Institute for Research on Innovation and Services for Development

Advanced methods using stacks of multi-pass interferometric SAR data, specifically Persistent Scatterers Interferometry (PSI), have a major application in the monitoring of ground displacements. Persistent Scatterers (PS) are typically detected using statistical tests, built to control the probability of false detection. Such a strategy can however lead to information losses for the community involved in the interpretation of the measurements in the risk monitoring context. In this work we discuss an innovative detection strategy based on the use of Deep Learning. We present first results carried out on data acquired by SAR sensors of the COSMO-SkyMed constellation.

Abstract Heritage is present in everyday society and it is a resource linked to social capital, economic growth, and environmental sustainability (Bandarin and van Oers 2014). Adaptive reuse is defined as “any building work and intervention aimed at changing its capacity, function or performance to adjust, reuse or upgrade a building to suit new conditions or requirements” (Douglas 2006). In Historic Preservation: Curatorial Management of the Built World (1982), James Marston Fitch points out that the adaptive reuse of historic buildings “is more economic” not only in terms of the “conservation of the energy represented by the built environment,” but also for the “relative costs of old and new built space”. Adaptive reuse can be an effective conservation strategy allowing present and future use of abandoned heritage buildings, groups of buildings, landscapes or sites, changing and enhancing their functions and adapting the existing features to new needs (Bullen and Love 2010). However, the adaptive reuse intervention should not compromise heritage values, thus the threshold of transformation versus conservation should be carefully identified. Cultural heritage adaptive reuse is a complex activity, where multiple and often conflicting values need to be considered (CHCfE consortium 2015). Therefore, adaptive reuse should be supported by adequate multidimensional and multicriteria evaluation tools which enable to deal with multiple values and needs, also considering the diverse range of stakeholders, users and beneficiaries of the interventions This study presents the structured framework for the ex-post and ex-ante evaluation of the impacts of cultural heritage adaptive reuse practices in the perspective of the circular economy. It builds on previous analysis of more than 120 case studies of cultural heritage adaptive reuse. The aim of this chapter is to identify multidimensional evaluation tools, as criteria and indicators, according to the CLIC framework of circular adaptive reuse of cultural heritage, starting from the analysis of previous studies and ex-post evaluation of adaptive reuse practices, to structure a comprehensive operational framework for ex-ante evaluation and participatory decision-support in the perspective of circularity.

Abstract Cultural heritage is a non-reproducible cultural resource, contributing to communities’ identity and wellbeing, to be preserved for present and future generations ensuring cultural identity and diversity as human right. However, cultural heritage buildings, sites and often entire historic urban areas or villages can be subject to abandonment and degradation, if not used and maintained over time. Between diverse approaches to preserve cultural heritage (e.g. restoration, recovery, maintenance), adaptive reuse is a process of re-use of buildings and sites that have lost their original function, identifying new functions/uses, compatible with heritage values. Adaptive reuse can be a valid solution to keep cultural heritage in a proper conservation state, preserving cultural values at risk of irreversible loss due to abandonment, and ensuring access and enjoyment of heritage assets. Re-use is also considered the key process through which implementing the circular economy, not only in manufacturing industry but also in the construction industry and urban/regional development, thus the adaptive reuse of cultural heritage can represent an effective approach to realise circular cities and regions, bringing abandoned and underused historic buildings and sites to new life. However, from the point of view of conservation, adaptive reuse implies possible changes to adapt heritage to new uses, ranging from structural modifications, to technological improvements or lighter, reversible interventions. The degree of change of cultural heritage needed for implementing new uses can vary, and should be carefully assessed in a multidimensional perspective, to avoid the risk of threatening or reducing cultural value through the reuse process. Thus, appropriate evaluation methods and tools should be identified to support the decision-making process, particularly when multiple stakeholders are involved and different solutions can be proposed. The aim of this chapter is to propose an innovative methodology to assess the circularity of cultural heritage adaptive reuse best practice, and testing, at the same time, the validity of the theoretical framework discussed in the previous chapters. The evaluation of several practices on the base of suitable indicators collected through a European survey allowed to validate specific circularity criteria and definitions that can support decision-makers.

This paper delves into integrating technological and social innovations in design through a community-oriented, resilient approach, emphasizing care and sustainability. It explores resource management’s application to the local environment and education, focusing on adaptable spaces, active collaboration, and innovative solutions for environmental and social challenges. Developed within the EU Marie Curie-funded TREnD project, it combines ‘transition’ and ‘resilience-building’ processes, framing co-creation solutions and tailored innovation policies. The research group conducted theoretical and empirical research in the EU and USA, introducing a place-sensitive approach in managing transition through technological diversification. A case study in Ruston (LA, USA), Camp Alabama, exemplifies inclusive design through circular design and low-tech construction, creating adaptable pavilions for the community. Collaborating with MedCamps of Louisiana, the project designs a shared and inclusive space within budget constraints, emphasizing the pivotal role of architecture in advancing community well-being. Employing a bottom-up approach, the practice engages users, students, teachers, and local stakeholders in co-design, resulting in a people-based citadel of care. Outcomes feature high-design technological projects produced through a “low-tech” approach, allowing adaptability in urban regeneration. The 2023 project received awards, showcasing progress and the potential for replication through standardized methodology. Additional outcomes include educational benefits, training architects for societal needs, and regenerating urban areas by exploiting local resources.

