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The refurbishment of public residential districts represents a current and complex problem. The Cappuccinelli Social Housing (SH) district in Trapani, designed in the late 1950s by Michele Valori and built during the 1960s, is emblematic of the architectural quality and technological innovation of the time it was designed, but at the same time represents the physical and social decay that occurred just after its construction. The neighborhood was examined through a combination of inspections and documentary research. The inspections were conducted for the entire district in order to identify the recurrent external degradation of building components and the related causes, both physical and anthropogenic. This paper investigates the physical–mechanical degradation and problems connected to previous renovation work in this district. Furthermore, technological design solutions are discussed for deep renovation and energy efficiency improvement of one of the terraced buildings of the Cappuccinelli SH district.

The valorisation, protection and preservation policies for the underground building heritage are often difficult to implement due to an inadequate knowledge of hypogeal constructions. The complex and widespread underground structures of the vast “Cavo” Heritage (“horizontal wells”, “shelf wells” or “well tunnels”), so called qanāts, hidden underground and built over the centuries in Palermo, representing an evocative testimony to the history of water culture in the ancient city. Through the historical and constructive analyses and the implementation and development of measurement and 3D representation and visualization, first actions have been carried out. The paper will present the first results of the restoration project and the path of re-introduction in the fruition network of the qanāt “Gesuitico alto”, developed also in the field of “iHeritage. Mediterranean Platform for UNESCO Cultural Heritage” project, financed by ENI CBC MED Programme 2014–2020. The paper presents an experimentation of a procedural workflow of data acquisition, analysis and subsequent 3D virtual navigation of hypogeal environments. The methodology used is the SLAM with a last generation WMLS. The platform of virtual reality visualization, within UnReal Engine, allows the user to immerse and navigate in the anthropic environment by engaging it with a set of infographics that highlight the virtual visit.

The study presents some results of an experimental research on brick wall cladding, proposing methodological approaches for the creation of new geometric-compositional configurations. Citing innovative case studies of historical and contemporary architecture, the research has allowed to determine a different geometric shape of the brick, which takes its cue from the traditional wedge-shaped brick in majolica brick, widespread in Sicily since the sixteenth century for the realization of cusps and domes. Through the definition of procedural parametric algorithms for the analysis and geometric-spatial control, it is described the path that led to the digital prototype of a modular component of new design, able to adapt in shape and size to design patterns of cladding surfaces with simple and variable curvature free-form. The design of complex geometric and organic shapes, through the visual programming of digital algorithms (generative modelling, algorithmic modelling, computational modelling), as well as bringing a methodological and applicative renewal, has initiated interdisciplinary insights. Starting from a support grid for installation, we report several structural solutions of wall tessellations that highlight and validate its potential applications. There-proposal of the building element with materials and techniques of the latest generation is in line with the goals of sustainable development OSS (Sustainable Development Goals SDGs) of the ONU 2030 Agenda.

Conservation and preservation of heritage buildings require the knowledge and sharing of a great deal of data and information about buildings. Such information comes from the different disciplines involved in the restoration and maintenance processes. The integration and use of all this information in a single working environment is a key factor for the success of historical building conservation and management projects. Heritage (or Historic) Building Information Modelling (HBIM) is nowadays the most appropriate tool to collect and manage all data related to Architectural Heritage. The HBIM process requires an in-depth knowledge of the historical building that can be achieved using a detailed 3D survey and adequate parametric modelling. For this reason, the Scan-to-BIM approach, which involves creating the BIM model from a laser scanner survey, is widely used. The work focuses on the application of the Scan-to-BIM process to a historical/archaeological building in Palermo (Italy), the Castle of Maredolce. The work aims to obtain an HBIM of the building but the paper deals also with the survey issues and the modelling challenges, focusing on the different modelling approach between parametric and not-parametric architectural elements. The most difficult challenge of the modelling step was to obtain parametric objects of the complex geometries of the historical building. The work has allowed achieving the HBIM of the Castle of Maredolce and has highlighted some issues and advantages of the Scan-to-BIM approach.

Detailed construction analysis is essential to the compatible energy improvement of historic buildings. In-situ measurements are crucial for energy diagnosis but their use is limited, especially in vernacular architecture. This paper exposes the development of a hygrothermal and mechanical database for Sicilian historic walls. The proposed method, applied to eleven historic centres, is based on the investigation of those masonry construction features, which recur in local contexts. Preliminary results concern the case study of Petralia Sottana, where a first set of laboratory measurements of stone compressive strength and thermal conductivity was conducted, together with in-situ tests of masonry thermal conductance. Focused on stone walls, these results are used to discuss potentialities and limits of the proposed categorisation of traditional masonry as a support to the energy diagnosis of historic buildings.

Background & aims: Obesity is characterized by fat mass excess (FM), extra cellular water increase (ECW) and, with ageing, decrease in fat free mass (FFM). The validity of body impedance analysis (BIA) in patients with mild to severe obesity is still debated. The purpose of this study is to describe the Resistance (Rz) and Reactance (Xc) values obtained by Body Impedance Analysis (BIA) in a wide cohort of Italian patients with mild to severe obesity. The secondary endpoint is to describe the resulting body composition values (as percentage and indexes) in this population. Methods: The study enrolled adult in-patients with mild to severe obesity (classified with class I, II and III obesity) undergoing clinical care rehabilitation program for obesity complications and weight loss. BIA values were grouped by sex, BMI and age classes. Results: A total of 8303 patients with obesity, aged 18 to 90 y, were studied. The Resistance (Rz) and Reactance (Xc) were reported by sex, age and BMI classes. In women and men both, the phase angle (PhA) decreases with increasing BMI (kg/m2) and the resulting BIA vector was significantly shifted. The FM index (FMI) was higher (p < 0.0001) in women while FFM index (FFMI) was higher in men (p < 0.0001) and significantly associated with BMI. FFMI decreased with age in both sex (p < 0.0001). Skeletal mass (SM) presents a progressive reduction in relation to age and gender both. Conclusions: The present BIA-based body composition analysis in a wide cohort of mild to severe obese patients revealed a significantly decreased Rz and Xc values with a consequent significant decrease of PhA in a BMI-dependent manner. The body compartments estimation with available equations was BMI, sex and age dependent. These observational results could be the basis for the development of new equations adapted for patients suffering from obesity.

