The effect of different materials joint in Vacuum Insulation Panels

During recent years the use of Vacuum Insulation Panels in buildings applications has been improved, because of their both higher performances and lower thickness compared to traditional insulation materials. These performances are due to the interior vacuum degree, which represent also the main problem connected with the applications of this technological solution in buildings constructions: to maintain the vacuum condition the panels are enclosed in an envelope layer, characterized by an higher thermal conductivity. Moreover they have to be assembled to each other or to additional different joint materials in practical building application, generating a thermal bridging effect. The aim of present work is to analyse the critical aspects related to this insulation technology for building application. An experimental campaign through heat flow meter apparatus was carried out with the purpose of assessing the decrease of performance due to the thermal bridges effects considering different joint materials in VIPs assemblies

Characterization and energy performance of a slurry PCM-based solar thermal collector: a numerical analysis

Flat plate solar thermal collector is the most common technology for solar energy conversion at the building scale. This technology has been established since long time and continuous developments have been achieved as time passed by; significant improvements of flat plate solar thermal collectors are thus now limited. A novel approach to increase further the performance of this technology is based on the exploitation of the latent heat of the heat carrier fluid. In order to assess this strategy, a previously developed numerical model of flat plate solar thermal collector with slurry PCM as heat carrier is herewith used to simulate the technology. The characterization and energy performance of such a system are herewith presented, based on the outcome of the numerical analysis. The results demonstrate that the novel approach is able to improve the performance of the system under different boundary conditions and in different climates: the improvement in the instantaneous efficiency is in the range 5-10%, while during the winter season the converted heat by the slurry PCM-based system is 20-40% higher than that of a conventional water based solar collector, depending on the climates – the colder the climate, the larger the improvement

Evaluation on Implementing an Active Braking System in Wheelchair Rear-Mounted Power-Assisted Device

Power-Assisted Devices (PADs) for wheelchairs are becoming popular tools to enhance propulsion capabilities and to assist wheelchair users to perform daily activities. PADs include Pushrim Activated Power-Assisted Wheelchairs, joy-stick-driven wheels, front-end attachments, and rear-end attachments. Considering the latest, they are not equipped with any active braking system. This could affect the handling of the wheelchair and introduce safety concerns. The paper aims to assess the performance of a rear add-on during driving and braking conditions, and to investigate the implementation and effectiveness of a servo braking system. A dynamic multibody model of a wheelchair has been developed and the dynamic of the system has been analyzed. To enhance the braking effectiveness, an additional preload torque between the wheelchair and the device has been modelled. Simulations have been performed for different braking torques. The results show that the introduction of a mounting preload positively affects the braking effectiveness, and it assists the user to perform part of the braking action

The effect of different materials joint in Vacuum Insulation Panels

During recent years the use of Vacuum Insulation Panels in buildings applications has been improved, because of their both higher performances and lower thickness compared to traditional insulation materials. These performances are due to the interior vacuum degree, which represent also the main problem connected with the applications of this technological solution in buildings constructions: to maintain the vacuum condition the panels are enclosed in an envelope layer, characterized by an higher thermal conductivity. Moreover they have to be assembled to each other or to additional different joint materials in practical building application, generating a thermal bridging effect. The aim of present work is to analyse the critical aspects related to this insulation technology for building application. An experimental campaign through heat flow meter apparatus was carried out with the purpose of assessing the decrease of performance due to the thermal bridges effects considering different joint materials in VIPs assemblies

Fresh vs. frozen embryo transfer in assisted reproductive techniques: a single center retrospective cohort study and ethical-legal implications

OBJECTIVE: Several studies have shown higher pregnancy rates and better perinatal outcomes with frozen embryo transfers than with fresh techniques, with better results in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) but with a higher rate of pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia. This retrospective cohort study aims to compare the cumulative live birth rates, maternal and neonatal complications of fresh embryo transfers (ET) and frozen-embryo transfers (FET) in infertile women who underwent assisted reproduction techniques (ART) at the Azienda Ospedaliera Ospedali Riuniti (AOOR) Villa Sofia Cervello, Palermo, Italy. In addition, the authors have focused on the legislative and ethical complexities which such a procedure entails.PATIENTS AND METHODS: Out of 475 women undergoing in vitro fertilization programs from January 2017 to January 2021, 128 were enrolled; 70 patients underwent ET, and 58 patients FET. The main outcome measure was live birth rates. Secondary outcomes were clinical pregnancy, ongoing pregnancy, pregnancy loss, low birth weight (LBW), ectopic pregnancy, and obstetrical and perinatal complications.RESULTS: The cumulative live birth rates were similar between the fresh transfer (95.7%) and frozen transfer (93.1%). Biochemical pregnancy rates, clinical pregnancy, ongoing pregnancy, and pregnancy loss were similar between the groups.CONCLUSIONS: Obstetrical outcomes were not statistically different between the two groups; a higher preterm delivery rate was reported in the FET group. ET birth weights were notably lower for singletons compared to the freeze-all strategy. ET patients also had higher LBW rates, with a 2.5-fold higher rate compared to FET. No significant differences were found in cumulative live birth rates between ET and FET, which is consistent with earlier studies. FET protocols are linked to higher neonatal birth weight and lower risk of LBW than fresh ET. The ethical and legal quanda-ries inherent in such techniques, as technology moves on and outpaces current legislative frame-works, cannot be discounted

