Structure from motion systems for architectural heritage. A survey of the internal loggia courtyard of Palazzo dei Capitani, Ascoli Piceno, Italy

We present the results of a point-cloud-based survey deriving from the use of image-based techniques, in particular with multi-image monoscopic digital photogrammetry systems and software, the so-called “structure-from-motion” technique. The aim is to evaluate the advantages and limitations of such procedures in architectural surveying, particularly in conditions that are “at the limit”. A particular case study was chosen: the courtyard of Palazzo dei Capitani del Popolo in Ascoli Piceno, Italy, which can be considered the ideal example due to its notable vertical, rather than horizontal, layout. In this context, by comparing and evaluating the different results, we present experimentation regarding this single case study with the aim of identifying the best workflow to realise a complex, articulated set of representations—using 3D modelling and 2D processing—necessary to correctly document the particular characteristics of such an architectural object

Close range mini Uavs photogrammetry for architecture survey

The survey of historical façades contains several bottlenecks, mainly related to the geometrical structure, the decorative framework, the presence of natural or artificial obstacles, the environment limitations. Urban context presents additional restrictions, binding by ground acquisition activity and leading to building data loss. The integration of TLS and close-range photogrammetry allows to go over such stuff, not overcoming the shadows effect due to the ground point of view. In the last year the massive use of UAVs in survey activity has permitted to enlarge survey capabilities, reaching a deeper knowledge in the architecture analysis. In the meanwhile, several behaviour rules have been introduced in different countries, regulating the UAVs use in different field, strongly restricting their application in urban areas. Recently very small and light platforms have been presented, which can partially overcome these rules restrictions, opening to very interesting future scenarios. This article presents the application of one of these very small RPAS (less than 300 g), equipped with a low-cost camera, in a close range photogrammetric survey of an historical building façade in Bologna (Italy). The suggested analysis tries to point out the system accuracy and details acquisition capacity. The final aim of the paper is to validate the application of this new platform in an architectonic survey pipeline, widening the future application of close-range photogrammetry in the architecture acquisition process

Gnomonica

Descrizione del lemma Gnomonic

Il Disegno per la ricostruzione di una storia. Il restauro virtuale del Monumento a Costanzo Ciano a Montenero di Livorno

The study about the Monument devoted to Costanzo Ciano, one of the most symbolic elements of the fascist period, could be considered provocative in such an historical and cultural period signed by human prejudice, but going beyond the writers’ intentions, the aim of this research is to investigate this interesting and emblematic artistic episode of that cultural period. The interest is not only limited to the value of the lost ‘pieces’ belonged to the unfinished mosaic and still scattered on the national territory, but it’s also related to the great and interesting documentary evidences associated to the project. Methodologies framed in the Representation Discipline have been applied for document interpretation, with attention to the ‘virtual restoration’ as the only possible and effective methodology both to recover its formal completeness, as well as of communicate and divulgate it

High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein Increases the Risk of Carotid Plaque Instability in Male Dyslipidemic Patients

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate how the high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) values influence the risk of carotid plaque instability in association with other cardiovascular risk factors. Methods: One hundred and fifty-six carotid plaques from both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients requiring surgical carotid endarterectomy were retrospectively collected. According to the modified American Heart Association, atherosclerosis plaques have been histologically distinguished into unstable and stable. The following anamnestic and hematochemical data were also considered: age, gender, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking habit, therapy, low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-C, kidney failure and hs-CRP. Results: The results of our study clearly show that high levels of hs-CRP significantly increase the carotid plaque instability in dyslipidemic patients. Specifically, a 67% increase of the risk of carotid plaque instability was observed in patients with high LDL-C. Therefore, the highest risk was observed in male dyslipidemic patients 2333 (95% CI 0.73–7.48) and in aged female patients 2713 (95% CI 0.14–53.27). Discussion: These data strongly suggest a biological relationship between the hs-CRP values and the alteration of lipidic metabolism mostly in male patients affected by carotid atherosclerosis. The measurement of hs-CRP might be useful as a potential screening tool in the prevention of atheroscletotic disease

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Abstract Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries

Nuove visualità, tra rappresentazione e comunicazione, per la valorizzazione del patrimonio culturale e ambientale

Da diversi anni è registrabile un sempre più crescente interesse nell’ambito delle integrazioni tra Information and Communication Technology e Patrimonio Culturale, da cui è conseguentemente derivata una profonda modificazione dei modi di costruzione della conoscenza sul patrimonio culturale ed anche della sua gestione, diffusione e condivisione. In questo quadro sono proposte argomentazioni e riflessioni, maturate negli ultimi anni grazie ad esperienze di ricerca e didattiche che, pur nelle specifiche finalizzazioni, hanno avuto per obiettivo comune l’individuazione di “modelli di conoscenza e di fruizione” dei beni culturali. Esperienze orientate alla definizione del ruolo dell’innovazione tecnologica nel partecipare alla costruzione di una conoscenza fruibile e godibile da un pubblico ampio, in particolare per quel segmento di patrimonio culturale che rientra in una definizione estesa di “architettura” in cui è possibile ricomprendere dai manufatti di uso quotidiano al paesaggio. Una fattispecie di Bene Culturale che trasmette i propri valori a partire dai meccanismi legati al processo della percezione visiva, perché sono beni che hanno “figura” e che hanno al loro centro l’immagine, e che possono essere compresi solo a condizione che siano ri–proposti secondo l’intenzione per cui sono stati determinati che è quella di essere interpretati a partire dai processi legati agli stimoli sensoriali della percezione visiva. In tale tipi di Beni, infatti, i caratteri che concorrono a riconoscerli quali “testimonianze aventi valore di civiltà” sono innanzitutto quelli visivi; da ciò discende la necessità che siano fruiti coerentemente alla loro specificità segnica, dunque attraverso forme e contesti comunicativi pertinenti. Il linguaggio specifico con cui comunicare questa tipologia di Beni non può perciò che essere visuale; un linguaggio capace di incoraggiare modalità di esplorazione basate su criteri percettivi e facilitare osservazioni a partire dall’interazione del fruitore con lo spazio del Bene Culturale