University Of Naples Research Articles

Gerotor pump cavitation monitoring and fault diagnosis using vibration analysis through the employment of auto-regressive-moving-average technique

Gerotor pumps, as well known, are widely used in lubrication circuits of internal combustion engines for their simplicity, high efficiency and low costs.In this paper an experimental characterization of a Gerotor pump is shown. The research is a collaboration between the Hydraulic Power Research Group (HPRG) of the University of Naples “Federico II” and the Istituto Motori of CNR.The aim of this research is to investigate the possibility of using simple data to acquire, as vibrational data, on the pump under investigation to detect possible cavitation problem by implementing a proper mathematical procedure to this aim. As been demonstrated that these pumps are particularly subject to cavitation.The gerotor pumps are much subject to cavitate than expected, especially under particular operating conditions of the engine. Cavitation is also correlate to vehicle dynamics particularly with the recent tendency to reduce the mass of oil in the sump. Therefore, the research to avoid cavitation is crucial nowadays. Consequently this study has been firstly performed with an experimentation on the pump by monitoring the delivered oil flow-rate and the adsorbed torque on the pump shaft. An accurate analysis of the pressure oscillations in cavitation conditions, has been, also, conducted. Then, an accelerometer sensor has been properly located to study the cavitation with a fault diagnosis system based on vibration detection.The experimental tests have been performed on a test bench of the Hydraulic Laboratory of the University of Naples “Federico II” in Italy. The bench allows testing the pump working by varying the shaft speed, the oil temperature, the suction and the delivery pressure. The main measured parameters are shaft torque, oil flow rate, mean suction and delivery pressure and the instantaneous suction and delivery pressure.As expected, tests revealed the high influence of the suction pressure on the delivered oil flow rate, while no significant influence has been noted on the adsorbed torque. Furthermore, the pressure oscillations in the pump delivery are highly influenced by the suction pressure.A non intrusive accelerometer has been installed during the experimentation on the oil pump. Since the vibration due to cavitation is the main concern of this study, the accelerometer has been mounted at the suction port in the radial direction.More precisely, the paper presents a fault diagnosis system based on vibration detection. Firstly, a Fast Fourier Transform of the vibration signal has been computed. The investigation has been made with and without the presence of cavitation varying the pump rotation speeds. Limitations due to the detecting of the on line cavitation problems by monitoring the FFT vibration spectra have been overcame by implementing an alternative method based on stochastic approach.This diagnosis method of accelerometer time series analysis based on an Auto Regressive and Moving Average (ARMA) method has been used to determine the pump failure. The diagnosis results have demonstrated the ability of the proposed mathematical technique in the identification of cavitation phenomena proving that the proposed approach is a useful methodology to detect the presence of fault. The approach can predict, with good accuracy, pump failure in real time operation. In addition, a threshold vibration level in decibel scale is also fixed.

Numerical and Experimental Test on an Innovative Device Based on Multiple Rotors in Line to Tap Clean Energy from Tidal and River Current

The main object of this paper is to present the design and the results of an experimental test campaign on an innovative device for the exploitation of marine and river currents. The basic idea is to lay together one or more series of horizontal axis turbines in rows, each one connected to a generator placed on board a ship or a float. The whole system is sustained by a series of buoys, in this way is possible to avoid expensive submarine installations. All the work has been carried out at the Department of Industrial Engineering of the University of Naples "Federico II" and the test campaign has been first performed in the naval towing tank belonging to the same Department and then in real conditions in Messina Strait between Sicily island and mainland. This location is the only one in Italy suitable as test site thanks to a highly regular tidal current reaching a maximum speed of 3 m/s. The turbine's blade was first carefully designed with particular care for the cavitation problems. Two different series of experimental tests on a reduced scale model in the naval tank aimed to optimize the general layout of the device and the tests performed in Messina Strait mainly aimed to confirm the feasibility of the system and to evaluate its response in real operating conditions. The tests have confirmed the good dynamic behavior of the whole system and its feasibility to be scaled up to real scale.

