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Advanced acoustic analysis of historical theaters: empirical evaluation and predictive methodologies.
No full textThis dissertation investigates the acoustic properties of historical theaters, focusing on ancient open-air theaters and 24 Italian indoor theaters. By integrating advanced measurement techniques with data-driven modeling, key acoustic parameters—including reverberation time (RT), early decay time (EDT), clarity (C80, C50), definition (D50), sound strength (G), and interaural cross-correlation (IACC)—are analyzed across diverse architectural spaces. The study begins with an analysis of ancient Greek and Roman theaters, examining how structural and geographical features influence sound propagation. It then shifts to Italian indoor theaters, comparing their acoustic behavior with other iconic European theaters from the Baroque and Classical periods. Measurements in both occupied and unoccupied conditions reveal the impact of architectural design, materials, and environmental factors on acoustic quality. A key contribution is the application of machine learning, particularly Support Vector Regression (SVR), to enhance acoustic parameter predictions. The study demonstrates how stable parameters like RT and EDT can predict more variable ones such as C80 and D50, reducing errors in traditional averaging methods. This research advances theater acoustics by combining empirical measurement with predictive modeling, offering new tools for analyzing, restoring, and optimizing historical theaters while improving efficiency in scenarios where extensive on-site measurements are impractical
Western sun, Ottoman apocalypse: Voltaire, Rousseau, and the Enlightenment in Late Ottoman literary culture
No full textThis dissertation traces the evolving reception of Voltaire and Rousseau across the long nineteenth century and examines their impact on Ottoman literary culture. Beginning with the earliest Ottoman references to their works in the 1790s, it argues that the Enlightenment, far from being readily embraced, was initially conceived as a destructive force, often framed through apocalyptic metaphors that signified the economic and political decentralization of long-standing Ottoman power within global systems. The study identifies a marked transformation in this reception with the first translation attempts, accompanied by processes of localization and domestication of Enlightenment frameworks. It explores how Voltaire and Rousseau were not merely read or translated but actively reimagined, foregrounding the agency of Ottoman intellectuals in reshaping and adapting European thought. Through close textual analysis of Ottoman literary works in dialogue with eighteenth-century French literature, the dissertation demonstrates how central Enlightenment themes, tropes, and concepts were appropriated, contested, and transformed in accordance with local epistemologies and political anxieties. Special attention is given to the cross-communal dynamics of this literary transmission, highlighting moments where intercommunal actors within the empire intersected in the dissemination and reinterpretation of Enlightenment ideas. By situating these engagements within broader transimperial networks of reading and rewriting, the study contributes to a more nuanced understanding of Ottoman modernity and its entanglement with global intellectual history
Addressing algorithmic discrimination in healthcare through an intersectional lens - a comparative legal perspective
No full textThe growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in clinical decision-making offers new powerful tools for addressing pressing health challenges. However, clinical algorithms are not neutral and can mirror prevailing patterns of power and disadvantage in healthcare. The nature of these disparities and discriminatory practices is often intersectional, meaning that the disadvantage is based on a complex synergy of protected grounds. These intersecting axes of inequality can be entrenched and exacerbated by algorithms at various points of their lifecycle. However, intersectional discrimination continues to escape the scrutiny of antidiscrimination law which is predominantly based on specific protected grounds considered in isolation. Similarly, fairness interventions proposed in the fast-growing computer science literature are mostly designed around single categorical attributes. By assuming that persons having a protected identity create homogenous groups, both the law and the technology reinforce a single-axis approach, failing to protect patients with intersectional identities against algorithmic discrimination.
To address this problem, the present thesis proposes an intersectional approach to the development and regulation of AI-based clinical algorithms. It begins by reconstructing the main elements of the intersectionality theory and operationalising it in the context of health disparities research. Subsequently, the thesis investigates how the concept of intersectionality has been developed in computer science literature concerning algorithmic fairness and the law. The geographical scope of the legal analysis is limited to the EU and the US, two global leaders in AI regulation and innovation. It offers a comparative perspective on the EU and US regulatory landscapes regarding intersectional discrimination in healthcare and the regulation of bias in AI-based clinical tools. Finally, the thesis proposes an intersectional fairness assessment framework, which is intended to support researchers, clinical AI developers and regulators, fostering trans-Atlantic collaboration on fair clinical AI
Displaying the architecture of display: contemporary ideologies of museum institutions for architecture
No full textThis doctoral project investigates the pivotal role of architectural institutions in shaping the practice of architecture exhibitions and their influence on architectural culture.
While existing scholarship has explored the history, theoretical frameworks, and curatorial strategies of architectural displays, less attention has been given to the institutional frameworks that produce and mediate these exhibitions. This research focuses on architecture museums and centers, examining their ability to develop unique exhibition languages that contribute to the broader discourse on architecture.
