Higher Institute on Territorial Systems for Innovation
PORTO@iris (Publications Open Repository TOrino - Politecnico di Torino)Not a member yet
146173 research outputs found
Sort by
Noise perception and cognitive effort in the simulated reverberant and quiet environment of the New Central Civic Library of Torino
Get PDFIn recent years, libraries have evolved from spaces dedicated exclusively to individual study into multifunctional environments, which integrate social and cultural activities. However, nowadays libraries can be experienced in two different ways, i.e., either as a traditional quiet space dedicated to individual study, or as a multifunctional environment that accommodates a wider range of noisy activities. Consequently, noise perception and its impact on users’ annoyance and cognitive performance have become important research topics. This study investigates these aspects within the simulated quiet sound environment of the New Civic Central Library of Torino (Italy). With a volume of approximately 160000 m3 and a reverberation time of about 5 s at mid frequencies, it is designed to accommodate various functions, but in this study, the primary activity of the individual study was examined. A geometrical acoustic simulation was run using Odeon 18. Four receivers were defined, exposed to various noise sources: traffic, ventilation, ambient buzz, footsteps, page-turning, pen taps, and intelligible speech. Mixed noise levels at the receivers ranged from 43 to 47 dB(A), reproducing realistic conditions of similar library environments. Listening tests were performed with 24 normal-hearing participants aged 20–55 using static headphones. Participants completed tasks reflecting typical library activities. No significant differences were revealed in most cognitive outcomes between noise and silence conditions. The only exception was a semantic processing task, such as reading aloud, which showed slight deterioration under noise exposure. These findings emphasize the importance of appropriate acoustic design even in quiet libraries to safeguard cognitive performance
Copper-manganese oxide catalysts for low-temperature oxidation of indoor pollutants
Get PDFIndoor air purification is crucial for preserving health and well-being in enclosed spaces. This study presents the successful low-temperature oxidation of CO and ethylene, considered as indoor air pollutants, achieved without employing expensive precious metals. A series of binary CuMnOx samples, with a Cu/(Cu+Mn) ratio of 15 wt%, were prepared using various synthesis procedures and thoroughly characterized to understand their physico-chemical and their link with catalytic properties. The findings revealed that copper significantly enhanced the performance of all samples when compared to the pure MnOx materials. For all the pollutants investigated, the best-performing catalyst was the Cu-Mn mixed oxide obtained through a redox route, which achieved complete CO oxidation at room temperature and maintained high activity for over 250 h. For ethylene, it demonstrated superior low-temperature catalytic oxidation compared to the other samples, reaching a T10 equal to 85 °C. These remarkable performances were attributed to enhanced oxygen mobility, increased reducibility, and the synergy between copper and manganese, which played a pivotal role in VOC oxidation. Notably, long-term stability tests under continuous flow, variation of GHSV, pollutant and oxygen concentrations, and catalytic performance under wet conditions confirmed the excellent durability and versatility of the catalyst, even at extremely low catalyst loadings. Further catalytic testing and spent catalyst analysis revealed that the low-temperature oxidation mechanism involves a Mars-van Krevelen-like reaction pathway with parallel involvement of both reactive surface oxygen species and molecular oxygen, all of which play a crucial role in the reaction process. Finally, this work provides a systematic correlation between catalytic activity (in terms of both T100 and reaction rate) and structural, redox, acid-base, and electronic properties, demonstrating that the decisive factors differ for CO and C2H4 oxidation
Failure Prediction in Optical Transport Networks Through the Integration of Digital Twins and Deep Learning
Get PDFThis work introduces an advanced comprehensive
framework for predictive maintenance by integrating Digital
Twin (DT) with multiple Deep Learning (DL) models with
the aim of predicting amplifier failures in optical networks.
Using GNPy (Gaussian Noise model in Python), an open source
framework, a DT is created to emulate network behavior under
both normal and failure conditions, enabling the generation
of synthetic datasets representative of amplifier degradation
fault scenarios. These datasets are used to train DL models
based on Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), Long Short-
Term Memory (LSTM), and Long- and Short-Term Time-Series
Networks (LSTNet). A comparative analysis shows that all models
exhibit strong performance, with LSTM achieving an accuracy
of 99% and LSTNet, CNN models closely following at 98% and
96% respectively, demonstrating the ability of these DL models
to identify complex temporal and statistical patterns in network
telemetry data, facilitating accurate prediction of early failures.
This integrated solution provides a scalable and data-driven
approach for proactive fault management, improving operational
capabilities in optical transport networks
Elliptically polarized light obtained from tilted high-contrast grating VCSELs
No full textWe show that ultrathin elliptically polarized VCSELs can be realized with standard high-contrast gratings (HCGs) whose bars are tilted to the semiconductor crystalline axes on the transverse plane, without relying on any 2D chiral layer. Revisiting orthogonal polarization suppression ratio (OPSR) measurements, we demonstrate that the reduced OPSR for tilted gratings is related to elliptical lasing polarization rather than degraded polarization selectivity. Simulations confirm that the polarization state can be tuned by balancing intrinsic and HCG-induced anisotropies. These devices provide integrated elliptically polarized and wavelength-tunable sources for chip-scale atomic devices
Dual-porosity model for harmonic pulse testing in fractured geothermal reservoir
Get PDFWell testing and conventional Pressure Transient Analysis (PTA) are fundamental and well-established methodologies for characterizing well and reservoir parameters. However, the applicability of PTA is limited during production or injection operations, since it requires a shut-in of the tested well, and it is significantly affected by interferences from neighboring wells.
