THE EUROPEAN PROJECT "VERSUS+ / HERITAGE FOR PEOPLE". OBJECTIVES AND METHODOLOGY

Abstract. The project "VerSus+ / Heritage for PEOPLE", founded by the European Commission as part of the Creative Europe Culture Programme (Ref. 607593-CREA-1-2019-1-ES-CULT-COOP1) during the period 2019–2023, focuses on the transmission of knowledge to all branches of society and the general public. Its aim is to raise awareness on what constitutes the basis for the conservation of the tangible and intangible heritage as well as for a more sustainable contemporary architecture. This in-depth transmission of the lessons from vernacular heritage to future society is to be carried out in specific defined contexts, such as islands and archipelagos (geographically limited territories that are accessible to collaborators and administrative, technical and social agents), where vernacular heritage is under pressure, subjected to the transformations of contemporary life, particularly mass tourism. These pilot experiences should serve as a real testing ground for the implementation of actions for social participation, dissemination, education, communication, and promotion in different contexts and through different media. This project aims to reach out to society in order to showcase the sustainable qualities of the examples identified, through the establishment of an operative approach that can be adjusted to different contexts. The experiences on each island are expected to have repercussions throughout the region and, in turn, throughout the country in question, improving the perspectives and opportunities starting from best practices, and promoting the development of local skills. In addition, promotion and support from partners and associate partners will allow these experiences to be applied in other similar European and international contexts

Inflatable structures and digital fabrication

The construction industry has changed drastically over the past several decades. In today’s age, engineers and architects aim to build bigger and lighter whilst remaining sustainable. Inflatable structures can be utilized to achieve these aims. This study investigates how to digitally manufacture inflatable structures to be more efficient. For this reason, digital manufacturing as well as casting and moulding are studied and compared. Firstly, software modelling was explored to evaluate the behaviour of elastomeric materials. 3D printing in Tango Plus FLX930 and silicone casting was compared. It was found that Tango Plus FLX930 was inadequate due to its low elasticity compared to the considered silicones. Under pneumatic loading, indeed, Tango Plus FLX930 would delaminate. Whereas, with casting and moulding silicone, the prototype could resist the required amount of internal pressures. This shows the feasibility of moulding and casting and the limitation of 3D printing fabrication techniques

Autonomic abnormalities in patients with primary Sjogren’s syndrome – Preliminary results

Primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS) is an autoimmune disease affecting exocrine glands and extra-glandular organs. There are conflicting reports on the presence of autonomic dysfunction in pSS and no data are available on the functional status of sympathetic outflow to the vessels and baroreceptor [baroreflex sensitivity (BRS)] control mechanisms. We investigated the cardiac (cBRS) and sympathetic (sBRS) baroreceptor modulation in both time and frequency domains and the cardiovascular autonomic profile in pSS patients compared to healthy controls. Autonomic symptoms were quantified by the Composite Autonomic Symptom Scale (COMPASS31) three-item questionnaire. The EULAR Sjogren's syndrome patient reported index (ESSPRI) questionnaire evaluated the magnitude of pSS clinical symptoms, i.e., fatigue, pain, and sicca symptoms. Electrocardiogram, beat-by-beat arterial pressure (AP) and respiratory activity were continuously recorded in 17 pSS patients and 16 healthy controls, while supine and during 75 degrees head-up tilt. In seven patients and seven controls, muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) was measured. Spectrum analysis of RR variability provided markers of cardiac vagal modulation (HFRR nu) and sympatho-vagal balance [low frequency (LF)/high frequency (HF)]. The power of LF (0.1 Hz) oscillations of systolic arterial pressure (SAP) variability (LFSAP) evaluated the vasomotor response to sympathetic stimulation. Compared to controls, pSS patients scored higher in total COMPASS31 (p < 0.0001) and all ESSPRI subdomains (fatigue, p = 0.005; pain, p = 0.0057; dryness, p < 0.0001). Abnormal scialometry (<1.5 ml/15 min) and Schirmer tests (<5 mm/5 min) were found in pSS patients and salivary flow rate was negatively associated with ESSPRI dryness (p = 0.0014). While supine, pSS patients had lower SEQ(cBRs) index of cardiac baroreceptor sensitivity, higher HFRRnu (p = 0.021), lower LF/HF (p = 0.007), and greater MSNA (p = 0.038) than controls. No differences were observed in LFSAP between groups. During orthostatic challenge, although LFSAP increased similarly in both groups, MSNA was greater in pSS patients (p = 0.003). At rest pSS patients showed lower cBR control and greater parasympathetic modulation. Furthermore, greater sympathetic nerve activity was observed in pSS patients while supine and in response to gravitational challenge. We hypothesized that such enhanced sympathetic vasoconstrictor activity might reflect an attempt to maintain blood pressure in a setting of likely reduced vascular responsiveness

Versus project: lessons from vernacular heritage for sustainable architecture

This paper presents VerSus project's operative approach and final outcomes. VerSus research method was based on the identification of strategies and principles within vernacular heritage, in order to define a conceptual approach for sustainable architectural design. Based on the review of literature and the analysis and interpretation of case studies from vernacular and contemporary architecture, data was collected and a research method was developed to provide operative knowledge that could be integrated on design studio processes, in order to improve the sustainability of contemporary architecture, at environmental, social and economical levels. This paper will present VerSus project final results, based on the scientific research and dissemination activities

Driving and working with syncope

Syncope is usually addressed in the Emergency Department (ED) by the doctor in charge of the clinical picture, i.e. the patient's risk is stratified, a diagnostic work-up is done and a prognosis is set. Patients are ultimately admitted to hospital or discharged. However, other aspects related to syncope may deeply affect their daily lives. These include how and when to return to work and to driving, the feelings about a recent loss of consciousness, and the potential relapse of syncope. This is particularly significant if the work setting is intrinsically hazardous. These patients need adequate clinical and psychological support. For patients with syncope, two main parameters should be considered regarding returning to work and to driving. The first is to evaluate the risk of syncope recurrence and the second is to consider the expected harm if syncope does indeed occur during these activities. In the present paper we detail the problem of driving (including professional driving) and work after syncope. We propose a new quantitative model that will guide the physician in stratifying the risk for patients who have had a previous syncope event. The new model considers the syncope recurrence risk, the job task duration, and features that facilitate a syncope during work. On the basis of these variables, the global risk index for a worker is calculated. Following appropriate validation, this method might help ED and occupational physicians in their decision-making process with the goal of safely readmitting syncope patients to the workplace