PV Integration in Minor Historical Centers: Proposal of Guide-criteria in Post-earthquake Reconstruction Planning☆

Abstract One of the main challenges in next years will be the retrofit of existing built heritage. Even the most ancient settlements, to avoid the absolute neglect, will have to consider a "contemporary" and environmentally aware vision of refurbishment. In Italian territories hit by earthquake, this challenge is already today a potential for their life return: BIPV, or in general PV implementation, is one of the possible ways to be faced for ensuring a renewable contribution in the perspective of "Nearly-Zero Energy Settlements". The presented study, after synthesizing some main key-strategies for PV introduction at landscape, urban and building scale, focuses on the definition of reference requirements and practical findings useful in the proposal of guide-criteria for urban re-planning of minor historical centers. The outcomes could also be used in the ongoing reconstruction process, for defining innovative and sustainable strategies for PV implementation in minor (nearly-zero energy) historical centers

Overview and analysis of current BIPV products: new criteria for supporting the technological transfer in the building sector

[EN] The growing demand for nearly-Zero Energy Buildings is rapidly contributing to change the building skin from being a passive barrier towards a sensitive and active interface. Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) is a unique solution for delivering clean, safe, affordable and decentralized electricity to people transforming the building surfaces in active solar collectors. Despite photovoltaic (PV) technology and their basic usage are today known to everybody, the particular requirements for building integration have brought to the surface some issues over the years so that BIPV is still a niche market. Starting from this observation, the paper presents the results of an investigation on the current market of BIPV products for roofs and façade. The analysis aimed to identify the relevant possibilities the products today offer and the level of information that the producers make available within the technical description of BIPV systems. After disclosing the actual lack of information in comparison to conventional building products, the authors propose to implement a new “building-based” approach that could support the BIPV market by including a more comprehensive description of the product’s quality (today mainly comprising electrical and basic physical features). Such a “building-technology” perspective, also considering the recent normative framework in BIPV field, is expected to encourage the technological transfer of PV in the building sector by facilitating the daily work of architects, installers and the whole value chain.Bonomo, P.; Chatzipanagi, A.; Frontini, F. (2015). Overview and analysis of current BIPV products: new criteria for supporting the technological transfer in the building sector. VITRUVIO - International Journal of Architectural Technology and Sustainability. (1):67-85. doi:10.4995/vitruvio-ijats.2015.4476.SWORD6785

Usefulness of Ultrasound Imaging in Detecting Psoriatic Arthritis of Fingers and Toes in Patients with Psoriasis

Background. Given that clinical evaluation may underestimate the joint damage and that early treatment can slow down psoriatic arthritis (PsA) progression, screening psoriasis patients with imaging tools that can depict early PsA changes would entail clear benefits. Objective. To compare the ability of X-ray and ultrasound (US) examination in detecting morphological abnormalities consistent with early PsA in patients with psoriasis, using rheumatological evaluation as the gold standard for diagnosis. Methods. Patients with chronic plaque psoriasis and no previous PsA diagnosis attending our outpatient dermatology clinic and reporting finger/toe joint and/or tendon pain underwent X-ray and US evaluation; they were subsequently referred to a rheumatologist for clinical examination and review of imaging findings. Results. Abnormal US and/or X-ray findings involving at least one finger and/or toe (joints and/or tendons) were seen in 36/52 patients: 11 had one or more X-ray abnormalities, including erosion, joint space narrowing, new bone formation, periarticular soft tissue swelling, and periarticular osteoporosis; 36 had suspicious changes on US. Conclusion. US proved valuable in detecting joint and/or tendon abnormalities in the fingers and toes of patients with suspicious changes. The dermatologist should consider US to obtain an accurate assessment of suspicious findings