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Occupant behavior is among the main causes for the mismatch between simulated and in-use energy performance of buildings. One of the strategies considered capable of reducing user's behavior induced energy consumption, while increasing indoor environmental quality is the application of Building Automation and Control Systems (BACS). In this study, three building user's profiles have been considered depending on their energy consumption. The energy savings due to BACS class increase have been calculated, and a cost–benefit analysis (CBA) has been performed to evaluate the feasibility of different scenarios. Additional co-benefits perceived by the individuals have been accounted for in the form of willingness-to-pay (WTP). The methodology is applied to two case studies: a nearly zero-energy building (NZEB) rural single-family house and a recently renovated dwelling in an apartment block. The results show that the main reductions are achieved by the users' behavior alone, and the adoption of BACS is economically feasible only when an incentive program is in place, and the WTP is repeated as a recurrent co-benefit over the years. In particular, relying only on energy reduction due to higher BACS class introduction is not economically desirable. The greatest savings are achieved by the behavioral change of the user when coupled with BACS, supporting their potential role in improving user's energy literacy. Finally, incentive schemes are necessary to reduce the investment costs of such projects, being these the most influential variables in the feasibility of BACS applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The role of restaging before salvage radiotherapy (sRT) for prostate cancer is still controversial. The aim of the present retrospective study was to investigate the predictive value of dynamic contrast-enhanced-magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) findings, including the volume and the subsite of the presumed local failure. We found that DCE-MRI at restaging for biochemical failure after radical prostatectomy seems to provide both predictive and therapeutic information. Patients with small lesions at the vesico-urethral anastomosis have an excellent prognosis after sRT. Background: To investigate the predictive role of dynamic contrast-enhanced-magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) findings before salvage radiotherapy after radical prostatectomy (RP). Methods: This retrospective study selected patients with biochemical failure (BF) after RP restaged with DCE-MRI. Patients underwent sRT in 30 fractions delivering 66–69 Gy and 73.5 Gy to the prostatic fossa and to the local failure as per DCE-MRI, respectively. Pelvic nodes were treated to 54 Gy in selected patients. The endpoint was BF after sRT. Results: In total, 236 patients were analyzed and 146 (61.9%) had presumed local failure at DCE-MRI: 54.8%, 23.8% and 21.4% were found at the vesico-urethral anastomosis (VUA), the bladder neck and the retro-vesical space, respectively. The presence of a local failure at DCE-MRI halved the risk of BF; VUA-only location and lesion volume were independently correlated with survival without evidence of biochemical failure (bNED) at multivariable analysis. For patients with VUA-only disease up to 0.4 cc, the 4-year-bNED was 94.6% (95%CI: 80.2–98.6%) as opposed to 80.9% (95%CI: 71.6–87.4%) and 73.7% (95%CI: 63.1–81.8%) for other lesions and no macrodisease, respectively. Conclusions: DCE-MRI at restaging for BF after RP provides predictive and therapeutic information. Patients with small lesions at the VUA have an excellent prognosis after sRT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of radiotherapy (RT) on immune cell status in prostate cancer (PCa) is only partially determined. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of different RT strategies on peripheral B, T, and Natural killer (NK) lymphocytes at precise longitudinal time-points in PCa. 18 patients treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) (40 Gy/3FRX), definitive moderate-hypofractionation (62 Gy/20FRX), or post-operative conventional-fractionation RT (66–69 Gy/30FRX) were prospectively evaluated for the immune cell profile in terms of immune cell composition, differentiation stage, cytokine production and inhibitory receptor (IR) expression. The immune-monitoring of the 18 patients revealed that RT affects the balance of systemic immune cells, with the main differences observed between SBRT and conventionally fractionated RT. SBRT favorably impacts immune response in term of increased B cells, central-memory and effector-memory CD8+ T cells, along with decreased Treg cells after treatment. On the contrary, conventional fractionated RT had a long-term negative effect on the systemic immune profile, including a decrease of total lymphocyte counts accompanied by an increase of neutrophils-to-lymphocytes ratio. Total B and T cells decreased and Treg-to-CD8+ ratio increased. Functionality of T lymphocytes were not affected by any of the 3-fractionation schedules. Interestingly, SBRT significantly up-regulates the expression of V-domain immunoglobulin suppressor of T-cell activation (VISTA) in CD8+ T cells in the absence of other IRs. Our results indicate the relevance of systematic immunomonitoring during RT to identify novel immune-related target to design trials of combined radio-immunotherapy as a promising strategy in the clinical management of PCa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The role of different radiotherapy fractionation on immune cells is yet to be determined. Monitoring immune cells and understanding their quantity and quality changes during and after radiotherapy could have relevant implications on the development of novel therapeutic strategies. The aim of our review was to analyze the evidence of the literature regarding radiation-induced changes in immune cells in patients undergoing stereotactic body radiation therapy or hypofractionated radiation therapy and assess their potential impact on future