Archivio Istituzionale della Ricerca - Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli"
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Thermal Energy Storage Characterization of Green Wooden Cementitious Composites Enhanced with Phase Change Materials
This study presents an innovative approach to sustainable construction materials by integrating bio-based phase change materials (PCMs) within recycled wood aggregates (RWAs) to develop NRG-WOOD, a novel thermal energy storage (TES) bio-aggregate. The research investigates the thermal, mechanical, and durability properties of cementitious composites incorporating NRG-WOOD, comparing their performance with traditional ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and wood-based mortars. Experimental evaluations, including hydration tests, dynamic sphere calorimetry, and mechanical strength assessments, reveal that PCM-enhanced RWAs significantly reduce hydration heat, lower energy demand, and enhance thermal regulation in buildings. Furthermore, the study extends its impact assessment through a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to quantify the environmental benefits of NRG-WOOD-based mortars. The LCA, conducted using SimaPro software and the Ecoinvent database, evaluates key environmental indicators such as global warming potential, embodied energy, and water footprint. This research contributes to the advancement of green building materials, offering a viable solution to mitigate climate change and transition towards more sustainable construction practices
Caratterizzazione elementale per lo studio delle tecniche di produzione delle lucerne in metallo: un caso studio.
Generally referred to in studies as objects made of bronze, metal lamps have so far eluded typological, iconographic and archaeometric integrated approaches that, going beyond exclusively the observation of the formal appearance of the object, also investigate its metallurgical technological-productive aspects, with the aid of elemental analyses.
The paper intends to present some initial interdisciplinary experiences, currently still at a preliminary stage, aimed at investigating aspects of the metallurgical production of lamps, within the overall study of the lichnological collection of the Museo Provinciale Campano in Capua.
Therefore, an account is given here of a first measurement campaign conducted (ED-XRF) on a specimen from the Museo Campano, the results of which appear to exemplify the potential of the method.Genericamente riferite negli studi come oggetti realizzati in bronzo, le lucerne in metallo sfuggono quasi sempre ad approcci integrati di tipo tipologico, iconografico e archeometrico che, andando oltre l’esclusiva osservazione dell’apparenza formale dell’oggetto, ne indaghino anche gli aspetti tecnologico-produttivi di tipo metallurgico, con l’ausilio di analisi elementali.
Il contributo intende presentare alcune esperienze interdisciplinari, attualmente allo stadio preliminare, finalizzate a indagare aspetti della produzione delle lucerne in metallo, nell’ambito dello studio complessivo della collezione licnologica del Museo Provinciale Campano di Capua.
Si dà conto, pertanto, in questa sede, di una prima campagna di misurazioni condotte tramite tecnica ED-XRF su un esemplare del Museo Campano, i cui risultati appaiono esemplificativi delle potenzialità del metodo
Protest, Dissent and Activism. Experiences and Interpretations of Non-Conformity in Early Modern Italy
Mental Health of University Students in Mediterranean Countries: An Exploratory Cross-Cultural Study
University life is generally recognized as challenging, and concerns about students’ mental health have increased, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the potential role of cultural differences in students’ experiences of psychological difficulties, we conducted an exploratory study to: (1) compare the psychological condition (distress, loneliness, emotion regulation, and dropout intention) of Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish university students two years post-pandemic; and (2) analyze the relationships between these psychological variables of interest and dropout intentions in all three countries. We recruited a non-random sample of 144 students (48 from each country; Mage = 20.3 ± 1.41 years) to complete an online questionnaire, which was distributed and accessed through links shared across social networks. A two-way MANCOVA revealed no significant differences across countries in levels of distress, emotion regulation, or dropout intentions (all p > .05). However, Spanish students reported significantly lower levels of loneliness than the other groups (p < .001). Linear hierarchical regression results demonstrated an association between psychological difficulties and dropout intention, with psychological distress uniquely accounting for 24% of the variance in dropout intention (β = .332, p < .005). Although preliminary, these findings indicate that all participants experienced high levels of psychological distress, with perceived loneliness notably lower in Spain. This underscores the need for further, large-scale research and reinforces the importance of addressing students’ mental health, particularly their distress levels, given the potential impact on dropout intentions
Sulla collezione licnologica del Museo Provinciale Campano: dati da una ricerca in corso
In the Museo Provinciale Campano in Capua is preserved a conspicuous oil-lamp collection (and matrices) under
