Showing papers by "Polytechnic University of Milan published in 2019"

Twenty-three unsolved problems in hydrology (UPH)–a community perspective

Abstract: This paper is the outcome of a community initiative to identify major unsolved scientific problems in hydrology motivated by a need for stronger harmonisation of research efforts. The procedure involved a public consultation through online media, followed by two workshops through which a large number of potential science questions were collated, prioritised, and synthesised. In spite of the diversity of the participants (230 scientists in total), the process revealed much about community priorities and the state of our science: a preference for continuity in research questions rather than radical departures or redirections from past and current work. Questions remain focused on the process-based understanding of hydrological variability and causality at all space and time scales. Increased attention to environmental change drives a new emphasis on understanding how change propagates across interfaces within the hydrological system and across disciplinary boundaries. In particular, the expansion of the human footprint raises a new set of questions related to human interactions with nature and water cycle feedbacks in the context of complex water management problems. We hope that this reflection and synthesis of the 23 unsolved problems in hydrology will help guide research efforts for some years to come.

Recommended Methods to Study Resistive Switching Devices

Abstract: Resistive switching (RS) is an interesting property shown by some materials systems that, especially during the last decade, has gained a lot of interest for the fabrication of electronic devices, with electronic nonvolatile memories being those that have received the most attention. The presence and quality of the RS phenomenon in a materials system can be studied using different prototype cells, performing different experiments, displaying different figures of merit, and developing different computational analyses. Therefore, the real usefulness and impact of the findings presented in each study for the RS technology will be also different. This manuscript describes the most recommendable methodologies for the fabrication, characterization, and simulation of RS devices, as well as the proper methods to display the data obtained. The idea is to help the scientific community to evaluate the real usefulness and impact of an RS study for the development of RS technology. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim

An Overview on Application of Machine Learning Techniques in Optical Networks

Abstract: Today’s telecommunication networks have become sources of enormous amounts of widely heterogeneous data. This information can be retrieved from network traffic traces, network alarms, signal quality indicators, users’ behavioral data, etc. Advanced mathematical tools are required to extract meaningful information from these data and take decisions pertaining to the proper functioning of the networks from the network-generated data. Among these mathematical tools, machine learning (ML) is regarded as one of the most promising methodological approaches to perform network-data analysis and enable automated network self-configuration and fault management. The adoption of ML techniques in the field of optical communication networks is motivated by the unprecedented growth of network complexity faced by optical networks in the last few years. Such complexity increase is due to the introduction of a huge number of adjustable and interdependent system parameters (e.g., routing configurations, modulation format, symbol rate, coding schemes, etc.) that are enabled by the usage of coherent transmission/reception technologies, advanced digital signal processing, and compensation of nonlinear effects in optical fiber propagation. In this paper we provide an overview of the application of ML to optical communications and networking. We classify and survey relevant literature dealing with the topic, and we also provide an introductory tutorial on ML for researchers and practitioners interested in this field. Although a good number of research papers have recently appeared, the application of ML to optical networks is still in its infancy: to stimulate further work in this area, we conclude this paper proposing new possible research directions.

Are we really making much progress? A worrying analysis of recent neural recommendation approaches

Abstract: Deep learning techniques have become the method of choice for researchers working on algorithmic aspects of recommender systems. With the strongly increased interest in machine learning in general, it has, as a result, become difficult to keep track of what represents the state-of-the-art at the moment, e.g., for top-n recommendation tasks. At the same time, several recent publications point out problems in today's research practice in applied machine learning, e.g., in terms of the reproducibility of the results or the choice of the baselines when proposing new models. In this work, we report the results of a systematic analysis of algorithmic proposals for top-n recommendation tasks. Specifically, we considered 18 algorithms that were presented at top-level research conferences in the last years. Only 7 of them could be reproduced with reasonable effort. For these methods, it however turned out that 6 of them can often be outperformed with comparably simple heuristic methods, e.g., based on nearest-neighbor or graph-based techniques. The remaining one clearly outperformed the baselines but did not consistently outperform a well-tuned non-neural linear ranking method. Overall, our work sheds light on a number of potential problems in today's machine learning scholarship and calls for improved scientific practices in this area.

