton assembly and proliferation

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cell- (BM-MSC-) based therapy is a promising option for regenerative medicine. An important role in the control of the processes influencing the BM-MSC therapeutic efficacy, namely, extracellular matrix remodelling and proliferation and secretion ability, is played by matrix metalloproteinase- (MMP-) 2. Therefore, the identification of paracrine/autocrine regulators of MMP-2 function may be of great relevance for improving BM-MSC therapeutic potential. We recently reported that BM-MSCs release the bioactive lipid sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) and, here, we demonstrated an impairment of MMP-2 expression/release when the S1P receptor subtype S1PR1 is blocked. Notably, active S1PR1/MMP-2 signalling is required for F-actin structure assembly (lamellipodia, microspikes, and stress fibers) and, in turn, cell proliferation. Moreover, in experimental conditions resembling the damaged/regenerating tissue microenvironment (hypoxia), S1P/S1PR1 system is also required for HIF-1α expression and vinculin reduction. Our findings demonstrate for the first time the trophic role of S1P/S1PR1 signalling in maintaining BM-MSCs' ability to modulate MMP-2 function, necessary for cytoskeleton reorganization and cell proliferation in both normoxia and hypoxia. Altogether, these data provide new perspectives for considering S1P/S1PR1 signalling a pharmacological target to preserve BM-MSC properties and to potentiate their beneficial potential in tissue repair

ICT e didattica: i comportamenti digitali dei docenti della scuola secondaria

Over the past thirty years a lot of funds have been invested in order to providethe Italian schools with increased cutting edge technological equipmentand to offer a program for teacher training to develop digital skills.Despite this attention, the ICT integration in the teaching activities seems tostill be in the development phase.This paper outlines the results of empirical research based on a survey sampleof 7.732 teachers at all levels of education attending training course cofundedby the National Operational Program “Skills for development” (ESF)2007-2013. The data are related to the digital behaviors of teachers who express a greater knowledge of their own competences and abilities (perception of the self-efficacy) and at the same time, declaring a wider use of the technologies in their classrooms than may exist. These are not so different when compared to those related to teachers who consider the role of ICT in everyday classroom less relevant. This study provide a means to identify some teacher training needs and could be an opportunity to reflect on the effective use of ICT in teaching and learning.Fin dagli anni ’80 del secolo scorso, si è investito molto per arricchire lascuola italiana con dotazioni tecnologiche all’avanguardia e per formare esensibilizzare i docenti alle tematiche connesse con il digitale. Nonostanteciò, l’integrazione delle ICT nell’attività professionale dei docenti sembraessere un fenomeno ancora in fase di sviluppo. I dati qui proposti mostranoi risultati di una ricerca esplorativa condotta nelle regioni del Sud Italiache hanno beneficiato degli investimenti resi disponibili dai ProgrammiOperativi Nazionali nel periodo 2007-2013 (i docenti coinvolti sono 7.732 diogni ordine e grado scolastico). L’uso di tecnologie è poco frequente eriguarda per lo più attività connesse con la preparazione delle lezioni, noncon lo sviluppo delle competenze digitali negli studenti. I risultati di questolavoro offrono un’occasione di riflessione sulle modalità di utilizzo delleICT da parte dei docenti, con una particolare attenzione agli ostacoli e alleresistenze che ne impediscono o ne rallentano l’adozione nella pratica didatticain classe

In vitro evidences of different fibroblast morpho-functional responses to red, near-infrared and violet-blue photobiomodulation: Clues for addressingwound healing

