Consapevolmente intelligenti: un\u2019indagine esplorativa sull\u2019uso dei social network nella scuola primaria

I Social Network sono una preziosa occasione per costruire una societ\ue0 pi\uf9 attenta e responsabile, una pra-tica che si assimila imparando a utilizzare il Web in maniera consapevole. La competenza digitale si configu-ra come competenza alla partecipazione attiva alla Rete e alla societ\ue0. L\u2019attenzione \ue8 posta sulla necessit\ue0 di acquisire un know-how per sfruttare i media, con particolare riferimento ai Social Network, in modo intelli-gente cos\uec da farli diventare strumenti intelligenti. Dal punto di vista educativo i Social Network offrono diver-se potenzialit\ue0 in quanto: sono in grado di supportare le funzioni di socializzazione, condivisione e coordi-namento; di incoraggiare il dialogo, promuovere la condivisione di risorse e migliorare lo sviluppo di capacit\ue0 comunicative; di sostenere l\u2019apprendimento facilitando il supporto tra pari nello svolgimento dei compiti. Le criticit\ue0 maggiori derivano dal contrasto tra i modelli d\u2019impiego dei Social Network aperti nei contesti educati-vi formali e le pratiche d\u2019uso degli alunni in ambito informale. Sul tema del rapporto tra i Social Network e i processi di insegnamento/apprendimento, se da una parte si rileva l\u2019urgenza di utilizzarli per potenziare l\u2019intelligenza, per trovare le risposte pi\uf9 efficaci a problemi complessi, dall\u2019altra parte \ue8 necessario che si im-pari a farlo con consapevolezza, con senso critico, con rispetto e responsabilit\ue0. Il lavoro documenta un\u2019indagine esplorativa sull\u2019utilizzo critico e consapevole dei Social Network nella scuola primaria. L\u2019indagine, che si \ue8 svolta nel corrente anno scolastico, ha coinvolto 2399 alunni, 100 insegnanti e 50 diri-genti di 50 scuole primarie della Sicilia occidentale. La ricerca ha inteso esplorare, da una parte, se e in che modo gli alunni di classe quarta e quinta primaria utilizzano i Social Network; dall\u2019altra parte, in che modo insegnanti e dirigenti possono orientare i bambini all\u2019uso consapevole e critico dei social. Gli strumenti utiliz-zati per lo studio sono: il questionario ICRTDIG (Digital Critical Thinking and Intelligence), appositamente costruito e validato per gli alunni, e un\u2019intervista semi-strutturata per gli insegnanti e i dirigenti. I risultati la-sciano intravvedere piste di ricerca e ambiti applicativi interessanti.Social Networks are a noteworthy opportunity to build a more caring and responsible society, a practice that is assimilated by learning to use the Web in a conscious way. The media competence takes the form of ex-pertise both to active participation to the Web and to society. The focus is on the need to acquire the know-how to exploit the media, with particular reference to social networks, in a clever way so as to make them in-telligent instruments. From an educational point of view, Social Networks offer a different potential because they are able to support the functions of socialization, of sharing and of coordination; to encourage dialogue, promote resources sharing and improve the development of communication skills; to support learning by fa-cilitating peer support in the performance of tasks. The main critical issues arise from the contrast between the patterns of use of social networks in formal educational settings and their use within the informal educa-tional settings. As to the relationship between social networks and the teaching/learning processes, on the one hand, there is an urgent need to use them to increase intelligence as well as to find the most effective solutions to complex problems; on the other hand, it is necessary to learn how to do so consciously, critical-ly, with respect and responsibility. The present work documents an exploratory survey on the critical and conscious use of Social Networks at school. The survey carried out during the scholastic year 2016-2017, involved 2239 pupils, 100 teachers and 50 Head Teachers of 50 Sicily Primary schools. The research aimed to explore whether and how students actually use social networks; it explored on how future teachers and educators can guide the young towards a conscious and critical use of Social Networks. The tools used for the study are a questionnaire specially constructed and a semi-structured interview. The results reveal new avenues of research and interesting application areas

Teachers and inclusion: an empirical survey on specialist training for support teachers

