Caratteristiche morfo-fenologiche e molecolari di germoplasma siciliano di Mandorlo: primi risultati

Challenges and directions for Blockchain technology applied to Demand Response and Vehicle-to-Grid scenarios

Abstract Nowadays, Blockchain is considered a consolidated technology supporting many different applications that integrate well with Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things, and supports the creation of Decentralized Autonomous Organizations. Within this wider framework, the energy blockchain applications are now deserving more and more attention, since blockchain architectures, on one hand, provide transparency and solve the information asymmetry problem, on the other, provide disintermediation. In this way, the dream of an energy market closer to end-users becomes a reality, although, still, the regulatory framework is not clear, especially for what concerns the tokenization o…

Pro-inflammatory alleles play an opposite role in acute myocardial infarction and in longevity

SIGNIFICATO PROGNOSTICO DELL’MMP-9 IN PAZIENTI CON SINDROME CORONARICA ACUTA

Analysis of stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes as a tool for assessing the environmental impact of aquaculture: a case study from the western Mediterranean

Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios ( 13C/ 12 C and 15N/14 N) of in situ dominant primary producers and consumers were investigated to assess the impact on a natural ecosystem of a land-based fish farm along the south-western coast of Sicily (Italy). The putatively impacted area close to the farm along outfall was compared with other locations at increasing distances from the outfall. Carbon and mainly nitrogen stable isotopes revealed evidence of widespread aquaculture waste in the study site: benthic organisms collected in the impacted area showed more enriched δ 15N signatures than those at greater distances from the outfall, suggesting a large contribution of aquaculture waste to …

PV Reconfiguration Systems: a Technical and Economic Study

Dynamical electrical array reconfiguration strategies for grid-connected PV systems have been proposed as solution to improve energy production due to the mismatch effect of PV plants during partial shading conditions. Strategies are based on the use of dynamic connections between PV panels given by the employment of switches that allow for each panel the series, parallel or exclusion connections, physically changing the electrical connections between the related PV modules, consequentially modifying the layout of the plant. Usually the cost of the dynamic matrix is not taken into account. This novel work evaluates the economic advantages obtained by the use of reconfiguration strategies in…

Comparison of three control drive systems for interior permanent magnet synchronous motors

In a previous paper, we proposed a control strategy for interior permanent synchronous motors, which takes into account also the reduction of the motor power losses. The novelty of the suggested approach is that it takes into consideration the variations of all the motor parameters that have an influence on its efficiency. In order to verifyon the field the effectiveness of this new method, we implemented the proposed loss model algorithm in a control drive system and compared its performances, in terms of energy losses with respect to other conventional techniques.

Dynamic reconfiguration of electrical connections for partially shaded PV modules: Technical and economical performances of an Arduino-based prototype

The partial shading phenomenon is a well known problem of photovoltaic plants. Partial shading leads to undesirable effects such the electrical mismatch, the generation of hot spots, and generally the decrease of production of electric energy. To mitigate the last effect, a dynamic reconfiguration of the electrical connections between modules was taken into account. In this paper, starting from an already developed system for a small-scale photovoltaic plant reconfiguration, the study of the economical benefits of the employment of a reconfigurator are traced. Five different incentive policies of diverse Countries have been considered to evaluate the increase of Net Present Value of system …

Effect of weak magnetic fields on the in vitro propagation of Genista aetnensis (Raf. Ex Biv.) Dc.

Over the years, many studies have emphasized the importance of the magnetic fields (MF), used as a safe alternative choice to improve agricultural production. The induction effect of different magnetic fields varies depending on the species, explants typology, intensity of magnetic field and period of exposure. The aim of the present study was to investigate the application of a continuous magnetic field induction, at different exposure times, as a production enhancement for in vitro culture of Genista aetnensis, an endemic shrub commonly named 'Mount Etna broom'. An in vitro protocol has been settled for the conservation of the species. Plantlets cultured onto a solified Murashige and Skoo…

Low-cost smart energy managment based on ATmega 328P-PU microcontroller

This paper presents a real-time, low-cost, wireless, AC and DC monitoring system based on an ATmega328P-PU microcontroller. The proposed system is composed by different client nodes, which have the task to measure the main electrical quantities involved in the system, and a server node that collects the data and send them to a display device. The system is well suited for a good accuracy monitoring of either AC or DC electrical quantities. In order to verify the correct operation of the system, a case study for the simultaneous monitoring of the DC and AC voltages and currents is provided.

