Research on Efficacy of Using Social Networks in Academic Teaching Metrics, Experiments, and Results

The study integrates a customized private social network in an academic course. We propose and measure a new metric, based on gamification principles, to understand the benefits on the student learning process. We applied the idea to two academic classes of 25 and 80 students, respectively, (Master Degree in Economy and Engineering Faculties, University of Pavia). The social networks has been monitored for one semester. The paper describes the educational principle at the basis of the methodology, the developed metric, and the results. This case study shows that the introduction of innovative approaches to social networking in academic classes can be used to focus student attention, rise motivation and, as final goal, increase the level of knowledge. Keywords: Academic Education, Social Networking, gamification

Warthin Tumor-Like Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma with a Minor Dedifferentiated Component: Report of a Case with Clinicopathologic Considerations

Warthin tumor-like papillary thyroid carcinoma is an uncommon variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma. We report a rare case of Warthin tumor-like variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma with a dedifferentiated component consisting of a solid tumor area composed of neoplastic cells with a spindle to tall cell morphology associated with marked nuclear pleomorphism, atypical mitoses, and foci of necrosis. Although our patient presented with a locally aggressive disease (T3 N1b Mo), she is disease-free without radioiodine therapy after a 23-month follow-up period. We emphasize that Warthin tumor-like papillary thyroid carcinoma, like other morphological variants of papillary carcinoma, may occasionally undergo dedifferentiation. As this component may be only focally detectable, we suggest an extensive sampling of all large-sized (>3 cm) papillary thyroid carcinoma. Recognition of any dedifferentiated component in a Warthin tumor-like papillary thyroid carcinoma should be reported, including its percentage, because it may reflect a more aggressive clinical course

Exposure Assessment and Monitoring of Antiblastic Drugs Preparation in Health Care Settings: A Systematic Review

Several antiblastic drugs (ADs) are classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, and/or toxic for reproduction. Despite established guidelines and safe handling technologies, ADs contamination of the work environments could occur in healthcare settings, leading to potential exposure of healthcare staff. This systematic review aims to investigate the main techniques and practices for assessing ADs occupational exposure in healthcare settings. The reviewed studies unveil that workplace contamination by ADs appears to be a still-topical problem in healthcare settings. These issues are linked to difficulties in guaranteeing: (i) the adherence to standardized protocols when dealing with ADs, (ii) the effective use of personal protective equipment by operators involved in the administration or management of ADs, (iii) a comprehensive training of the healthcare personnel, and (iv) a thorough health surveillance of exposed workers. A "multi-parametric" approach emerges as a desirable strategy for exposure assessment. In parallel, exposure assessment should coincide with the introduction of novel technologies aimed at minimizing exposure (i.e., risk management). Assessment must consider various departments and health operators susceptible to ADs contamination, with a focus extended beyond worst-case scenarios, also considering activities like surface cleaning and logistical tasks related to ADs management. A comprehensive approach in ADs risk assessment enables the evaluation of distinct substance behaviors and subsequent exposure routes, affording a more holistic understanding of potential risks

J.D. Thompson’s Organizations in Action 50th anniversary: a reflection

At the 50th anniversary of James D. Thompson’s fundamental book, Organizations in Action, TAO Digital Library proposes a reflection on this great master’s legacy and the evolution of organizational studies. Twelve researchers, from different disciplinary fields, analyze both the texts utilized for teaching and the contribution of several important journals, particularly in recent decades. The outcome is an overall picture that may stimulate different, divergent evaluations and, even more importantly, desirable, deeper reflections

