GCM solver (ver. 3.0): a {\it Mathematica} notebook for diagonalization of the Geometric Collective Model (Bohr hamiltonian) with generalized Gneuss-Greiner potential

The program diagonalizes the Geometric Collective Model (Bohr Hamiltonian) with generalized Gneuss–Greiner potential with terms up to the sixth power in β . In nuclear physics, the Bohr–Mottelson model with later extensions into the rotovibrational Collective model is an important theoretical tool with predictive power and it represents a fundamental step in the education of a nuclear physicist. Nuclear spectroscopists might find it useful for fitting experimental data, reproducing spectra, EM transitions and moments and trying theoretical predictions, while students might find it useful for learning about connections between the nuclear shape and its quantum origin. Matrix elements for the kinetic energy operator and for scalar invariants as β 2 and β 3 cos ( 3 γ ) have been calculated in a truncated five-dimensional harmonic oscillator basis with a different program, checked with three different methods and stored in a matrix library for the lowest values of angular momentum. These matrices are called by the program that uses them to write generalized Hamiltonians as linear combinations of certain simple operators. Energy levels and eigenfunctions are obtained as outputs of the diagonalization of these Hamiltonian operators

Mobile Applications in X-KLAIM

Networking has turned computers from isolated data processors into powerful communication and elaboration devices, called global computers; an illustrative example is the World–Wide Web. Global computers are rapidly evolving towards programmability. The new scenario has called for new programming languages and paradigms centered around the notions of mobility and location awareness. In this paper, we briefly present X-KLAIM, an experimental programming language for global computers, and show a few programming examples

Sviluppo di un algoritmo di controllo sensorless per motori brushless

In questa tesi è sviluppato un algoritmo sensorless per motori sincroni a magneti permanenti. L’algoritmo sviluppato è un controllo ad orientamento di campo, in cui la posizione viene stimata utilizzando 3 sensori di Hall. L’algoritmo sensorless è implementato sul TMS320F2808, un Digital Signal Processing della Texas Instruments. La piattaforma software è sviluppata con un approccio di prototipizzazione rapida usando Matlab/Simulink. Al fine di verificare il corretto funzionamento del sistema di controllo sono state effettuate varie simulazioni utilizzando lo schema Simulink in cui il modello del motore è dotato di parametri dinamici. I valori dei parametri del motore sono determinati attraverso un modello ad elementi finiti (FEM). Dopo la verifica del corretto funzionamento del sistema sono stati effettuati in laboratorio dei test preliminari all’implementazione dell’algoritmo sul sistema reale

The Cryogenic AntiCoincidence detector for Athena X-IFU

Athena is an ESA project for a space telescope for the X-ray astrophysics. The scientific goal is to study the Universe by measuring the evolution of baryonic matter in large-scale structures, such as the warm-hot intergalactic medium, as well as in energetic compact objects. Because most of the baryonic component of the Universe is locked up in hot gas at temperatures of about a million degrees, and because of the extreme energetics of the processes close to the event horizon of black holes, understanding the hot and energetic Universe requires space-based observations in the X-ray band. The topic requires for spatially resolved X-ray spectroscopy and deep wide-field X-ray spectral imaging with capabilities far beyond those of current observatories like XMM-Newton and Chandra. The observatory will be a fixed 12-meter fixed-focus telescope with two instruments, the innovative X-ray Integral Field Unit (X-IFU), based on cryogenic detectors; and the Wide Field Imager (WFI). These two instruments combine the high spectral resolution of X-IFU with the high spatial resolution of WFI to achieve the scientific goals, with a measurement spectrum from 0.5 to 10 keV. X-IFU is based on 50 mK cooled Transition Edge Sensors (TES), that exploit the metal-superconductor transition. These can provide the required energy resolution, while offering exceptional efficiency compared to the spectrometers on the current generation of X-ray observatories. Since the telescope will operate in an environment rich in cosmic rays, it would be impossible to separate the signals from the background on the X-ray detector. In X-IFU, this problem will be solved by an active anticoincidence layer, which would make it possible to achieve the scientific goals for the spectroscopy of faint or distant sources. The work done in this thesis was focused on the anticoincidence detector, which is one of the core parts of the instrument. Its scope is the reduction of the signal background by about 2 orders of magnitude and will be positioned only 1 mm below the spectrometer. The Demonstration Model (DM) of the detector has been studied, realized and tested. With particular interest in improving the understanding and technology of microfabrication of superconducting devices. The detector is fabricated using optical microlithography and PLD, electro-beam evaporator, and RF-sputtering film deposition systems. The DM active area consists of 96 Ir/Au TES films connected in parallel with superimposed Nb strip lines, insulated with a SiO film, and four heaters on a Si absorber. The pixel is freestanding and attached to a gold frame with four Si beams. The frame is needed to have a strong coupling to a cryostat, since the operating point is below 1 K, and the heaters and the beams are needed to control the decoupling of the active area. Measurements are performed at temperatures around to 0.1 K (the theoretical operating point of X-IFU) in a dilution cryostat reading signals from radiation sources such as Am 241 at 60 keV or Fe 55 at 5 keV. The very low impedance of TES sensors requires a SQuID to read the output signal. In addition some structural models of the detector have been fabricated and vibrated to understand the structural characteristics and to test the response to stresses that the detector will experience during launch. Variations of the detector were studied to test its spectroscopic capabilities and to measure its thermal characteristics. To better understand the overall signal generation inside the absorber, a model and simulation of the phononic distribution of the a-thermal transient was developed. Finally, the detector was tested in conjunction with the NASA spectrometer to verify its anticoincidence performance

