Announcements

Dr. Rocco Ditommaso is one of the authors of the following notable paper published in our journal Sensors (ISSN: 1424-8220):

“Advanced Video-Based Processing for Low-Cost Damage Assessment of Buildings under Seismic Loading in Shaking Table Tests”
by Antonino Cataldo, Ivan Roselli, Vincenzo Fioriti, Fernando Saitta, Alessandro Colucci, Angelo Tatì, Felice Carlo Ponzo, Rocco Ditommaso, Canio Mennuti and Alessandro Marzani
Sensors 2023, 23(11), 5303; https://doi.org/10.3390/s23115303
Available online at: https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/23/11/5303

The following is a brief interview with Dr. Ditommaso, in which he shares his insights on the article:

1. Can you briefly introduce your latest research published in Sensors?
In our latest research, which was published in the journal Sensors, we investigated the potential of advanced video-based techniques for low-cost seismic damage assessment. This investigation was conducted through shaking table tests on a two-storey reinforced concrete mock-up. This mock-up is representative of a common Italian construction typology. My specific contribution focused on the processing and interpretation of accelerometric data. In this capacity, several stationary and non-stationary signal analysis techniques were tested. The purpose of this was to characterise both the linear dynamic behaviour of the undamaged structure and its nonlinear response during progressive seismic excitations. The present study evaluates the capability of the Curvature Evolution Method (CEM) to detect, localise, and quantify the onset of structural damage. This experimental campaign represented an excellent opportunity to validate, under controlled laboratory conditions, a technique that has already proven effective when applied to real buildings struck by destructive earthquakes.
A further objective was to benchmark the outcomes of such consolidated approaches against measurements obtained from optical sensors and motion magnification video analyses, thereby enabling cross-validation and integration of heterogeneous monitoring techniques. The overarching aim of this work is to develop robust multi-sensor methodologies and protocols for structural health monitoring. These methodologies and protocols are intended to ensure early and reliable damage detection, to reduce the likelihood of false alarms, and to support informed maintenance and risk mitigation strategies for the built environment.

2. What inspired you to focus on this topic?
The impetus to direct my research towards this particular area derives from a consistent sequence of studies and experimental endeavours aimed at enhancing the seismic monitoring and dynamic characterisation of structures and infrastructures. My research has focused on the use of vibration-based and accelerometric analyses as a means of studying the behaviour of undamaged structures. These analyses have been used to capture the stationary and linear behaviour of such structures. Furthermore, they have been employed to investigate the more complex non-stationary responses associated with the onset of damage, inelastic mechanisms, and progressive degradation. This perspective has been complemented by extensive work on satellite interferometric techniques, where the potential of DInSAR and SBAS approaches to monitor structural displacements was explored, with special attention paid to the influence of environmental variables such as temperature on the reliability and interpretability of the measurements. The present study has also involved the study of real case structures, including reinforced concrete moment-resisting frames. The aim of this study is twofold: firstly, to predict fundamental periods in relation to drift-based damage thresholds; and secondly, to define robust criteria to minimise false alarms in structural health monitoring systems. The present study is motivated by the awareness that a single technique is unable to adequately capture all the relevant features of structural behaviour under seismic loads. This conviction is the foundation of the hypothesis that the integration of multiple approaches—accelerometric, optical, video-based, and satellite—is the most effective pathway to enhance diagnostic capacity, increase sensitivity to damage, and ensure accurate localisation. The work recently published in Sensors represents a natural evolution of this research philosophy, as it provided the opportunity to validate, under controlled experimental conditions, methodologies that have also been applied in real contexts affected by destructive earthquakes, with the overarching objective of developing reliable, cost-effective, and operationally applicable monitoring protocols.

3. What are the most exciting findings or innovations in your study?
The most significant outcome of our research is the validation of advanced vibration-based analysis techniques, which proved capable of capturing variations of modal parameters during strong motion phases with great detail. These techniques were also able to identify, localise, and quantify the onset of structural damage. These results confirm the central role of accelerometric data and advanced signal processing methods in providing a robust and reliable basis for structural health monitoring. Concurrently, the study emphasised the prospective benefits of optical sensors and video-based methodologies, which yielded outcomes that exhibited strong concordance with those derived from accelerometric recordings. However, while the shaking table experiments provided an ideal and controlled context for testing, real structures are typically enriched with non-structural components that inevitably influence their seismic response. Consequently, despite the evident potential of such optical methodologies, their direct implementation in real-world settings remains precluded from further investigations and developments. In practical applications, their integration with other approaches—particularly vibration-based monitoring and advanced data analysis techniques—will remain essential to ensure a precise and reliable detection, localisation, and quantification of damage in complex structural systems.