Thermodynamic Analysis of a Multi-Ejector, CO2, Air-To-Water Heat Pump System

Nowadays, air conditioning systems for residential and office buildings, contribute largely to the energy consumptions and to the direct and indirect emissions of greenhouse gases. Carbon dioxide (CO2) could be an interesting option to replace traditional HFCs in space heating applications, due to its environmentally friendly characteristics: zero ODP and extremely low GWP, but, in order to spread its use, improvements in performances are needed. In fact, CO2 requires transcritical cycles with high expansion losses. The use of an ejector can reduce these losses and improve the performances up to 30% (depending on the performances of the ejector itself and on the operating conditions). In the a/c applications, characterized by variable operating conditions, multi-ejector systems could be used, where some ejectors work in parallel, in different combination, varying the operating conditions. Currently, a project of DTE-PCU-SPCT Department of ENEA and Industrial Engineering Department of Federico II University of Naples, is in progress, in order to evaluate experimentally the effect of several ejectors geometries on the global performance of a CO2 heat pump working with a transcritical cycle. As a part of this project, a complete heat pump system for production of hot water for sanitary use and for space heating is tested to investigate the effect of the ejector size on the balancing of the global performance of the whole system.

Modelling Approach on a Gerotor Pump Working in Cavitation Conditions

Gerotor pumps are widely used on engine hydraulic circuits. The design of these pumps is mainly focused on the study of the leakages through the rotors. Modelling or experimental techniques can be adopted during the components design and optimization phases.The study presented in this paper shows results of a research study made on a gerotor pump. The study has been approached with modeling and experimental techniques.The pump has been tested on a hydraulic bench of the University of Naples “Federico II”. Tests have allowed the complete characterization of the pump including in worst conditions like cavitation. In fact, calibrated orifices have been installed on the suction and delivery side of the pump forcing the cavitation. This research is focused on the detection of the cavitation that, as well known, is induced by the low pressure at pump suction, by the presence of air in the pumped oil, by the sloshing of the oil inside the sump and by the recent reduction of sump capability (to reduce maintenance costs).The experimentation phase has been followed by modeling; an accurate model of the pump has been built using the commercial 1D software GT-SUITE. The code developers have added new applications to replicate, with the best accuracy, the experimental data especially in cavitating conditions.The model results have been compared with the experimental data showing a good agreement.The model is able to correctly predict the pump performance including delivery flow rate, total power loss, volumetric efficiency and temperature influence.

1358P - Evaluation of burnout syndrome and personalized intervention in the medical oncology unit of the Second University of Naples (SUN)

1358P - Evaluation of burnout syndrome and personalized intervention in the medical oncology unit of the Second University of Naples (SUN)

Simple holonomic homogenization model for the non-linear static analysis of in-plane loaded masonry walls strengthened with FRCM composites

A two-step homogenization procedure for fast non-linear static analyses of FRCM (Fabric Reinforced Cementitious Matrix) composites reinforced masonry walls in-plane loaded is presented and benchmarked on a series of FRCM strengthened tuff panels experimentally tested under diagonal compression at the University of Naples, Italy. The numerical model relies into a first homogenization step where the unreinforced masonry is substituted with an equivalent homogenized non-linear orthotropic material exhibiting softening. The elementary cell is discretized by means of few triangular elastic elements (bricks) and holonomic interfaces (joints) where all the non-linearity is lumped. The standard homogenization model so obtained is characterized by either two or three unknowns under biaxial and shear stress states, respectively. The homogenized behavior of the elementary cell is thus deduced solving small scale non-linear equations systems. The second step relies into the strengthening application to the already homogenized material at a structural level. In such phase, masonry is modeled with rigid quadrilateral elements and homogenized holonomic interfaces, whereas FRCM by means of equivalent trusses with limited tensile strength and fragile behavior, connecting adjoining rigid elements. Equivalent mechanical properties of the trusses can be eventually tuned accounting for FRCM debonding or rupture of the fibers. In order to further assess the results obtained using homogenization, a 3D large scale heterogeneous micro-modeling strategy is used to reproduce experimental results. Pros and cons of the two approaches are discussed with respect to their reliability in fitting experimental force-displacement curves and crack patterns, as well as to the rather different computational effort required by the two strategies.

