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All the news about NODES and its innovation ecosystem: projects, partners, announcements, and events.

5. Industry for health and Silver Economy
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7. Secondary agroindustry
Agro-industrial waste: an economic, social and environmental challenge
The Polytechnic course dedicated to agro-industrial waste has concluded   Agro-industrial waste represents an economic, social and environmental challenge within a traditional linear economic model. However, the innovative perspectives of the circular economy and the bioeconomy pave the way for a revolutionary approach: in this context, the course Agro-Industrial Waste Valorisation According To Circular Economy Pillars is proposed as a training opportunity for an advanced management of this waste, converting it from a problem to a resource.   The course, born within the Spoke 7, is a bold initiative aimed at transforming agro-food waste into valuable resources. The course was attended by 7 students with different backgrounds, including management and chemical engineering students, biotechnology students, doctors in agronomy, and mechanical engineering. The course was designed by Tonia Tomassi and Francesca Demichelis of the Politecnico di Torino.   The program addressed the study of consolidated and innovative processes to convert agro-industrial waste into high added value products and bioenergy. The students explored the concept of sustainability and biorefinery, applying them in the processes studied. In particular, the evolution of the concept of sustainability at global, European and Italian level was examined. Subsequently, biorefineries were analyzed, understanding their differences from traditional refineries, and the technical, environmental and economic feasibility of scaling up the processes from laboratory to industrial scale was studied.   After acquiring these tools, students delved into thermochemical and biochemical processes for the production of high added value products and energy. The processes were analyzed from a technical point of view, understanding the operating conditions, and case studies including environmental and economic assessments were presented.   In the practical sessions, students studied the fermentation process for the production of hydrogen in the industrial chemistry laboratory of the Polytechnic University of Turin. Here they learned in a practical way how reactors work, how to manage biomass, the importance of pre-treatments and the operating conditions of the process.   At the end of the course, students acquired the ability to evaluate the effectiveness of a process through three fundamental pillars: technical feasibility, economic viability and environmental sustainability. This training experience allowed them to understand how to manage and conduct technically feasible production with a reduced economic and environmental impact, in line with goal 12 of the 2030 Agenda. The interaction between students and teachers was intense and enriching, with curiosity being the key word throughout the training course.
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5. Industry for health and Silver Economy
NODES researchers participate in the 13th SIC Piemonte and Valle D'Aosta Convention - from school to the work
TINCARE researchers present the INTERCOACH study at the Regional Conference of the Italian Society of Cardiology.    On November 9th, 2024, the Green Pea in Turin hosted the Italian Society of Cardiology Conference. On this occasion, Dr. Basso presented the INTERCOACH study, led by Prof. Dal Molin.    For the past couple of months, patients hospitalized for heart failure at the Maggiore della Carità University Hospital in Novara have been able to participate in this innovative research. In view of the discharge to the home, the patients and his family members to a web-based platform. In this way, an experienced nurse can take care of patients remotely and promptly intervene if necessary. The monitoring program also includes a six-month follow-up via telephone to promote a healthy lifestyle and prevent disease exacerbations.    The feedback appears positive; to date, ten people have joined the study. 
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7. Secondary agroindustry
Spoke 7 at the Agrifood Tech Days in Freiburg
North West research and innovation themes reach beyond the Alps   The Italian Embassy in Switzerland and the Canton of Fribourg organized the Agrifood Tech Days, a bilateral event to promote collaboration in sustainable agriculture, advanced food production technologies and traditional cuisine preservation.   The event, held at the HEIA-FR University of Fribourg, brought together experts from Italy and Switzerland to discuss the latest research and initiatives in the agri-food sector. Representatives from over 30 institutions and companies, including Nestlé and Givaudan, attended the meeting.   The Piedmont Region, represented by the Minister of Agriculture Paolo Bongioanni, had a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Economy of the Canton of Fribourg, Olivier Curty, to discuss joint initiatives and promote exchange in the agri-food sector. Two members of Spoke 7 also took part in the event: Luisa Torri (UNISG) as keynote speaker and Danilo Demarchi (Polito) who concluded the day by participating in the round table together with Paolo Gay (UNITO). 