This paper illustrates the results of an empirical-experimental research conducted as part of the Specialization Course for support activities, held at the University of Palermo in the academic year 2016/17. The survey, concerning the effectiveness of training courses for teachers for the development of active learning, involved 450 teachers and had the main objective of investigating whether there was an actual increase in specific professional skills functional to school inclusion among those who attended the course. Despite leading to different kinds of meaningfulness, the pre/post-test data are evidence of a general positive improvement, highlighting how a student-centred approach has allowed us to achieve appreciable results in relation to the didactic, communicative-relational, evaluative dimensions and to perceived self-efficacy, which are fundamental skills for the inclusion process of each student

VOLCANIC CO2 FLUX MEASUREMENTS BY TUNABLE DIODE LASER ABSORPTION SPECTROSCOPY

Introduction In the last decades, the use of near-infrared room-temperature diode lasers for gas sensing has grown significantly. The use of these devices, for instance in combination with optical fibers, is particularly convenient for volcanic monitoring applications [1,2]. Here, we report on the first results of the application of an open-path infrared tunable laser-based at Campi Flegrei (Southern Italy). Such Diode-laser-based measurements were performed, during two field campaigns (october 2012, and january 2013), in the attempt to obtain novel information on the current degassing unrest of Solfatara and Pisciarelli fumarolic fields. Results and Discussion At each site, we used an ad-hoc designed measurement geometry, using a TDLS (a Gas Finder unit) and several differently positioned retroreflectors (mirrors), to scan the fumaroles’ plume from different angles and distances. From post-processing of the data (acquired at 1 hz), we derived tomographic maps of CO2 concentrations in the plume and, by integration and combination with plume transport speed (from video cameras), we inferred the CO2 flux directly. The so-calculated fluxes, the first ever obtained at Campi Flegrei, average of 500 tons/day, and support a significant contribution of fumaroles to the total CO2 budget. The cumulative (fumarole [this study] +soil [3]) CO2 output from Campi Flegrei is finally evaluated at 1600 tons/day. [1] Gianfrani L. et al. (2000). Appl. Phys. B-Rapid Common. 70, 467-470. [2] Richter D. et al (2002), Optics and Lasers in Engineering, Volume 37, Issues 2–3, Pages 171-186. [3] Chiodini G. et al. (2010), Journal of Geophysical Research, Volume 115, B03205, doi:10.1029/2008JB006258

Folding mechanisms steer the amyloid fibril formation propensity of highly homologous proteins

Significant advances in the understanding of the molecular determinants of fibrillogenesis can be expected from comparative studies of the aggregation propensities of proteins with highly homologous structures but different folding pathways. Here, we fully characterize, by means of stopped-flow, T-jump, CD and DSC experiments, the unfolding mechanisms of three highly homologous proteins, zinc binding Ros87 and Ml153-149 and zinc-lacking Ml452-151. The results indicate that the three proteins significantly differ in terms of stability and (un)folding mechanisms. Particularly, Ros87 and Ml153-149 appear to be much more stable to guanidine denaturation and are characterized by folding mechanisms including the presence of an intermediate. On the other hand, metal lacking Ml452-151 folds according to a classic two-state model. Successively, we have monitored the capabilities of Ros87, Ml452-151 and Ml153-149 to form amyloid fibrils under native conditions. Particularly, we show, by CD, fluorescence, DLS, TEM and SEM experiments, that after 168 hours, amyloid formation of Ros87 has started, while Ml153-149 has formed only amorphous aggregates and Ml452-151 is still monomeric in solution. This study shows how metal binding can influence protein folding pathways and thereby control conformational accessibility to aggregation-prone states, which in turn changes aggregation kinetics, shedding light on the role of metal ions in the development of protein deposition diseases

Computational Modeling of Silicate Glasses: A Quantitative Structure-Property Relationship Perspective

This article reviews the present state of Quantitative Structure-Property Relationships (QSPR) in glass design and gives an outlook into future developments. First an overview is given of the statistical methodology, with particular emphasis to the integration of QSPR with molecular dynamics simulations to derive informative structural descriptors. Then, the potentiality of this approach as a tool for interpretative and predictive purposes is highlighted by a number of recent inspiring applications

Nanostructures by Self-assembling Peptide Amphiphile as Potential Selective Drug Carriers

The self-assembling behaviour, at physiological pH, of the amphiphile peptide (C18)(2)L5CCK8 in nanostructures is reported. Stable aggregates presenting a critical micellar concentration of 2 X 10(-6) mol kg(-1), and characterized by water exposed CCK8 peptide in P-sheet conformation, are obtained. Small angle neutron scattering experiments are indicative for a 3D structure with dimensions >= 100 nm. AFM images confirm the presence of nanostructures. Fluorescence experiments indicating the sequestration of pyrene, chosen as drug model, and the anticancer Doxorubicin within the nanostructures are reported