In previous works, we proposed, implemented, and validated against real data a methodology called Harmonic Pulse Testing (HPT). HPT is complementary to PTA. By specifically deploying the periodicity of rate and pressure signals, it has been designed to be applied during ongoing field operations.
In this work, we present a new analytical solution for HPT in naturally fractured reservoirs. The proposed solution is also applied to geothermal systems, as it is coupled with a radial composite model capable of approximating the thermal front. The model has been validated against well-established analytical and numerical models under different scenarios. The calculation steps for converting the numerical dual-porosity model into storativity ratio and inter-porosity flow coefficient are also provided.
The results of a validation exercise demonstrate that our model is robust against potential interference from other wells and allows the detection of the thermal front. The methodology can therefore be successfully applied during ongoing operations in naturally fractured geothermal reservoirs
The CARMEn project: A sustainable and circular brine treatment chain
Get PDFThe increasing demand for water and critical minerals is currently largely met through linear processes, such as desalination and saltworks, which generate highly saline waste streams typically discharged to the sea. These brines, however, are rich in valuable components. The Italian-funded CARMEn project proposes a circular approach to valorize such streams by producing magnesium hydroxide, freshwater, and energy through an integrated treatment chain. As proof of concept, real reverse osmosis (RO) brine and saltworks bitterns were processed at laboratory scale through a sequence of nanofiltration, reactive precipitation, softening, electrodialysis with bipolar membranes, membrane distillation, and reverse electrodialysis. Experimental data supported the development of a preliminary techno-economic analysis to assess the viability of a pilot plant targeting 50 tons/year of Mg(OH)2. Results show that feed composition and operating pH strongly influence performance. Bitterns, with Mg2+ concentrations ~20 times higher than RO brine, led to the lowest CAPEX and EnEx and enabled >99.7 % product purity, but required external water input, reducing circularity. RO brine and NF retentate achieved full circular operation without external inputs, though with higher costs and slightly lower product purity (approximately between 85 and 93 %). Across all scenarios, EDBM and MD dominated energy demand, but coupling MD with waste heat reduced power consumption lowering the levelized cost of Mg(OH)2
Virtual reality and 3D printing in head and neck cancer: an educational experience
Get PDFBackground: In recent years, the growing adoption of Virtual Reality (VR) and 3D printing technologies has revolutionized surgical training by providing innovative opportunities for hands-on education. This study investigates the combined use of VR and 3D printed personalized anatomical models and cutting guides within the field of oral and maxillofacial oncologic surgery.
Materials and methods: A mandibular tumour case was developed using the proposed approach, integrating both virtual and physical tools. Feedback was gathered from twelve surgical residents regarding their understanding of the case, the effectiveness of the immersive and three-dimensional technologies, and their overall satisfaction with the training experience.
Results: Participants reported enhanced comprehension of complex surgical scenarios and valued the practical utility of the VR simulator combined with 3D printed models. The immersive environment facilitated skill acquisition in a riskfree setting.
Conclusion: The findings underscore the significant added value of integrating VR and 3D printing technologies in surgical training, preparation, and simulation. This approach offers a safe, effective training platform that improves readiness for complex procedures in oncologic surgery and has the potential to be extended to other branches of maxillofacial surgery
Sensitivity analysis for the design optimisation of an energy tunnel based hydronic heated pavement
Get PDFTo cope with road safety management during cold seasons, chemical agents such as sodium, magnesium and calcium chlorides are usually chosen for their effectiveness and rapidity of action. However, besides accelerating road pavement degradation, these may also induce several environmental damages, such as altering the chemical composition of aquifers. For this reason, electric- or hydronic-based solutions have been explored, developed and tested successfully. The paper investigates the performance of a hydronic heated pavement supplied by an energy tunnel as a function of geometrical, operational and environmental factors. Thermo-hydraulic numerical analyses are adopted to guide the realisation of a full-scale prototype of an anti-icing system in an existing tunnel in the North-West of Italy. An economic assessment is then presented
Extended Reality for Museums and Exhibit Design: Experiences in Didactic Activities
No full textThe paper illustrates the didactic activity of the introductory seminar Inside the Museum, held since 2021 for the master's degree courses of the Department of Architecture and Design DAD of the Politecnico di Torino. The paper describes the innovative character undertaken during the seminar and how it has evolved in parallel with the digital transition affecting education and cultural heritage. The central theme of the seminar is the relationship between digital technologies and museum institutions, which was investigated according to a multidisciplinary approach that involves the disciplines of drawing and representation, with the themes of exhibit design and museography addressed using Extended Reality as the communicative medium of the project design. The main applications used for the teaching activity were web-based tools for creating virtual, immersive and augmented reality experiences. Video storytelling, a passive entertainment-oriented product, 360 virtual tours that allow interactive enjoyment, and HeritageMaps, used for developing interactive maps with georeferenced content, were addressed. From low-cost and sustainable web-based solutions, the latest activities tried customising AR applications using Unity and Vuforia Engine tools
Complete Flow for PCB Design Consideration and Power/Signal Integrity Analysis Based on Broadband Model of Parasitic Elements
Get PDFA new implementation of a broadband model for the generation of an accurate time-domain description of parasitic elements from frequency-domain electromagnetic (EM) simulator results is here proposed. The model is designed to work simultaneously at low and high frequencies, bypassing EM simulators limitations. A further investigation on the appropriate reference impedance selection during the transformation of data from frequency to time-domain is conducted. The resulting model is validated against measurement and applied to a practical design case, illustrating the operational steps of the novel workflow