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2. Green technologies and sustainable industries
Round Grip stage 5 - how did it go?
On 21st November 2024, the beautiful Kyoto Room of the Environment Park in Turin hosted the 5th stage of the Round GRIP series of meetings, dedicated to the Circular Transformations of Mineral and Organic Waste. It was an afternoon full of speeches, comparisons and inspiring moments organised by Spoke 2 within the GRIP project, with the support of the research activities of Research Module 1 (RM1).
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4. Digital innovation toward sustainable mountain
Clone of Spoke 4 organizes the educational workshop "Designing the Alps of tomorrow: new production scenarios"
NODES - Spoke 4 consolidates relations with the Aosta Valley area, introducing the design visions resulting from the educational workshop "Designing the Alps of tomorrow: new production scenarios"   The day of 11 July 2024 developed through the meeting of around forty students from the Polytechnic of Turin with local stakeholders from real municipalities in the valley. This design experience - the outcome of the six-monthly workshop which saw the students try their hand at designing pilot projects in some of the municipalities covered by the Nodes, Spoke 4, RM1 research - was articulated through a series of meetings in the area, including the the last one, which took place on 11 July 2024 at Skyway, in Courmayeur, which saw the participation of numerous stakeholders from the Aosta Valley area. Specifically, the educational exercise proposed to the forty students involved within the educational workshop "Designing the Alps of tomorrow: new production scenarios" (Polytechnic University of Turin - teachers Roberto Dini, Valentina Serra, Valerio Lo Verso, Francesca Thiebat ) was focused on the development of a series of pilot projects, with the aim of proposing possible processes for the recovery and reactivation of abandoned properties: the Linguistic high school of Courmayeur, the former railway station with the adjoining Morgex warehouse, the former barracks of Saint Marcel and the former mining complex of Ollomont.   The day - promoted by the Courmayeur Mont Blanc Foundation and the Polytechnic of Turin, and held at Skyway in Courmayeur - was a moment of reflection on these possible transformative scenarios, bringing together the local actors directly interested around the projects: mayors and municipal councilors, facilitators social, but also the local Order of Architects. The issues addressed on this occasion can be traced back to different dimensions and scales of the project: on a technological-energy level, wondering what sustainable materials and construction systems could be, in terms of both the impact of emissions and their presence or absence within the local production chains; but also in terms of the social and economic impact that these projects can have within territorial systems with variable networks. The day took place around two complementary moments: in the Pavillon's La Verticale conference room in the morning, during which the maquettes and graphic designs were set up in front of which the discussion took place, culminating in the award ceremony of the three projects deemed most interesting by the local jury (made up of Roberto Ruffier, Sandro Sapia, Michele Saulle). In the afternoon we moved to the highest Punta Helbronner, to admire the surrounding snowy landscape from a privileged point of view. The didactic dimension is therefore intertwined with both the research and dissemination dimensions, allowing students to plan through an experience that brings them as close as possible to reality, and to the territory to receive input and visions resulting from lenses different from those to which they are most accustomed.   Below are experts, local stakeholders, teachers involved in the process and present on the final day: Politecnico di Torino – Roberto Dini, Valentina Serra, Valerio Lo Verso, Francesca Thiebat, Silvia Lanteri, Alessandro Depaoli; Fondazione Courmayeur Mont Blanc - Roberto Ruffier, Elise Champvillair GAL Valle d’Aosta - Marta Anello; Comune di Saint-Marcel - Andrea Bionaz, Alessandro Grange; Comune di Ollomont - David Vevey; Comune di Morgex - Barzagli Federico; Comune di La Thuile - Mathieu Ferraris; Ordine degli Architetti della Valle d’Aosta - Sandro Sapia; Michele Saulle; Piero Brunod.  