N11 - Evaluation of burnout syndrome and personalized intervention in the medical oncology unit of second university of naples (sun)

N11 - Evaluation of burnout syndrome and personalized intervention in the medical oncology unit of second university of naples (sun)

Paestum dietary habits during the Imperial period: archaeological records and stable isotope measurement

<p class="Abstract"><span lang="EN-US">In historical contexts, analyses of carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes can be useful to answer different question on dietary behavior and to crosscheck information, drawn from texts and classical archaeological investigations. In this study the Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS) facility installed at the IRMS-SUN Laboratory of the Second University of Naples is presented. Moreover, results coming from application of stable isotope analyses to bone collagen extracted from human remains of the necropolis of “Porta Sirena” in Paestum will be discussed. </span><span lang="EN-US">Finally, a combined analyses of archaeological and historical record and stable isotope measurements permits to expand our knowledge on diet in Roman Paestum.</span></p>

A simplified computational fluid-dynamic approach to the oxidizer injector design in hybrid rockets

Fuel regression rate in hybrid rockets is non-negligibly affected by the oxidizer injection pattern. In this paper a simplified computational approach developed in an attempt to optimize the oxidizer injector design is discussed. Numerical simulations of the thermo-fluid-dynamic field in a hybrid rocket are carried out, with a commercial solver, to investigate into several injection configurations with the aim of increasing the fuel regression rate and minimizing the consumption unevenness, but still favoring the establishment of flow recirculation at the motor head end, which is generated with an axial nozzle injector and has been demonstrated to promote combustion stability, and both larger efficiency and regression rate. All the computations have been performed on the configuration of a lab-scale hybrid rocket motor available at the propulsion laboratory of the University of Naples with typical operating conditions.After a preliminary comparison between the two baseline limiting cases of an axial subsonic nozzle injector and a uniform injection through the prechamber, a parametric analysis has been carried out by varying the oxidizer jet flow divergence angle, as well as the grain port diameter and the oxidizer mass flux to study the effect of the flow divergence on heat transfer distribution over the fuel surface. Some experimental firing test data are presented, and, under the hypothesis that fuel regression rate and surface heat flux are proportional, the measured fuel consumption axial profiles are compared with the predicted surface heat flux showing fairly good agreement, which allowed validating the employed design approach. Finally an optimized injector design is proposed.

Surgery or Rehabilitation: A Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing the Treatment of Vocal Fold Polyps via Phonosurgery and Traditional Voice Therapy with “Voice Therapy Expulsion” Training

Phonomicrosurgery is generally considered to be the treatment of choice for removing vocal fold polyps. However, specific techniques of voice therapy may represent, in selected cases and under certain conditions, a noninvasive therapeutic option for the treatment of such laryngeal lesions. The aim of the present study is to longitudinally assess, in terms of clinical outcomes and quality of life, two groups of patients with cordal polyps, treated either with standard surgery plus standard voice therapy or with a specific training of voice therapy alone, which we have called "Voice Therapy Expulsion." This study is a randomized controlled trial. A total of 150 patients with vocal fold polyps were randomly assigned to either standard surgery or "voice therapy expulsion" protocol. The trial was carried out at the Division of Phoniatrics and Audiology of the Second University of Naples and at the Division of Communication Disorders of Local Health Unit (3 Naples South) from January 2010 to December 2013. A thorough phoniatric evaluation, including laryngostroboscopy, acoustic voice analysis, global grade of dysphonia, instability, roughness, breathiness, asthenia, and strain scale, Voice Handicap Index, and Voice-Related Quality of Life, was performed by using standardized tools, at baseline, at the end of the treatment, and up to 1 year after treatment. We found no significant differences between the two experimental groups in terms of clinical outcomes and personal satisfaction. However, "Voice Therapy Expulsion" was associated with higher scores for quality of life at endpoint evaluation. Besides phonosurgery, this specific "Voice Therapy Expulsion" technique should be considered as a valid, noninvasive, and well-tolerated therapeutic option for the treatment of selected patients with vocal fold polyps.

Continuing Medical Education Activity in Echocardiography August 2016.

