A new generation photodetector for astroparticle physics: the VSiPMT

The VSiPMT (Vacuum Silicon PhotoMultiplier Tube) is an innovative design we proposed for a revolutionary photon detector. The main idea is to replace the classical dynode chain of a PMT with a SiPM (G-APD), the latter acting as an electron detector and amplifier. The aim is to match the large sensitive area of a photocathode with the performance of the SiPM technology. The VSiPMT has many attractive features. In particular, a low power consumption and an excellent photon counting capability. To prove the feasibility of the idea we first tested the performance of a special non-windowed SiPM by Hamamatsu (MPPC) as electron detector and current amplifier. Thanks to this result Hamamatsu realized two VSiPMT industrial prototypes. In this work, we present the results of a full characterization of the VSiPMT prototype

Influence of occupants’ behaviour on energy use in buildings. Field survey case study

In order to achieve the energy saving and reduction of CO2 emissions objectives set by EU policies, it is essential to decrease the amount of energy absorbed by buildings to ensure occupants’ thermal-hygrometric well-being. To this aim, the two most popular ways are the energy requalification of the existing built heritage and the search for the best performing building technological systems solutions. A further research line, which is becoming increasingly important, involves the modification of users’ behaviour as they become aware of the consequences of their energy choices. Detecting, analysing and understanding occupants’ behaviour is a key element in profiling users’ incorrect habits, evaluating the building energy performance and simulating and optimizing the building energy consumption during operation phas

Block-Based Platform for Defining Adaptation Rules for Automotive Systems

Adaptive human-machine interfaces (HMIs) enhance driver safety and comfort by tailoring information presentation. While existing research identifies key adaptation parameters, their practical application remains challenging due to the complexity of rule-based decision making and the limitations of current authoring tools. To address these issues, this paper introduces AHSL, a domain-specific language for efficiently specifying message adaptation logic. By unifying established adaptation parameters within a hierarchical structure, AHSL simplifies rule creation and improves readability. Usability testing demonstrates AHSL's effectiveness in supporting intuitive and efficient decision logic development

HBIM tools for knowledge, maintenance and conservation of concrete built heritage

[EN] In the 20th century, reinforced concrete was one of the most popular building materials. It was formerly regarded as a material of outstanding durability and resilience, but over the past 50 years, it has revealed severe fundamental flaws. Main weaknesses of concrete include susceptibility to chemical agents and degradation brought on by poor design and construction. As a result, restoration interventions, recovery efforts, and re-functionalization of these artifacts have progressively grown in recent decades. Only when these improvements are combined with ongoing maintenance are they effective in extending the life of the structure. The most accurate knowledge of the building and all of its components can improve the efficiency of maintenance and recovery actions. Recently, the use of BIM tools for reinforced concrete buildings is spreading more and more, going beyond new construction to include built heritage. A BIM model of an existing asset may be used to assess the building's condition of conservation, pinpoint any issues, and assess the alternatives available for repair and conservation while projecting the impact of the adjustments on the structure. This data may be used to plan maintenance and restoration activities, track the building's condition of conservation through time, and assess the effects of any alterations on the structure. In this work, a workflow for "reverse engineering", enabling the creation of an HBIM model of an existing building, is proposed and then applied to a case study building. This technique may be regarded as a watershed moment in the management of reinforced concrete structures since it simplifies and organizes all of the information needed to preserve the existing architectural heritage while utilizing available resources.Agliata, R.; D'aponte, D.; Lione, R.; Mollo, L. (2023). HBIM tools for knowledge, maintenance and conservation of concrete built heritage. VITRUVIO - International Journal of Architectural Technology and Sustainability. 8:98-105. https://doi.org/10.4995/vitruvio-ijats.2023.1967498105

Sistema de Información Geográfica tipológico para el conocimiento y la conservación del patrimonio construido: un caso de estudio en el sur de Italia