The relationship between corruption and chronic diseases: evidence from Europeans aged 50 years and older

Objectives: Do people living in more corrupted countries report worse health? We answer this question by investigating the relationship between country-level corruption and the number of chronic diseases for a sample of Europeans aged above 50. Methods: We link a rich panel dataset on individual health and socio-demographic characteristics with two country-level corruption indices, analyse the overall relationship with pooled ordinary least squares and fixed-effect models, explore heterogeneous effects driven by country and individual factors, and disentangle the effect across different public sectors. Results: Individuals living in more corrupted countries suffer from a higher number of chronic diseases. The heterogeneity analysis shows that (1) health outcomes are worsened especially for respondents living in relatively low-income countries; (2) the health of females and people with poor socio-economic status is more affected by corruption; (3) the corruption-health negative link mainly occurs for cardiovascular diseases and ulcers; (4) only corrupted sectors linked with healthcare are associated with poorer health. Conclusions: We inform the policy debate with novel results in establishing a nexus between corruption and morbidity indicators

The relationship between corruption and chronic diseases: evidence from Europeans aged 50 years and older

Objectives: Do people living in more corrupted countries report worse health? We answer this question by investigating the relationship between country-level corruption and the number of chronic diseases for a sample of Europeans aged above 50. Methods: We link a rich panel dataset on individual health and socio-demographic characteristics with two country-level corruption indices, analyse the overall relationship with pooled ordinary least squares and fixed-effect models, explore heterogeneous effects driven by country and individual factors, and disentangle the effect across different public sectors. Results: Individuals living in more corrupted countries suffer from a higher number of chronic diseases. The heterogeneity analysis shows that (1) health outcomes are worsened especially for respondents living in relatively low-income countries; (2) the health of females and people with poor socio-economic status is more affected by corruption; (3) the corruption-health negative link mainly occurs for cardiovascular diseases and ulcers; (4) only corrupted sectors linked with healthcare are associated with poorer health. Conclusions: We inform the policy debate with novel results in establishing a nexus between corruption and morbidity indicators

Challenges in the development and growth of small for gestational age newborns

Introduction: Being born with low birth weight (less than 2.500 gr) is considered a public health problem, with an overall world rate of about 14%. Low birth weight may result from a premature birth (< 37 weeks of gestation), from several causes of intra-uterine growth restriction or from a combination of both. Areas covered: We described how, if weight and/or length at birth are not adequate for gestational age, the newborn is considered ‘small for gestational age’ and may present several growth, hormonal and developmental peculiarities, possibly due to the growth restriction developed during pregnancy. Expert commentary: We provide a description of the possible mid-term consequences of being born small for gestational age and how to follow and provide care for these babies from a multidisciplinary point of view

Design guidelines for H-Darrieus wind turbines: Optimization of the annual energy yield

H-Darrieus wind turbines are gaining popularity in the wind energy market, particularly as they are thought to represent a suitable solution even in unconventional installation areas. To promote the diffusion of this technology, industrial manufacturers are continuously proposing new and appealing exterior solutions, coupled with tempting rated-power offers. The actual operating conditions of a rotor over a year can be, however, very different from the nominal one and strictly dependent on the features of the installation site. Based on these considerations, a turbine optimization oriented to maximize the annual energy yield, instead of the maximum power, is thought to represent a more interesting solution. With this goal in mind, 21,600 test cases of H-Darrieus rotors were compared on the basis of their energy-yield capabilities for different annual wind distributions in terms of average speed. The wind distributions were combined with the predicted performance maps of the rotors obtained with a specifically developed numerical code based on a Blade Element Momentum (BEM) approach. The influence on turbine performance of the cut-in speed was accounted for, as well as the limitations due to structural loads (i.e. maximum rotational speed and maximum wind velocity). The analysis, carried out in terms of dimensionless parameters, highlighted the aerodynamic configurations able to ensure the largest annual energy yield for each wind distribution and set of aerodynamic constraints