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
Nerve Transfer for Restoration of Ulnar Fingers Flexion Through Pronator Teres Motor Branch: A Cadaveric Feasibility Study
Get PDFPurpose
Injury to the ulnar nerve above the elbow or other conditions such as brachial plexus injury or cervical spinal cord injury can also affect the extrinsic finger flexors. Numerous techniques have been described to treat this problem, but no specific nerve transfer has been proposed.
Methods
Here, we describe the transfer of the motor branch of the pronator teres (PT) to reinnervate flexor digitorum profundi of the ulnar nerve. Eleven fresh frozen upper limbs were used. The anatomical characteristics of the branches to the flexor digitorum profundus and PT were recorded.
Results
In all cases, the superficial branch of the PT resulted as the longest between the two and, therefore, was used as a donor. It was passed under the flexor pronator muscles to reach the ulnar nerve. The recipient motor branch was dissected proximally, and a direct nerve suture was made between the two stumps.
Conclusions
In all specimens, a direct tension free neurorrhaphy was possible, located close to the target muscle.
Clinical relevance
This specific procedure can be suggested in cases where the hand is partially involved to allow patients to regain or strengthen fingers flexion. Direct clinical application should support and confirm this novel procedure
Robust powered descent guidance considering mass and fuel consumption uncertainties: A convex optimization approach
Get PDFThis paper addresses the challenge of mass uncertainty during the powered descent phase of a Mars lander and proposes a robust powered descent guidance algorithm that accounts for uncertainties in mass and fuel consumption. First, the traditional trajectory optimization method based on convex optimization is improved by developing a fast and accurate solution approach using sequential convex optimization. Second, the effects of mass uncertainty on position are modeled and analyzed, with corresponding computational methods provided for different scenarios. Third, the worst-case scenario under mass uncertainty is analyzed through both geometric and theoretical approaches, and a modified glide-slope constraint method is proposed to ensure safe landing even in adverse conditions. Moreover, a closed-loop receding horizon based guidance is developed to further mitigate the effects of mass uncertainty and improve terminal landing accuracy. Finally, the proposed improved convex optimization algorithm and robust trajectory optimization algorithm are validated through simulation cases and compared with a probabilistic approach. The simulations further test various initial positions, velocities, and glide-slope angles, demonstrating that the solutions are both accurate and robust
URDICO - Urban Dimension of Cohesion Policy and other EU Programmes: Florence Study Report
No full textThis annex to the URDICO Final Report examines Florence and its engagement with EU Cohesion Policy and related programmes. The case highlights how Florence leverages its status as one of Italy’s 14 metropolitan cities, acting as an Intermediate Body in the National Operational Programmes for Metropolitan Cities (2014–2020 and 2021–2027), while also coordinating with the wider Metropolitan City of Florence, which encompasses 41 municipalities and around one million inhabitants. The study explores the city’s governance framework, which combines strong municipal leadership with complex metropolitan coordination. Florence has institutionalised cross-departmental management of EU projects through its European Projects and Networking Office, ensuring that EU funding supports local priorities in digital transition, sustainable mobility, social inclusion, and urban regeneration.
The report also considers the city’s role in political advocacy, both nationally and internationally, through networks such as Eurocities, the Covenant of Mayors, the Green City Accord, and the 100 Climate-Neutral Cities Mission. These activities underscore Florence’s efforts to strengthen the recognition of cities as strategic actors in Cohesion Policy. Florence demonstrates how targeted EU support, combined with active institutional and political engagement, can enhance urban governance, promote strategic priorities, and foster innovation at the city and metropolitan scale
Research progress on 2D and 3D mixed-phase perovskite thin films: Fabrication, materials, optimization and characterization
Get PDFThree-dimensional (3D) perovskite solar cell (PSC) has emerged as promising candidate for next-generation
photovoltaic beyond silicon due to its remarkable power conversion efficiencies (PCE). However, its poor stability remains a major obstacle. Dimensional reduction of 3D perovskite into two-dimensional (2D) structure has
proven effective in enhancing stability, leading to growing interest in 2D and 3D mixed-phase PSC that potentially combine durability with high efficiency. Despite these advantages, the incorporation of 2D phases still faces
a series of challenges, such as the introduction methods of the 2D phase, the selection of suitable 2D cations, the
control of the crystallization behavior in 2D and 3D mixed-phase films, and the development of advanced
characterization techniques for identifying and analyzing the 2D phase. Unlike heterojunction structures where
2D perovskite layers are deposited as capping layers atop 3D films, 2D and 3D mixed-phase perovskites incorporate 2D components directly within the 3D matrix, forming localized heterojunctions. In this review, we
summarize the fabrication methods for 2D and 3D mixed-phase films, including modified one-step and two-step
solution approaches as well as the more recent inverse temperature crystallization (ITC) method. We further
discuss the development of novel 2D materials across various perovskite hosts (CH3NH3+ (MA+), CH(NH2)2+
(FA+), Cs+, multi-cations, and Sn-based systems), although cross-comparisons of identical 2D materials within
different host lattices are still lacking. Key optimization strategies, such as additive engineering to improve
carrier transport, crystallization control to promote oriented 2D growth, and exploiting the unique nanoplate
structures of 2D phases, are highlighted. Finally, we review conventional and advanced characterization techniques that enable structural and stability analysis of 2D and 3D mixed-phase perovskites. This comprehensive
