University for Foreigners Perugia

A suitable choice of the representation of candidate solutions is crucial for the efficiency of evolutionary algorithms and related metaheuristics. We focus on problems in permutation spaces, which are at the core of numerous practical applications of such algorithms, e.g., in scheduling and transportation. Inversion vectors (also called Lehmer codes) are an alternative representation of the permutation space S(n) compared to the classical encoding as a vector of n unique entries. In particular, they do not require any constraint handling. Using rigorous mathematical runtime analyses, we compare the efficiency of inversion vector encodings to the classical representation and give theory-guided advice on their choice. Moreover, we link the effect of local changes in the inversion code space to classical measures on permutations like the number of inversions. Finally, through experimental studies on linear ordering and quadratic assignment problems, we demonstrate the practical efficiency of inversion vector encodings.

Most of the literature describing sun protection for children is based on population surveys and questionnaires, and these have shown that parents have considerable knowledge about sun exposure, its correlation with skin cancer, and proper protection. We conducted research to evaluate the habits not of the individual but of the families and the degree to which children and their parents understand sun protection and sun exposure. A cross-sectional descriptive study included the parents of children aged 8 to 10 years attending primary schools. Each student was given a simple questionnaire by the teacher and was instructed to take it to their parents for completion. The questions addressed the type and duration of vacation, knowledge of damage that can be caused by sun exposure, and the use of sun protection devices both in the city and in other situations. Of the 2,985 distributed questionnaires, 1,288 were returned, resulting in a final sample of 1,288 families included in the analysis. Most families reported taking either one week (44%) or two weeks (41%) of holiday. During holidays, 53% stated that they applied sunscreen more than once per day on days with typical sun exposure; however, 72% reported adopting no additional preventive measures during outdoor activities. Considering that most families take no more than two weeks of holiday per year, they remain without adequate protection during outdoor activities for approximately 97% of the year. This suggests a need for more targeted education and awareness campaigns, emphasizing the importance of sun protection measures in various settings, including urban environments and year-round activities.

We describe the case of a 23-year-old patient presenting with suspected ectopic pregnancy, evidenced by rising beta-hCG levels (5000 mIU/mL on March 9 and 8027 mIU/mL on March 10) and concomitant symptoms. Transvaginal ultrasound revealed a uterus with a secretory endometrium and a likely gestational pseudocavity, along with a corpuscular periuterine effusion and an abnormality adjacent to the left ovary, initially interpreted as a possible dilated fallopian tube. During laparoscopic surgery, an omental mass approximately 4 cm in diameter, suspected to represent an abdominal ectopic pregnancy, was identified. This suspicion was confirmed by intraoperative assessment, surgical consultation, and histological analysis. The lesion was excised using a minimally invasive technique, resulting in a favorable postoperative course and a progressive reduction of beta-hCG levels (3504 mIU/mL on the first postoperative day until complete normalization on Day 10).

La figura di Enrico Morovich (Pecine, 1906 – Lavagna, 1994) occupa un ruolo appartato nella letteratura italiana del secondo Novecento, muovendosi tra il realismo memoriale e la scrittura onirica di matrice surrealista. Nato in una città di confine e segnato dall’esperienza dell’esodo giuliano-dalmata, Morovich elabora in due opere emblematiche – Racconti di Fiume e altre cose (1985) e Un italiano a Fiume (1993) – una riflessione sulla complessità di un’identità pluristratificata attraverso un intreccio tra favola, sogno e autobiografia. Nel primo volume, la memoria si traduce in paesaggio psichico onirico e simbolico, costruito con un linguaggio di metamorfosi e visioni che anticipano la successiva interiorizzazione autobiografica. In Un italiano a Fiume, invece, la componente autobiografica si intensifica e la rievocazione si fa esercizio di autoanalisi: Fiume non è soltanto un luogo perduto, ma un interlocutore sentimentale, una proiezione interiore in cui il soggetto tenta di ricomporre la frattura dell’esilio. Letti in dialogo, i due volumi delineano un percorso unitario di riflessione sul rapporto tra memoria, identità e scrittura. Morovich elabora la ferita della propria condizione diasporica trasformandola in atto creativo, costruendo una “geografia dell’anima” in cui il reale e l’immaginario si sovrappongono. In questa prospettiva, la narrativa morovichiana si afferma come testimonianza e, al contempo, come esercizio di resistenza poetica contro l’oblio: un atto di rigenerazione della memoria attraverso il linguaggio.

In the context of the digital transition, office environments are increasingly shaped by flexibility, technological integration, and occupant-centered design. These transformations influence not only building operations but also the social dynamics and well-being of workers, thereby intersecting with the broader goals of socially sustainable design. To address this complexity, Building Management Systems (BMS) and Digital Twins must evolve from static automation to adaptive frameworks that recognize and respond to diverse workplace activities and social interactions. This study proposes a standardized taxonomy of office activities as a foundation for activity recognition and environment adaptation. A systematic literature review identified key activity categories and defining attributes, which were refined and validated through direct observations, diary logs, and semi-structured interviews in small, shared offices with open-plan workspaces. The resulting taxonomy comprises four main classes—Focused Work, Meetings, Shallow Work, and Resting—each defined by contextual attributes such as plannability, social interaction, number of participants, posture, modality, location, and duration. The framework supports the development of human-centric, situationally aware BMS capable of dynamically adjusting environmental conditions to promote comfort, well-being, and energy efficiency. By integrating user agendas and feedback, this approach contributes to more inclusive and socially sustainable work environments, aligning with the emerging paradigm of adaptive, human-oriented architecture.

