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Parallel Lives: Guarini and Dechales and the Theories of Fortification
No full textThis paper focuses on the treatises about military architecture by Guarino Guarini (1624-1683) and Claude-Francois Milliet Dechales (1621-1678). Guarini and Dechales were two religious figures who shared a deep interest in mathematics and the art of fortifications at the same time and, for a specific period of their lives, in the same cultural milieu. Dechales wrote the Architectura militaris, included in the Cursus seu mundus mathematicus (1674) and L'art de fortifier (1677); Guarini wrote the Trattato di fortificatione (1676). This research compares the three treatises, including in visual form through synoptic charts, to highlight recurrences, variants, and possible derivations between the themes treated by the two treatisers
Experimental and numerical assessment of the energy performance of a double-pass fan-assisted Trombe wall system that integrates photovoltaics
No full textThis study presents the results of an integrated methodological approach for experimental and simulation-based
analysis of a building-integrated photovoltaic/Trombe wall (BiPV/T) façade module. The system passively
harnesses solar radiation for the generation of thermal energy while producing renewable electricity. Moreover,
the integration of photovoltaic panels behind glazed surfaces enhances the building aesthetics and increases its
market appeal. An experimental campaign was conducted to evaluate the performance of a transparent surface of
a module over different seasons. Temperatures and solar irradiance were monitored to assess the thermal and
electrical efficiency. Additionally, a validated energy model was developed, using EnergyPlus, to simulate the
annual energy production. The system achieved a measured winter daily thermal efficiency in Turin (IT) of about
14.8%. The PV panels exhibited an average electrical efficiency of ~6.5%. The use of translucent glass, which
was selected for aesthetic integration purposes, reduced the transmitted solar radiation by 53%, thereby
impacting the PV performance. Full-year simulations, which were conducted to explore alternative designs and
operational strategies, provided further insights for optimisation of the system. The thermal efficiency of the
simulated system ranged from ~15% to ~27% for the non-optimised and optimised designs, respectively. The
avoided CO2 emissions ranged from 31.4 to 34.7 kgCO2eq/y. Overall, the BiPV/T façade module demonstrated a
great potential as a sustainable building technology, together with energy efficiency and carbon reduction. The
detailed description of the experimental setup provides a solid basis for system characterization, while the
validated whole-system simulation enabled an effective assessment of its seasonal performance
Phytic acid and its derivatives as valuable flame retardants for polymer systems: current state of the art and perspectives
Full text linkPhytic acid (myo-inositol hexakisphosphate) and its salts, including iron, aluminum, sodium,
and lanthanum phytate, are perhaps the most recent discovery in the field of biosourced
flame retardants. Phytic acid can be extracted from sustainable resources, such as
beans, cereals, and oilseeds. Its high phosphorus content (28 wt.% based on molecular
weight) organized into six phosphate groups justifies the growing interest this biomolecule
has attracted over the last decade in various sectors (as a corrosion inhibitor, antioxidant,
and anticancer additive, among others). In addition, when exposed to a flame or an
irradiative heat flux, phytic acid is a highly efficient dehydrating and char-forming agent.
It also contributes to excellent flame-retardant properties when combined with other carbon
sources, such as chitosan, or nitrogen-containing additives, including melamine, urea,
and polyethyleneimine. This paper reviews the most recent advances in using phytic acid
and its derivatives to design effective flame-retardant systems for textiles, bulk polymers,
and foams. It also provides perspectives on possible future developments and implementations
A decision making strategy for cost-effective anchoring and mooring design in floating offshore wind systems
Full text linkSite-specific stationkeeping system optimization is regarded as essential to reduce costs and enhance floating offshore wind turbine power production. However, the selection and design of the anchor system is often overlooked. This study proposes a flexible decision-making strategy to select the most cost-effective anchor at early wind farm design stages, based on a minimum set of input data (seabed type, anchor load angle, and basic mooring line properties) and a bottom-up cost estimation approach. From these parameters, the methodology derives a plausible anchor type, size, and cost. The strategy provides consistent and reasonable size and cost estimates when applied to literature case studies. A review of technical solutions, unit costs, and installation procedures unifies fragmented information from scientific literature and commercial examples. The proposed design method is straightforward to integrate with technological advancements and economic evaluations, and could be extended to other floating offshore applications. Compared to existing alternatives, the proposed strategy relies on a minimal set of input parameters and provides a quantitative basis for selecting the best-performing anchor. It also contributes to advancing stationkeeping system design, cost estimation, and life cycle assessment studies, by enabling selection of more realistic anchor systems without relying solely on designer experience
Managing rockfall risk on the Italian road network with the new UX131 guideline
Full text linkRockfall is a severe natural hazard that poses significant risks to infrastructure, particularly along road networks. While commonly associated with mountainous regions such as the Alps and the Apennines, rockfall events also threaten coastal roads and tunnel entrances. To mitigate these risks, rockfall barriers are widely deployed. These systems are engineered to intercept falling rocks and dissipate their kinetic energy, with current technologies capable of withstanding impacts up to 10,000 kJ. However, the long-term effectiveness of these barriers is challenged by ageing and environmental degradation. To address this, the new guideline “UX131 – Metodologia per la gestione delle barriere paramassi a rete esistenti attraverso l’individuazione di classi di attenzione in funzione del rischio”, issued by UNICMI, introduces a structured methodology for the assessment and management of existing rockfall barriers. This initiative, whose concept was initially developed by the authors, is the result of a collaborative effort involving public authorities, engineers, geologists, and major barrier manufacturers, with scientific support from Politecnico di Torino.