ERS statement on respiratory muscle testing at rest and during exercise

Abstract: Assessing respiratory mechanics and muscle function is critical for both clinical practice and research purposes. Several methodological developments over the past two decades have enhanced our understanding of respiratory muscle function and responses to interventions across the spectrum of health and disease. They are especially useful in diagnosing, phenotyping and assessing treatment efficacy in patients with respiratory symptoms and neuromuscular diseases. Considerable research has been undertaken over the past 17 years, since the publication of the previous American Thoracic Society (ATS)/European Respiratory Society (ERS) statement on respiratory muscle testing in 2002. Key advances have been made in the field of mechanics of breathing, respiratory muscle neurophysiology (electromyography, electroencephalography and transcranial magnetic stimulation) and on respiratory muscle imaging (ultrasound, optoelectronic plethysmography and structured light plethysmography). Accordingly, this ERS task force reviewed the field of respiratory muscle testing in health and disease, with particular reference to data obtained since the previous ATS/ERS statement. It summarises the most recent scientific and methodological developments regarding respiratory mechanics and respiratory muscle assessment by addressing the validity, precision, reproducibility, prognostic value and responsiveness to interventions of various methods. A particular emphasis is placed on assessment during exercise, which is a useful condition to stress the respiratory system.

The Chalcogen Bond in Crystalline Solids: A World Parallel to Halogen Bond

Abstract: The distribution of the electron density around covalently bonded atoms is anisotropic, and this determines the presence, on atoms surface, of areas of higher and lower electron density where the electrostatic potential is frequently negative and positive, respectively. The ability of positive areas on atoms to form attractive interactions with electron rich sites became recently the subject of a flurry of papers. The halogen bond (HaB), the attractive interaction formed by halogens with nucleophiles, emerged as a quite common and dependable tool for controlling phenomena as diverse as the binding of small molecules to proteinaceous targets or the organization of molecular functional materials. The mindset developed in relation to the halogen bond prompted the interest in the tendency of elements of groups 13-16 of the periodic table to form analogous attractive interactions with nucleophiles. This Account addresses the chalcogen bond (ChB), the attractive interaction formed by group 16 elements with nucleophiles, by adopting a crystallographic point of view. Structures of organic derivatives are considered where chalcogen atoms form close contacts with nucleophiles in the geometry typical for chalcogen bonds. It is shown how sulfur, selenium, and tellurium can all form chalcogen bonds, the tendency to give rise to close contacts with nucleophiles increasing with the polarizability of the element. Also oxygen, when conveniently substituted, can form ChBs in crystalline solids. Chalcogen bonds can be strong enough to allow for the interaction to function as an effective and robust tool in crystal engineering. It is presented how chalcogen containing heteroaromatics, sulfides, disulfides, and selenium and tellurium analogues as well as some other molecular moieties can afford dependable chalcogen bond based supramolecular synthons. Particular attention is given to chalcogen containing azoles and their derivatives due to the relevance of these moieties in biosystems and molecular materials. It is shown how the interaction pattern around electrophilic chalcogen atoms frequently recalls the pattern around analogous halogen, pnictogen, and tetrel derivatives. For instance, directionalities of chalcogen bonds around sulfur and selenium in some thiazolium and selenazolium derivatives are similar to directionalities of halogen bonds around bromine and iodine in bromonium and iodonium compounds. This gives experimental evidence that similarities in the anisotropic distribution of the electron density in covalently bonded atoms translates in similarities in their recognition and self-assembly behavior. For instance, the analogies in interaction patterns of carbonitrile substituted elements of groups 17, 16, 15, and 14 will be presented. While the extensive experimental and theoretical data available in the literature prove that HaB and ChB form twin supramolecular synthons in the solid, more experimental information has to become available before such a statement can be safely extended to interactions wherein elements of groups 14 and 15 are the electrophiles. It will nevertheless be possible to develop some general heuristic principles for crystal engineering. Being based on the groups of the periodic table, these principles offer the advantage of being systematic.

Connecting climate action with other Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract: The international community has committed to combat climate change and achieve 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Here we explore (dis)connections in evidence and governance between these commitments. Our structured evidence review suggests that climate change can undermine 16 SDGs, while combatting climate change can reinforce all 17 SDGs but undermine efforts to achieve 12. Understanding these relationships requires wider and deeper interdisciplinary collaboration. Climate change and sustainable development governance should be better connected to maximize the effectiveness of action in both domains. The emergence around the world of new coordinating institutions and sustainable development planning represents promising progress. The international community has committed to fight climate change and achieve 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Here the authors assess evidence about the relationships between the two agendas and discuss the need of deeper interdisciplinary efforts to understand these relationships.