Although photobiomodulation (PBM) has proven promising to treat wounds, the lack of univocal guidelines and of a thorough understanding of light–tissue interactions hampers its mainstream adoption for wound healing promotion. This study compared murine and human fibroblast responses to PBM by red (635 ± 5 nm), near-infrared (NIR, 808 ± 1 nm), and violet-blue (405 ± 5 nm) light (0.4 J/cm2 energy density, 13 mW/cm2 power density). Cell viability was not altered by PBM treatments. Light and confocal laser scanning microscopy and biochemical analyses showed, in red PBM irradiated cells: F-actin assembly reduction, up-regulated expression of Ki67 proliferation marker and of vinculin in focal adhesions, type-1 collagen down-regulation, matrix metalloproteinase-2 and metalloproteinase-9 expression/functionality increase concomitant to their inhibitors (TIMP-1 and TIMP-2) decrease. Violet-blue and even more NIR PBM stimulated collagen expression/deposition and, likely, cell differentiation towards (proto)myofibroblast phenotype. Indeed, these cells exhibited a higher polygonal surface area, stress fiber-like structures, increased vinculin- and phospho-focal adhesion kinase-rich clusters and α-smooth muscle actin. This study may provide the experimental groundwork to support red, NIR, and violet-blue PBM as potential options to promote proliferative and matrix remodeling/maturation phases of wound healing, targeting fibroblasts, and to suggest the use of combined PBM treatments in the wound management setting

Regulation of extracellular matrix degradation and metastatic spread by IQGAP1 through endothelin-1 receptor signalling in ovarian cancer.

Abstract The invasive phenotype of serous ovarian cancer (SOC) cells is linked to the formation of actin-based protrusions, invadopodia, operating extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation and metastatic spread. Growth factor receptors might cause engagement of integrin-related proteins, like the polarity protein IQ-domain GTPase-activating protein 1 (IQGAP1), to F-actin core needed for invadopodia functions. Here, we investigated whether IQGAP1 forms a signalosome with endothelin-1 (ET-1)/β-arrestin1 (β-arr1) network, as signal-integrating module for adhesion components, cytoskeletal remodelling and ECM degradation. In SOC cells, ET-1 receptor (ET-1R) activation, besides altering IQGAP1 expression and localization, coordinates the binding of IQGAP1 with β-arr1, representing a "hotspot" for ET-1R-induced invasive signalling. We demonstrated that the molecular interaction of IQGAP1 with β-arr1 affects relocalization of focal adhesion components, as vinculin, and cytoskeleton dynamics, through the regulation of invadopodia-related pathways. In particular, ET-1R deactivates Rac1 thereby promoting RhoA/C activation for the correct functions of invasive structures. Silencing of either IQGAP1 or β-arr1, or blocking ET-1R activation with a dual antagonist macitentan, prevents matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity, invadopodial function, transendothelial migration and cell invasion. In vivo, targeting ET-1R/β-arr1 signalling controls the process of SOC metastasis, associated with reduced levels of IQGAP1, as well as other invadopodia effectors, such as vinculin, phospho-cortactin and membrane type 1-MMP. High expression of ET A R/β-arr1/IQGAP1 positively correlates with poor prognosis, validating the clinical implication of this signature in early prognosis of SOC. These data establish the ET-1R-driven β-arr1/IQGAP1 interaction as a prerequisite for the dynamic integration of pathways in fostering invadopodia and metastatic process in human SOC

Teachers’ training: an empirical study on training needs and digital skills

Starting from the results of an empirical research on digital skills and training needs of Italian teachers involved in the National Operational Programme 2007-2013 “Skills for Development” (ESF), this paper debates the teachers’ expertise in order to identify their training needs. The research is focused on four areas of interest: the perception of self-efficacy as unexpressed need, the obstacles that prevent the well-being using the teaching methodology and digital technology, the behaviour related to the use of technology in classroom and the training need expressed by teachers.La formazione del personale docente: un’indagine empirica sul fabbisogno formativo e le competenze digitaliA partire da un’indagine sul fabbisogno formativo e le competenze digitali del personale docente coinvolto nel PON 2007-2013 “Competenze per lo sviluppo” (FSE), il presente lavoro intende esplorare l’expertise del personale docente al fine di intercettare il suo fabbisogno formativo. Sono stati individuati quattro ambiti di analisi: la percezione della self-efficacy (bisogno inespresso), gli ostacoli che impediscono di sentirsi “a proprio agio” con metodologie didattiche e tecnologie digitali, il comportamento relativo all’uso delle ICT in classe e il bisogno formativo espresso