Marconi University
Recent publications
Industry 4.0 has introduced a data-driven model of production and management of goods and services. This manufacturing paradigm leverages the potential of the Internet of Things (IoT), but finding the information necessary to drive manufacturing processes can be challenging. In this context, the authors propose an innovative approach based on axiomatic design to design RDF knowledge graphs from which to extract the information needed by decision makers. This approach derives from the possibility of providing RDF knowledge graphs with an equivalent matrix representation based on axiomatic design. It allows the selection of the most reliable data sources, thereby optimizing the knowledge graph construction process using matrix algebra, minimizing redundancy and improving the efficiency of query response. The goal of the presented methodology is to address the five critical aspects of Big Data (volume, velocity, variety, value, and veracity) by preordering the knowledge graph according to the information needs of business decision makers, thereby optimizing the use of the immense wealth of information made available by the Web in design.
Background/Objectives: Based on previous data reporting the status of health professionals’ training about sleep clinical psychophysiology, insomnia, and its treatment in the US and Canada, this paper aims at providing a snapshot of the Italian situation, considering health professionals qualified to offer cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Adding information on different countries is important, as national health systems differ significantly, and distinct evidence-based pathways for change may be proposed. Methods: Two hundred and thirteen CBT professionals (180 females; 33 males) answered a 5 min survey about their training and experience in recognizing and treating behavioral sleep disorders in their practice. The questionnaire was diffused through the mailing list of the Italian Behavioral and Cognitive Therapy Society (Società Italiana di Terapia Comportamentale e Cognitiva, SITCC) throughout December 2023 and January 2024. Results: A total of 213 participants completed the survey. Only a minor proportion of respondents (37.1%) reported having received training for diagnosis and treatment of insomnia or other behavioral sleep disorders. Familiarity with psychological therapeutics for sleep was mainly associated with knowledge of sleep hygiene rules, relaxation, and mindfulness techniques, but not with core CBT strategies for insomnia (i.e., sleep restriction and stimulus control) and sleep regulation. The less familiar therapeutics were those for pediatric insomnia. Conclusions: The results of this study highlight scarce knowledge and consideration of sleep problems in CBT practice in Italy. As insomnia is prevalent, an independent mental disorder, and a predictor for mental and somatic comorbid conditions, these findings underscore an urgency to enlarge and strengthen CBT professionals’ training on sleep psychophysiology, sleep clinical psychology, insomnia, behavioral sleep problems, and their treatment.
This study employed the Cyberball paradigm, to investigate the impact of ostracism on need satisfaction in 84 Italian students aged 11 to 14. Believing they were playing with anonymized classmates, participants experienced inclusion or exclusion with partners either chosen by them or assigned randomly. Results revealed that need satisfaction was strongly influenced by inclusion/exclusion, with a noteworthy moderating effect of the team-building processes: in inclusive rounds, choosing teammates increased both the sense of belonging to the group and self-esteem, while in ostracizing rounds, choosing teammates did not exacerbate belongingness-related need threat but led to lower self-esteem reports. This shows that having agency in building one’s own group is a risky proposition: good outcomes become more rewarding, yet exclusion imposes a greater loss of self-esteem.