The study focuses on the cuneiform in majolica brick that has been widespread in Sicily since the 16th century for the construction of spires and domes. A unifying element that has constituted a particular identity contribution to the island’s brick tradition; an original solution able to combine aesthetics with structural and durability. On the basis of more than a hundred examined cases, the different geometrical-formal peculiarities detected in relation to the characteristics of the shell are described. Some analyses and checks of the traditional geometrical composition patterns of the wall facade are reported. Through the definition of digital tools of algorithmic-parametric design, new configurations of masonry texture on surfaces with variable curvature are proposed for a contemporary re-proposition of the building component with last-generation materials and techniques.

The analysis of the recurrent characteristics of the local historic architecture is useful to develop large-scale energy analyses, regulations and financial strategies, but also to support technical guidelines for an energy improvement balanced with conservation. For this purpose, a multi-scale methodology ranging from envelope components to the urban dimension is necessary. In the research here exposed, this approach is investigated by focusing on the historic architecture of Palermo. For this heritage, the collection of thermal and hygrometric data for envelope components is combined with the examination of representative constructions, based on building stock categorization. Intended as a contribution to the overall energy analysis of the architectural heritage of Palermo, this case study shows that examining the recurrent characteristics of historic architecture in a local context may promote energy improvements compatible with the material and aesthetic conservation of historic buildings.

Background A style of dance called tango translates clinical practice into a new philosophy and rehabilitative approach for individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD). The style of dance mixes music, self-generated and external cued strategies and social and emotional recovery. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of studies reporting health benefits for people diagnosed with PD who dance tango. However, there are some organisational limitations to people participating in dance classes, including having trained Tango teachers, an appropriate space for dancing, and schedule that allows for participants with motor inabilities. Methods This pilot study involved the observation of PD patients who completed four days of home exercise plus a tango dance lesson each week for five weeks. Results Ten PD patients improved their quality of life, their motor score on the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale and their kinematic performances. Conclusions We propose a protocol of exercises that has been derived from the tango dance and that can be performed in a patient’s home.

Si descrive un approccio multidisciplinare allo studio di un singolare monumento storico, l’Edicola dell’Averinga, che versa attualmente in gravi condizioni di degrado; questa costruzione fu realizzata nel 1587 dal Senato Palermitano a protezione delle acque della sorgente Ayn Rutah (nome arabo di Averinga) che sgorgavano proprio al suo interno e che da qui venivano raccolte e incanalate verso i fertili giardini, le abitazioni che si trovavano in prossimità delle mura cittadine e alcune delle più importanti fontane della città storica. La più antica descrizione a noi pervenuta della zona in cui è sita l'Edicola, la cosiddetta depressione Danisinni, appartiene al geografo iracheno Al-Qaim Muhammad Ibn Hawqal. Egli, visitando Palermo nel 972-73, riferisce dell'esistenza di queste sorgenti. L'interpretazione di questa architettura risulta straordinariamente complessa a causa di fonti documentarie non esaustive che possano aiutare a delineare la genesi dell'artefatto; il manufatto rappresenta un unicum dal punto di vista tipologico. L’indagine condotta ha consentito, attraverso l’uso degli strumenti propri della storia dell’architettura, della documentazione iconografica e archivistica, dell’analisi materico-costruttiva, dei moderni sistemi di rilievo e di analisi e rappresentazione grafica, un’interpretazione di questo enigmatico manufatto, finalizzando le conoscenze acquisite alla formulazione di una proposta di indirizzi progettuali in grado di contemperare l’istanza di conservazione con un’opportuna valorizzazione e comunicazione. We propose here a multidisciplinary approach to the study of a unique historical landmark, currently in a state of great disrepair the “Edicola dell’Averinga”. It was built in 1587 by the Senate of Palermo to protect the Ayn Rutah (Arabic for “Averinga”) spring: from here, the water would then be collected and funnelled towards fertile gardens and dwellings near the city walls. The study of this cryptic artefact was possible thanks to a number of fundamental processes, such as the historical and architectural investigation, the retrieval of documentation both iconographic and archival, the analysis of constructive methodologies and building materials employed, and the application of current surveying and representation systems. It was then possible to propose a series of guidelines for intervention aimed to conciliate the conservation practice with an opportunity for valorisation and promotion.

To evaluate a multidisciplinary clinical protocol for obesity treatment by mapping it against the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and to determine the areas, defined by the ICF, in which no standardized assessment tools are available.Assessment instruments used by a multidisciplinary team were linked to ICF categories and compared with a list of ICF categories composed by the ICF checklist and the comprehensive ICF core-set for obesity. Other relevant ICF categories were added, and not relevant ones were deleted when appropriate.Five ICF categories were deleted and 11 were added, and 166 ICF categories were linked to assessment tools and to semi-structured interviews. The majority were linked to assessment tools, but within the domain of the environmental factors all ICF categories were mapped using semi-structured interviews.Our results show that an extended list of ICF categories is adequate to cover a wide spectrum of clinical and functional information, and it could be employed to describe, disability profiles of obese patients, to develop preventive measures and to identify what factors in the environment need to be changed to improve rehabilitation's outcomes.