In line with the IPCC's recommendations, managing the risks associated with extreme climate events requires a holistic approach covering both structural and non-structural measures for the project of climate adaptation. The former involves the implementation of green infrastructures and the integration of hybrid systems into conventional gray infrastructure through low-impact development (LID) systems and Nature-Based Solutions (NBS). The second involves the investment of economic resources in governance programs aimed at prioritizing adaptation and mitigation actions, the adoption of innovative technologies for ecosystem mapping and monitoring, and the implementation of climate risk prediction information models. NBS are sustainable technological systems capable of responding to current climate challenges by tapping into the natural capacities of ecosystems to provide regulating ecosystem services. Implementation in the urban system of NBS aims to harness and preserve the natural functions of ecosystems, providing multiple benefits such as managing weather flows, reducing the heat island effect, improving air and water quality, preserving biodiversity, and improving the quality of life and health. The integration of these types of solutions into increasingly complex urban systems requires integrated data-driven systems to support technology choices and decision-making processes to maximize their achievable benefits and co-benefits for local communities. The current challenge requires the use of enabling technologies that can identify and localize urban regeneration opportunities while reducing the risk of uncertainty and error. The goal of such an approach is to optimize processes toward practices, policies, and solutions that know how to derive the greatest benefit in terms of resilience. This approach is very common in territories affected by major environmental disasters that need a fast and effective response to climate risks. The study aims to examine the best practices stemming from the interstate “Louisiana Watershed Initiative” (LWI) to deepen the integration of NBS in climate adaptation projects. In particular, through the analysis and critical use of the "NBS Explorer "tool,  the model of "Opportunity Maps" is explored in its products "Restoration Opportunity Map" and "Preservation Opportunity Map”. The results emphasize the use of an information model based on multi-criteria assessment, which, through the overlay mapping technique, identifies the optimal areas for the implementation of NBS. Furthermore, the LWI takes a bottom-up approach through a decision-making platform that facilitates interaction between policymakers, funders, local communities, and planners. This platform, by providing data and support tools, fosters a multi-directional and synergistic dialogue between stakeholders, playing an integrative role in the decision-making process and implementation of NBS. Thanks to the involvement of different users, NBS can be selected and prioritized, taking into consideration quantifiable and comparable benefits and co-benefits in different design scenarios. The proposed approach implies that data collection is guided by a clear objective and specific knowledge needs. Data selection begins with a detailed understanding of the questions and objectives, avoiding an indiscriminate approach to information collection.The key element lies in leveraging data effectively across various phases of climate adaptation projects, enabling informed decision-making and the implementation of targeted NBS.

PurposeThe organization of services can affect the adoption of sustainable practices within the relationship between a buyer (e.g. a shipper) and a supplier (e.g. a logistics service provider–LSP). The purpose of this paper is to analyse, within this relationship, the mechanisms affecting collaboration between shippers and LSPs towards adopting green logistics practices to reduce the negative environmental effects of logistics processes. The authors take the perspective of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which represent – although less investigated than large enterprises – a relevant field of investigation given their impact on the environmental sustainability of logistics processes.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted a multiple case-study investigation on a set of dyads involving shippers and LSPs. The authors explored the antecedents shaping the approach to sustainability in logistics and, adopting the absorptive capacity (AC) theory, the learning and knowledge transfer processes leading to the adoption of green practices.FindingsCollaboration between shippers and LSPs for better sustainability in logistics seems not to work when relationships are limited to simple annual (or pluriannual) contracts, and when shippers do not show ambition to improve the level of sustainability of their logistics processes (regardless of whether they show an interest in general sustainability matters). On the other hand, successful cases show higher commitment in the dyadic relationship with respect to improving logistics sustainability, good levels of communication and a more structured process of knowledge sharing, enabled by IT integration, shared performance monitoring, and creation of inter-organizational teams.Originality/valueWhile most of the existing research focuses on the perspective of shippers or LSPs, this work is original since it explores collaborative mechanisms within a buyer-supplier relationship simultaneously taking the perspective of both parties, according to the lens of the AC. It identifies directions for improving collaboration within the shipper-LSP relationship in the context of SMEs to foster the adoption of collaborative green logistics practices to impact sustainability positively.

In this work, we show a narrative review conserning instruments to measure the quality of Life in Health Care from a patients point of view. In particular, we pay attention on the construction of questionnaire and on the choice of the areas/settings (physical, emotional, social, functional, economical,...).