EchocardiographyVolume 33, Issue 8 p. 1143-1143 CME Introduction Continuing Medical Education Activity in Echocardiography August 2016 CME Editors: Antonello D'Andrea M.D., Ph.D., Antonello D'Andrea M.D., Ph.D. Cardiology, Monaldi Hospital-AORN Ospedali dei Colli, Second University of Naples, Naples, ItalySearch for more papers by this authorFrancesca Martone M.D., Francesca Martone M.D. Cardiology, Monaldi Hospital-AORN Ospedali dei Colli, Second University of Naples, Naples, ItalySearch for more papers by this authorBiagio Liccardo M.D., Ph.D., Biagio Liccardo M.D., Ph.D. Cardiology, Monaldi Hospital-AORN Ospedali dei Colli, Second University of Naples, Naples, ItalySearch for more papers by this authorMariano Mazza M.D., Mariano Mazza M.D. Division of Pneumology, Monaldi Hospital-AORN Ospedali dei Colli, Second University of Naples, Naples, ItalySearch for more papers by this authorAnna Annunziata M.D., Anna Annunziata M.D. Division of Pneumology, Monaldi Hospital-AORN Ospedali dei Colli, Second University of Naples, Naples, ItalySearch for more papers by this authorEnza Di Palma M.D., Enza Di Palma M.D. Cardiology, Monaldi Hospital-AORN Ospedali dei Colli, Second University of Naples, Naples, ItalySearch for more papers by this authorMarianna Conte M.D., Marianna Conte M.D. Cardiology, Monaldi Hospital-AORN Ospedali dei Colli, Second University of Naples, Naples, ItalySearch for more papers by this authorCesare Sirignano M.D., Cesare Sirignano M.D. Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging (IBB) of the Italian National Research Council, Naples, ItalySearch for more papers by this authorMichele D'Alto M.D., Michele D'Alto M.D. Cardiology, Monaldi Hospital-AORN Ospedali dei Colli, Second University of Naples, Naples, ItalySearch for more papers by this authorNicolino Esposito M.D., Nicolino Esposito M.D. Division of Cardiology, Evangelic Hospital Villa Betania, Naples, ItalySearch for more papers by this authorGiuseppe Fiorentino M.D., Giuseppe Fiorentino M.D. Division of Pneumology, Monaldi Hospital-AORN Ospedali dei Colli, Second University of Naples, Naples, ItalySearch for more papers by this authorMaria Giovanna Russo M.D., Maria Giovanna Russo M.D. Cardiology, Monaldi Hospital-AORN Ospedali dei Colli, Second University of Naples, Naples, ItalySearch for more papers by this authorEduardo Bossone M.D., Ph.D., Eduardo Bossone M.D., Ph.D. Department of Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d'Aragona, Salerno, ItalySearch for more papers by this authorRaffaele Calabrò M.D., Raffaele Calabrò M.D. Cardiology, Monaldi Hospital-AORN Ospedali dei Colli, Second University of Naples, Naples, ItalySearch for more papers by this author CME Editors: Antonello D'Andrea M.D., Ph.D., Antonello D'Andrea M.D., Ph.D. Cardiology, Monaldi Hospital-AORN Ospedali dei Colli, Second University of Naples, Naples, ItalySearch for more papers by this authorFrancesca Martone M.D., Francesca Martone M.D. Cardiology, Monaldi Hospital-AORN Ospedali dei Colli, Second University of Naples, Naples, ItalySearch for more papers by this authorBiagio Liccardo M.D., Ph.D., Biagio Liccardo M.D., Ph.D. Cardiology, Monaldi Hospital-AORN Ospedali dei Colli, Second University of Naples, Naples, ItalySearch for more papers by this authorMariano Mazza M.D., Mariano Mazza M.D. Division of Pneumology, Monaldi Hospital-AORN Ospedali dei Colli, Second University of Naples, Naples, ItalySearch for more papers by this authorAnna Annunziata M.D., Anna Annunziata M.D. Division of Pneumology, Monaldi Hospital-AORN Ospedali dei Colli, Second University of Naples, Naples, ItalySearch for more papers by this authorEnza Di Palma M.D., Enza Di Palma M.D. Cardiology, Monaldi Hospital-AORN Ospedali dei Colli, Second University of Naples, Naples, ItalySearch for more papers by this authorMarianna Conte M.D., Marianna Conte M.D. Cardiology, Monaldi Hospital-AORN Ospedali dei Colli, Second University of Naples, Naples, ItalySearch for more papers by this authorCesare Sirignano M.D., Cesare Sirignano M.D. Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging (IBB) of the Italian National Research Council, Naples, ItalySearch for more papers by this authorMichele D'Alto M.D., Michele D'Alto M.D. Cardiology, Monaldi Hospital-AORN Ospedali dei Colli, Second University of Naples, Naples, ItalySearch for more papers by this authorNicolino Esposito M.D., Nicolino Esposito M.D. Division of Cardiology, Evangelic Hospital Villa Betania, Naples, ItalySearch for more papers by this authorGiuseppe Fiorentino M.D., Giuseppe Fiorentino M.D. Division of Pneumology, Monaldi Hospital-AORN Ospedali dei Colli, Second University of Naples, Naples, ItalySearch for more papers by this authorMaria Giovanna Russo M.D., Maria Giovanna Russo M.D. Cardiology, Monaldi Hospital-AORN Ospedali dei Colli, Second University of Naples, Naples, ItalySearch for more papers by this authorEduardo Bossone M.D., Ph.D., Eduardo Bossone M.D., Ph.D. Department of Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d'Aragona, Salerno, ItalySearch for more papers by this authorRaffaele Calabrò M.D., Raffaele Calabrò M.D. Cardiology, Monaldi Hospital-AORN Ospedali dei Colli, Second University of Naples, Naples, ItalySearch for more papers by this author First published: 23 August 2016 https://doi.org/10.1111/echo.13321Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume33, Issue8August 2016Pages 1143-1143 RelatedInformation