Aortic valve disease: follow-up of a group of patients undergone to aortic valve replacement.

Origin and distribution of suspended organic matter as inferred from carbon isotope composition in a Mediterranean semi-enclosed marine system

The origin and distribution of suspended organic matter, the trophic features and the stable carbon isotopic composition of particulate organic carbon (POC) were studied monthly in a Western Mediterranean semi-enclosed basin. Sampling stations were selected as a function of wind-exposure and the degree of vegetation cover and then compared with an adjacent unvegetated site. The predominant vegetation was seagrass (Posidonia oceanica and Cymodocea nodosa) and Caulerpa prolifera. Water samples were analyzed for total suspended matter (inorganic and organic fractions), photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll-a and phaeopigments), dissolved organic carbon, particulate organic carbon and their isot…

EFFETTI DEL CAMPO MAGNETICO ELF SU ALCUNE SPECIE VEGETALI DI INTERESSE ORNAMENTALE ED ECOLOGICO

Diversi studi riportati nella letteratura scientifica di riferimento, effettuati sia in vivo che in vitro, hanno evidenziato effetti positivi determinati dall’esposizione dei tessuti vegetali al campo magnetico ELF

Vasospastic angina and scombroid syndrome: a case report

Scombroid syndrome is a fish poisoning characterised by the onset of symptoms compatible with a pseudoallergic reaction; it is rarely also responsible of signs and symptoms of acute coronary syndromes, as demonstrated in this case report.

Myocardial infarction in Young adults: risk factors, clinical characteristics and prognosis according to our experience

Objectives. Myocardial infarction is a relatively unusual phenomenon in young subjects. The aim if this work is to characterize the risk profile and factors influencing outcomes of these patients since it makes possible to manage prevention interventions. Patients and Methods. We examined cardiovascular risk factors, clinical presentation, angiographic picture and outcome of a group of young patients hospitalized for a myocardial infarction. We enrolled 121 young patients consecutively admitted to our hospital for a myocardial infarction and examined them not only at the initial stage, but also after 3 months and one year; finally a long-term telephonic follow up was performed, when possibl…

Design and control of an innovative electronic load for the photovoltaic module characterization

The paper proposes a new electronic load setup for a fast, low-cost and standard-compliant characterization of a photovoltaic module. The approach is based on the use of a DC-DC converter, exploiting its ability to emulate a resistor. In particular, a Buck-Boost converter topology is employed. The model is implemented in the Simulink/SimPower System environment. A commercial PV Conergy E215P photovoltaic module is used in order to evaluate the performances of the proposed electronic load and to validate the proposed approach.

The new Lessepsian entry Brachidontes pharaonis (Fischer P., 1870) (Bivalvia, Mytilidae) in the western Mediterranean: A physiological analysis under varying natural conditions

The feeding behavior of Brachidontes pharaonis (Mollusca, Bivalvia), a new Lessepsian entry in the western Mediterranean, living in a cooling vat of a saltworks system in western Sicily, was assessed by estimating its physiological rates throughout a 6 month-long study (May 1998 to March 1999). Clearance, filtration, ingestion, and food absorption rates were estimated using the biodeposition method and the results correlated to variations in temperature, salinity, and quality and quantity of available food. Measured seston concentrations were on average 81.5 ± 95.5 mg L-1, its labile fraction (estimated as the sum of particulate lipids, carbohydrates and proteins) was on average 0.55 ± 0.07…

Tumori del cavo orale e delll'orofartnge

Simulation and experimental validation of multicarrier PWM techniques for three-phase five-level cascaded H-bridge with FPGA controller

The FPGA represents a valid solution for the design and implementation of control systems for inverters adopted in many fields of power electronics because of its high flexibility of use. This paper presents an overview and an experimental validation of the MC SPWM techniques for a three-phase, five-level, cascaded H-Bridge inverter with FPGA controller-based. Several control algorithms are here implemented by means of the VHDL programming language and the output voltage waveforms obtained from the main PWM techniques are compared in terms of THD%. Simulation and experimental results are analyzed, compared and discussed.

