Multi-objective design of robust flight control systems

A multi–objective evolutionary algorithm is used in the framework of H1 control theory to find the controller gains that minimize a weighted combination of the infinite–norm of the sensitivity function (for disturbance attenuation requirements) and complementary sensitivity function (for robust stability requirements). After considering a single operating point for a level flight trim condition of a F-16 fighter aircraft model, two different approaches will then be considered to extend the domain of validity of the control law: 1) the controller is designed for different operating points and gain scheduling is adopted; 2) a single control law is designed for all the considered operating points by multiobjective minimisation. The two approaches are analyzed and compared in terms of effectiveness of the design method and resulting closed loop performance of the system

Dermatosis caused by Corythuca ciliata (Say, 1932) (Heteroptera, Tingidae). Diagnostic and clinical aspects of an unrecognized pseudoparasitosis

The present article discusses three cases of human infestation by Corythuca ciliata (Lace bugs), a parasite of plane trees. The cases were all in the Piedmont region of northwest Italy and the symptoms involved a large number of hives on the subjects? bodies which were scarcely or not at all itchy and which spontaneously cleared up in all the cases in less than 24 hours. It can be concluded that the Lace bug can be an agent of insect-caused dermatosis and this should be considered in examining subjects who visit or live near wooded areas which are infested

Traumatic myiasis from Sarcophaga (Bercaea) cruentata Meigen, 1826 (Diptera, Sarcophagidae) in a hospital environment: reporting of a clinical case following polytrauma

We present a case of cutaneous myiasis occurring in a hospital environment (nosocomial myiasis) in an patient with serious multiple traumas sustained in a motorcycle accident. The agent responsible for the myiasis was identified as Sarcophaga cruen- tata (Meigen 1826). The larvae found in the necrotic wound were removed and the necessary environmental measures were taken to avoid further infestation. Although nonocomial myiasis is a form of parasitosis already cited in the in literature, it is a rare event and worthy of attention to aid in identifying parasitosis in hospitalized subjects in order to expedite proper diagnosis and treatment

Analysis on existent thermal insulating plasters towards innovative applications: evaluation methodology for a real cost-performance comparison

Thermal insulating plasters are an important means to face the energy efficiency issues in building field, above all in renovation processes. New solutions, such as nanotechnology or aerogel based plasters, could make a significant contribution to this field, reaching higher level of thermal performance and reducing needed thickness. But, in order to be really suitable for the market, new plaster solutions have to answer to specific economical and technical needs. This research provides an overall analysis of thermal insulating plasters in European market, comparing existing products according to technical specifications and economical features The main goal of this survey is to drive researches in thermal plasters fields towards innovative application, creating new plasters able to meets real market and end-users demands. Technical cross assessment considers three main factors, defined according to European standards: volume mass powder, dry bulk density of hardened mortar and thermal conductivity. Benchmarking analysis compares prices per unit, in order to relate material quantity to the achieving of common Rx value. Cross assessments results allow to define thermal, technical and economical requirements that new thermal insulating plasters have to meet to be suitable for European volume market

Does the application of directive 2001/93/EC improve pigs welfare and productive performances?

Recently, with the aim to protect swine and enhance their welfare, a set of international rules has been approved by the European Commission (directive 91/630/CEE; 2001/88 CEE; 2001/93/CEE). These ..

Development of aerogel based internal thermal plasters for the energy retrofit of existing buildings: First results

A relevant part of research activities dealing with the energy retrofitting of existing buildings is currently focused on the development of highly insulating plasters, which represent a feasible and effective solution as far as thermal bridges, mold growth risk and heat loss reduction are concerned. Within this framework, the EU funded research project “Wall- ACE” started in October 2016. The project involves industrial partners, research centres and public bodies, with the aim of developing, testing and implementing, a new set of high performance aerogel based insulating products. In this first stage, the activity carried out by the authors was mainly focused on internal insulating plasters. The first blends of lightweight samples were experimentally characterized as far as thermohygrometric and mechanical properties are concerned. Moreover, the thermal behavior of typical wall assemblies retrofitted using the developed aerogel based plasters, were assessed through numerical simulations. The first results and the technical issues which have arisen during the initial stage of the research, are here presented

Mixotrophic ciliate dynamics in two zones of a temperate and highly turbid estuary in South America, Argentina

La mixotrofía es una estrategia de alimentación por medio de la cual un organismo combina la autotrofia y la heterotrofia. La dinámica estacional de cinco ciliados mixótrofos comúnmente presentes en las aguas superficiales de la zona interna y media del estuario de Bahía Blanca, Argentina, rico en nutrientes, somero y con alta turbidez, se estudió mensualmente desde enero a diciembre de 2009. Se registraron los valores de temperatura, salinidad, turbidez y clorofila a, así como también la abundancia y biomasa de Strombidium capitatum, Strombidium acutum, Cyrtostrombidium sp., Lohmanniella oviformis y Tontonia appendiculariformis. La abundancia más alta de los mixótrofos se registró en el invierno en la zona interna, mientras que en la zona media del estuario la presencia de estos ciliados fue casi nula. La contribución más alta de clorofila proveniente de los mixótrofos a la clorofila a total fue 6% en la zona interna y 23% en la zona media (ambas estimaciones registradas en otoño). La baja abundancia de mixótrofos en la zona media del estuario durante el invierno, como usualmente es observado en otros sistemas costeros, podría ser explicada por una presión de pastoreo elevada en esta zona (control de tipo “top-down”) por parte de mesozooplancton (e.g., copépodos), en comparación con la zona interna. La floración secundaria del fitoplancton observada durante los últimos veranos, dominada por diatomeas de pequeño tamaño y fitoflagelados del nanoplancton, podría haber sustentado la alta abundancia de ciliados mixótrofos que se registró en la zona media en otoño y verano.Mixotrophy is a feeding strategy by which some organisms combine autrotrophic and heterotrophic activities. The seasonal dynamics of the five most common mixotrophic ciliates were studied monthly in surface layers of the inner and middle zone of the Bahía Blanca estuary, a nutrient-rich, shallow and highly turbid environment in Argentina, from January to December 2009. Temperature, salinity, turbidity and chlorophyll a were recorded, as well as the abundance and biomass of Strombidium capitatum, Strombidium acutum, Cyrtostrombidium sp., Lohmanniella oviformis and Tontonia appendiculariformis. The highest mixotrophic ciliate abundance was recorded during the austral winter (June-July) in the inner zone, meanwhile in the middle zone of the estuary the presence of these ciliates was almost null. The highest chlorophyll contribution derived from mixotrophic ciliates to total chlorophyll a ranged from 6% in the inner zone to 23% in the middle zone, both registered in autumn. The low abundance of mixotrophs in the middle zone of the estuary during the winter, as is usually observed in other coastal ecosystems, could be explained through a higher grazing pressure in this zone (top-down control) by mesozooplankton (e.g., copepods) in comparison to the inner zone. The secondary bloom of phytoplankton consistently observed during the last summers dominated by small sized diatoms and nanoplankton phytoflagelates, could have sustained the high abundance of mixotrophic ciliates registered in the middle zone in autumn and summer