combined systemic therapies. Preliminary studies seem to confirm a strong modification of the tumor immune environment and peripheral immune cell landscape after hypofractionated and stereotactic regimens. We investigated how hypofractionated radiotherapy (HFRT) and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) may impact immune cells in different type of tumors. A systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases were searched. Overall, 11 studies met the inclusion criteria and were eligible for the present analysis. Both HFRT and SBRT have different impact on lymphocyte subpopulations, confirming their immunomodulatory effect which may have a crucial role in future combined treatment with new emergent therapies such as immunotherapy. Further studies are needed to shed more light on this emerging topic to ultimately improve patient care, treatment and clinical benefits for cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tourism may be an important leverage for local development. At the same time, it may trigger unwanted effects, ranging from the congestion of services and infrastructures to the progressive deterioration of the assets that they plan to valorise. The article sheds light on this tension, discussing the multiple implications that increasing tourism fluxes generate in the vineyard landscape of Langhe-Roero and Monferrato, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2014. The case study highlights the need to coordinate and enhance coherence among the existing planning and management instruments, towards the consolidation of a multi-level integrated territorial governance framework aimed at the sustainable spatial planning of tourism in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myeloid cells, including parenchymal microglia, perivascular and meningeal macrophages, and dendritic cells (DCs), are present in the central nervous system (CNS) and establish an intricate relationship with other cells, playing a crucial role both in health and in neurological diseases. In this context, DCs are critical to orchestrating the immune response linking the innate and adaptive immune systems. Under steady-state conditions, DCs patrol the CNS, sampling their local environment and acting as sentinels. During neuroinflammation, the resulting activation of DCs is a critical step that drives the inflammatory response or the resolution of inflammation with the participation of different cell types of the immune system (macrophages, mast cells, T and B lymphocytes), resident cells of the CNS and soluble factors. Although the importance of DCs is clearly recognized, their exact function in CNS disease is still debated. In this review, we will discuss modern concepts of DC biology in steady-state and during autoimmune neuroinflammation. Here, we will also address some key aspects involving DCs in CNS patrolling, highlighting the neuroprotective nature of DCs and emphasizing their therapeutic potential for the treatment of neurological conditions. Recently, inhibition of the NAD+-dependent deac(et)ylase sirtuin 6 was demonstrated to delay the onset of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, by dampening DC trafficking towards inflamed LNs. Thus, a special focus will be dedicated to sirtuins' role in DCs functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiotherapy is an emerging treatment strategy for nodal oligorecurrent prostate cancer (PCa) patients. However, large heterogeneities exist in the RT regimens used, with series reporting the use of elective nodal radiotherapy (ENRT) strategies and others the delivery of focal treatments to the relapsing nodes with Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT). In this systematic review of the literature we compared the oncological outcomes and toxicity of the different RT regimens for nodal oligorecurrent PCa patients, with the aim of defining the optimal RT target volume in this setting. We performed a systemic search on the Pubmed database to identify articles reporting on the use of ENRT or SBRT for oligometastatic PCa with nodal recurrence. Twenty-two articles were analyzed, including four prospective phase II trials (3 with SBRT and 1 with ENRT). Focal SBRT, delivered with an involved node, involved site, and involved field modality, was the most commonly used strategy with 2-year progression-free survival (PFS) rates ranging from 16 to 58% and a very low toxicity profile. Improved PFS rates were observed with ENRT strategies (52–80% at 3 years) compared to focal SBRT, despite a slightly higher toxicity rate. One ongoing randomized phase II trial is comparing both modalities in patients with nodal oligorecurrent PCa. With a large variability in patterns of practice, the optimal RT strategy remains to be determined in the setting of nodal oligorecurrent PCa. Ongoing randomized trials and advances in translational research will help to shed light on the best management for these patients.. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An integrated evaluation model is proposed to assess an environmental system. • A set of indicators investigates the relations between landscape ecology and landscape economics. • A mathematical model evaluates the environmental system in term of states of ecological equilibrium. • The model enables to identify the most valuable and the most critical areas in ecological and economic terms. • The research provides a reliable support for the decision-making process The increasing attention on environmental problems is stimulating the development of integrated evaluation approaches to territorial transformations, where different facets have to be considered. The present paper focuses on the development of a novel integrated evaluation model for measuring the ecological states and the economic values of an environmental system employing both a system of indicators and a mathematical model of Lotka-Volterra. This integrated evaluation model aims at investigating the relations between the landscape ecology and economics, and at simulating possible and future transformation scenarios