Short term prognostic role of NT-proBNP in patients after myocardial infarction

Aim. The clinical and prognostic role of cardiac natriuretic peptides (CNP) in patients with heart failure is well known; recently, several studies have evaluated the possibility of using CNP to evaluate their potential prognostic role in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the short term prognostic value of NT-proBNP in 70 patients admitted for ACS. Methods. The authors studied 70 patients with ACS, evaluating, at admission, clinical-anamnestic, instrumental and laboratory characteristics including NT-proBNP plasma levels. Patients were monitored in a 6-month-follow-up to record adverse fatal events and their possible correlation with baselin…

Experimental investigation and characterization of innovative bifacial silicon solar cells

The interest towards bifacial PV technology has increased over the last years, due to its potential capability of obtaining higher efficiencies with respect to traditional monofacial cells. Thus, the aim of this work is to present an experimental investigation on an innovative photovoltaic technology, such as the bifacial solar cells based on monocrystalline substrate. This analysis is mainly based on the determination of the current density/voltage, power density/voltage, External Quantum Efficiency (EQE) and Laser Beam Induced Current (LBIC) characterization. Interesting results are presented and discussed, demonstrating that the bifacial silicon solar cells can be a very promising techno…

Appropriate management of growth hormone deficiency during the age of transition: an Italian Delphi consensus statement

Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) describes the impairment of growth hormone (GH) secretion by the pituitary somatotroph cells. GHD may be congenital, with causes, including genetic alterations and structural brain malformations, or acquired, including midline tumours, cranial irradiation, traumatic brain injury, central nervous system infections and inflammatory conditions. GHD in children is characterised by short stature, delayed bone maturation and abnormalities in substrate metabolism, body composition, physical and psychosocial functioning, all of which improve with recombinant human GH (rhGH) therapy. The diagnosis of GHD is based on clinical signs and symptoms, biochemistry and imagin…

Ruolo del recettore TLR4 nell’infarto e nella longevità

Characterization of interior permanent magnet synchronous motors for loss model algorithm identification

The paper provides the results of a detailed experimental study on the variations of the characteristics of an interior permanent magnet synchronous motor, when load, speed and/or magnetization conditions vary. In particular, the characterization is carried out by assessing, for several working conditions, the motor parameters that influence its efficiency. From the knowledge of the variability of these parameters, it is possible to develop a dynamic model of the motor, which accurately describes its behaviour and allows estimating the power losses for whatever speed and load. In order to validate the model, the values of the power losses obtained by using the model are compared with the va…

Vinorelbine and 5-fluorouracil bolus and/or continuous venous infusion plus levofolinic acid as second-line chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer: An analysis of results in clinical practice of the Gruppo Oncologico Italie Meridionale (GOIM)

Background: This retrospective study evaluated the activity and toxicity profile of a regimen of vinorelbine and 5-fluorouracil with levofolinic acid, given to a large series of patients with recurrent or refractory metastatic breast cancer after first-line chemotherapy. Patients and Methods: Overall, 286 evaluable patients were included in the analysis. Two chemotherapy schedules were reviewed: a) the bolus regimen consisted of levofolinic acid 100 mg/m(2) and 5-fluorouracil 375 mg/m(2) both administered i.v. on days 1,2 and 3, plus vinorelbine 25 mg/m(2) i.v. bolus on days I and 8 every 3 weeks; b) the infusional regimen of levofolinic acid 100 mg/m(2) given as a 2-hour infusion, followed…

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN INFLAMMATORY MOLECULE CRP POLYMORPHISM AND ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION IN A COHORT OF SICILIAN YOUNG PATIENTS