At the core of the UX131 guideline is a detailed inspection methodology that identifies and classifies potential damage types based on their impact on the barrier’s functionality. The inspection results serve as a key input to a multi-component analysis that integrates hazard, vulnerability, and exposure to determine the system’s attention level. This risk-based framework enables targeted maintenance strategies and enhances the resilience of Italy’s road infrastructure against rockfall hazards. An example of application will be presented, illustrating the practical implementation of the guideline and demonstrating its effectiveness in supporting decision-making for the maintenance and upgrading of rockfall protection systems
Spectral Optimization of Torsional Eigenvalues for a Nonhomogeneous Fish-Bone Plate with Piers
No full textMotivated by stability issues for suspension bridges, the analysis focuses on the maximization of the torsional eigenvalues of a nonhomogeneous multi-span fish-bone plate with respect to the mass density. The incorporation of internal piers significantly impacts the spectral properties of the system. After a general spectral theorem, a characterization of the densities maximizing the first and the second torsional eigenvalue is provided, starting from the corresponding results for the nonhomogeneous Dirichlet problem. In the case where the mass of the central span is equal to its length, more explicit insight is then given, taking into account the role of the position of the piers and discussing the scenario for higher-order eigenvalues, as well
Photogrammetry and Gaussian Splatting for traceable quality inspection: from 3D reconstruction to navigable scene representation
No full textL'abstract è presente nell'allegato / the abstract is in the attachmen
Valorization of hazelnut shell waste biomass into sustainable carbons for energy storage applications
No full textIn the last decades, the use of biochar has been receiving increasing attention for the development of electrochemical energy storage devices. In this work, the waste hazelnut shell biomass, a low cost and abundant agriculture residue within our territory, was valorized as feedstock for the synthesis of alkali-derived activated carbons, which were properly characterized and electrochemically tested, in the perspective of their use as new electrode material in energy storage applications. Two activated carbons have been identified as promising materials for this application and their electrochemical performances were further improved by including a doping step with copper (I) oxide, achieving the best specific capacitance of 123 F/g. Moreover, one of the two most promising activated carbons was tested in an EDLC symmetric device outperforming, at low power rates, reference materials in terms of specific energy density, reaching the value up to 40 Wh/kg, due to its remarkable specific capacitance of 55 F/g. In summary, this work proposes a sustainable and low energy demanding approach to transform waste biomasses into high value activated carbon materials for energy storage applications. The strategy not only promotes the reuse and valorization of hazelnut shell waste biomass, but it also supports a circular model with promising environmental and economic advantages
A Pseudo one dimensional model to describe the kinetic limitations in lithium–sulfur batteries
No full textIn the latest years Lithium sulfur batteries (Li–S) have reached a wide interest in the research field as suitable
candidate as post Lithium-ion batteries, due to their high theoretical specific capacity and potentially lower cost.
However, their practical implementation is still hindered by several challenges principally related to the intrinsic
chemistry of such system. Here is proposed a new modelling approach, a pseudo-one-dimensional (P1D)
modelling framework is employed to investigate the role of polysulfides transport and precipitation kinetics as
sources for reversible capacity losses, while guaranteeing low computational cost and avoiding mesh implementation. The model is parameterized on a CR2032 coin cell and validated against experimental discharge data
over a broad current range, starting from 0.1C up to 1C. The model faithfully reproduces the characteristic twoplateau discharge profile and the supersaturation point associated with peak internal resistance. Providing a
capacity reduction above 250[mAhg− 1
], primarily affecting the second voltage plateau, by increasing the current
rate from 0.1C to 1C. Correlating the accumulation of intermediate polysulfides within the separator at high rates
to reversible capacity losses, with concentrations up to five times higher compared to lower discharge rates. The
framework discussed allows also to highlight the relationship between electrolyte viscosity, Li2S(s) precipitation
kinetics, and internal resistance at different current intensity. Simulating an increase of the internal resistance of
almost 50%, coupled also with a shift of the peak respect the state of discharge. The results proved the ability of
the model to describe one of the major issues of lithium sulfur battery highlighting, at microscale level, its
contribution on the precipitation kinetic, resistivity and its influence on the C-rate
Postpartum Recovery and Work-Life Balance: Theoretical Neuroendocrine Implications of Traditional Nutritional Interventions
No full textThe research endeavour provides a detailed study of the perceived modulation of maternal well-being linked to neuroendocrine health and the subsequent effect on the work-life balance of women, specifically, the assessment of the effectiveness of a carefully designed postpartum health powder intended to improve the well-being of women. The research is carried out in a rigorous manner and begins with the production of the postpartum powder, based on the choice of botanicals traditionally recognized for their medicinal value in the context of maternal recovery.. Further steps assess the self-reported impact of the formulation on physiological symptoms and vitality. Data was obtained with the help of a structured questionnaire developed to measure the perception of women on physical health, mental health, work-life balance, and professional reintegration in the postpartum phase. The survey responses are then translated into quantitative measures and evaluated using SPSS where the identification of substantive patterns and interrelationships is performed. The findings obtained, which are presented in the form of detailed results and discussion, support the fact that the potential neuroendocrine support perceived from the supplement is related to increased psychological stability, reduced work-life conflict, and expanded ability to reconcile professional and family demands. The research therefore provides meaningful insights about the integrative models of maternal healthcare and the significance of specialized postpartum care in supporting the overall well-being of women and their socio-professional activities