Effects of spatial modelling on the perception of time. Definition of places through temporal typologies.

The complex relationship between time and architectural design manifests itself in many ways, some of which are emblematic of how temporalities are part of the very concept of architecture. When we talk about time, we frequently think about its consequences on buildings (i.e. generating forms of decay), or how architecture reacts to its cyclical or linear flow - days and seasons, years and centuries - or how architects refer their work to history. Moreover, in the sphere of design, further typologies of temporalities come into play; after all, projecting something into the future is a significant feature of design itself. In the field of perception and consciousness, some elements allow us to link the notions of space and time. 20th century philosophical literature is full of reflections on this relationship, starting from the phenomenological approach to reality and subsequent authors like Henri Bergson, Martin Heiddeger and Dino Formaggio, who demonstrated how the individual perception of time was influenced by the pure form of space: topics such as duration, simultaneity, instantaneity, endurance and other kinds of temporalities can be read as consequences of the spatial action on individuals. If space and time are related, then the manipulation of space - the matter of architectural design - necessarily affects the perception of time. Light and shadow, transparency and opacity, sound and silence, solid and hollow (etc.), are the proper tools of architects’ practice to determine different temporalities within spatial design, identifying architecture as the territory where this relationship materialises. In this research paper, references of this concept are investigated through effective examples, which best represents the architectural design capability to determine dilations, contractions or suspension in time perception. Trying to observe these topics from the research in peri-urban and inner European territories - one of the frontiers of architectural study in Western countries - and acknowledging that architectural design is a modification of time and not just of space, suggests architects to apply time-based design strategies which are tailored to the needs that the 21st century dynamic and unstable context requires

Development and cross-validation of prediction equations for estimating resting energy expenditure in severely obese Caucasian children and adolescents

The objectives of the present study were to develop and cross-validate new equations for predicting resting energy expenditure (REE) in severely obese children and adolescents, and to determine the accuracy of new equations using the Bland–Altman method. The subjects of the study were 574 obese Caucasian children and adolescents (mean BMI z-score 3·3). REE was determined by indirect calorimetry and body composition by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Equations were derived by stepwise multiple regression analysis using a calibration cohort of 287 subjects and the equations were cross-validated in the remaining 287 subjects. Two new specific equations based on anthropometric parameters were generated as follows: (1) REE=(Sex×892·68)−(Age×115·93)+(Weight×54·96)+(Stature×1816·23)+1484·50 (R2 0·66; se 1028·97 kJ); (2) REE=(Sex×909·12)−(Age×107·48)+(fat-free mass×68·39)+(fat mass×55·19)+3631·23 (R2 0·66; se 1034·28 kJ). In the cross-validation group, mean predicted REE values were not significantly different from the mean measured REE for all children and adolescents, as well as for boys and for girls (difference <2 %) and the limits of agreement (±2 sd) were +2·06 and −1·77 MJ/d (NS). The new prediction equations allow an accurate estimation of REE in groups of severely obese children and adolescents. These equations might be useful for health care professionals and researchers when estimating REE in severely obese children and adolescents

Effects of a 3-Week Inpatient Multidisciplinary Body Weight Reduction Program on Body Composition and Physical Capabilities in Adolescents and Adults With Obesity

BackgroundThe aim of the present study was to examine the short-term changes in body composition and physical capabilities in subjects with obesity during a multidisciplinary inpatient body weight reduction program (BWRP). MethodsOne hundred thirty-nine adolescents (56 boys and 83 girls; BMI: 37.1 +/- 6.5 kg/m(2); Fat Mass, FM: 45.3 +/- 7.2%) and 71 adults (27 males and 44 females; BMI: 44 +/- 4.7 kg/m(2); FM: 51.4 +/- 4.7%) followed a 3-week inpatient BWRP consisting of regular physical activity, moderate energy restriction, nutritional education and psychological counseling. Before (T0) and after the end of the BWRP (T21), body composition was assessed with an impedancemeter, lower limb muscle power with Margaria Stair Climbing Test (SCT), lower limb functionality with Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), and the capacity of performing activity of daily living (ADL) with Physical Performance Test (PPT). ResultsAt T21, obese adolescents showed a 4% reduction in body mass (BM) (p < 0.001), associated with a FM reduction in boys (-10%) and girls (-6%) (p < 0.001) and with a 3% reduction in fat-free mass (FFM) recorded only in boys (p = 0.013). Obese adults showed a 5% BM reduction (p < 0.001), associated with a 2% FFM and 9% FM reduction (p < 0.001) in males, and 7% FM reduction in females (p < 0.001). Regarding physical capabilities, at T21 in obese adolescents, PPT score increased by 4% (p < 0.001), SCT decreased by -5% (boys) and -7% (girls) (p < 0.001), while SPPB score did not change significantly. In obese adults at T21, PPT score increased by 9% (p < 0.001), SCT decreased by -16% (p < 0.001) only in females, and SPPB score increased by 7% (males) and 10% (females) (p < 0.01). ConclusionIn conclusion, moderate energy restriction and regular physical activity determine a 4-5% BM reduction during a 3-week inpatient BWRP, improve physical capabilities and induce beneficial changes in body composition in adolescents and adults with obesity