study by an integrated research between history of collection, ancient topography, typology, iconography and archaeometry analyses. This paper aims to illustrate the history of lycnology museum collection constitution and its
first quantitative analysis. Exemplifying the applied method, research results on an orichalcum oil-lamp are provided. The study analyzes also the elemental characterization, techniques and methods through which it has been
produced. The data shows the high metallurgical specialization of the Capuan workshops and their propulsive role
in producing metal oil-lamps, between the 1st and 2nd century AD.Presso il Museo Provinciale Campano di Capua si conserva una cospicua raccolta licnologica, costituita da esemplari fittili, in metallo e alcune matrici; il contributo illustra i primi dati e le linee di una ricerca in corso volta al
suo studio, condotta secondo un approccio integrato, tra storia del collezionismo, topografia di contesto, analisi
tipologica, iconografica e archeometrica. Dopo la ricostruzione della storia, tempi e modi del costituirsi dell’intera
collezione e una sua prima analisi quantitativa, si presenta il caso studio di una lucerna figurata in metallo. Esemplificativo del metodo perseguito e dei risultati che ne derivano in termini di analisi della produzione, lo studio archeometrico dell’esemplare, in oricalco, contribuisce a dimostrare l’alta specializzazione metallurgica delle officine
capuane tra I e II secolo d.C. e il loro ruolo propulsivo nella produzione di lucerne in metallo
Comparing Emerging Technologies in Image Classification: From Quantum to Kolmogorov
The rapid evolution of Artificial Intelligence has led to significant advancements in image classification, with novel approaches emerging beyond traditional deep learning paradigms. This paper presents a comparative analysis of three distinct methodologies for image classification: classical Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), Kolmogorov-Arnold Networks (KANs) and KAN-based CNNs and Quantum Machine Learning using Quantum Convolutional Neural Networks. The study evaluates these models on the Labeled Faces in the Wild dataset, implementing the different classifiers with existing, well-assessed technologies. Given the fundamental differences in computational paradigms, performance assessment extends beyond traditional accuracy metrics to include computational efficiency, interpretability, and, for quantum models, gate depth and noise. As a summary of the results, the proposed Quantum Convolutional Neural Network (QCNN) model achieves an accuracy of 75% on the target images classification task, indicating promising performance within current quantum computational limits. All the experiments strongly suggest that Convolutional Kolmogorov-Arnold Networks (CKANs) exhibit increased accuracy as image resolution decreases, QCNN performance meaningfully changes in relation to noise level, while CNNs still keeping strong discriminative capabilities
“Nuovi modelli di integrazione tra trattamenti termali e terapia complessa decongestiva in soggetti con disabilità cronica da linfedema secondario di arto superiore in esiti di intervento chirurgico per carcinoma mammario”.
Introduction. Lymphedema is a complex chronic condition that requires ongoing treatment throughout the life of the affected person. Maintaining the results achieved during hospitalisation is a recurring challenge, often due to a lack of continuity of care and long-term support.
Aim of the study. The doctoral project proposes a model of integrated clinical governance aimed at including hydrokinesitherapy spa treatment in the rehabilitation process for lymphedema secondary to breast cancer surgery. The objective is to optimise continuity of care and therapeutic efficacy through a multidisciplinary approach that integrates traditional physical medicine and rehabilitation with spa medicine. Spa medicine and balneotherapy, a therapeutic approach that uses mineral-rich water baths, are already widely used in the treatment of various pathological conditions, but their use in secondary lymphedema remains an unexplored field. The project involves the definition of shared protocols, clinical and functional outcome indicators, and tools for monitoring the quality and safety of care. The initiative aims to generate evidence on the effectiveness and sustainability of the integrated model, promoting the adoption of innovative therapeutic pathways based on scientific evidence and value-based healthcare principles.
Materials and methods. The project required an initial phase of management and organisational-administrative activities to define the study protocol through a review of the literature and the subsequent process for approval by the ethics committee in Padua, where the trial was conducted. Subsequently, in the second phase of the project, clinical trials and coordination of the research team, 28 patients with secondary lymphedema of the upper limb following breast cancer surgery were recruited. The patients underwent intensive decongestive treatment integrated with hydrokinesitherapy in thermal water at the “La Residance & Idrokinesis” spa in Abano Terme (Padua) and were assessed before and after treatment at the Orthopaedic Rehabilitation clinics of the Padua University Hospital. The study is still ongoing and therefore the first partial results of the experimental group will be presented.