The study uses architecture exhibitions as both a methodological tool for analysis and a critical lens for evaluating the display strategies of contemporary museological and para-museological institutions. By analyzing the ideologies that underpin these institutions' curatorial behaviors, the project reconstructs their cultural role in shaping exhibition practices, curatorial policies, and disciplinary agendas. The analyzed case studies include the Deutsches Architekturmuseum, the Canadian Centre for Architecture, and the Het Nieuwe Instituut, which were explored in their historical development and institutional practices through extensive archival research to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the subject.
The inquiry is structured around three primary objectives: (1) to analyze the historical implications of embedding architecture exhibitions within permanent institutions; (2) to explore how architectural institutions have influenced contemporary approaches to exhibiting architecture by identifying diverse practices and their outcomes; and (3) to evaluate the relevance of architectural institutions in fostering architectural culture through exhibitions. Ultimately, this project positions architectural institutions as critical spaces for producing, mediating, and disseminating architectural knowledge. By examining their exhibition histories and display mechanisms, it engages in a theoretical discourse on the conceptual and ideological foundations underlying the practice of exhibiting architecture, offering insights into their disciplinary and cultural significance
Quantum-chemical approaches for gas-phase astrochemistry: from molecular structures to reactivity
No full textThis dissertation focuses on two aspects of astrochemistry: (i) investigation of reaction pathways in interstellar conditions for molecules observed in the interstellar medium (ISM) employing state-of-the-art chemical calculations and (ii) computational characterization of the rotational spectra for new molecules suggested from the studies at point (i). The aim of the work collected in the thesis is to explain the presence of detected molecules via gas-phase formation routes feasible in the ISM and to provide new data to facilitate laboratory and astronomical detection.
The first part of the thesis summarizes the current census of detected molecules and puts into context the studies carried out during the PhD. The second chapter describes the computational background, and the methodologies employed to carry out the rotational spectroscopic characterization as well as the steps required to derive gas-phase reaction pathways. The results reported in the third chapter focus first on the computational spectroscopic characterization of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons PAHs and polycyclic aromatic nitrogen heterocycles PANH(s). Next, the focus shifts to gas-phase reactivity. Each reaction is presented by illustrating first its reaction mechanism, with the most relevant pathways to the ISM being highlighted. Then, the kinetic analysis is discussed, suggesting the feasibility of the processes and the favored products. The focus here is mainly on gas-phase mechanisms involving as one of the reactants methanimine or thioformaldehyde, and a radical, like CN or OH
Navigating roots and routes: the topos of return in contemporary Nigerian and Nigerian diaspora literature
No full textIn an era characterised by unprecedented global mobility, the theme of return emerges as a critical lens through which contemporary Nigerian and Nigerian Diaspora literature interrogates questions of identity, belonging, and global power structures. This thesis, therefore, examines how the theme of return, a defining feature of Nigerian literature, has evolved in recent narratives, particularly in the context of globalisation and capitalism. Drawing on a methodological approach that brings postcolonial theory, decolonial thought, and trauma studies into dialogue while also focusing on stylistic and rhetorical choices, patterns of characterisation, and thematic structures, this thesis analyses a diverse selection of both fictional and non-fictional texts. Through close readings, the study uncovers how authors navigate the complexities of return while grappling with the contradictions inherent in writing from a distance. Notably, many of these narratives of return are now produced by Nigerian writers based in the Global North, raising questions about the impact of their positionality on their representations of homecoming. Accordingly, this thesis examines how this geographical dissonance shapes their narratives, influencing both thematic concerns and narrative structures. Ultimately, this research provides a nuanced understanding of how contemporary Nigerian literature engages with the longing for rootedness in a world increasingly shaped by routes while critically resisting the pitfalls of essentialism and nationalism
The rights of surviving spouse and surviving partner in comparative private law and private international law
No full textEn esta Tesis Doctoral se estudia el régimen jurídico del estatuto patrimonial del cónyuge viudo y de la pareja superviviente desde una doble perspectiva. La primera parte, dividida en cinco capítulos, aborda el derecho comparado de Alemania, España (Derecho civil común y foral), Francia, Italia y Reino Unido (Inglaterra y Gales, Irlanda del Norte y Escocia). Para cada uno de ellos, explica qué derechos tiene el cónyuge viudo en ausencia de actos de planificación, qué mecanismos existen para organizar los derechos del cónyuge viudo y qué influencia tienen en los derechos legalmente establecidos. También incluye un análisis de la protección de la pareja o pareja de hecho superviviente que no esté casada o en unión registrada. La segunda parte, dividida en dos capítulos, se dedica al estudio del Derecho internacional privado vigente, a partir de los Reglamentos (UE) 650/2012, 2016/1103 y 2016/1104. En primer lugar, se analiza la cuestión subjetiva de la relación de parentesco como materia previa al estatuto patrimonial y sucesorio, como materia excluida de estos Reglamentos y con escasa armonización en el marco jurídico internacional. A continuación, se analiza la cuestión objetiva, centrándose en los problemas de falta de coordinación entre ambos Reglamentos a la hora de establecer la ley aplicable a los derechos del cónyuge viudo o supérstite. Además, se examina la posible influencia de la planificación de la sucesión, a través de la elección de la ley