uhi effects and strategies to improve outdoor thermal comfort in dense and old neighbourhoods

Abstract Modelling techniques have received growing attention as a tool to investigate the thermal comfort within a city, on the basis of which decision makers can set-up appropriate mitigation strategies. This research aims at studying the effectiveness of strategies for reducing the urban heat island-associated effects in dense and old neighborhoods considering, in particular, green roofs, cool roofs, cool pavements, green areas and urban renewal actions. Computer simulation was selected as the major methodology in this research; ENVI-met software was used under different scenarios for a case study consisting in an old neighborhood in the city of Avola. The investigation focused on evaluating the efficacy of each strategy for a condition corresponding to a typical summer heat wave. The results highlight that the cool pavements allow relevant improvements at the height of 1.50 m, with a temperature decrease up 1.15°C, whereas the other scenarios, given the relatively high density of the buildings, are able to improve outdoor conditions only at higher elevations. Reported results represent a guideline for the choice of UHI mitigation method that can help stakeholders involved in new urban assessment of old neighborhoods in Mediterranean climate

Giant parathyroid adenoma: a rare cause of primary hyperparathyroidism mimicking a carcinoma

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Giant parathyroid adenoma: a rare cause of primary hyperparathyroidism mimicking a carcinoma

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application of a mapping tool to plan energy saving at a neighborhood scale

Abstract This study proposes the application of a model for the evaluation of the overall energy demand of existing urban neighborhoods, which can be useful when planning energy enhancement strategies at urban scale. The application of this model can be interconnected with the use of a GIS software tool, thus providing the opportunity to perform the energy mapping of city neighborhoods. In the proposed model, the overall energy demand of existing urban neighborhoods is evaluated by considering the three most energy intensive sectors: buildings, transport and urban lighting. However, in this paper the application of the model is only focused on the assessment of the energy demand in the building sector. The proposed methodology is applied to a neighborhood of the municipality of Catania in Southern Italy. The preliminary results are reported in this study: first, the existing energy consumption for space heating and electric appliances is assessed, then the effectiveness of a series of energy-saving strategies is considered, thus providing a tool to implement effective energy planning policies at urban scale

Mitigation of environmental noise in urban streets through lightweight transparent screens

AbstractNoise pollution is one of the main environmental stressors in urban areas. In particular, strong noise pollution can be experienced at nighttime in downtown areas with intense anthropic activities: here, dwellers may suffer from disturbance to their rest, which induces stress and – in turn – adverse effects on health.Usually, local authorities implement actions to tackle noise pollution, e.g. limiting the time allowed for outdoor events. However, these measures are often inadequate because the noise annoyance comes directly by the shouting of people spending time outdoors till late night.In this framework, this study proposes a procedure to optimize the shape of customized lightweight transparent noise screens that can be applied to façades in order to reduce noise disturbance in urban canyons. The case study of the "movida" area in the downtown of Marina di Ragusa (Southern Italy) is discussed to test the applicability of the proposed procedure.The results of this analysis allow defining the shape and the size of the noise screens that minimize the noise annoyance perceived by residents. The proposed mitigation approach can be applied in cities affected by significant noise pollution

A Qualitative Exploration of the Use of Contraband Cell Phones in Secured Facilities

Offenders accepting contraband cell phones in secured facilities violate state corrections law, and the possession of these cell phones is a form of risk taking behavior. When offenders continue this risky behavior, it affects their decision making in other domains where they are challenging authorities; and may impact the length of their incarceration. This qualitative phenomenological study examined the lived experience of ex-offenders who had contraband cell phones in secured correctional facilities in order to better understand their reasons for taking risks with contraband cell phones. The theoretical foundation for this study was Trimpop\u27s risk-homeostasis and risk-motivation theories that suggest an individual\u27s behaviors adapt to negotiate between perceived risk and desired risk in order to achieve satisfaction. The research question explored beliefs and perceptions of ex-offenders who chose to accept the risk of using contraband cell phones during their time in secured facilities. Data were collected anonymously through recorded telephone interviews with 8 male adult ex-offenders and analyzed using thematic content analysis. Findings indicated participants felt empowered by possession of cell phones in prison, and it was an acceptable risk to stay connected to family out of concern for loved ones. The study contributes to social change by providing those justice system administrators, and prison managers responsible for prison cell phone policies with more detailed information about the motivations and perspectives of offenders in respect to using contraband cell phones while imprisoned in secured facilities

OSTEOSARCOMA IN THE PEDIATRIC AGE

Osteosarcoma is the most common form of malignant bone tumor; it is characterized by malignant mesenchymal cells producing osteoid or immature bone. The tumor predominantly involves children, teenagers and young adults with a peak of incidence in the second decade of life during the adolescent growth spurt, suggesting a correlation with rapid bone proliferation. Osteosarcoma originates more frequently in the methaphyseal region of long bones, with particular involvement of the distal femur (40%), proximal tibia (25%) and humerus (15%); 80% of osteosarcomas occur in the limbs, whereas 20% affect the axial skeletal and pelvis. Osteosarcoma arises from the medullary cavity and grows toward the cortex and adjacent soft tissue. The osteosarcoma leads to death within a matter of months if left untreated. In the 1970s, the use of adjuvant chemotherapy in the treatment increased survival in patients with osteosarcoma. Pathological fractures and local diffusion of tumors are associated to a poor prognosis

MANAGEMENT OF POSTERIOR MALLEOLUS IN ANKLE FRACTURES.

The fractures of the posterior malleolus are isolated or in association with the fracture of the fibula and the medial malleolus. Recently, a particular emphasis was given to the treatment of posterior malleolus fracture for the role of this structure in ankle ligament stability. Numerous techniques and types of surgical access are reported in literature, but there is currently no consensus among the orthopaedics on the correct management of this fracture. The aim of this work is to review the management of the posterior malleolus fractures