for the landscape planning and management. As case study, we consider an environmental system located in Piedmont (Italy), in the Monferrato Ovadese area. The present paper proposes a suitable support for local governments to visualize outcomes and possible future scenarios, aiding the decision-making process in the definition of territorial transformation policies and actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The joint revealed and stated preferences model assesses the users' preferences in terms of urban parks. • The discrete choice experiment (DCE) collects data about new park features. • The travel cost method (TCM) examines the correlation between the new park and the existing green areas. • The results guide the choice of decision-makers about the functions to be located. • The integrated approach contributes to determine sustainable urban or peri‑urban park strategies. Inclusive and participatory decision-making is a sustainable option for governments and decision-makers to support real transformation and planning of policies and actions. Investigating and gathering the various views and opinions of stakeholders and citizens is particularly effective because it opens up a range of possibilities in co-constructing the city of the future. Among urban areas requiring planning, Urban Green Infrastructures (UGIs) represent spaces designed to improve the character of neighborhoods, as well as to increase the well-being of users. To achieve these goals, planners should adopt a design approach in which UGIs projects are shaped by local community concerns rather than by market conventions in urban design. Focusing on green recreational areas, this study employs an integrated approach combining Revealed (RP) and Stated Preferences (SP) to investigate citizens' preferences regarding urban parks. In particular, the experiment combines Travel Cost Method (TCM) and Discrete Choice Experiment (DCE) for supporting a requalification project in an ex-industrial area of Turin (Italy). In this way, it was possible to understand which facilities can contribute to increasing the citizens' well-being and the overall efficiency of the UGIs provision and maintenance. The proposed methodology represents an operational and replicable procedure to support different renewal projects in which citizens' opinions are crucial for developing long-term sustainable socio-ecological plans and actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Household mobility dynamics are a complex phenomenon due to the multi-faceted human-environment interactions involved. These dynamics are affected by a variety of variables, spanning economic, structural, political and environmental. With respect to this latter aspect, much research has explored the relationship between the development of urban green areas, the increase of price and the formation of gentrification. Within this context, the present work explores housing mobility and gentrification dynamics proposing a mixed-method approach that combines a spatially explicit agent-based model (ABM), a Multicriteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) and a Hedonic Price (HP). The case study of the transformation project of Victoria Park in Brisbane (Australia) is used to verify the applicability of this integrated approach. In the methodological framework proposed, the ABM simulates the housing mobility of the residents through an individual decision-making process, where the likelihood of mobility is based on various empirical endogenous factors (i.e., household socio-economic characteristics) and exogenous ones (i.e., market variation). The MCDA supports the identification of the relative importance of these factors using a panel of local experts and stakeholders. The Spatial HP explores the impact of urban parks on real estate prices. The current study found the abilities of MCDA and HP to reduce the assumptions of ABM by generating quali-quantitative information of citizens' behaviors and estimating price increase. Moreover, the model highlights the importance of considering both supply and demand sides when analyzing gentrification. The specific results of the case study show the influence of the park in the formation of green gentrification. • A flexible and replicable scheme is proposed to analyze gentrification. • The mixed method combines agent-based model (ABM) and multicriteria analysis. • The MCDA provides quanti-qualitative data from the stakeholders as inputs in the ABM. • The bottom-up approach simulates the supply and demand of the real estate market. • The model can be used for hypothesis-testing and scenario-evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we deal with an urban and territorial planning problem by applying the Non Additive Robust Ordinal Regression (NAROR). NAROR is a recent extension of the Robust Ordinal Regression family of Multiple Criteria Decision Aiding methods to the Choquet integral preference model which permits to represent interaction between considered criteria through the use of a set of non-additive weights called capacity or fuzzy measure. The use of NAROR permits the Decision Maker (DM) to give preference information in terms of preferences between pairs of alternatives with which she is familiar, and relative importance and interaction of considered criteria. The basic idea of NAROR is to consider the whole set of capacities that are compatible with the preference information given by the DM. In fact, the recommendation supplied by NAROR is expressed in terms of necessary preferences, in case an alternative is preferred to another for all compatible capacities, and of possible preferences, in case an alternative is preferred to another for at least one compatible capacity. In the considered case study, several sites for the location of a landfill are analyzed and compared through the use of the NAROR on the basis of different criteria, such as presence of population, hydrogeological risk, interferences on transport infrastructures and economic cost. This paper is the first application of NAROR to a real-world problem, even