IL GIOCO DEGLI SCACCHI NELL\u2019APPRENDIMENTO DELLE ABILITA\u2019 VISUO-SPAZIALI: UN INTERVENTO SPERIMENTALE NELLA SCUOLA PRIMARIA

Pu\uf2 un corso strutturato di scacchi migliorare la percezione e la manipolazione degli elementi geometrici? Se s\uec, in che modo? Questo \ue8 stato l\u2019interrogativo che ha accompagnato l\u2019intero percorso sperimentale, realizzato all\u2019interno di una Scuola Primaria di Palermo e discusso di seguito. Prendendo in considerazione alcune delle difficolt\ue0 che i bambini di Scuola Primaria hanno nei confronti della geometria, discusse in letteratura, \ue8 stato pianificato un progetto didattico che sviluppasse le potenzialit\ue0 di un artefatto come gli scacchi. Ci\uf2 soprattutto in riferimento allo sviluppo delle capacit\ue0 visuo-spaziali e quale importante fattore trasversale di motivazione all\u2019apprendimento. Tale attivit\ue0 di ricerca, frutto di un\u2019intensa collaborazione tra un\u2019insegnante di scuola primaria, autrice di questo paper e un Maestro di Scacchi e Istruttore Giovanile Qualificato della Federazione Scacchistica Italiana, coautore del paper, ha visto come protagoniste due classi quarte di scuola primaria, una sperimentale e l\u2019altra di controllo. L\u2019attivit\ue0 di ricerca iniziata con la somministrazione in entrambi i gruppi, di un questionario socio-culturale e di un pre-test sulle capacit\ue0 e competenze in ambito geometrico \ue8 poi proseguita con l\u2019applicazione di un protocollo sperimentale realizzato ad hoc che ha permesso una prima definizione di alcuni risultati significativi sul potenziamento delle abilit\ue0 visuo-spaziali sottese all\u2019attivit\ue0 scacchistica. Il presente lavoro si inserisce in quadro di riferimento pi\uf9 ampio relativo al progetto di ricerca condotto dal G.R.I.M. di Palermo \u201cEdutainment\u201d (EDUCAZIONE E INTRATTENIMENTO NELLA DIDATTICA LABORATORIALE PER COMPETENZE) finalizzato allo studio delle abilit\ue0 logico-spaziali e matematiche attraverso il gioco degli scacchi

HISTORICAL SENTIENT – BUILDING INFORMATION MODEL: A DIGITAL TWIN FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF MUSEUM COLLECTIONS IN HISTORICAL ARCHITECTURES

Abstract. This paper investigates the application of the Digital Twin approach to get a Sentient building able to acquire the ability to perceive external inputs and develop strategies to support its management and/or conservation. The experimentation foresees the integration of an H-BIM model with a Decision Support System based on Artificial Intelligence (in this case Machine Learning techniques) for the management of museum collections in historical architectures. The innovative aspect of this methodology resides in the change of paradigm regarding the relations between the historical building under consideration and the professional figures who deal with the management, conservation and architectural restoration. This work tries to contextualize the novel HS-BIM methodology within the theoretical discussion of the disciplines mentioned above and to participate in Digital Twin's debate. HS-BIM can be seen as a possible path that leads to creating digital twins for cultural heritage. The reflection inspired by this experience aims to revise the concept of Digital Twin as a parallel/external digital model in favour of an artificial evolution of the real system augmented by a "cognitive" apparatus. In this vision, thanks to AI application, future buildings will be able to sense "comfort and pain" and learning from their own life-cycle experience but also from that one of elder sentient-buildings thanks to transfer learning already applied in AI's fields

REMOTE SENSING AND CITY INFORMATION MODELING FOR REVEALING THE COMPLEXITY OF HISTORICAL CENTERS

Abstract. Historical centers represent the outcome of transformations and stratifications of the cities across the centuries. The knowledge of a historical urban environment requires an analytical methodology articulated on several interconnected levels of investigation to model a multi-layered complexity that encompasses the geometric and stylistic features of places (blocks irregularities, narrow streets, stratified buildings), the accessibility (pedestrial zone, no flyzone), the use of existing data (GIS, cartographies). Today the challenge for historical centers is dual: on the one side to make use of expeditious technologies to acquire data, on the other one to create 3D city models that allow to manage, visualize, enquire and use these data in a unique digital ecosystem. Our research deals with a multi-sensor data acquisition, evaluation and integration with the aim of creating informed and responsive 3D city models (CIM) that constitute a synthesis of the survey conducted and become the support for simulations in various contexts (seismic risk, hydraulic, energy performance)