Investigating the mechanisms of action of cognitive‐behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT‐I), the first‐line treatment for chronic insomnia disorder (ID), can contribute to the overall understanding of insomnia and its treatment. To date, no study has examined the relationship between K‐complexes (KC) and CBT‐I, despite the known homeostatic and protective function of this relevant sleep brainwave. This retrospective multicentre study aims to explore the relationship between electroencephalographic (EEG) indices and CBT‐I, with a particular focus on evaluating an index of sleep homeostasis identified by KC. This research is designed to assess the predictive value of this index for treatment outcomes and to examine its variations before and after intervention. Ninety eight patients with ID underwent a 6–8 week in‐person CBT‐I programme, with pre‐and post‐treatment evaluation conducted using polysomnography (PSG) and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). The main outcome was determined by calculating the slope of the linear equation indexing the KC density (number of KC/minutes of N2) in each non‐artifacted NREM stage 2 epoch throughout the night (KCSlope). Furthermore, the sample was categorised into Responders (ISIdecrease ≥8) and non‐Responders (ISIdecrease <8). The results indicate that the KC Slope is effective not only to predict treatment response (one‐way ANOVA, F = 7.831 p = 0.007; Responders = −2.954*10 ⁻⁵ ± 3.346*10 ⁻⁵ , non‐Responders = −5.583*10 ⁻⁵ ± 5.305*10 ⁻⁵ ; adjusted for PSG wake after sleep onset at the baseline), but also to detect a statistically significant improvement in sleep pressure following CBT‐I (Wilcoxon signed‐rank test W = 3074.000 p = 0.022; KCSlope pre‐treatment = −4.054*10 ⁻⁵ ± 4.446*10 ⁻⁵ , KCSlope post‐treatment = −4.797*10 ⁻⁵ ± 5.710*10 ⁻⁵ ). These findings suggest that CBT‐I increases sleep pressure in patients with chronic insomnia, highlighting a novel and relevant biomarker in this context.
This study consists of a 17-year (2006-2021) systematic literature review on the effective instructional strategies for developing Computational Thinking (CT) in primary school students (K-5). The aim of this paper is to identify instructional strategies that have been implemented and evaluated by means of a pre- and post-test, with the aim of developing CT as a thinking process (i.e. going beyond the mere acquisition of CS concepts). The analysis considers the overall pedagogical approach, with the intention of overcoming both the archetypal approaches to coding and the assessment tools used to measure CT acquisition. The results show that there is a strong difference between K-3 and 4-5 classes, the former being more the context for educational robotics or unplugged activities; they also show that a task-based approach is prevalent, whose effectiveness is limited to the first access to CS activities, namely improving self-efficacy and reducing learning anxiety. Nevertheless, this study also identifies some interesting models of problem solving (such as IGGIA or CPS) that go beyond the puzzle-based approach, as well as two significant teaching strategies (IDC and DBL) that try to promote more meaningful learning (typically including elements of constructionism), while enabling curricular learning objectives.
Background: Large-scale vaccination was crucial to address the global COVID-19 pandemic and its associated health risks, including fatal and disabling diseases. However, there were significant challenges to be overcome to ensure the safe and effective implementation of the vaccination program. The aim of the present study was to assess patient safety threats related to the anti-COVID-19 large-scale vaccination process. Methods: Between February and May 2021, we conducted a proper analysis to proactively identify risks and potential Failure Modes (FMs) in the COVID-19 vaccination process using the Failure Mode, Effects, and Criticality Analysis (FMECA) technique at an Italian Public Health Authority. A standardized risk scoring system was used to assess the severity, frequency, and detectability of events associated with potential failures. Criticalities were identified in both the preparatory and operational areas of the vaccination process, and several potential FMs were listed in descending order of risk score (Risk Priority Number, RPN) to ensure prioritization of interventions. Results: The most critical steps were found to be in the operational area rather than in the preparatory one. The highest RPNs were associated with failure or inadequate management of severe allergic reactions that can lead to serious harm and even death of the vaccinated person (RPN 60) and failure to keep updated vaccination teams’ knowledge (RPN 36). Conclusions: Ensuring patient safety and effective clinical risk management are crucial in mass vaccination campaigns. By prioritizing these aspects through collaboration with various stakeholders and implementing preventive measures, patient trust—on which vaccination campaign success relies—can be built and maintained.