if not already with real DMs, but with a panel of experts simulating the decision process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When dealing with cultural built heritage, the enhancement strategies are generally rooted on the history and based on the embedded values of cultural goods themselves, rather than on the multiplicity of their tangible and intangible values. Furthermore, the current state of the art in cultural heritage management lacks of an appropriate legislation and adequate instruments to be used by decision makers in order to achieve a holistic vision of the problem. Traditionally, decisions are made just by allocating resources case by case and by adopting policies based on simplifications of reality. In addition to dissipation of resources and unsuccessful results, this approach highlights the need of using an evaluative framework starting from the early stages of the decision-making processes. In the above perspective, the paper explores the use of multicriteria-spatial decision support systems (MC-SDSS) in order to define enhancement strategies for cultural built heritage. The integration among different evaluation methodologies (SWOT analysis and analytic network process) and tools with spatial analysis strengthens the explorative role of this kind of approaches. In this research the MC-SDSS has been applied to a system of thirteen castles in a mountainous region in the North of Italy. The study has been carried out with a special attention to the mutual relationship among this system of goods and the surroundings, according to a multidimensional structure of analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reuse of historical buildings can be seen as a complex decision problem because of the presence of different objectives to be pursued, the public/private nature of the goods under investigation, the existence of several values (historical, artistic, cultural, economic, etc.), the presence of different actors (public government representatives, architects, architectural historians, developers and owners). In decision problems related to the reuse of historical assets conflicts can arise and the availability of analytical frameworks able to support the process is getting more and more important. It has been generally agreed that Multicriteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) can offer a formal methodology to deal with such decision problems, taking into account the available technical information and stakeholders’ values. This paper considers the problem of sustainability assessment in cultural heritage projects using the Multi-Attribute Value Theory (MAVT) approach, which is a particular kind of MCDA technique. Starting from a real case concerning the reuse of historical buildings in the metropolitan area of Torino (Italy), the paper aims at exploring the contribution of MAVT for decision problems in the field of cultural heritage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• System Dynamics Model (SDM) for urban resilience assessment. • Multi-dimensional and comprehensive evaluation framework. • Literature review of SDM application in urban studies and urban resilience assessment. • Defining and describing urban elements through mathematical formulas. The global ambition of making cities resilient is leading to growing attention towards evaluation frameworks that can assess and communicate the performance of cities in terms of resilience. This perspective requires appropriate approaches and tools which consider complexity, multidimensionality and dynamic behaviour of urban resilience over time. In this context, the System Dynamics Model (SDM) is a suitable tool to analyse and evaluate urban resilience as part of its main characteristics. This paper firstly provides a literature review on the application of SDM in the field of urban resilience assessment in order to underline both the strengths and the weaknesses that characterise the implementations currently available in the literature. Secondly, the article proposes a methodological framework to build a comprehensive multidimensional SDM to assess urban resilience. The final part of the paper provides a specific literature review that collects in a single framework the existing applications of SDM that analyse and model urban resilience issues related to economic, social, environmental and infrastructure dimensions of urban systems. This review is helpful to understand how different urban elements can be characterised and described through mathematical equations. Thus, it provides a basis for a multidimensional SDM to assess urban resilience and identify the mutual interdependences among the considered urban variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Multicriteria analyses (MCAs) are used to make comparative assessments of alternative projects or heterogeneous measures and allow several criteria to be taken into account simultaneously in a complex situation. The paper shows the application of different MCA techniques to a real decision problem concerning the choice of the most sustainable wastewater treatment (WWT) technology, namely Anaerobic digestion, Phytoremediation and Composting, for small cheese factories. Particularly, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and its recent implementation, the Analytic Network Process (ANP), have been considered for prioritizing the different technologies. The models enable all the elements of the decision process to be considered, namely environmental aspects, technological factors and economic costs, and to compare them to find the best alternative. The AHP and ANP techniques are applied through specific software packages with user-friendly interfaces called Expertchoice and Superdecision, respectively. A comparison of the merits obtained from the different models shows that Phytoremediation results as the most sustainable WWT technology for small cheese factories and that the use of the ANP method, which allows more sophisticated analysis to be made, succeeds in offering better results. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Analytic Network Process is a multi-criteria measurement theory that is used to derive relative priority scales of absolute numbers from individual judgements. The Analytic Network Process offers a general framework to deal with complex decisions, which provides a comparison of the different options. The paper shows the application of the Analytic Network Process to support the decision-making process related to the choice of different transport scenarios in the town of Venaria Reale, Northern Italy. In particular, considering the necessity of improving the connections between the city of Torino and the town of Venaria, the need for new infrastructures emerges. In this sense, it is necessary to investigate different project solutions, taking into account the problems related to sustainable mobility and the impacts on the urban structure that will, from necessity, be changed to a great extent. The paper illustrates the work that has been done in order to make the decision makers able to consider the different aspects of the problem simultaneously, to identify the key questions and to prioritize them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A risk analysis interface is developed to assess unmovable cultural heritage. • It includes the asset risk evaluation cards, factsheets, and multicriteria model. • The results are integrated to obtain a risk index for fire, earthquake, and flood. • A comparative assessment of two unmovable cultural assets is performed. • The interface can support the implementation of actions pre and post-events. The present article illustrates the application of the Risk Analysis Interface (RAI), which was developed within the European project ResCult. This assessment model is focused on the risk evaluation of immovable cultural assets and their different components, that need to be preserved and managed in case of extreme events. In detail, this article describes the application of this risk assessment model to the two selected pilot case studies of the project, the Church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli in Venice and the Convent of San Nicola in Tolentino (Italy). This article highlights the application procedure and the results obtained by its implementation in the two pilot case studies. The focus of this article is underlying and explaining in-depth the functioning of the specific evaluation tools, to underline their suitability to be applied in ex-ante, in-itinere, and ex-post phase of a disaster occurrence. The outcome of this article is providing information about how applying the RAI developed within the ResCult project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different evaluation protocols were proposed to calculate the degree of sustainability of buildings and large-scale projects. In parallel, many studies focused on estimating the economic benefits delivered by green buildings according to the consumer choices using specific econometric models. The study aims to investigate the awareness of the benefits deriving from Green Mark-labeled buildings in Singapore through the application of the hedonic pricing method. In particular, the impact of the Green Mark was assessed in the multi-family building sector, starting from a transaction dataset of approximately 300,000 units sold between 2005 and 2017. Given the spatial complexity of the multi-family buildings market, spatial autocorrelation models were recommended. In particular, the spatial lag model (SAR) and the spatial error model (SEM) were applied. The paper implements the property valuation literature in the field of spatial econometrics related to sustainable certification. Besides, the research provided an assessment of the sustainability scheme over time, highlighting consumer behavior in different phases of the real estate market in Singapore. The results highlighted how spatial models filter the autocorrelation effect. As for the impact of Green Mark on the sale price of the apartments, the results confirmed that a green premium exists. • Econometric models investigate the appreciation of green buildings in Singapore. • Rosen's theory-based models were used to estimate buildings' green premium. • Spatial hedonic models control the phenomenon of spatial autocorrelation. • Consumers are aware of the benefits of Green Mark-rated buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to assess the territorial resilience of a socio-ecological system through an innovative integrated evaluation framework to aid the decision-making process in the planning of transformation scenarios. This framework employs a set of resilience indicators through a Multicriteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) coupled with a Lotka-Volterra mathematical model of cooperative type. The set of indicators aims to calculate a composite index of Territorial Resilience (TRI), whereas the mathematical model is an extension of an existing model, aimed to predict possible long-time scenarios. The proposed operational framework for rural and vineyard landscapes aims to bridge the existing gap between territorial resilience theory and practice, with an innovative Decision Support System able to assist Decision Makers and territory planners in the planning and management of resilient territorial systems. This integrated evaluation framework is applied to a famous wine region in Portugal, the Douro Valley, where Port-wine grows. Such framework, especially in a context of adaptive governance, proves to be a suitable support in the field of landscape and urban planning to evaluate the dynamics of socio-ecological systems and to envision long-term policies and actions. Unlabelled Image • A novel and original Decision Support System is proposed for the assessment of the territorial resilience; • This Decision Support System is applied to the Douro Valley wine region (Portugal). • Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis is used for aggregating indicators into a composite index of Territorial Resilience; • An extension of a Lotka-Volterra cooperative type PANDORA model is developed to predict