AN EXPEDITIOUS PARAMETRIC APPROACH FOR CITY INFORMATION MODELING AND FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS

Abstract. The mitigation of seismic risk passes through the assessment of seismic hazard of urban fabrics on a given territory. Statistical methods and damage probability matrices are currently used to facilitate seismic safety knowledge and assessment operations. These methods, despite being fast and low cost, often return results that differ from reality and prone to the expertise of the operator. Indeed, in order to have more accurate information it is necessary to conduct Finite Element Analysis (FEA). However, this type of analysis requires considerable surveying and modeling time and therefore are not easily applied to the urban scale. The key to implement this analysis at the territorial scale lies in the way of acquisition of urban data (geometric and informative) and their management within appropriate modeling environments that allow their treatment. Currently, the information modeling paradigms used for urban data collection and management are either time and resource consuming (HBIM) or overly simplified (GIS). In this research we investigate the potential of City Information Modeling (CIM) in a parametric environment (with reference to CityGML standards) combined with urban survey procedures. Aim of the work presented here is the definition of a parametric modeling protocol that allows, in a short time, the acquisition, modeling and finite element structural analysis of urban aggregates

Proactive risk assessment through failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) for perioperative management model of oral anticoagulant therapy. A pilot project

Introduction: Correct perioperative management of anticoagulant therapy is essential to prevent thromboembolic events and reduce the risk of bleeding. The lack of universally accepted guidelines makes perioperative anticoagulant therapy management difficult. The present study aims to identify the perioperative risks of oral anticoagulant therapy and to reduce adverse events through Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA). Materials and Methods: A multidisciplinary working group was set up, and four main phases of the process were identified. Each of these phases was divided into micro-activities to identify the related possible failure modes and their potential consequences. The Risk Priority Number was calculated for each failure mode. Results and Discussion: Seventeen failure modes were identified in the entire perioperative period; those with a higher priority of intervention concern the incorrect timing between therapy suspension and surgery, and the incorrect assessment of the bleeding risk related to the invasive procedure. Conclusion: The FMEA method can help identify anticoagulant therapy perioperative failures and implement the management and patient safety of surgical procedures

Integrated methods for the conservation and restoration of archaeological sites. An experimental application on the "Balneum" of Piazza Dante in Catania (Italy)

Abstract. Archaeological sites in urban areas are often poorly integrated with the modern urban fabric and appear as "trenches" at a lower level than the road. They become neglected and unvalued places. The study of archaeological ruins in urban centres must involve archaeologists and architects to integrate restoration, enhancement and improvement of physical and visual accessibility projects. New digital technologies can improve these activities thanks to 3D models, "digital replicas" that allow even remote study (especially during a pandemic). The paper presents the case study of a private Roman-imperial bath in Catania. The open-air site is located at a depth of 3 metres above the road level and is not exploited. Our study consisted of historical-bibliographical research, direct and SfM surveys that allowed creating a high-resolution textured 3D model. We have extracted orthophotos and sections for geometric and technical-constructive analyses and recognition of decay from this model. We drew up an archaeological restoration and valorisation design. In addition, we imported the model into the Sketchfab portal. So, we enriched the mesh with information from the analyses employing specific tags about annotations, 2D drawings, historical and technical-scientific information. In this way, the model becomes an interactive document to monitor over time the conservation state, validate the restoration design and contribute to the valorisation of the site. This is an easy tool of exchange between all involved users (researchers, professions and students). Thus, the digital replica also represents a very high potential for dissemination purposes

PARTICIPATORY APPROACH FOR THE ENHANCEMENT OF ARCHITECTURALARCHIVES FUNDS: THE EXPERIENCE AT MUSEO DELLA RAPPRESENTAZIONE IN CATANIA