Laminectomy and posterior fixation are well-established surgical techniques to decompress nervous structures in case of lumbar spinal stenosis. While laminectomy is suspected to increase the instability of the spine, posterior fixation is associated with some complications such as adjacent segment degeneration. This study aimed to investigate how laminectomy and posterior fixation alter the biomechanics of the lumbar spine in terms of range of motion (ROM) and strains on the intervertebral discs. Twelve L2-S1 cadaveric spines were mechanically tested in flexion, extension, and lateral bending in the intact condition, after two-level laminectomy and after L4-S1 posterior fixation. The ROM of the spine segment was measured in each spine condition, and each loading configuration. The strain distribution on the surface of all the intervertebral discs was measured with Digital Image Correlation. Laminectomy significantly increased the ROM in flexion (p = 0.028) and lateral bending (p = 0.035). Posterior fixation decreased the ROM in all the loading configurations. Laminectomy did not significantly modify the strain distribution in the discs. Posterior fixation significantly increased the principal tensile and compressive strains in the disc adjacent the fixation both in flexion and in lateral bending. These findings can elucidate one of the clinical causes of the adjacent segment degeneration onset.
Objective: Self-criticism (SC) is a central transdiagnostic factor in several psychopathological conditions, influencing the development and maintenance of symptomatology. The importance of this construct has stimulated quantitative and qualitative research about it. The main purpose of this systematic review is to highlight which qualitative methods have been used most frequently and which are most suitable for studying SC. Method: We conducted a systematic search by searching the following databases to identify publications: PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and ERIC (all years up to and including January 2024). We aggregated search terms into two concepts for all databases: “self-criticism” and “qualitative analysis”. Results: After removing duplicates, we screened a total of 852 records, resulting in the identification of 28 full-text articles that we assessed for eligibility. Upon closer examination, there was consensus that 16 of those studies met the inclusion criteria. Data extracted from the included studies revealed the lack of a shared approach regarding qualitative analysis of SC. Some studies employed a top-down coding approach, others used a bottom-up coding approach, and a few combined both methods. Consensual qualitative research and thematic analysis have been used most widely in the field. Furthermore, the data revealed no consensus among researchers on the conceptualization of SC. SC categories identified through qualitative analysis frequently do not align with existing theoretical models, and these categories are rarely re-examined in subsequent studies. Conclusions: There is a need to test existing theoretical models of SC through qualitative analysis and to develop new models that should be examined with qualitative and quantitative methods in different clinical populations to fully capture the complexity and multidimensionality of SC.
Wearable technology has advanced significantly, offering real-time monitoring of athletes' physiological parameters and optimizing training and recovery strategies. Recent developments focus on biosensor devices capable of monitoring biochemical parameters in addition to physiological ones. These devices employ noninvasive methods such as sweat analysis, which reveals critical biomarkers like glucose, lactate, electrolytes, pH, and cortisol. These biomarkers provide valuable insights into an athlete's energy use, hydration status, muscle function, and stress levels. Current technologies utilize both electrochemical and colorimetric methods for sweat analysis, with electrochemical methods providing higher precision despite potential signal interference. Wearable devices such as epidermal patches, temporary tattoos, and fabric-based sensors are preferred for their flexibility and unobtrusive nature compared to more rigid conventional wearables. Such devices leverage advanced materials and transmit real-time data to computers, tablets, or smartphones. These data would aid coaches and sports medical personnel in monitoring athletes' health, optimizing diets, and developing training plans to enhance performance and reduce injuries.
This study explored cisgender heterosexual adults' perceptions of children placed in an adoptive family led by a couple with a transgender partner. Participants (n = 871) read one of five vignettes in which a couple (a cisgen-der different-gender couple, a cisgender same-gender male couple, a cis-gender same-gender female couple, a couple with a female transgender partner, or a couple with a male transgender partner) intended to adopt two children. After reading the vignette, participants rated beliefs about children's psychological development, willingness to support the adoption, and completed an attitude toward LGBTQ rights scale. Moderation analyses revealed that participants with low levels of support for LGBTQ rights perceived children adopted by couples with a transgender partner as being at greater risk of victimization and poor psychological adjustment compared to children adopted by either cisgender same-gender couples or cisgender different-gender couples and were less inclined to endorse adoption. A mul-tigroup path analysis model revealed that support for LGBTQ rights impacted on agreement with adoption via the mediation of participants' concerns for children's psychological adjustment more strongly regarding transgender parents than cisgender same-gender couples. Our findings demonstrated that cis-heteronormativity concerns eclipsed claims to reproductive justice for transgender people seeking parenthood.