[EN] A typological GIS is a system designed to store, analyse, manage and visualize geo-referred data about the built environment. It allows interactive queries to explore spatial relationships between buildings, improving the knowledge of the built heritage at different scales. For example, by running space-typological analysis, it is possible to extract information about the most used typologies in the existing buildings at different levels, from the urban scale to the construction detail. This knowledge shows a great potential in building design applications and may provide support for a correct design in urban renovation projects aimed to keep the character of the considered area unchanged and preserve its cultural and historical value. This work presents the first phase implementation of the typological GIS of an historical city centre set north of Naples and shows some examples of possible GIS queries for typological investigation of built environment at different detail levels.[ES] Un SIG (Sistema de Información Geográfica) tipológico, es un sistema diseñado para almacenar, analizar, gestionar y visualizar datos geo-referenciados sobre el entorno construido. Permite consultas interactivas para explorar las relaciones espaciales entre edificios mejorarando el conocimiento del patrimonio construido a diferentes escalas. Realizando un análisis espacio-tipológico, es posible extraer información de los edificios existentes sobre las tipologías más utilizadas a diferentes niveles, desde la escala urbana hasta el detalle constructivo. Este conocimiento, podría servir de apoyo para un correcto diseño en los proyectos de renovación urbana destinados a mantener inalterado el carácter de la zona considerada y preservar su valor cultural e histórico. Este trabajo presenta la primera fase de implementación del SIG tipológico de un centro histórico situado al norte de Nápoles, y muestra algunos ejemplos de posibles consultas del SIG para la investigación tipológica del entorno construido a diferentes niveles de detalle.This work has been developed within the SEND intra-university project, financed by the "V:ALERE 2019" funds (VAnviteLli pEr la RicErca) by the University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli". The field work was developed in the LABTECH (Laboratory of Architecture and Building TECHnologies) of University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", with the collaboration of many students. A warm thanks to them.Mollo, L.; Agliata, R.; Palmero Iglesias, LM.; Vigliotti, M. (2020). Typological GIS for knowledge and conservation of built heritage: a case of study in Southern Italy. Informes de la Construcción (Online). 72(559):1-7. https://doi.org/10.3989/ic.73697S1772559Chen, Z., & Poon, C. C. (2017). Comparing the use of sewage sludge ash and glass powder in cement mortars. Environmental Technology, 38(11), 1390-1398.https://doi.org/10.1080/09593330.2016.123065

The Impact of COVID-19 on Construction Project Performance: A Case Study in Pakistan

© 2024 The Author(s). Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY), https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/COVID-19 has had unprecedented effects on construction markets globally due to supply chain disruptions and workforce restrictions, etc. However, construction industries in developing countries are more vulnerable to the obstacles associated with the pandemic. As such, the goal of this paper is to capture the impact of COVID-19 on construction projects’ performance in developing countries by taking the Pakistani construction sector into perspective. A multistep project-based research methodology was adopted, including a literature analysis and questionnaire survey with 20 construction professionals to assess factors affected by COVID-19; formulation of open-ended questions against each factor; collecting data using semi structured interviews; and presenting challenges and adopted mitigation strategies to examine the perceived impact. Results showed that the pandemic has caused a total of 13 factors to impact the project performance, which are grouped under four construction groups, including material and equipment, human resource, occupational health and safety, and financial and contracts. The factors impacted the most by the pandemic are cash flow management, supply chain disruptions, increased overheads, construction safety measures, material shortage, contractual issues, and construction workforce. This research contributes to the body of knowledge by providing a foundation for researchers to enhance investigating the impact of the COVID-19 in developing countries.Peer reviewe

Hemp-lime composite for buildings insulation: material properties and regulatory framework