Abstract. This paper describes the results of a participatory approach experienced during the training of university and high school students at the MuRa (Museo della Rappresentazione). Mura is a university museum belonging to the Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture at University of Catania. It houses and exhibits the collections of architectural projects of Francesco Fichera and a series of chalcographies including the collection of the renown engraver Giovan Battista Piranesi. The training program has been addressed at the documentation, visualization and communication of the architectures realized by Francesco Fichera and other Sicilian architects in the city centre of Catania in the first half of XXth century, whose projects are hosted by the museum. The methodology adopted has included the experimentation of participatory strategies aimed at the communication and the narration of the architectures built in the early twentieth century in Catania. After a preliminary training phase on digital tools for 3D documentation and enhancement of architectural heritage, the students were invited to participate with their ideas and creative expressions in the dissemination actions of the identified case studies

Preliminary archaeometric analysis on a marble bas-relief of unknown origin

This paper addresses an archaeometric study of a marble bas-relief seized by the Cosenza Carabinieri Unit for the Protection of Cultural Heritage and Anti-Counterfeiting (Calabria, Italy). The research aimed to collect data on the authenticity of the artwork, providing indications about the compositional features of the sampled materials. An analytical approach based on the use of SEM-EDX and FT-IR techniques along with a stylistic evaluation of the artwork, allowed us to answer the requests posed by the institutions and to set the work in a different historical context from the Roman production

New data on the exploitation of obsidian in the mediterranean basin: The harbour of pyrgi and the trade in neolithic age

The contribution shows the first results of ongoing research on the origins and prehistoric assumptions of the well-known Etruscan and Roman harbour of Pyrgi, an ancient Ceretan harbour in southern Etruria. In the light of recent land and submarine investigations, traces of ancient frequentations and contacts dating back to the Neolithic era are emerging when the coastal morphology and environmental characteristics of the site were very different from the current ones. The Etruscan port of Pyrgi, which continues its historical history in Roman and Medieval times, appears as the heir of one or more landing points frequented perhaps already in the Middle Neolithic. As part of this contribution, around 60 obsidian finds (waste resulting from the manufacture of arrowheads) were analyzed using the LA-ICP-MS technique (Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry). The comparison between the data obtained on the archaeological finds and the bibliographic data relating to the geological obsidians of the peri-Tyrrhenian area allowed the identification of the provenance of the finds. In particular, most of the finds can be attributed to the Aeolian area, highlighting the leading role played by the Aeolian archipelago in the development of trade of this material. Other sources of supply have been identified on the island of Palmarola and in Sardinia (Monte Arci) although with a lower incidence. The discovery of numerous findings in obsidian from overseas, which took place in the area immediately surrounding Pyrgi, offers different suggestions about the origin of the docking place, with traces of centuries-old frequentation, extended from the Neolithic to the modern era

Controlling the nitrogen environment for optimal Rhodomonas salina production

The microalga Rhodomonas salina is a widely used species for rearing live feed organisms in the aquaculture feed market. A species-specific medium is an essential step towards enhancing productivity and decreasing production costs for microalgae cultivation. However, relevant aspects of medium composition such as nitrogen source and elemental ratio have not yet been characterized for this alga. This study aimed to optimize the following three aspects of culture media: 1) optimal ratio between nitrogen and phosphorus (N:P ratio); 2) preferred source of nitrogen; and 3) tolerance of R. salina towards free ammonia. To investigate this, we conducted a series of controlled laboratory experiments in shake flasks. Our experiments revealed a 45% increase in growth rate when an N:P ratio of 15:1 was used compared to the standard ratio of 25:1. Ammonium and nitrate were equally well accepted as a nitrogen source, however, a mix of ammonium and nitrate resulted in significant growth reduction. Free ammonia did not affect growth of the alga at the tested concentrations of up to 5 mg ammonia–nitrogen L−1. We conclude that for optimal R. salina cultivation, an N:P ratio of 15:1 is strongly preferred, as it leads to a significant increase in growth rate. Further, media with a single source of nitrogen promote faster growth over media with mixed sources, and ammonium may safely be used as a nitrogen source, since R. salina tolerates certain levels of free ammonia. Overall, this work provides insights into the optimal cultivation conditions for R. salina, allowing for more efficient and reliable production of this relevant species