Credit Default Swaps (CDSs) are derivative contracts thought to hedge the risk of a firm or the default of a bond. These contracts are based on interpersonal agreement without the supervision of an exchange. The valuation problem of CDS contracts in over-the-counter (OTC) markets is less studied mainly because the contracts are not standardized. To fill this gap, we provide a stochastic model for re-insuring CDS contracts in the OTC market. Applying a Markov chain credit rating model and dynamic programming techniques, we find the optimal reinsurance strategy over time which maximizes the insurer’s total discounted expected rewards. Changes to the value function are investigated according to a perturbation analysis of the model parameters. A numerical example illustrating the method of calculation is given in details.
Purpose This study aimed to develop and validate the Brief Eating Self-Efficacy Scale (ESEBS-BR) in Brazilian Portuguese, addressing the lack of tools to assess eating self-efficacy beliefs in Portuguese-speaking populations. Method The study sought to cross-culturally adapt the scale, evaluate its internal structure, validate its reliability and validity, and explore potential associations between eating self-efficacy and eating behaviors. The cross-cultural adaptation process involved translation and back-translation, expert committees, and pre-testing. Scale validation was conducted with 228 participants, including reliability analyses, confirmatory factor analysis, and correlations with established measures of eating behavior. Results The ESEBS-BR, maintaining all 8 original items, demonstrated high reliability, with a two-factor structure model confirmed by confirmatory factor analysis. Significant correlations were found between ESEBS-BR scores and measures of binge eating and eating behaviors, validating its criterion validity. Conclusions The development and validation of the ESEBS-BR represent a significant contribution to the assessment of eating self-efficacy in the Brazilian population. The scale proved to be sensitive, reliable, and valid, offering an important tool for research and clinical interventions related to eating behavior. Level of evidence: V, descriptive cross-sectional study.
The IEEE DEIS TC “HVDC cable systems (cables, joints and terminations)” has been quite active since its formation in 2012 (for a summary, see the TC website [1]) and has issued the following two IEEE standards: (1) IEEE 1732–2017, “Recommended Practice for Space Charge Measurements in HVDC Extruded Cables for Rated Voltages up to 550 kV” [2] and (2) IEEE 2862–2020, “Recommended Practice for Partial Discharge Measurements under AC Voltage with VHF/UHF Sensors During Routine Tests on Factory and Pre-moulded Joints of HVDC Extruded Cable Systems up to 800 kV” [3].
Introduction As highlighted by the scientific literature, music therapy (MT) represents a significant non-pharmacological intervention within neurorehabilitation programs. MT offers benefits in the recovery process and enhances the quality of life for patients with neurodevelopmental disorders. A review of the literature reveals a lack of MT models focusing on real-time personalized composition using electronic music techniques. Furthermore, studies on MT conducted within a multisensory therapeutic context are limited. Recent literature reviews on MT in telerehabilitation have highlighted that the application of the Euterpe Method (EM) is complex due to limited technical information available and the combined background required for music therapists to replicate the EM protocol. Methods This paper presents a manual which specifies the procedures and algorithms of the EM, developed during a research program conducted in a pediatric hospital in Italy. The prerogative of the EM is the use of procedures aimed at creating personalized therapeutic compositions within a multisensory environment. Discussion The efficacy and resilience of the EM have been demonstrated in two experimental studies. The first focused on the use of telerehabilitation in children with developmental disorders, while the second involved hospitalized children with cerebral palsy. Conclusion This study integrates medicine, neuroscience, and MT to develop personalized interventions in pediatrics, fostering collaboration among specialists and families, enhancing patient well-being, and opening new therapeutic perspectives, while ensuring the replicability of the EM approach.
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Riccardo Tartaglia
  • Faculty of Science and Applied Technologies
Antonino Carcione
  • Department of Psychology
Enrico Bocci
  • Engineering Department of Innovation & Information
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