Results. Significant improvements in the functionality of the limb affected by lymphedema and in psychological well-being and perception of quality of life were reported by the experimental group after intensive decongestive treatment administered in a thermal environment. No adverse effects were reported.
Conclusions. The therapeutic rehabilitation programme in a spa environment dedicated to the treatment of secondary lymphedema is safe and effective. The inclusion of spa therapies integrated into standardised rehabilitation programmes can ensure equal access and continuity of care in secondary lymphedema following breast cancer surgery.Premessa. Il linfedema è una patologia cronica complessa che richiede cure continuative lungo tutto l’arco della vita della persona affetta. Il mantenimento dei risultati ottenuti in fase ospedaliera rappresenta una criticità ricorrente, spesso dovuta alla mancanza di continuità assistenziale e di sostegno a lungo termine.
Scopo dello studio. Il progetto di dottorato propone un modello di governance clinica integrata finalizzato all’inclusione del trattamento termale con idrokinesiterapia nel percorso riabilitativo del linfedema secondario a intervento chirurgico per carcinoma mammario. L’obiettivo è ottimizzare la continuità assistenziale e l’efficacia terapeutica attraverso un approccio multidisciplinare che integri i percorsi di medicina fisica e riabilitazione tradizionale con la medicina termale. La medicina termale e balneoterapia, approccio terapeutico che utilizza bagni con acqua ricca di minerali, sono già ampiamente utilizzate nel trattamento di varie condizioni patologiche, tuttavia il loro impiego nel linfedema secondario rimane un campo poco esplorato. Il progetto prevede la definizione di protocolli condivisi, indicatori di esito clinico e funzionale, e strumenti di monitoraggio della qualità e sicurezza delle cure. L’iniziativa mira a generare evidenze sull’efficacia e sostenibilità del modello integrato, promuovendo l’adozione di percorsi terapeutici innovativi basati su evidenze scientifiche e principi di value-based healthcare.
Materiali e metodi. Il progetto ha richiesto una prima fase di attività gestionale e organizzativo-amministrativa, per la definizione del protocollo dello studio, attraverso una revisione della letteratura, e il successivo percorso per l’approvazione del comitato etico di Padova, sede della sperimentazione. Successivamente, nella seconda fase del progetto, sperimentazione clinica e coordinamento del team di ricerca, sono state reclutate 28 pazienti con Linfedema secondario di arto superiore in esiti di chirurgia oncologica per carcinoma mammario. Le pazienti sono state sottoposte a trattamento decongestivo intensivo ed integrato con idrokinesiterapia in acqua termale presso il centro termale “La Residance & Idrokinesis” di Abano Terme (Pd) e valutate pre e post trattamento, presso gli ambulatori di Riabilitazione Ortopedica dell’Azienda Ospedale Università Padova. Lo studio è tuttora in corso di svolgimento e pertanto verranno presentati i primi risultati parziali del gruppo sperimentale.
Risultati. Miglioramenti significativi nella funzionalità dell’arto affetto dal linfedema e nel benessere psicologico e percezione della qualità della vita sono stati riportati dal gruppo sperimentale dopo il trattamento decongestivo intensivo erogato in ambiente termale. Non sono stati riportati effetti avversi.
Conclusioni. Il percorso terapeutico riabilitativo in ambiente termale dedicato al trattamento del linfedema secondario è sicuro e efficace. L’inclusione delle terapie termali integrate nei programmi riabilitativi standardizzati può garantire equità di accesso e continuità assistenziale nel linfedema secondario a chirurgia oncologica per carcinoma mammario
Promoting Inclusion by Bridging Gaps through “Story-Making:” The Fastweb Case
This chapter describes the case of Fastweb, one of the leading
telecommunications operators in Italy, which has been repeatedly awarded
for its commitment to DEI. Their chapter analyses, in particular, from a
first-hand experience, the concept of “closing the gap” at the foundation of
the brand identity by illustrating the example of the Punti Luce project and
its “story-making” rationale