Search

We investigated whether 68 non-native, tutored beginning L2 learners of Italian – with alphabetical and non-alphabetical L1s – discriminated between sentences containing target-like and non-target-like auxiliaries. We questioned whether learners’ choices could be informed by a grammatical rule, frequency of auxiliaries in the input or whether both grammatical and statistical knowledge could be eclipsed by processing difficulties. Eye-tracking and timed acceptability judgment data showed that – unlike native speakers – these L2 learners were unskilled readers of the target language and that their processing was still non-optimal. In particular, they did not process “core” (i. e., strongly agentive and inherently telic) and “peripheral” (i. e., less semantically specified) intransitive predicates differently, nor did they do so with “matching” and “mismatching” predicates. Frequency and transition probabilities speeded up learners’ decisions on acceptability, but did not affect response accuracy or reading patterns. Finally, recency and length of classroom instruction – unlike learners’ L1, duration of stay in Italy, and proficiency level – positively correlated with greater nativelikeness in the processing of auxiliaries. Our results indicate that beginning L2-Italian learners – as long as their processing is still non-optimal – are not sensitive to the consequences of the unaccusative/unergative split at the syntax-semantics interface.

Computed tomography (CT) arthrography is a quickly available imaging modality to investigate elbow disorders. Its excellent spatial resolution enables the detection of subtle pathologic changes of intra-articular structures, which makes this technique extremely valuable in a joint with very tiny chondral layers and complex anatomy of articular capsule and ligaments. Radiation exposure has been widely decreased with the novel CT scanners, thereby increasing the indications of this examination. The main applications of CT arthrography of the elbow are the evaluation of capsule, ligaments, and osteochondral lesions in both the settings of acute trauma, degenerative changes, and chronic injury due to repeated microtrauma and overuse. In this review, we discuss the normal anatomic findings, technical tips for injection and image acquisition, and pathologic findings that can be encountered in CT arthrography of the elbow, shedding light on its role in the diagnosis and management of different orthopedic conditions. We aspire to offer a roadmap for the integration of elbow CT arthrography into routine clinical practice, fostering improved patient outcomes and a deeper understanding of elbow pathologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the dynamics of the cross-shore extensions of banquettes, a sedimentary structure mostly made by rests of Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile, in a sandy urban beach located in the Gulf of Cagliari, Italy, western Mediterranean. A video monitoring station was installed above the promontory south of the beach. We analysed a four-year image database and related these dynamics to wave and wind parameters (obtained from the Copernicus and ERA5 databases) from September 2016 to September 2020. Our results showed that banquette deposition occurred in concomitance with the presence of leaf litter in the surf zone associated with mild storm events. Erosion of the banquettes occurred during more intense storms. When leaf litter was not present in the surf zone, banquettes were not deposited even with mild storms. Wind can influence the banquette dynamics: under certain conditions of speed intensity, the banquettes may be removed offshore, supplying litter in the surf zone, or they may be covered by sediment. The permanence of the banquettes on the beaches also depended on their composition: when the banquettes were intertwined with reeds, their removal by the waves did not occur even during intense storms, and this sedimentary structure can protect the beach from flooding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eye tracking technology is now mature enough to be exploited in various areas of human–computer interaction. In this paper, we consider the use of gaze-based communication in museums and exhibitions, to make the visitor experience more engaging and attractive. While immersive and interactive technologies are now relatively widespread in museums, the use of gaze interaction is still in its infancy—despite the benefits it could provide, for example, to visitors with motor disabilities. Apart from some pioneering early works, only the last few years have seen an increase in gaze-based museum applications. This literature review aims to discuss the state of the art on this topic, highlighting advantages, limitations and current and future trends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]