Perivascular spaces (PVS), when enlarged, become visible and quantifiable on brain magnetic resonance images (MRI). PVS visibility in MRI has been found to be associated with ageing, hypertension, sleep disorders, and cerebral small vessel disease, but their relationship with cognition in adults remains unclear. Here, we aimed to determine whether PVS volumes were associated with cognitive performance, using MRI and cognitive data from 14 different cohorts on ageing, dementia, and cerebrovascular disease. We computationally segmented PVS and estimated PVS volumes within the basal ganglia (BG-PVS) and cerebral white matter, primarily including the centrum semiovale (CSO-PVS) regions-of-interest. We then performed cross-sectional and longitudinal meta-analyses, both accounting for random effects. The cross-sectional meta-analysis employed a linear mixed model to relate PVS volumes to cognitive performance scores (Montreal Cognitive Assessment, MoCA or, Toronto Cognitive Assessment, TorCA) divided by the maximum in each cohort. The longitudinal meta-analysis used logistic regression to predict cognitive status, either remaining cognitively normal or developing impairment over time, from PVS volumes as a percentage in the respective regions-of-interest. Cross-sectional meta-analysis (n=17771). Individuals with higher fractional PVS volumes had lower cognitive performance scores. This observation was consistent across multiple studies and remained significant after adjusting for age, sex, white matter hyperintensities, and years of education. A 10% change in CSO-PVS volume would estimate a 2% reduction in cognitive score. Longitudinal meta-analysis (n=2447). Higher fractional PVS volumes tended to predict a greater likelihood of any cognitive impairment, although this relationship varied according to the participant populations (healthy aging, stroke, memory clinic) and/or other long-term brain changes (e.g., atrophy, worsening WMH), and variation in duration of follow-up. The volume of MRI-visible PVS impacts ageing, vascular or neurogenerative processes leading to cognitive decline. More longitudinal data are needed to confirm the association. Other PVS measures should be assessed as these may be more sensitive to cognitive decline.

Background: Brucella canis is a zoonotic pathogen associated with reproductive disorders in dogs and represents an emerging public health concern. Dogs are the only known source of infection for humans, and transmission is often associated with close contact, particularly in occupational settings. Reports of canine and human infections in Europe are increasing, underscoring the need for integrated surveillance to assess the risk of introduction and spread. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the possible circulation of B. canis in different subgroups of dogs from Central Italy, representing diverse risk contexts (stray, breeding, blood donor, refugee-associated, and previously outbreak-linked dogs), and to generate sentinel data to inform further risk-based surveillance and zoonotic risk assessment. Methods: A comprehensive serological, molecular, and bacteriological survey was conducted on 128 dogs sampled in the Umbria region, covering animals from different backgrounds and risk contexts. Blood samples were tested using bacterial culture, real-time PCR, serum agglutination test, complement fixation test, and/or indirect immunofluorescence antibody test. Results: All tested dogs were negative for B. canis. The upper 95% confidence limit for prevalence was 3.5%, suggesting that widespread circulation is unlikely, although a low/moderate prevalence in specific groups cannot be excluded. Conclusions: Although no cases of B. canis were detected, the results provide sentinel information and highlight the need for continued risk-based surveillance, particularly in low-prevalence areas to prevent introduction of the infection and to enable early detection in case of occurrence. As dogs are the only known source of human infection, veterinary monitoring plays a pivotal role in mitigating zoonotic risks and supporting One Health strategies for evidence-based control.

Mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis testis (MTVT) is an exceedingly rare tumor. We performed a registry-based study on MTVT patient management and survival in Italy. Cases were extracted from the dataset of the Italian National Mesothelioma Registry. A descriptive analysis of patient characteristics, including asbestos exposure, clinical presentation, diagnostic work-up and therapeutic management, was performed. Overall survival was evaluated. We calculated hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for selected variables by fitting univariate and multivariable Cox models. Overall, 104 patients with MTVT were included. Median age was 72 years (range 17-92). Epithelioid histotype was the most frequent. Previous asbestos exposure was identified in two thirds of cases. Data on diagnostic and therapeutic management were available for 74 patients (71%). The most frequent presentations were scrotal swelling/mass, hydrocele and inguinal pain. All patients underwent surgery, mostly with orchi-funicolectomy. Adjuvant therapy was administered to 15 patients (20%). Overall median survival was 26.2 months (95% CI 22.1-52.1); 3-, 5- and 10-year survival was 49%, 30% and 18%. Older age at diagnosis and presence of distant metastasis (HR 1.91, CI: 0.85-4.26) were negative prognostic factors. Adjuvant therapy was associated with higher mortality (HR 2.54, CI: 1.25-5.15), indicating a more advanced stage at diagnosis. Surgery remains the mainstay of treatment for MTVT; adjuvant therapy in our study did not improve outcome. Data from cancer registries are essential for rare cancers, but they should be integrated routinely with additional diagnostic and therapeutic information.