future ecological scenarios; • GIS-based spatial maps are produced to aid Decision Makers to interpret territorial resilience in local territories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Identification of suitable areas for Castor fiber reintroduction in Piedmont region. • An integrated approach is proposed combining SWOT and Spatial Multicriteria Analysis. • Characteristics of beaver's habitat and related environmental impacts. • Suitable approach to support reintroductions and species management. The Castor fiber or Eurasian beaver can change its habitat by building dams and creating ponds. For this reason, Castor fiber is known as an "ecosystem engineer" for aquatic and riparian environments. Despite its ecological importance, at the beginning of the 20th century the population was reduced to only 1200 beavers in Europe and Asia, due to uncontrolled hunting. Recently, some reintroductions and translocations have partly re-established the population. In Italy, however, the beaver disappeared in the 16th century and no action has been taken despite the recommendation of the Council of Europe to perform a feasibility study. This research evaluates beaver reintroduction and identifies suitable areas in Italy and, in particular, in the Piedmont region. In order to achieve this, a SWOT analysis combined with a Spatial Multicriteria Analysis was performed. Firstly, the zoological and ethological aspects concerning this rodent were studied, as well as the historical reasons that led to its disappearance in Italy and near extinction in Eurasia. Secondly, Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) of the territory were identified for beaver reintroduction. The SWOT analysis was implemented, as the starting point for the spatial multicriteria analysis. Thirdly, the Multicriteria Spatial Decision Support System (MC-SDSS) was structured into two criteria, i.e. Potentials and Criticalities, representing the spatialization of strengths and weaknesses. The final result of the MC-SDSS is a map showing suitable areas for beaver reintroduction in Piedmont. This map is the weighted sum of the maps of criticalities and potentialities, performed through a set of GIS operations and weighted through a pairwise comparison of criteria by experts. The analysis was conducted for the Piedmont region, but the integrated approach and the set of criteria can also be applied in other regions. Moreover, this mixed-method approach takes into account the characteristics necessary for the choice of suitable beaver habitats and also includes economic and social aspects. Therefore, it is an improvement on the Habitat Suitability Index (HIS), generally used in reintroductions. The aspects considered in the analysis are fundamental for the future development of a shared action plan, which considers both technical and social motivations and acts for the long-term on a wide area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable energy resources and energy-efficient technologies, as well as building retrofitting, are only some of the possible strategies that can achieve more sustainable cities and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Subsidies and incentives are often provided by governments to increase the number of people adopting these sustainable energy efficiency actions. However, actual sales of green products are currently not as high as would be desired. The present paper applies a hybrid agent-based model (ABM) integrated with a Geographic Information System (GIS) to simulate a complex socio-economic-architectural adaptive system to study the temporal diffusion and the willingness of inhabitants to adopt photovoltaic (PV) systems. The San Salvario neighborhood in Turin (Italy) is used as an exemplary case study for testing consumer behavior associated with this technology, integrating social network theories, opinion formation dynamics and an adaptation of the theory of planned behavior (TPB). Data/characteristics for both buildings and people are explicitly spatialized with the level of detail at the block scale. Particular attention is given to the comparison of the policy mix for supporting decision-makers and policymakers in the definition of the most efficient strategies for achieving a long-term vision of sustainable development. Both variables and outcomes accuracy of the model are validated with historical real-world data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common side effect after prostate cancer stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). We aimed to assess the correlation between the dose to the penile bulb (PB), internal pudendal arteries (IPA), and crura with the development of ED after ultrahypofractionation as part of a phase 2 clinical trial of urethra-sparing prostate SBRT. Among the 170 patients with localized prostate cancer from 9 centers included in the trial, 90 men with Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.03 grade 0 to 1 ED (ED–) at baseline treated with 36.25 Gy in 5 fractions were selected for the present analysis. Doses delivered to the PB, crura, and IPA were analyzed and correlated with grade 2 to 3 ED (ED+) development. The effect on quality of life, assessed by the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC QLQ-PR25) questionnaire, was reported. After a median follow-up of 6.5 years, 43% (n = 39) of the patients developed ED+, and 57% (n = 51) remained ED–. The dose delivered to the crura was significantly higher in ED+ patients than in ED– patients (7.7 vs 3.6 Gy [ P =.014] for the D mean and 18.5 vs 7.2 Gy [ P =.015] for the D 2% , respectively). No statistically significant difference between ED+ and ED– patients was observed for the dose delivered to the PB and IPA. The median ED+-free survival was worse in patients receiving a crura D mean ≥ 4.7 versus < 4.7 Gy (51.5% vs 71.7%, P =.005) and a crura D 2% > 12 versus ≤ 12 Gy (54.9% vs 68.9%, P =.015). No ED+-free survival differences were observed for doses delivered to the PB and IPA. Decline in EORTC QLQ-PR25 sexual functioning was significantly more pronounced