Experimental investigation of seismic behaviour of low dissipative CFS strap-braced stud walls

The adoption of a constructive system in seismic area is related to the clarity and direct applicability of the reference technical code. The use of Cold-Formed Steel (CFS) products for structural applications in seismic area has not been properly contextualized in the current European technical standard. In order to bridge this gap, many national and international companies are promoting experimental activities with the main aim of investigating and interpreting the seismic behaviour of these systems. In this framework, an important collaboration between the University of Naples “Federico II” and the Lamieredil S.p.A. company started in the last years. In particular, the research activity involves the experimental characterization of the seismic response of strap-braced CFS walls by means of monotonic and cyclic tests on full-scale prototypes. Furthermore, in order to evaluate the influence of the main structural components on the global response, the experimental campaign is completed with tests on materials and main connection systems.

High EZH2 expression is correlated to metastatic disease in pediatric soft tissue sarcomas.

BackgroundEnhancer of Zeste Drosophila Homologue 2 (EZH2) is a key regulator of transcription as a member of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) which exerts repression of downstream genes and is correlated to invasiveness and progression of different tumours. Therefore, we evaluated the expression of PRC2 proteins in pediatric soft tissue sarcoma (rhabdomyosarcoma, RMS and extraosseous Ewing sarcoma, EES) correlating them to the clinical outcome of the patients.MethodsWe analyzed PRC2 protein expression by quantitative real time PCR, western blotting and immunohistochemistry in 17 soft tissue sarcomas (11 RMS and 6 EES) enrolled at Paediatric Oncology Units of the Second University of Naples. Expression analysis was performed for EZH2, SUZ12 and EED.ResultsEnhancer of Zeste Drosophila Homologue 2 was expressed with a different degree in 60 % of samples. Interestingly, the magnitude of EZH2 up regulation was significantly higher in patients presenting lymph node and/or distant metastases at the diagnosis. Moreover, patients overexpressing EZH2 had a lower probability of survival compared to patients negative or with low EZH2 expression.ConclusionsOur study suggests that high EZH2 expression is associated to increased aggressiveness of the disease. Therefore, drugs that control its activity could be potentially used in the epigenetic target treatment of tumors with these alterations.