The activity of cAMP-Phosphodiesterase 4D7 (PDE4D7) is regulated by protein kinase A-dependent phosphorylation within its unique N-terminus

The cyclic AMP phosphodiesterases type 4 (PDE4s) are expressed in a cell specific manner, with intracellular targeting directed by unique N-terminal anchor domains. All long form PDE4s are phosphorylated and activated by PKA phosphorylation within their upstream conserved region 1 (UCR1). Here, we identify and characterise a novel PKA site (serine 42) within the N-terminal region of PDE4D7, an isoform whose activity is known to be important in prostate cancer progression and ischemic stroke. In contrast to the UCR1 site, PKA phosphorylation of the PDE4D7 N-terminus appears to occur constitutively and inhibits PDE4 activity to allow cAMP signalling under basal conditions

Septate uterus: nosographic overview and endoscopic treatment

To comment on the prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment of the septate uterus, with special reference to hysteroscopic metroplasty and its effect on reproductive outcome, we searched publications in PubMed and Embase. Original articles, meta-analysis, reviews, and opinion articles were selected. The studies suggest that the prevalence of the septate uterus is increased in women with repeated pregnancy loss and infertility. Reliable diagnosis depends on accurate assessment of the uterine fundal contour and uterine cavity by means of magnetic resonance and three-dimensional ultrasound. Pertinent published data comparing pregnancy outcome before and after hysteroscopic metroplasty indicated a marked improvement after surgery. Magnetic resonance and three-dimensional ultrasound represent the gold standard for diagnosis of septate uterus. Hysteroscopic metroplasty with its simplicity, minimal postoperative sequelae, and improved reproductive outcome is the gold standard for treatment, not only in patients with recurrent pregnancy loss and premature labor but also in patients with infertility, especially if in vitro fertilization is being contemplated

Development of advanced multifunctional façade systems: Thermo-acoustic modelling and performance

The development of lightweight a nd multifunctional curta in wa ll systems, which integra te different technological solutions, is a imed at a chieving increa singly higher requirements rela ted to energy efficiency a s well a s indoor environmental quality in nonresidentia l buildings. On one ha nd lightweight a nd thin fa çade elements present several a dvantages (such a s construction time, space, a nd transportation savings, less weight on primary structure etc.), while fa cing the cha llenge of gua ranteeing the required thermal a nd a coustic performance and achieving legisla tive compliance on the other. In the framework of the Horizon 2020 Project Powerskin+ a new concept of multifunctional fa çade, which combines high performance insulation, energy harvesting, heating system, a nd la tent heat storage capabilities is under development. Within the design process of the different sub -modules (opaque and tra nsparent), performance calculations a re carried out by means of existing simulation tools, or a d-hoc developed models for more complex systems. In this study, the authors present the main steps required to a ccelerate the simula tion-based design process a nd the future thermal and a coustic optimization of the novel lightweight a nd multifunctional façade element

Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone analogue or dienogest plus estradiol valerate to prevent pain recurrence after laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis: a multi-center randomized trial.

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the efficacy of dienogest + estradiol valerate (E2V) and gonadotrophin-releasing hormone analogue (GnRH-a) in reducing recurrence of pain in patients with chronic pelvic pain due to laparoscopically diagnosed and treated endometriosis. Design Multi-center, prospective, randomized study. Setting Three university departments of obstetrics and gynecology in Italy. Population Seventy-eight women who underwent laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis combined with chronic pelvic pain. Methods Post-operative administration of dienogest + E2V for 9 months (group 1) or GnRH-a monthly for 6 months (group 2). Main outcome measures A visual analogue scale was used to test intensity of pain before laparoscopic surgery at 3, 6 and 9 months of follow up. A questionnaire to investigate quality of life was administered before surgery and at 9 months of follow up. Results The visual analogue scale score did not show any significant differences between the two groups (p = 0.417). The questionnaire showed an increase of scores for all women compared with pre-surgery values, demonstrating a marked improvement in quality of life and health-related satisfaction with both treatments. No significant differences were found between the groups. The rate of apparent endometriosis recurrence was 10.8% in group 1 and 13.7% in group 2 (p = 0.962). Conclusion Both therapies seemed equally efficacious in preventing endometriosis-related chronic pelvic pain recurrence in the first 9 months of follow-up