aplicable, en la consecución de la coordinación.In this dissertation, the legal regime of the patrimonial status of the widowed spouse and surviving partner is studied from a dual perspective. The first part, divided into five chapters, deals with the comparative law of Germany, Spain (Common and Foral Civil Law), France, Italy and the United Kingdom (England and Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland). For each, it explains what rights a widowed spouse has in the absence of planning acts, what mechanisms exist to organise the rights of a widowed spouse, and what influence they have on legally established rights. It also includes a discussion of the protection of a surviving partner or cohabitee who is not married or in a registered partnership. The second part, divided into two chapters, is devoted to a study of current private international law, based on Regulations (EU) 650/2012, 2016/1103 and 2016/1104. First, the subjective issue of the family relationship is analysed as a matter prior to the status of property and succession, as a matter excluded from these Regulations and with little harmonisation in the international legal framework. Then an analysis of the objective question is provided, focusing on the problems of lack of coordination between the two Regulations in establishing the law applicable to the rights of a widowed spouse or surviving partner. In addition, the possible influence of succession planning, through the choice of applicable law, on achieving coordination is also considered
Fragility models for the large-scale seismic vulnerability assessment of masonry buildings
No full textThe frequent earthquakes and the high vulnerability of existing buildings, especially unreinforced masonry structures, have historically led to severe physical and socio-economic impacts in countries like Italy. This underscores the need for detailed risk assessments to support large-scale evaluations and inform effective mitigation strategies. In this context, this dissertation aims to assess the fragility of masonry structures through a comprehensive approach that combines empirical data, analytical modelling, and scenario simulation techniques. The research begins with a comprehensive overview of the main current challenges and uncertainties that seismic fragility assessment methodologies are facing and then delves into three key parts of investigation following different approaches. Firstly, an empirical fragility model is developed, derived through a detailed analysis of observed damage data from the 2012 Emilia earthquake. Subsequently, a simplified analytical methodology is introduced to generate typological fragility curves, enabling efficient large-scale vulnerability assessment of the building stock. Finally, damage scenario simulations are conducted to rigorously test and compare various fragility models under real seismic conditions, evaluating their predictive reliability and practical application. Through this multi-perspective approach, the research contributes to an advancement of the methodologies for assessing seismic vulnerability and risk, highlighting the importance of integrating observed data and simulated scenarios to enhance the accuracy of seismic assessments. The findings highlight the critical need for further refinement of existing models to enhance risk predictions, allowing to plan mitigation actions able to increase the resilience of the building stock to future seismic events
Tassazione dei dati digitali
No full textLa presente tesis doctoral titulada “Tributación de los datos digitales” tiene por objeto realizar un estudio de la realidad del dato digital, su protección jurídica y la tributación de la comercialización de esta tipología de activo en materia de imposición directa.This doctoral thesis entitled "Tributación de los datos digitales" (in English, "Taxation of digital data") aims to carry out a study of the reality of digital data, its legal protection and the taxation of the commercialisation of this type of asset in terms of direct taxation.La presente tesi di dottorato, intitolata "Tributación de los datos digitales" (in italiano sarebbe "Tassazione dei dati digitali"), si propone di effettuare uno studio sulla realtà dei dati digitali, sulla loro protezione giuridica e sulla tassazione della commercializzazione di questo tipo di beni in termini di imposte dirette
Enhancing the reliability of permanent magnet synchronous motors through data-driven approaches: an industrial perspective
No full textThe modern Automotive sector widely adopts Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors for the propulsion of Electric Vehicles (EVs). As the market for EVs grows, reducing costs and increasing performance in terms of reliability, range, and efficiency becomes paramount. The recent advent of data-driven methods, particularly Machine Learning, offers a great opportunity to evolve the way condition monitoring is performed. With increasingly interconnected machines and growing sensor data, effective processing is essential to extract valuable insights. Data-driven approaches enable the analysis of large, heterogeneous datasets and the automatic learning of useful representations. In particular, Deep Learning (DL) represents the last frontier of data-driven methods, and, due to its effectiveness, it is gradually permeating our daily lives. This thesis was developed in HPE Group, a company that includes engineering, production, and testing departments. In this particular context, the research and application of State of the Art data-driven techniques led to facing challenges closer to the industrial world. In this dissertation, we tackled, through DL methods, two primary applications related to HPE’s electric motors. The first implements a cost-effective, integrated fault detection system using a MEMS vibration sensor with 3.3 kHz bandwidth and an Autoencoder NN. The model achieves an accuracy of 98 % in detecting the incipience of a natural bearing fault. The second application uses Encoder-Decoder Recurrent NNs to estimate, in real-time, the thermal state of the e-motor, which control is crucial for preventing permanent magnets demagnetization. We evaluated the performance of DL models on three motors. Our estimation of permanent magnet temperature achieved a Maximum Absolute Error of 10.11 °C, which corresponds to 5.6 % of the total temperature range. Both models were deployed on the Microcontroller Unit that drives the Inverter, a STM StellarE1, utilizing 19.34 % of flash memory and 13.0 % of available RAM