A New Modified Evans Blue Dye Test as Screening Test for Aspiration in Tracheostomized Patients

The authors assessed the diagnostic accuracy of a new modified Evans blue dye test (MEBDT) as a screening test for aspiration in tracheostomized patients. Monocentric retrospective study performed between October 2013 and December 2015. Anesthesia and Intensive Care Unit, Second University of Naples. Among 62 eligible patients, 5 were excluded. The authors' study population included 57 patients. Patients underwent both fiberoptic endoscopic examination of the swallow (FEES) and MEBDT to evaluate swallow. The MEBDT results were compared with those of FEES and the diagnostic accuracy of MEBDT was calculated using the FEES as the gold standard. The authors found that both FEES and MEBDT were positive for aspiration in 40 patients (true-positive MEBDT); FEES and MEBDT were negative in 10 (true-negative MEBDT). On the other hand, FEES was positive with an MEBDT negative in 7 patients (false-negative MEBDT), and there were no FEES negative and MEBDT positive (false-positive MEBDT). MEBDT had a sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predicted value of 85%, 100%, 100%, and 58.82%, respectively. MEBDT could be a supplementary diagnostic test for aspiration. Patients with positive MEBDT should not undergo oral feeding, while patients with negative MEBDT should undergo FEES before starting oral feeding.

CB2-63 polymorphism and immune-mediated diseases associated with HCV chronic infection

AimsTo evaluate whether CB2 variants are associated with the presence of immune-mediated disorders (IMDs) in patients with chronic HCV infection. MethodsOne hundred and sixty-eight anti-HCV/HCV-RNA-positive patients were enrolled, 81 with signs of IMDs and 87 without. In the IMDs group, 22 (27.2%) showed ANA positivity (titers ≥1:160), 3 (3.7%) SMA positivity (titers ≥1:160), 24 (29.6%) had cryoglobulinemia, 25 (30.9%) autoimmune thyroiditis, 4 (4.9%) psoriasis, 2 (2.5%) B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma and 1 (1.2%) autoimmune hemolytic anemia. All patients were screened for the CNR2 rs35761398 single nucleotide polymorphism using a TaqMan Assay. ResultsCompared with the 87 patients without IMDs, the 81 with IMDs were more frequently females (65% vs. 45%, p=0.01), but no significant difference was found in the initial demographic, epidemiological, serological, biochemical or virological data. Instead, the prevalence of patients with the CB2-63 RR variant was significantly higher in the IMD than in the non-IMD group (49.4% vs. 24.1%, p=0.001). A logistic regression analysis including the CB2-63 receptor (RR vs. QR or QQ), age and sex identified the CB2-63 RR as the only independent predictor of IMDs (p=0.005). ConclusionsThe data suggest a significant, previously unknown, independent association between the CB2-63 RR variant and IMDs in anti-HCV-positive patients.The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria of the Second University of Naples (n° 214/2012).

Master in “Clinical Bioethics Consultation”: an Italian training program for Clinical Ethics Consultants

A Second level Master in “Clinical Bioethics Consultation” has been organized in Italy to offer an opportunity to offer an adequate training to carry out an ethics consultation in different health fields. The master has been promoted and realized by different institutions: Catholic University of Sacred Hearth in Rome, Insubria University in Varese, “Federico II” University in Naples, Lanza Foundation in Padua and the Local Health and Social Care Unit n.7 (ULSS) in Veneto Region. The aim of the master is train ethics consultants to offer help regarding a correct decision, which will take by others. The choice must be as much as possible shared between patient, family and health care team. Ethics consultation can be primarily request by the physicians, nurses and health care staff such as support about a choice that wants to be the most appropriate and to clarify a dilemma between different options. Secondly an ethics consultation can be demand by the patient and the family members to find a clarification about their dilemmas and future choices. Also the administrative staff could ask the consultation, when it need to better explain ad example about a specific clinical case or a question concerned the health policy.