A sensitivity study on the mechanical properties of interface elements adopted in finite element analyses to simulate the interaction between soil and laterally loaded piles

An increasing number of offshore energy structures have been built recently on driven piles, ranging from jack- et piles with typical length-to-diameter (L/D) ratios of 10-40 to monopiles with far lower L/D ratios. The load-displacement behaviour of these foundations can be investigated by means of Finite Element (FE) analyses, for instance following the design methodology developed by the PISA Joint Industry Project (JIP). A challenging aspect of the modelling, for piles loaded either axially or laterally, is the simulation of the behaviour at the soil-pile interface with the adoption of suitable formulations for the interface elements and with representative mechanical properties. This paper presents a sensitivity study conducted on both the elastic and plastic properties of interface elements adopted in FE analyses of laterally loaded piles driven in chalk. The study benefited from the extensive field and laboratory test results collected during the ALPACA JIP and the corresponding pile tests. The aim of the paper is to provide guidance for numerical modelling on the selection of the most appropriate mechanical properties of interface elements to be used in the analyses of soil-pile interaction under lateral loading

Tattooing of the nipple-areola complex: What not to do. A case series

Introduction: Reconstruction of the nipple areola complex (NAC) is the final and easier step of breast reconstruction. However, surgeons, especially if trainees, typically have not developed tattoo skills during their training. The aim of this report is to share advice developed in our clinical practice that would minimize patient complaints and complications while performing NAC tattoos. Methods: From January 2016 to May 2018, reconstruction of NAC was performed in 48 consecutive patients. Nipple reconstruction was performed initially using skin flaps and this was followed three to eight months later by NAC tattooing. We analyzed medical reports at 12 months follow-up where we usually record patient satisfaction (very satisfied, satisfied, dissatisfied) and every patient's complaint or complication. Results: Thirty-two patients (67%) were very satisfied of NAC tattooing, twelve patients (25%) satisfied, while four patients (8%) dissatisfied. Patients complained for not having involved in choosing color, areas without sufficient pigment, extreme darkness of the tattooed NAC and artificial look. Conclusion: Tattooing is a simple and safe procedure, with a high satisfaction rate. Based on our experience, despite some technical aspects have to be considered, it is a procedure that can be safely performed by plastic surgical trainees

Calibrating whole building energy model: a case study using BEMS data

This paper describes a Calibration methodology which is specifically configured to best match actual building performance, based on a case study conducted to calibrate whole building energy model using Building Energy Management System (BEMS) measured data. It details the calibration approach which was designed to meet the specific characteristic of the spaces, systems and energy use in the pilot school building. Two calibration methods were developed; one is for electrical and the other is for thermal energy along with calibrated weather file. The result shows excellent correlation with the measured electricity and room air temperature and demonstrates the effectiveness of the methodology. Mean Bias Error (MBE) and Cumulative Variation of Root Mean Squared Error (CVRMSE) for electricity consumption is 6% and 14% respectively and -5 and 7% for air temperature

Necrobiosis Lipoidica Affecting the Leg: What Is the Best Treatment in a Patient with Very High Aesthetic Demand?

Summary: Necrobiosis Lipoidica (NL) is a rare necrotising disorder of the skin characterized by collagen degeneration, thickening of blood vessels, and granulomatous inflammatory process. Its main clinical features are brownish-red papules and yellowish plaques with atrophic central areas. NL affects 0.3% -1.2% of the diabetic population, mostly women (female/male ratio is 3:1). Management of NL is challenging, especially for large lesions refractory to medical therapy, thus requiring surgical excision as an alternative option. Due to the rare occurrence of this condition no treatment guidelines exist and individualized treatment mostly depends on the severity of the lesion, location and patient's expectations. A case of a 30-year-old diabetic woman with very high aesthetic expectations was succesfully treated with staged resections of a giant NL to the leg and reconstruction with dermal template and full thickness skin grafts. Grafts were taken from the groin region bilaterally and from the lower abdomen after a cosmetic mini-abdominoplasty procedure. This approach allowed for a stable and very satisfactory aesthetic result with no donor site exposed scars