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7. Secondary agroindustry
B4HOPES: The beer that makes the difference
From the field to the glass: the social impact of prison economy beer   The research project, led by Michele F. Fontefrancesco of the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore and involving Luisa Torri, Nazarena Cela and Chiara Nervo of the University of Gastronomic Sciences of Pollenzo, aims to investigate the perception of consumers towards social beers, with particular attention to those produced through rehabilitation programs for prisoners. The study seeks to explore how blockchain technology can improve transparency and communication in the sector, ultimately increasing awareness of the social impact of consumers' purchasing decisions.   Our research is fundamental - says Prof. Torri - to understand how consumers perceive prison beers and the crucial role that the synergy between craft beer and social sustainability can have in the market. The meeting between the brewing sector and the principles of inclusion and social reintegration transforms beer into a product that goes beyond sensory pleasure, becoming a symbol of social change. Tools like blockchain allow these values ​​to be communicated with transparency, allowing consumers to make more informed choices, aware of the consequences of their purchasing decisions in terms of social, economic and environmental sustainability.   Hence the need to deepen the investigation through a questionnaire, which allows us to understand consumers' perception of these beers and discover how we can improve the communication of their social value. Why participate? You will contribute to innovative research, led by an interdisciplinary team from the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart and the University of Gastronomic Sciences of Pollenzo You will help promote a more conscious and sustainable consumption model. You will be an active part of a project that uses blockchain to build trust and enhance the positive impact of your purchases.   TAKE PART IN THE QUESTIONNAIRE
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5. Industry for health and Silver Economy
New doctoral student recruited to work on software towards early diagnosis of learning disorders
As announced in the NODES News dated 04/07/2024 (available at the following link), the new PhD student MS Skylar Tang has been recruited by Politecnico di Torino to assist the startup Paperbox Health in the development of the software DINO, a gamified computer app designed to assist in the early identification and possible diagnosis of learning disabilities. The student is enrolled in the PhD program in Mathematical Sciences, 40th cycle.    The software is based on a hierarchical Bayesian model, a special kind of content-based AI tools, implementing ideas coming from Item Response Theory (IRT). 
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3. Culture and tourism industry
The city of Benevento meets companies operating in tourism and culture of southern Italy
On November 13, 2024, the event "Tourism and culture: innovation for the South" was held at the University of Sannio, a partner of Spoke 3 - Tourism and Culture Industry, organized as part of the Roadshow Mezzogiorno initiative.   During the day, Dr. Marco Biolatti of the University of Turin and Prof. Stefania Cerutti of the University of Eastern Piedmont showed those present the results obtained to date with the two flagship projects CIRIL and TOEP; projects aimed at enhancing the territory and culture thanks to the use of new technologies.   The main protagonists of the event were the companies operating in southern Italy, which had the opportunity to win funds from the cascade calls through which they were able to start interesting industrial research and experimental development projects. The companies presented their progress, showed some prototypes and explained to those present how new technologies are revolutionizing the tourism and culture sector in the South but also the Made in Italy sector. Interesting and noteworthy are the applications proposed for conscious tourism and for the protection of Made in Italy and the recognition of counterfeit items. The companies also had the opportunity to discuss and network with each other   At the end of the meeting there was an interesting round table that allowed researchers and companies to discuss what has been done so far and possible actions to take in the future.