Real and Illusory Architectures in the Pompeian Frescoes

This paper shows the results of a series of graphical experiments conducted as part of a PRIN research project on the ancient architectural perspectives in Campania. The study was undertaken by the Universities of Salerno and Naples. Critically studying the origin, the development and the magnification of the perspective, we try to emphasize the power of this method, that alludes to the space’s three-dimensionality. Particularly, the paper is focused on the frescoes of the Poppaea’s villa, in Oplontis: through rigorous photogrammetric procedures of reverse modelling, which reconstruct their not real architectures, it is possible to clarify the project of illusion, implemented by these paintings. The analysis of its frescoes’ perspective illusions, allows us to reconstruct there presented architectures and the virtual space that they conform. Then, the use of advanced technologies allows to create an unusual visual experience which, linking the real space and the drawn one, shows the influences between painted and built space.

Pathways to care and duration of untreated psychosis in patients with a first episode of psychosis in Italy

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to examine the pathways to care and the duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) in first-episode psychosis patients in Italy. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of patients were collected using an ad-hoc schedule. Pathways to care of patients were evaluated by the Nottingham Onset Schedule, administered to patients, key-relatives and key-workers. Forty patients from the Department of Psychiatry of University of Naples were recruited. Mean duration of untreated illness (DUI) was 135.9±145.9 weeks, main DUP was 27.4±26.7 weeks. First help-seeking contact, often mediated by close relatives, took place after 21.6±43.8 weeks from symptoms onset and was with general practitioners, neurologists or psychologists. Only 25% immediately referred to psychiatrists. Patients had 1.8±0.8 contacts with non-psychiatric medical professionals before referring to the mental health service, and the mean time between first contact and adequate psychiatric treatments (referral delay) was 26.6±6...

Children with developmental dyslexia showed greater sleep disturbances than controls, including problems initiating and maintaining sleep.

Although there have been frequent clinical reports about sleep disturbances in children with learning disabilities, no data are available about the prevalence of sleep disturbances in children with developmental dyslexia (DD). This study evaluated sleep disturbances in children with DD referred to a hospital clinic and compared their scores with healthy controls. We consecutively enrolled 147 children (66% male) aged 10.26 ± 2.63 years who were referred by clinical paediatricians to the Clinic for Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry at the Second University of Naples with DD and 766 children without DD (60% male) aged 10.49 ± 2.39 years recruited from schools in the same urban area. Sleep disturbances were assessed with the Sleep Disturbances Scale for Children (SDSC), which was filled out by the children's main carers. Compared with the controls, the children with DD showed significantly higher rates of above threshold scores on the total SDSC score (p < 0.001) and on the subscales for disorders in initiating and maintaining sleep (p < 0.001), sleep breathing disorders (p < 0.001) and disorders of arousal (p < 0.001). Sleep disorders were significantly more frequent in children with DD than in healthy controls. A possible relationship between dyslexia and sleep disorders may have relevant clinical implications.

Planning in the era of Information and Communication Technologies. Discussing the “label: Smart” in South-European cities with environmental and socio-economic challenges

This paper presents lessons learnt through empirical research work developed in three metropolitan cities in South Italy aimed at exploring if and how the “Smart” framework might improve urban planning in cities with lacks in planning processes. Authors argue that organized networks of citizens (such as non-profit organizations or private associations) together with networks of institutions (such as partnerships amongst municipalities or universities) are needed in order to improve the smartness of a city; technologies are framed as opportunities and supports for more inclusive and informed decision-making processes, i.e. as a tool, rather than as a goal, for effective smartness. The paper discusses the primary findings of a Research Project conducted at the Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering (DICEA), University of Naples, titled “Smart Energy Master for the Energy Management of Territory” funded by EU.The methodology is based on the case-study method, whose sources of evidence are: quantitative indicators, archival documents, and excerpts from interviews with key stakeholders. In detail, the paper focuses on three Southern Italian cities (Reggio Calabria, Catania and Palermo), which have been clustered for similar challenges they have to face, in relation to their geographical proximity and cultural features. Findings show the twofold use of technologies for cities: on the one hand, technology may be perceived as a panacea and Smart initiatives may be isolated and episodic experiments; on the other, technologies may be critically incorporated in complex policies and initiatives aimed at regenerating urban areas holistically, and Smart initiatives may be coordinated and well-connected experiences. Authors argue that the second cases are feasible approaches for improving urban planning in challenging South-European contexts.