An inter-model assessment of the role of direct air capture in deep mitigation pathways.

Abstract: The feasibility of large-scale biological CO2 removal to achieve stringent climate targets remains unclear. Direct Air Carbon Capture and Storage (DACCS) offers an alternative negative emissions technology (NET) option. Here we conduct the first inter-model comparison on the role of DACCS in 1.5 and 2 °C scenarios, under a variety of techno-economic assumptions. Deploying DACCS significantly reduces mitigation costs, and it complements rather than substitutes other NETs. The key factor limiting DACCS deployment is the rate at which it can be scaled up. Our scenarios’ average DACCS scale-up rates of 1.5 GtCO2/yr would require considerable sorbent production and up to 300 EJ/yr of energy input by 2100. The risk of assuming that DACCS can be deployed at scale, and finding it to be subsequently unavailable, leads to a global temperature overshoot of up to 0.8 °C. DACCS should therefore be developed and deployed alongside, rather than instead of, other mitigation options. Direct Air Carbon Capture and Storage (DACCS) is not considered in Integrated Assessment Models. Here the authors make comparisons using multi-model regarding the role of DACCS in 1.5 and 2 degree scenarios and find that DACCS allows to postpone mitigation and reduce the climate policy costs.

Definition of the chalcogen bond (IUPAC Recommendations 2019)

Abstract: This recommendation proposes a definition for the term ``chalcogen bond''; it is recommended the term is used to designate the specific subset of inter- and intramolecular interactions formed by chalcogen atoms wherein the Group 16 element is the electrophilic site.

Non-Hermitian topological light steering.

Abstract: Photonic topological insulators provide a route for disorder-immune light transport, which holds promise for practical applications. Flexible reconfiguration of topological light pathways can enable high-density photonics routing, thus sustaining the growing demand for data capacity. By strategically interfacing non-Hermitian and topological physics, we demonstrate arbitrary, robust light steering in reconfigurable non-Hermitian junctions, in which chiral topological states can propagate at an interface of the gain and loss domains. Our non-Hermitian–controlled topological state can enable the dynamic control of robust transmission links of light inside the bulk, fully using the entire footprint of a photonic topological insulator.

Bone grafts: which is the ideal biomaterial?

Abstract: Bovine xenograft materials, followed by synthetic biomaterials, which unfortunately still lack documented predictability and clinical performance, dominate the market for the cranio-maxillofacial area. In Europe, new stringent regulations are expected to further limit the allograft market in the future. Aim Within this narrative review, we discuss possible future biomaterials for bone replacement. Scientific rationale for study Although the bone graft (BG) literature is overflooded, only a handful of new BG substitutes are clinically available. Laboratory studies tend to focus on advanced production methods and novel biomaterial features, which can be costly to produce. Practical implications In this review, we ask why such a limited number of BGs are clinically available when compared to extensive laboratory studies. We also discuss what features are needed for an ideal BG. Results We have identified the key properties of current bone substitutes and have provided important information to guide clinical decision-making and generate new perspectives on bone substitutes. Our results indicated that different mechanical and biological properties are needed despite each having a broad spectrum of variations. Conclusions We foresee bone replacement composite materials with higher levels of bioactivity, providing an appropriate balance between bioabsorption and volume maintenance for achieving ideal bone remodelling.

Entrepreneurial ecosystem research: present debates and future directions

Abstract: The purpose of this article is to review the emerging research on entrepreneurial ecosystem and to guide future research into this promising area. The study presents a critical review on the entrepreneurial ecosystem, starting from its very definition and antecedents. Combining prior research with building on the main concepts that constitute an entrepreneurial ecosystem, we have developed an original set of guidelines that can help scholars and practitioners seeking an answer to the following pressing question: “How can we gain a comprehensive understanding of an entrepreneurial ecosystem?”. We will then discuss the opportunities for expanding our current knowledge on entrepreneurial ecosystems and describe the current debates and directions for future research. Lastly, we will provide guidelines that policymakers may take into consideration when designing and issuing support measures to promote entrepreneurship in their local ecosystems.

