The Piston

The piston, due to its functions of primary importance, is one of the most refined components of the internal combustion engine.This article, following the evolution of the piston up to the present day, focuses principally on the new materials currently used and innovations in processing techniques

Wheels

In the early days of this century, automobile pioneers were still arguing about whether wooden or metal wheels gave the better performance. But soon, in 1924, the first wheel in light alloy, mounted on a Bugatti, made its appearance on the occasion of the French Grand Prix. The article, following the evolution of wheels for cars and heavy vehicles, focuses on their characteristics and the innovations brought in, affecting both the materials used and the manufacturing process

Coachwork

The coachwork is the last step of manufacturing of motor-cars. It is the part more exposed to the judgement of the public and for this reason very important in commercial sense.This article explains the chief points of evolution of technique and taste on this subject

The Connecting Rod

Like all components of the internal combustion engine, the connecting rod has been the object of significant changes in design and manufacturing, due to its function of primary importance.The article traces the evolution up to the present day of this metal component, examining the materials used and the latest innovations in manufacturing technologies

Springs

The advent of the automobile provided many important new uses for springs. In this paper various types of springs used for the suspensions, the shock absorbers, engine valves and the clutch are presented and discussed. The most significant changes in design and manufacturing process are also considered

Copyright collecting societies e regole di concorrenza

Il libro tratta, in chiave comparatistica, della disciplina delle società di gestione collettiva dei diritti d'autore. Della materia, recentemente, si è interessata la Commissione europea, pubblicando una proposta di direttiva, che dovrebbe essere emanata entro la fine dell'anno. Il libro analizza, in particolare, la necessità di superare l'esclusiva riconosciuta alla SIAE ex art. 180 l.d.a. alla luce della disciplina comunitaria - regole del Trattato e giurisprudenza di Corte di Giustizia e Commissione -, nonché, a livello interno, alla luce della recente liberalizzazione dei diritti connessi

Qualitative Alpha-defensin Versus The Main Available Tests For The Diagnosis Of Periprosthetic Joint Infection: Best Predictor Test?

Introduction: Biomarkers such as \u3b1-defensin demonstrated to be a potentially useful option in periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) diagnosis. Recently, a new point-of-care test for \u3b1-defensin level detection in synovial fluid has been commercialized in Europe. The aim of this study is to compare the \u3b1-defensin test (SynovasureTM) diagnostic ability with the main available clinical tests for periprosthetic joint infection diagnosis in a practical clinical setting of a Bone Infection Unit. Methods: Between 2015 and 2017, 146 patients with suspected chronic PJI were screened with SynovasureTM. Seventy-three of these met the Musculoskeletal Infection Society (MSIS) criteria and were included in the analysis. According to MSIS criteria, 40 patients (54.7%) were classified as infected and 33 (45.3%) as not infected. The results obtained with SynovasureTM were recorded and compared with standard diagnostic methods for PJI diagnosis. Results: SynovasureTM showed a sensitivity of 85.0 % (95% CI 70.2 to 94.3) and a specificity of 96.9 % (95% CI 83.8 to 99.9) for PJI detection. The positive likelihood ratio of SynovasureTM was 27.2 (95% CI 3.9 to 188.1) and the negative likelihood ratio was 0.2 (95% CI 0.1 to 0.3). The diagnostic odds ratio was 181.3 (95% CI 20.7 to 1590.4). SynovasureTM demonstrated a statistical significant difference when compared to Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) and C-reactive Protein (CRP) specificity (at least one positive test) and preoperative culture sensitivity (1 positive culture). Conclusion: Our findings show that SynovasureTM sensitivity is lower than quantitative \u3b1-D test, but when compared to the main available tests shows a good specificity and the highest DOR. On the SF it is the easier test to do, due to the fact that it needs a minimal amount of SF and it is not limited by blood contamination or antibiotic use. Whereas there is no single standalone test, SynovasureTM should be considered a reliable additional test for periprosthetic joint infection diagnosis in everyday clinical practice