overview provides insights into synthesis strategies, targeted material design, performance optimization, and
characterization methodologies, thereby guiding the development of high-performance and commercially viable
PSCs
Brittle crack deflection: Phase Field vs Theory of Critical Distances
Get PDFDepending on material properties and geometrical features, cracks in precracked structures can propagate collinearly or kink, eventually following a curved path. Several approaches have been proposed in the literature to study this behavior, with different complexity depending on the number of involved parameters. The novelty of this study lies in the use of a Phase Field model to predict crack paths in brittle cracked geometries under Mode I loading conditions. The approach is based on a quasi static analysis to describe the elastic phase of the tensile test, followed by the simulation of crack initiation and propagation in order to predict the full crack path. Numerical outcomes are compared with experimental results reported in the literature: the model provides accurate predictions for critical loads and crack paths. Results by the Point Method and Line Method in the framework of the Theory of Critical Distances are also provided to test the consistency of the proposed approach
Mapping Urban Proximity for Resilience: Testing a Methodological Framework for Local Resilience Units in Turin
No full textGrowing awareness of the climate change effects made sustainability and resilience essential in the debate on territorial planning, yet their practical deployment is still constrained by siloed programmes and sector‐based strategies. The Post Un‐Lock project addresses this gap by introducing the Local Resilience Unit (LRU), an operational framework that translates urban‐resilience theory into place‐specific action. Each LRU blends territorial analysis with community co‐design to reinforce a city’s and neighbourhood capacity to absorb shocks while preserving wellbeing and quality of life. This article describes an open‐source GIS workflow - implemented in QGIS and OpenRouteService - for the identification of potential LRUs. After compiling a neighbourhood‐scale inventory of everyday points of interest, isochrone‐based service areas are generated for each facility under the paradigm of a walkable, proximity‐oriented city. Overlaying these service areas delineates zones of high pedestrian accessibility, which are considered the most suitable locations for resilience‐oriented interventions. The methodology is demonstrated in Turin, Italy. The results of the study provide a foundation for future deployment of LRUs both within Turin and in other urban contexts, and can be extended wherever identifying areas for essential services is required
Tritium release scenarios in the IRPR system of DEMO: Safety assessment and mitigation strategies
Get PDFThis study investigates potential tritium release scenarios in the Isotope Rebalancing and Protium Removal (IRPR) system of DEMO fuel cycle, focusing on failures in the Temperature Swing Absorption (TSA) unit, including its feed tank. Two accident cases are considered, based on the postulated initiating events identified by the FFMEA: (1) a guillotine break in the pipeline supplying the IRPR system and (2) a pipe rupture in the TSA unit. MELCOR 1.8.6 for fusion is used to simulate the dynamics of the gases (hydrogen, air, inert gases), the resulting pressurization of the enclosure volumes, and the accumulation of hydrogen isotopes. A parametric study evaluates the impact of design choices like feed tank configuration and glovebox volume, informing the design of the system to enhance safety. The analysis includes cases where safety systems such as detritiation or isolation fail to operate correctly. The findings support ongoing safety assessments for DEMO and inform strategies to improve safety in fusion power plants
Enhancing the CMAS resistance of YSZ thermal barrier coatings via hybrid suspension/solution precursor plasma spraying with gadolinium doping
Get PDFLiquid feedstock plasma spraying is a promising method for producing thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) with a microporous structure, offering low thermal conductivity and good compliance to thermal stresses. However, the high porosity reduces their resistance to CMAS (calcium–magnesium–alumino–silicate) infiltration. This study explored a hybrid suspension/solution precursor plasma spraying (SPS/SPPS) technique to improve CMAS resistance and thermal cycling performance. A 25 wt% 8YSZ suspension in ethanol was doped by dissolving various concentrations (0.25 M, 0.50 M, and 0.75 M) of Gd(NO3)3·6H2O. Coatings were deposited on Hastelloy-X substrates with a NiCoCrAlY bond coat, both as single layers and as top layers over conventional porous or dense-vertically cracked (DVC) 8YSZ. Microstructural, phase, and micromechanical analyses, including pillar splitting tests, were performed. Gd-doping enhanced the CMAS resistance by forming a protective apatite phase, although its benefits plateaued beyond a certain concentration. This method offers a flexible, cost-effective route to advanced TBCs
Shared place e infrastrutture storiche. Usi plurimi nel progetto delle ciclovie di lunga percorrenza.
No full textLa Legge 2 del 2018 “Disposizioni per lo sviluppo della mobilità in bicicletta e la realizzazione della rete
nazionale di percorribilità ciclistica” introduce, per la prima volta in Italia, il principio del “recupero
a fini ciclabili, per destinazione a uso pubblico” di infrastrutture quali argini fluviali, canali, tratturi,
ferrovie dismesse, acquedotti, ecc. Oltre ai vantaggi relativi alla disponibilità di sedi protette, queste
infrastrutture spesso costituiscono in sé elementi monumentali fortemente attrattivi e identitari.
Il contributo intende riflettere sull’opportunità di considerare lo spazio non univoco rispetto all’uso,
ma capace invece di essere shared, condiviso, da diverse utenze e regolato da una normazione che sia
capace di contemplare questa molteplicità. In questa ottica, anche gli spazi connotati dagli usi civici e
appartenenti a pieno diritto ai beni culturali, oltre che ambientali, potrebbero giovarsi di una ulteriore
chiave per la loro valorizzazione rispettosa e sostenibile