in patients with higher doses to the crura. By keeping a D mean and D 2% to crura below 4.7 and 12 Gy, respectively, the risk of developing ED+ after prostate SBRT may be significantly reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Presenting the CIE as method to evaluate urban regeneration projects. • Multiple steps' evaluation integrates the impacts on stakeholders, the time dimension and project's scale of effects. • In the 22@ project the economic impacts were the most significant. Urban regeneration is a complex and multi-faceted process. It can be defined a comprehensive and integrated vision of actions which aims to tackle urban problems and to improve the economic, social and environmental conditions. These strategies also involve several stakeholders which have different powers, interests and objectives in the transformation processes. Integrated evaluation tools are able to consider the multidimensionality of the urban context and the feedback of the different actors involved. These tools are mainly of use for the decision makers. This paper explores the use of Community Impact Evaluation (CIE) which is a multi-actor methodology that aims at defining the convenience of complex projects according to the social preferences expressed by different members of the community. In this paper, the CIE methodology is applied in a peculiar way in order to assess the different impacts generated by the 22@ Barcelona project, considering the effects at the different scales and over time. A synthetic analysis is conducted in order to estimate the nature and the intensity of the impacts among the different stakeholders. The evaluation shows the role of economic interest in urban regeneration processes and how the change in the political local context allowed a review of project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A risk assessment model is proposed for evaluating the cultural heritage. • The model integrates the AREC Cards, the Factsheets and the SMARTER method. • A set of indicators calculates a risk index w.r.t. fires, earthquakes and floods. • The risk assessment model support the decision-making in managing extreme events. Nowadays, the topics related both to the safeguard and the valorization of cultural heritage and cultural assets are getting more attention in the political agenda. Innovative approaches to implement both the risk analysis and the resilience assessment are ever more required. This paper illustrates an original approach, concerning the development of a risk assessment model for cultural assets, with reference to fire, earthquake and flood. The proposed model includes specific evaluation tools, that are based on parameters and indicators related to the factors of hazard and vulnerability for the three considered types of risk. The multi-dimensional set of indicators is used to get synthetics indices, through a multicriteria approach. Furthermore, this evaluation is supported by specific questionnaires to include in the assessment model the opinion of different experts and stakeholders to introduce the indicators weights. The results of this model are represented by specific evaluation tools which can be implemented in the risk assessment of cultural assets in different specific situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ONE SHOT trial is the first phase I/II prospective, multicenter, single-arm study assessing the efficacy and safety of a single-dose SBRT for men with localized prostate cancer. Aim of this paper is to present the phase I results of a 19 Gy single fraction urethra-sparing SBRT with real-time electromagnetic tracking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As part of the European ResCult project, a Model has been prepared which provides a methodology for assessing the risk of immovable cultural heritage in relation to natural and man-made disastrous events, such as earthquakes, floods and fires. The Model is aimed at Institutions, Civil protection, experts, sector operators, as a fast and effective tool. Values that allow a detailed and concise view of the risk are assigned and calculated to indicators of hazard and vulnerability of the elements of the building and its context. The Model can be used before, during and after a disastrous event, to evaluate interventions in the prevention, emergency and reconstruction phases. In prevention, it can help determine the most vulnerable elements of the building and suggest where to act with preventive measures to reduce this vulnerability. During or immediately after the occurrence of an event, it can assist the Civil Protection and the operators in the priorities to be assigned to the interventions. After the event, it can help you develop an effective reconstruction strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A resilient, diversified, and efficient energy system, comprising multiple energy carriers and high-efficiency infrastructure, is the way to decarbonise the European economy in line with the Paris Agreement, the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the various recovery plans after the COVID-19 pandemic period. To achieve these goals, a key role is played by the private construction sector, which can reduce economic and environmental impacts and accelerate the green transition. Nevertheless, while traditionally decision-making problems in large urban transformations were supported by economic assessment based on Life Cycle Thinking and Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) approaches, these are now obsolete. Indeed, the sustainable neighbourhood paradigm requires the assessment of different aspects, considering both economic and extra-economic criteria, as well as different points of view, involving all stakeholders. In this context, the paper proposes a multi-stage assessment procedure that first investigates the energy performance, through a dynamic simulation model, and then the socio-economic performance of regeneration operations at the neighbourhood scale, through a Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA). The model based on the