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7. Secondary agroindustry
In Pollenzo the conference "Food fraud: a global law perspective"
An event dedicated to food law and fraud The conference of November 6, organized at the University of Gastronomic Sciences, was the occasion to disseminate the results of the research carried out by Lorenzo Bairati, Michele Antonio Fino and Elena Corcione, with particular reference to the topic of unfair commercial practices in communication of quality and agri-food sustainability and their legal consequences in terms of consumer protection and competition.   To complete our perspective (mostly focused on EU sources), the participation of external speakers at the conference was also planned (Lawyer Ferraris of the Turin Bar Association and Lt. Col. Raffaello Ciliento and Mar. Ord. Fabio Chiariello – Carabinieri Agri-food Protection Unit of Turin) who focused on the sources of domestic law.   The topics of discussion were greenwashing and Directive 2024/825 of 28 February 2024 on consumer empowerment for the green transition. At the centre of the debate were also the relationship between food fraud and Italian sounding, advertising self-discipline, the role of the AGCM and ordinary and administrative jurisdiction, in addition to commercial fraud in the wine sector.
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2. Green technologies and sustainable industries
Spoke 2 at Ecomondo 2024: innovation, research and sustainability
Spoke 2 attendance at the UniTO stand at Ecomondo 2024, from Tuesday 5th November to Friday 8th November, highlighted the strategic role of the Spoke in the green and digital transition. In the beautiful Rimini setting, the Spoke had the opportunity to present innovative projects, organise a highly relevant conference on Water Reuse in cooperation with UniTO and Butterfly Area, and create new #synergies.   Water Reuse conference: a focus on water reuse The conference ‘The reuse of treated wastewater: a tool to mitigate water scarcity and climate change’ explored concrete solutions to address one of the most critical global challenges. After the greetings of Full Professor of Organic Chemistry at the University of Turin Cristina Prandi, Prof. Alessandra Bianco Prevot illustrated UniTO's Water Reuse Platform, highlighting the importance of collaborative strategies to create virtuous supply chains. Among the topics discussed: European policies and opportunities: Roberta Maffettone (European Commission) presented a regulatory framework to incentivise sustainable practices. Solutions for sustainability: Errico Stravato (Sogesid SpA) and Daniel Novarino (SMAT) explored the potential of water reuse as a concrete response to climate change. Applied research: Innovative projects such as IRRISAFE, which optimises risk management in urban wastewater use, and WalNUT, which supports water recovery in agriculture, showed how research can turn problems into opportunities. Focus on industry and agriculture: SMARTWATER demonstrated how to integrate wastewater reuse in the textile industry, while talks such as that of Elena Anselmetti (Regione Piemonte) explored the reuse of wastewater in agriculture for innovative applications. The conference emphasised water reuse as a pillar of a circular economy, demonstrating that innovation and collaboration between universities, institutions and businesses are the key to tackling water scarcity and ensuring long-term sustainability.   The future Ecomondo was a unique opportunity to strengthen the link between Spoke and universities, businesses and other institutions, highlighting that only through collaboration can global challenges be addressed and a more sustainable future promoted. See you at Ecomondo 2025!
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Hub Nodes
Raccolta di candidature di Revisori Legali NODES: conclusa
La raccolta per le candidature si è conclusa il 31 ottobre 2024. Come da DD n. 101 del 25/10/2024 è stato ulteriormente aggiornato nell’Area Riservata alle imprese l'Elenco dei Revisori Legali e delle Società di Revisione Legale per i Bandi a Cascata NODES. Hub NODES, infatti, al fine di supportare le imprese finanziate a valere sui Bandi a cascata, ha raccolto le candidature spontanee da parte di professionisti che volevano essere inseriti nell'elenco dei Revisori Legali per i Bandi a Cascata. Le candidature sono state inoltrate via PEC all’indirizzo nodes@pec.it fino al 31 ottobre 2024 Per maggiori dettagli su requisiti e modalità di presentazione si prega di leggere l'avviso pubblicato e la relativa Privacy Policy Vai alla pagina dell'avviso 
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1. Aerospace and sustainable mobility
Spoke 1, industrial and applied research; academia and industry meet in Catania
