Research challenges in Measurement for Internet of Things systems

In this paper, an overview of the research challenges in measurements for the design of Internet of Things (IoT) systems is proposed. To this end, a general architecture of an IoT system is presented, which is specialized according to two key requirements: the power supply capabilities of the infrastructure and the time delay constraints of the application. Guidelines for the design of an IoT system are summarized, and the measurement needs are highlighted. A review of the research contributions is given concerning three main measurement topics: (i) energy-aware data acquisition systems, (ii) localization of mobile IoT nodes, and (iii) precise synchronization protocols

Safety and efficacy of direct-acting antivirals in transfusion-dependent thalassemic patients with chronic hepatitis C

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality among thalassemic patients. New treatments based on direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) are highly effective and well-tolerated by patients; nonetheless, they have not been studied in thalassemic populations. In this study, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of these treatments in a cohort of Sardinian thalassemic patients with chronic HCV infection. Methods: We consecutively recruited thalassemic patients with HCV infection, who were eligible for DAA therapy at 3 liver units. Different drug combinations, depending on HCV genotype and hepatic disease severity, were used according to the current guidelines. Sustained virological response was assessed at 12 weeks posttreatment. Data regarding the side effects and transfusion requirements were also collected. Results: We recruited 49 patients, including 29 males (59.2%), with the mean age of 43 years (genotype 1, 55.1%). Twenty-one (42.9%) patients had a history of interferon-based treatment. Cirrhosis was detected in 28 (57.1%) patients; only 1 patient had ascites and hypoalbuminemia (Child-Pugh B7). On the other hand, 35 (71.4%) patients received a sofosbuvir-based regimen. Ribavirin treatment was reported in 26 (53.1%) cases. All the patients were followed-up for at least 12 weeks after therapy, and sustained virological response was observed in 98% of the patients. No treatment discontinuation was required due to adverse events. The most common side effects included fatigue (24.5%), headache (10.2%), and anaemia (77%), requiring further blood transfusion in patients receiving ribavirin. Conclusions: This prospective study showed that DAAs are safe and effective agents in thalassemic patients with advanced liver fibrosis, regardless of previous antiviral treatment responses

Optimization of the energy production processes from bioethanol.

Plant biomass represents a sustainable source of fuel ethanol, single-cell protein and other industrially important chemicals. Among forms of plant biomass, lignocellulosic material is well-suited for bioethanol application because of its large-scale availability and low cost. The primary obstacle impeding more widespread utilisation of biomass is the absence of cheap processing technologies. The development of an efficient biomass-to-energy conversion process could make ligno-cellulosic bioethanol more competitive with fossil fuel. Moreover biomass ethanol could be converted into highly energy efficient vectors (i.e. synthesis gas, hydrogen) to allow easy integration with fuel cells for the production of electric power. This project aimed to develop an optimized biomass to energy process conversion using low cost agri-industrial residues for ethanol production. The research followed a multidisciplinary approach with several specific objectives: 1. Economical: study on the Veneto Region availability of low-cost biomass as feedstock for bioethanol in order to select few agri-industrial wastes to be used as a substrate in lab-scale ethanol production trials. 2. Biotechnological: improvement and optimization of the ethanol conversion efficiency from ligno-cellulosic materials through the selection of strains efficiently able to utilise biomass polysaccharides and to produce ethanol. 3. Engineering: analysis with technical and economical standpoints and optimization of the hydrogen production process from biomass via ethanol steam reforming

Optimization of the energy production processes from bioethanol

Plant biomass represents a sustainable source of fuel ethanol, single-cell protein and other industrially important chemicals. Among forms of plant biomass, lignocellulosic material is well-suited for bioethanol application because of its large-scale availability and low cost. The primary obstacle impeding more widespread utilisation of biomass is the absence of cheap processing technologies. The development of an efficient biomass-to-energy conversion process could make ligno-cellulosic bioethanol more competitive with fossil fuel. Moreover biomass ethanol could be converted into highly energy efficient vectors (i.e. synthesis gas, hydrogen) to allow easy integration with fuel cells for the production of electric power. Introduction This project aimed to develop an optimized biomass to energy process conversion using low cost agri-industrial residues for ethanol production. The research followed a multidisciplinary approach with several specific objectives: 1. Economical: study on the Veneto Region availability of low-cost biomass as feedstock for bioethanol in order to select few agri-industrial wastes to be used as a substrate in lab-scale ethanol production trials. 2. Biotechnological: improvement and optimization of the ethanol conversion efficiency from ligno-cellulosic materials through the selection of strains efficiently able to utilise biomass polysaccharides and to produce ethanol. 3. Engineering: analysis with technical and economical standpoints and optimization of the hydrogen production process from biomass via ethanol steam reforming