Devices for less invasive surfactant therapy: a manikin study

peer reviewedBackground: “Less invasive surfactant therapy” (LIST), or tracheal instillation of surfactant through a small catheter in spontaneously breathing infants, is gaining popularity. Different catheters are currently used for this purpose: a nasogastric tube inserted with (LISA) or without (Take Care) Magill’s forceps, a 13 cm 16G adult angiocath (MIST), a 30 cm F4 angiography catheter (Stockholm). We developed a specific device by combining a F5 umbilical catheter and an intubation stylet (Liege). We aimed to compare those 5 devices using INSURE as a reference. Methods: 20 neonatologists from 4 institutions supporting different surfactant instillation policies intubated 2 manikin heads with the 5 catheters and an endotracheal tube in a predetermined random sequence. Water was flushed trough the catheter. Video review provided times between laryngoscope (T1) or catheter insertion (T2) in the mouth and water flowing from the trachea. Participants gave an ease of use score (range: 1-9) for each catheter. Results: Procedural times were longer with the Take Care method and shorter with the Liège device (Table). Failure rates were higher for LIST procedures than for INSURE. Take Care and LISA were rated as more difficult, while Liège, Stockholm and INSURE were considered easier. Conclusions: LIST procedures remain difficult, even on a manikin. The choice of catheter is important. A device combining the rigidity of a stylet with the soft distal end of an umbilical catheter is associated with procedures of shorter duration and is considered easier by neonatologists

Rider at work: una lettura multidisciplinare

The debate on the problems of light-delivery rider work and, more in general, of the work in the gig economy, is rich and extensive. The problems posed to the interpretation of these increasingly relevant phenomena are numerous and exposed to changes both on the supply and demand side. However, they can be traced back to the configuration of the subjects at work, of the work activity, of the enterprises involved. This ebook presents contributions addressing these issues from different disciplinary points of view. The proposed interpretations allow useful comparisons and may constitute the beginning of a broader and more articulated discussion

Rapid SARS-CoV-2 intra-host and within-household emergence of novel haplotypes

In February 2020, the municipality of Vo’, a small town near Padua (Italy) was quarantined due to the first coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19)-related death detected in Italy. To investigate the viral prevalence and clinical features, the entire population was swab tested in two sequential surveys. Here we report the analysis of 87 viral genomes, which revealed that the unique ancestor haplotype introduced in Vo’ belongs to lineage B, carrying the mutations G11083T and G26144T. The viral sequences allowed us to investigate the viral evolution while being transmitted within and across households and the effectiveness of the non-pharmaceutical interventions implemented in Vo’. We report, for the first time, evidence that novel viral haplotypes can naturally arise intra-host within an interval as short as two weeks, in approximately 30% of the infected individuals, regardless of symptom severity or immune system deficiencies. Moreover, both phylogenetic and minimum spanning network analyses converge on the hypothesis that the viral sequences evolved from a unique common ancestor haplotype that was carried by an index case. The lockdown extinguished both the viral spread and the emergence of new variant

Influence of Time–Activity Patterns on Indoor Air Quality in Italian Restaurant Kitchens

This study aims to delve deeper into the relationship between the professional activities carried out in restaurant kitchens and some key air pollutants. The ultrafine particles (UFPs), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOCs) and formaldehyde (HCHO) indoor air concentrations were determined using real-time monitors. Simultaneously, the kitchen environment was characterized using video recordings with the aim to retrieve information pertaining to cooking, cookware washing and surface cleaning activities. Statistical analysis was carried out separately for the winter and summer campaigns. The obtained results confirmed that the professional activities carried out in restaurant kitchens had a significant impact on the concentrations of all the selected pollutants. Specifically, this study revealed the following key results: (i) indoor UFPs and NO2 concentrations were significantly higher during cooking than during washing activities (e.g., about +60% frying vs. handwashing and dishwasher running), mainly in the winter; (ii) washing activity had a statistically significant impact on the TVOC (+39% on average) and HCHO (+67% on average) concentrations compared to other activities; (iii) some specific sources of short-term pollutant emissions have been identified, such as the different types of cooking and opening the dishwasher; and (iv) in some restaurants, a clear time-dependent relationship between O3 and UFP, TVOC and HCHO has been observed, underlining the occurrence of ozonolysis reactions