4. How do you see your research impacting the field of sensor technology?
It is hypothesised that the findings of this research will have a considerable impact on the field of sensor technology, as they will demonstrate both the strengths and the current limitations of optical sensors when applied to the dynamic analysis of bare frame structures tested under controlled shaking table conditions. The findings of this study demonstrate that the integration of these sensors with sophisticated data analysis methodologies can yield significant insights into the modal behaviour and progression of damage, underscoring their efficacy in facilitating cost-effective and non-contact monitoring processes. Concurrently, the study emphasises the imperative for transitioning to an integrated monitoring approach, wherein heterogeneous sensing technologies—including accelerometric, optical, and video-based methods—are collectively utilised. The combination of complementary and, in some cases, redundant, kinematic parameters has been demonstrated to enhance the robustness of the monitoring system. This, in turn, enables a more reliable and precise definition of the true health state of a structure or infrastructure. The ultimate aim of this approach is to support informed decisions regarding safety and maintenance.

We are pleased to announce that MDPI will be conducting an Academic Publishing Workshop in collaboration with Sunway University on 9 October 2025.

This workshop is designed for postgraduate students, early career researchers, and faculty members who wish to strengthen their academic writing and publishing skills. Through a series of interactive sessions, participants will gain practical insights into the publishing process and strategies to enhance their success in scholarly communication.

The program will also feature hands-on activities and discussions, offering participants valuable opportunities to engage with experts and peers in the field.

We look forward to a day of learning, knowledge-sharing, and meaningful conversations on best practices in academic publishing.

Date: 9 October 2025
Time: 9:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Location: Sunway University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Program:

MDPI Speakers:

Conference: China National Computer Congress 2025
Organization: China Computer Federation
Date: 23–25 October 2025
Place: Harbin International Exhibition Center, Harbin, China

A number of MDPI’s journals will be attending CNCC 2025 as exhibitors. This conference will be held in Harbin, China, from 23 to 25 October 2025.

CNCC is a premier conference addressing macro-level technological trends, distinguished by its high caliber, large scale, and the richness of its content. The event features plenary invited talks, conference forums, specialized forums, signature activities, and exhibitions. Spanning three days, it brings together Turing Award laureates, academicians from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Chinese Academy of Engineering, leading scholars from China and abroad, and renowned entrepreneurs to explore cutting-edge trends and share innovative achievements. Representatives from international computing organizations such as ACM, IEEE CS, IPSJ, and KIISE have been invited to participate in this event on multiple occasions.

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

• Electronics;
• Algorithms;
• Future Internet;
• Computers;
• IoT;
• Cryptography;
• Information;
• Network;
• MTI;
• Robotics;
• Sensors.

If you will be attending this conference, please feel free to start a conversation with us. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person and answering any questions that you may have. For more information about the conference, please visit the following website: https://ccf.org.cn/cncc2025.

MDPI is collaborating with São Paulo State University to hold an online Academic Publishing Workshop dedicated to discussing how to write and structure academic papers. This comprehensive workshop for scholars of all disciplines will cover the following topics:

• Publication ethics for authors;
• Academic article-writing techniques;
• MDPI editorial process and peer review process.

Date: 19 September 2025
Time: 12:00–2:00 p.m. EDT
Registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/7117575014535/WN_jX_KMo-pQWiBWTyJmaDn0Q 

MDPI Speakers:

	Ms. Mara Parvulescu holds a bachelor’s degree in geography and tourism from Babeș-Bolyai University (Cluj-Napoca, Romania) and a master’s degree in tourism planning and development from the same institution. She joined MDPI in 2020 as an Assistant Editor for the journal Remote Sensing. She later served as Section Managing Editor for the journals Remote Sensing and Forecasting until 2022, when she was appointed Journal Relations Specialist. In her current role, she is responsible for communication with stakeholders and for handling ethics-related matters for the journals Electronics, Land, and Waste.
	Mr. Carlo Cunanan has a BSc and MSc in chemical engineering from the University of Waterloo. His expertise lies in energy systems and energy economics. He joined MDPI as an Assistant Editor for the Sustainability journal at the Toronto office and is now a Group Leader and Section Managing Editor. He travels across Canada and the United States, attending conferences and meeting with scholars.
	Ms. Bianca Raluca Berezoschi has an educational background in clinical psychology and holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Babeș-Bolyai University in Cluj, Romania. She became part of MDPI in 2020 and has gained experience across several roles in the editorial department. Currently serving as a Journal Relations Specialist, she focuses on cultivating strong relationships with scholars, readers, and other stakeholders, overseeing the development and strategic direction of internal and external relations for MDPI journals.