A Perspective on Polylactic Acid-Based Polymers Use for Nanoparticles Synthesis and Applications.

Abstract: Polylactic acid (PLA)-based polymers are ubiquitous in the biomedical field thanks to their combination of attractive peculiarities: biocompatibility (degradation products do not elicit critical responses and are easily metabolized by the body), hydrolytic degradation in situ, tailorable properties, and well-established processing technologies. This led to the development of several applications, such as bone fixation screws, bioresorbable suture threads, and stent coating, just to name a few. Nanomedicine could not be unconcerned by PLA-based materials as well, where their use for the synthesis of nanocarriers for the targeted delivery of hydrophobic drugs emerged as a new promising application. The purpose of the here presented review is two-fold: on one side, it aims at providing a broad overview of PLA-based materials and their properties, which allow them gaining a leading role in the biomedical field; on the other side, it offers a specific focus on their recent use in nanomedicine, highlighting opportunities and perspectives.

Asynchronous Finite-Time Filtering of Networked Switched Systems and its Application: an Event-Driven Method

Abstract: To effectively use the network resources, a suitable event-driven communication scheme is proposed for the networked switched systems in this paper. Under the EDCS, a finite-time filter is designed for switched systems, which does not synchronize with the switched systems. Different from the existing finite-time problems, finite-time boundedness (FTBs) and input–output finite-time stability (IO-FTSy) are simultaneously considered in this paper. Some sufficient conditions are established to check the properties of the FTBs and the IO-FTSy of the event-driven asynchronous filtering error system by constructing a reasonable Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional and using the average dwell time approach. All the matrix inequalities can be converted to linear matrix inequalities so as to design the event-driven asynchronous filter. The applicability of the proposed filtering scheme is demonstrated via a mass-spring system model.

Are We Really Making Much Progress? A Worrying Analysis of Recent Neural Recommendation Approaches

Abstract: Deep learning techniques have become the method of choice for researchers working on algorithmic aspects of recommender systems. With the strongly increased interest in machine learning in general, it has, as a result, become difficult to keep track of what represents the state-of-the-art at the moment, e.g., for top-n recommendation tasks. At the same time, several recent publications point out problems in today's research practice in applied machine learning, e.g., in terms of the reproducibility of the results or the choice of the baselines when proposing new models. In this work, we report the results of a systematic analysis of algorithmic proposals for top-n recommendation tasks. Specifically, we considered 18 algorithms that were presented at top-level research conferences in the last years. Only 7 of them could be reproduced with reasonable effort. For these methods, it however turned out that 6 of them can often be outperformed with comparably simple heuristic methods, e.g., based on nearest-neighbor or graph-based techniques. The remaining one clearly outperformed the baselines but did not consistently outperform a well-tuned non-neural linear ranking method. Overall, our work sheds light on a number of potential problems in today's machine learning scholarship and calls for improved scientific practices in this area. Source code of our experiments and full results are available at: this https URL.

Topological Phase Transition in non-Hermitian Quasicrystals.

Abstract: The discovery of topological phases in non-Hermitian open classical and quantum systems challenges our current understanding of topological order. Non-Hermitian systems exhibit unique features with no counterparts in topological Hermitian models, such as failure of the conventional bulk-boundary correspondence and non-Hermitian skin effect. Advances in the understanding of the topological properties of non-Hermitian lattices with translational invariance have been reported in several recent studies; however little is known about non-Hermitian quasicrystals. Here we disclose topological phases in a quasicrystal with parity-time (PT) symmetry, described by a non-Hermitian extension of the Aubry-Andre-Harper model. It is shown that the metal-insulating phase transition, observed at the PT symmetry breaking point, is of topological nature and can be expressed in terms of a winding number. A photonic realization of a non-Hermitian quasicrystal is also suggested.