proposed Preference Ranking Organisation Method for Enrichment Evaluations II (PROMETHEE II) aims to support local decision makers (DMs) in choosing which retrofit operations to implement and finance. The methodology was applied to a real-world case study in Turin (Italy), where various sustainable measures were ranked using multiple criteria to determine the best transformation scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The challenges currently facing the EU in the energy sector include increasing import dependence, limited diversification, high and volatile energy prices, decarbonization, and slow progress in energy efficiency. EU energy policy has provided a wide range of measures to achieve an integrated energy market and sustainability of the building sector. Various incentives and financial instruments have been promoted and financed by governments to help consumers in energy retrofit processes. These include direct investments and fiscal, financial, and market instruments. Public measures have been widely studied but private initiatives have not. In this study, the energy-efficiency mortgage (EEM) is investigated as a credit scheme to attract young people to a real estate market for sustainable buildings, characterized by high sale prices. A choice experiment (CE) was modelled to investigate the preferences of potential young buyers of a new home. The results of this exploratory survey showed an appreciation of the purchase of new A-rated properties according to the Energy Performance Certificate, compared to those that need to be retrofitted or not retrofitted. Consumers like the option of a home energy efficiency renovation being fully managed by a third party (i.e., following the one-stop shop model). The key appeal of energy efficiency for consumers ranges from its ability to support better energy management, to better property value management. The EEM seems to be a promising tool to stimulate investments in energy efficiency and to promote the accessibility and affordability of housing in the sustainable housing market. The results of this study can help private financial institutions to propose appropriate credit plans, which limit the risk of default by the borrower. They can also help public incentive policymakers to propose complementary instruments to EEM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A resilient city includes multiple energy carriers, high-efficiency infrastructure, lower resource demand to decarbonize and sustain the urban system in accordance with the Paris Agreement, the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the various recovery plans following the COVID-19 pandemic period. To achieve these goals, a key role is played by all urban sectors, which can reduce environmental impacts and accelerate the green transition at larger scale. Intervening on a district scale obviously requires the evaluation of different aspects, taking into account both economic and non-economic criteria, as well as different points of view, involving all stakeholders. This paper proposes a multi-step evaluation procedure that extends the European manual-based Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) to include the extra-economic benefits and the stakeholders' opinion in the evaluation, according to the COmpoSIte Model for Assessment (COSIMA) method. This is the first application of COSIMA in the urban design sectors (i.e. buildings, water, public lighting, transportation and waste management) where different sustainable measures for a real case study located in Turin (Italy) were compared to define the most suitable transformation scenario according to multiple criteria. The results have shown how invasive scenarios allow achieving the greatest benefits, despite the huge initial costs of realization. • Decarbonizing the urban system is a priority nowadays. • Considering an urban regeneration process all urban sectors is necessary. • COSIMA proposes a standardized approach to evaluate projects at the district level. • The multi-step approach evaluates energy, environmental, social performances. • Sectors considered are residential buildings, water, transport, waste management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The role of PET/CT with two novel tracers was investigated in prostate cancer patients with both a biochemical failure after surgery and a presumed local failure at multiparametric MR. Overall, both PET tracers detected only about 50% of local failures. Therefore, multiparametric MR remains the exam of choice to investigate the prostatic fossa in patients who fail surgery. Background: We aimed assess the detection rate (DR) of positron emission tomography/computed tomography with two novel tracers in patients referred for salvage radiotherapy (sRT) with a presumed local recurrence at multiparametric magnetic resonance (mpMR) after radical prostatectomy (RP). Methods: The present prospective study was conducted at a single institution between August 2017 and June 2020. Eligibility criteria were undetectable PSA after RP; subsequent biochemical recurrence (two consecutive PSA rises to 0.2 ng/mL or greater); a presumed local failure at mpMR; no distant metastases at 18F-fluorocholine PET/CT (CH/PET); no previous history of androgen deprivation therapy. Patients were offered both 64CuCl2 PET/CT (CU/PET) and 64Cu-PSMA PET/CT (PSMA/PET) before sRT. After image co-registration, PET findings were compared to mpMR ones in terms of DR and independent predictors of DR investigated at logistic regression. Results: A total of 62 patients with 72 nodules at mpMR were accrued. Compared to mpMR (DR = 100%, 95%CI: 94.9–100%), DRs were 47.2% (95%CI: 36.1–58.6%) and 54.4% (95%CI: 42.7–65.7%) for CU/PET and PSMA/PET, respectively (p < 0.001 for both). Both experimental PET/CT performed particularly poorly at PSA levels consistent with early sRT. Conclusions: The two novel radiotracers are inferior to mpMR in restaging the prostatic fossa for sRT planning purposes, particularly in the context of early salvage radiotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]