[EN] The increasing demand for indoor comfort in housing sector, together with the development of environmental awareness by people and societies, is leading to a rising need of new construction materials. Research and industries are then developing materials capable of meeting environmental and technical requirements: made from renewable sources; based on natural compounds to ensure healthy indoor environment and safe disposal; having good insulation properties, especially for energy saving. A material showing these features is the hemp-lime biocomposite, a natural-based mixture made of a lime binder matrix and shives aggregate, in different proportions. This paper wants to present an overview of the most interesting material properties for the building sector and a brief regulatory framework, in order to highlight the advantages that the use of this composite for building envelopes and internal partitions may provide.Agliata, R.; Gianoglio, S.; Mollo, L. (2018). Hemp-lime composite for buildings insulation: material properties and regulatory framework. VITRUVIO - International Journal of Architectural Technology and Sustainability. 4(1):48-57. https://doi.org/10.4995/vitruvio-ijats.2019.11771SWORD485741Benfratello, S., Capitano, C., Peri, G., Rizzo, G., Scaccianoce, G. and Sorrentino, G. (2013) Thermal and structural properties of a hemp-lime biocomposite. Constr. Build. Mat., 48, 745-754. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2013.07.096Bevan, R. and Woolley, T. (2008) Hemp lime construction. A guide to building with hemp lime composites. BRE Press.Building Research Establishment (2009) Fire resistance test in accordance with BS EN 1365- 1:1999 on a Lime Technology 3x3m Tradical-Hemcrete loaded wall, Test Report 250990, UK.Busbridge, R. and Rhydwen, R. (2010) An investigation of the thermal properties of hemp and clay monolithic walls.Campolongo, G., Chiaravallotti, R. and Pinoni, M. (2011) La svalutazione dell'immobile per difetto dei requisiti acustici. Maggioli EditoreCerezo V. (2005) Propriétés mécaniques, thermiques et acoustiques d'un matériau à base de particules végétales: approche éxpérimentale et modélisation théorique. Institut National des Sciences Appliquées de Lyon.Daly, P., Ronchetti, P. and Woolley, T. (2012) Hemp Lime Bio-composite as a Building Material Irish Construction. BESRaC: Built Env. Sust. Res. Consult.D.Lgs. 16.02.2011 n. 15 Attuazione della direttiva 2009/125/CE relativa all'istituzione di un quadro per l'elaborazione di specifiche per progettazione ecocompatibile dei prodotti connessi all'energia. GU n. 55, 08.03.11.D.Lgs 18.07.2016 n. 141. Disposizioni integrative al D.Lgs. 04.07.2014, n. 102 sull'efficienza energetica. GU n. 172, 25.07.2016.D.Lgs 04.07.2014, n. 102. Attuazione della direttiva 2012/27/UE sull'efficienza energetica. GU 18.07.2014, n. 165.EU Directive 2018/844 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30.05.2018. PE/4/2018/REV/1. OJ L 156, 19.6.2018.Directive 2009/125/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21.10.2009 establishing a framework for the setting of ecodesign requirements for energy-related products. OJ L 285, 31.10.2009, p. 10-35.Directive 2009/28/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23.4.2009 on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources. OJ L 140, 5.6.2009.Directive 2009/29/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23.4.2009 to improve and extend the greenhouse gas emission allowance trading scheme of the Community.Directive 2010/31/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19.05.2010 on the energy performance of buildings. OJ L 153, 18.06.2010, p. 13-35.Directive 2012/27/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25.10.2012 on energy efficiency. OJ L 315, 14.11.2012.Galan-Marin, C., Rivera-Gomez, C. and Garcia-Martinez, A. (2016) Use of natural-fiber bio-composites in construction versus traditional solutions: Operational and embodied energy assessment. Materials, 9(6), 465. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma9060465Hussain, A., Calabria-Holley, J., Lawrence, M., Ansell, M. P., Jiang, Y., Schorr, D. and Blanchet, P. (2019) Development of novel building composites based on hemp and multi-functional silica matrix. Composites Part B: Engineering, 156, 266-273. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2018.08.093Legge 03.08.2013, n. 90. Disposizioni urgenti per il recepimento della Direttiva 2010/31/UE del Parlamento europeo e del Consiglio del 19 maggio 2010, sulla prestazione energetica nell'edilizia per la definizione delle procedure d'infrazione avviate dalla Commissione europea, nonché altre disposizioni in materia di coesione sociale. GU n. 181, 03.08.2013.Liu, L., Li, H., Lazzaretto, A., Manente, G., Tong, C., Liu, Q., and Li, N. (2017) The development history and prospects of biomass-based insulation materials for buildings. Ren. Sust. Ener. Rev., 69, 912-932. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2016.11.140Murphy, F., Pavia, S. and Walker, R. (2010) An assessment of the physical properties of lime-hemp concrete. Proceeding of the bridge and concrete research in Ireland.Prassi di Riferimento UNI/PdR 13.0:2015 Sostenibilità ambientale nelle costruzioni - Strumenti operativi per la valutazione della sostenibilità. Inquadramento generale e principi metodologici.Ronchetti, P. (2007) Il cemento di canapa e calce: un promettente materiale e metodo di costruzione per l'edilizia sostenibile.Walker, R. and Pavía, S. (2014) Moisture transfer and thermal properties of hemp-lime concretes. Constr. Build. Mat., 64: 270-276. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2014.04.08

perceived social support and clinical symptomatology in italian university students

Social support can influence the perceptions of individual and social well-being for university students. We sought to verify whether the perceptions of social support correlate with the manifestation of clinical symptoms in young university students. A total of 26 participants, 58% female and 42% male, between the ages of 19 and 27 were included. The following tests were administered: SCL-90-R – scale for the self-evaluation of general psychopathology and MSPSS – self-assessment scale for the perception of social support. The students who perceived low levels of social support had high levels of clinical symptomatology (especially for internalised disorders). The index for a high intensity of symptoms Positive Symptom Total is correlated with a low level of perceived social support. Keywords: Clinical symptomatology, perceived social support, university students