Controlling competing photochemical reactions stabilizes perovskite solar cells

Abstract: Metal halide perovskites have become a popular material system for fabricating photovoltaics and various optoelectronic devices. However, long-term reliability must be assured. Instabilities are manifested as light-induced ion migration and segregation, which can lead to material degradation. Discordant reports have shown a beneficial role of ion migration under illumination, leading to defect healing. By combining ab initio simulations with photoluminescence measurements under controlled conditions, we demonstrate that photo-instabilities are related to light-induced formation and annihilation of defects acting as carrier trap states. We show that these phenomena coexist and compete. In particular, long-living carrier traps related to halide defects trigger photoinduced material transformations, driving both processes. Defect formation can be controlled by blocking under-coordinated surface sites, which act as a defect reservoir. By use of a passivation strategy we are thus able to stabilize the perovskite layer, leading to improved optoelectronic material quality and enhanced photostability in solar cells. The photo-instability of perovskite solar cells is investigated and controlled by the use of a passivation strategy.

What is a Nearly zero energy building? Overview, implementation and comparison of definitions

Abstract: The reduction of energy consumption in buildings is an important pillar of the European strategy to ensure that future climate and energy targets are reached. This paper focuses on the definition of Nearly zero energy buildings (NZEBs) that represent one of the greatest opportunities to increase energy savings in Europe. As this term appears to be subject to different interpretations, the paper explores the NZEB literature to provide an overview of definitions. The analysis underlines inconsistencies and critical issues among them. The paper also assesses the progress of the NZEB implementation in Europe, and compares the EU-NZEBs and the US-NZEBs definitions. The main debates arisen around NZEBs are evaluated. Among these topics, there are: the distinction between energy and primary energy, and between energy sources and energy carriers. A focus is also due to metrics and primary energy conversion factors. Special attention is provided in defining primary energy factors for energy carriers produced from renewable energy sources on site, nearby or far. After specifying the role of “plus” buildings, a complementary energy index, useful for defining incentives for buildings is formulated to overcome the questioning on the “negative” primary energy index that can be achieved using some of current net ZEB definitions. A proposal for clarifying the meaning of near zero, zero and plus energy buildings is also given. The analysis highlights that, although the attention given to NZEBs increased over the last years, the NZEB topic is still under discussion and not uniformly implemented.

Probing non-Hermitian skin effect and non-Bloch phase transitions

Abstract: This paper uncovers a bulk probing method to catch physical effects hindered in topological non-Hermitian crystals. The method is based on Lyapunov exponent calculation of a quantum walker on the lattice and can reveal non-Bloch phase transitions, the non-Hermitian skin effect and breakdown of the bulk-boundary correspondence.

The enhanced X-ray Timing and Polarimetry mission—eXTP

Abstract: In this paper we present the enhanced X-ray Timing and Polarimetry mission—eXTP. eXTP is a space science mission designed to study fundamental physics under extreme conditions of density, gravity and magnetism. The mission aims at determining the equation of state of matter at supra-nuclear density, measuring effects of QED, and understanding the dynamics of matter in strong-field gravity. In addition to investigating fundamental physics, eXTP will be a very powerful observatory for astrophysics that will provide observations of unprecedented quality on a variety of galactic and extragalactic objects. In particular, its wide field monitoring capabilities will be highly instrumental to detect the electro-magnetic counterparts of gravitational wave sources. The paper provides a detailed description of: (1) the technological and technical aspects, and the expected performance of the instruments of the scientific payload; (2) the elements and functions of the mission, from the spacecraft to the ground segment.

Surface diffusion-limited lifetime of silver and copper nanofilaments in resistive switching devices.

Abstract: Silver/copper-filament-based resistive switching memory relies on the formation and disruption of a metallic conductive filament (CF) with relatively large surface-to-volume ratio. The nanoscale CF can spontaneously break after formation, with a lifetime ranging from few microseconds to several months, or even years. Controlling and predicting the CF lifetime enables device engineering for a wide range of applications, such as non-volatile memory for data storage, tunable short/long term memory for synaptic neuromorphic computing, and fast selection devices for crosspoint arrays. However, conflictive explanations for the CF retention process are being proposed. Here we show that the CF lifetime can be described by a universal surface-limited self-diffusion mechanism of disruption of the metallic CF. The surface diffusion process provides a new perspective of ion transport mechanism at the nanoscale, explaining the broad range of reported lifetimes, and paving the way for material engineering of resistive switching device for memory and computing applications. Resistive random-access memory is operated based on the formation and disruption of nanoscale conductive filaments, but a mechanistic understanding of this process remains unclear. Here, Wang et al. develop a surface-diffusion model to describe lifetime of filaments ranging from microseconds to years.