On 6 November, Università di Catania held the seminar "Power Electronics for electric mobility". Unict is an integral part of the Electro Flagship Project, the research project dedicated to electric mobility. The university's research team, led by Professor Giacomo Scelba, presented the progress on GaN-based On-board Battery Charging solutions to companies and researchers in the public. A more extensive in-depth analysis of the entire Electro project can be found here. The seminar dealt in depth with the activities of the research groups of Converters, Electrical Machines and Drives and Electrotechnics of Unict and in particular the results of the two groups for power electronics. Spoke 1 presented the objectives and results obtained with the funding of industrial research and for the formation of networks and connections between the actors of innovation in the territory, to facilitate the knowledge of the projects and the collaboration between research and industry, between actors of excellence in northern and southern Italy.   The Flagship Project  
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7. Secondary agroindustry
Apple]house included in the Adi Design Index 2024
A prestigious recognition for innovative design  The Appl[e]ause project, developed by Cristian Campagnaro, Raffaele Passaro, Isabella de Vecchi, Nicolò Buselli and Giuseppe Maroncelli, has been selected for the ADI Design Index 2024, a competition organized by ADI Association for Industrial Design.   This work is the result of a collaboration between the PolitoFoodDesignLab of the DAD - Department of Architecture and Design of the Polytechnic University of Turin and PanaceaSocialFarm.   The research aims to enhance the secondary by-products of the Piedmontese fruit agro-industry, specifically identifying apple pomace as a source of dietary fiber and nutrients. Through a codesign approach, the project experiments with the creation of new food products at increasingly advanced levels of technological maturity, highlighting their aesthetic, organoleptic and nutritional aspects to propose new uses for this production waste in the formulation of 7 new baked goods: breadsticks, biscuits, pretzels, chips, pandolce, focaccia and muffins. Find out more
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2. Green technologies and sustainable industries
Spoke 2 meets the delegation of researchers from the German regional agency AGIT for a discussion on the bio-economy and biotechnology for green tech!
On 30 and 31 October, a delegation of 9 people from the following research centres Centro di Ricerca di Jülich, Aachen Technical University, Competence Center Bio4MatPro, Technical University of Hamburg, Institute for Technology and Innovation Management visiting thanks to the German Regional Agency AGIT visited Turin as part of the NODES ecosystem, at the premises of the Department of Biotechnology of the University of Turin. Thursday opened with institutional greetings and a presentation of the University of Turin's research ecosystem by the Full Professor of Organic Chemistry at the University of Turin Cristina Prandi. The floor was then passed to Tiziana Dell'Olmo, representative of the Piedmont Region, who presented a speech entitled: ‘Piedmont Region: strategies for technology transfer and innovation in the Bioeconomy field’.
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7. Secondary agroindustry
Spoke 7 brings its themes to the delegation of the University of Aachen
On October 29 and 30, a delegation from the University of Aachen and the BioeconomyREVIER cluster visited the universities of Pavia and Turin as part of the NODES project, strengthening collaboration between European academic and research institutions. The meeting saw the collaboration and participation of researchers from Spoke 2, 6 and 7, on Green and sustainability issues specific to our territory.   On the 29th, Giuseppina Sandri from the University of Pavia touched on the topic of smart packaging with a speech entitled Development of innovative materials for packaging and smart-packaging from waste products. The intervention was part of the day dedicated to innovation in the primary agro-industry and was organized in collaboration with Spoke 6.   The themes of Spoke 7 were also presented the following day, when the delegation met researchers at the University of Turin. Here, the researcher from the Polytechnic of Turin Diana Massai presented the challenges and opportunities of cultured meat as an alternative protein food to conventional meat produced through intensive farming as a sustainable, “healthy, green and smart” resource. He also provided an overview of the research network on cultured meat that is being created in Piedmont between the various regional universities, also thanks to the support of the Center for Studies and Research on Sustainable Food.    The meeting strengthened the dialogue between our universities and Aachen, highlighting the innovations that the territory is carrying forward in terms of sustainability in the secondary agro-industry sector.