MDPI will be attending the International Symposium on Antennas and Propagation 2025 (ISAP 2025) in Fukuoka, Japan, which will take place from 27 to 31 October 2025. ISAP 2025 is intended to provide an international forum for the exchange of information on the progress of research and development in antennas, propagation, electromagnetic wave theory, and related fields. It is also an important objective of this meeting to promote mutual interaction among participants.

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

• Electronics;
• Telecom;
• Sensors;
• Applied Sciences;
• Drones;
• Microwave;
• Network;
• Remote Sensing;
• Magnetism;
• Signals.

If you are attending the conference, please feel free to visit our booth. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person and answering any questions that you may have. For more information about the conference, please visit the following link: https://www.isap2025.org/.

MDPI is pleased to invite you to a special webinar titled MDPI Reviewer Club 2025 | Engineering Session 1.

As the inaugural session, this event has been created as a space for reviewers in the engineering field to come together, share their experiences, and reflect on their contributions to advancing scholarly communication. It will also provide an opportunity to learn more about the review process, exchange best practices, and explore new ways of strengthening collaboration within the research community.

Main topics for discussion include the following:

• The Slippery Art of Judging Peers: Pitfalls and Guidelines to Effectively Conduct a Scholarly Review;
• Behind the Red Pen: My Journey and Philosophy as a Reviewer;
• Q&A Session.

With consent from the speakers, presentations will be recorded and later shared on our online platforms, together with short introductions and discussion threads to continue the conversation.

This is the first session of the MDPI Reviewer Club 2025 series, focusing on Engineering. Future sessions will feature other subjects, offering reviewers from different disciplines the opportunity to exchange insights and experiences.

We look forward to welcoming you to the MDPI Reviewer Club 2025 | Engineering Session 1.

Keywords: peer review, reviewer guidelines, reviewer experience, ethics in peer review

Date: 4 September 2025 | 3:00 p.m. CEST | 9:00 p.m. CST Asia | 9:00 a.m EDT
Webinar ID: 826 9500 8709
Website: https://sciforum.net/event/MRC2025-ES1

Register now for free!

Program:

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email on how to join the webinar. Registrations with academic institutional email addresses will be prioritized.

Unable to attend? Register anyway, and we will let you know when the recording is available for viewing.

Webinar Speakers:

• Prof. Dr. Em. Mark Reybrouck, University of Leuven and Ghent, Belgium;
• Dr. Giacomo Peruzzi, University of Padova, Italy.

Date: 23 September 2025
Time: 11:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m
Location: The Chelsea Hotel, 33 Gerrard Street West, Toronto

MDPI is thrilled to announce our participation in the University of Toronto’s largest career fair, taking place at the St. George Downtown Campus. This exciting event brings together thousands of students, graduates, and professionals looking to connect with top employers and explore career opportunities.

We invite all attendees to visit the MDPI booth to discover how you can be part of one of the world’s leading open access academic publishers. Whether you are passionate about scientific research, editorial work, marketing, or supporting global innovation in publishing, we want to meet YOU!

What to expect at our booth:

• Learn more about MDPI’s mission and global impact;
• Explore exciting career opportunities in publishing, editorial, communications, and more;
• Network with our team and ask questions about working at MDPI.

Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to take the next step, don’t miss this opportunity to connect with MDPI. Bring your resume, your curiosity, and your questions—we look forward to seeing you there!

For additional information on the Career Fair and Open MDPI positions, please visit the following links:

• Learn more about the U of T Career Fair;
• Explore Careers with MDPI Canada.

MDPI is excited to collaborate with the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology to host an exclusive publishing workshop aimed at empowering researchers with the knowledge and tools needed for successful academic publishing. This workshop will delve into key aspects of open access insights, Sensors’ journal introduction, scientific writing and effectively addressing reviewer comments. This workshop aims to help attendees acquire valuable skills to enhance their publishing journey.

Date: 16 September 2025
Time: 14:00–16:00
Venue: Room 2303 (2/F via Lifts 17–18), Academic Building, HKUST
Registration link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QQN2HR6

Schedule:

Chair

Speakers:

Held by MDPI, this Author Training event empowers academic growth with the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Graduate Chapter at the University of Toronto, Canada. This event will be led by MDPI Regional Journal Relations Specialist, Kailyn Wanhella, on the topic of “How to Write Your First Journal Article and the Peer Review Process”.

Participants will gain practical guidance on essential aspects of writing academic articles, including manuscript preparation, navigating peer review, and best practices for citation.

Date: 29 August 2025
Time: 4:30 p.m. –6:30 p.m. (EDT)
Location: University of Toronto, Sidney Smith Hall, Room 2111, 100 St George St, Toronto, ON M5S 3G3
Survey Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/27PHHB7

Schedule:

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