Post-surgical scar assessment in rehabilitation: a systematic review

n/

Design and circular economy. Architectures that regenerate the built fabric

Although the circular economy has occupied a crucial place in the development agendas of industrialized countries in recent years, the construction sector still seems far from a mature understanding of the cultural dimensions related to the notion of circularity since, until now, its focus has been mainly on improving technological solutions. However, the circular economy opens up new operational frontiers beyond the scale of the construction detail. It embraces more complex social and cultural fields that ultimately question the changing relationship between man and inhabited space. The article assumes this perspective and examines the possible implications of circular logics’ spatial organizations at larger scales that have a great impact on settlement forms, proposing a critical comparison between two case studies characterized by two built fabrics with different densities. The first one is the regeneration of the Ilot de l’Arc de Triomphe district (high density and compactness), and the second one is the transformation of Contrada Bricconi (low density and rarefaction). The two design experiences ensurie a second life to inhabited artifacts and soils

Analysis of sarcopenic obesity prevalence and diagnostic agreement according to the 2022 ESPEN and EASO Consensus in hospitalized older adults with severe obesity

BackgroundSarcopenic obesity (SO) is a clinical disorder characterized by increased adiposity and decreased muscle mass and function, commonly observed in older adults. However, most of the studies that investigated SO prevalence rates were not based on current standardized diagnostic methods. Thus, this study aims to estimate the prevalence rates of SO and their level of agreement using different instruments proposed by the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) and the European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO) Consensus, in a sample of hospitalized older adults with severe obesity.MethodsA cross-sectional study with 90 older adults (≥ 60 years) with severe obesity (body mass index ≥ 35 kg/m/²) seeking an in-hospital multidisciplinary body weight reduction program. Skeletal muscle function was assessed using the five-repetition Sit-Stand test (5-SSt) and Handgrip Strength (HGS). Body composition was evaluated by high percentages of fat mass (FM), low appendicular lean mass (ALM/W), and skeletal muscle mass (SMM/W), adjusted to body weight. The stage of SO was assessed on the presence of at least one comorbidity and specific cut-offs were adopted for each step. All analyses were performed according to gender and age range.ResultsThe prevalence rates of SO in the total sample were 23.3%, 25.5%, 31.1%, and 40.0% considering altered values of 5-SSt+FM+ALM/W, HGS+FM+ALM/W, 5-SSt+FMSSM/W, and HGS+FM+SSM/W, respectively. Higher prevalence rates were observed among female and old elderly subgroups, regardless of the diagnostic combination. There were weak agreements between the muscle function tests (5-SSt versus HGS) using both muscle mass indexes in the total sample and all subgroups. Moderate agreements were observed between muscle mass indexes (SMM/W versus ALM/W) in the total sample, male and younger older adults (using 5-SSt), and strong agreements for men and younger older adults (using HGS).ConclusionThe discrepancies observed between the prevalence rates and their levels of agreement reinforce the need for new studies in similar populations aiming for better standardization of SO assessment

Preliminary Assessment of Radiolysis for the Cooling Water System in the Rotating Target of {SORGENTINA}-{RF}

The SORGENTINA-RF project aims at developing a 14 MeV fusion neutron source featuring an emission rate in the order of 5-7 x 10(13) s(-1). The plant relies on a metallic water-cooled rotating target and a deuterium (50%) and tritium (50%) ion beam. Beyond the main focus of medical radioisotope production, the source may represent a multi-purpose neutron facility by implementing a series of neutron-based techniques. Among the different engineering and technological issues to be addressed, the production of incondensable gases and corrosion product into the rotating target deserves a dedicated investigation. In this study, a preliminary analysis is carried out, considering the general layout of the target and the present choice of the target material