1D Modelling and Analysis of Thermal Conditioning Systems for Electric Vehicles

The limited driving range, due to the poor storage capability of electric batteries, represents one of the greatest challenges in the development of electric vehicles. This concern leads to an extremely demanding design of every component within the vehicle powertrain in order to achieve their maximum energy efficiency and decrease the demand on the battery. Additionally, in cold climate conditions, the efficiency of the heating system of an electric vehicle decreases and it can result in further reducing its driving range. In this thesis, 1D modelling in Amesim will be used to analyze different concepts of thermal management for an electric vehicle. Firstly, a 1D model of the original refrigeration system of the chosen vehicle (Fiat 500e) was built by implementing the data of each component. The components were individually modelled, then assembled within a system level model and the final model was validated. Secondly, starting with the validated system, a 1D model of a heat pump system was proposed as a replacement for the commonly used positive temperature coefficient heater (PTC). This model was obtained exploiting the information available on the refrigeration system and assuming all the unknown characteristics. An energy and exergy analysis was carried out to determine the individual components and overall system performance. Finally, the vehicle cabin was modelled exploiting a new Embedded CFD tool of Amesim capable of combining the advantages of 1D and 3D modelling, hence providing lower CPU resources and time consumption required to perform a simulation due to the lower effort to model the temperature distribution inside the cabin. This approach gives also the chance to study zonal heating and cooling of the cabin in order to reduce the energy demand on the battery. Numerous simulations were performed to analyze the impact of different settings and parameters validating each of them through comparison with experimental data

Toxic effects multi-walled carbon nanotubes on bivalves: comparison between of functionalized and non-functionalized nanoparticles

Despite of the large array of available carbon nanotube (CNT) configurations that allow different industrial and scientific applications of these nanoparticles, their impacts on aquatic organisms, especially on invertebrate species, are still limited. To our knowledge, no information is available on how surface chemistry alteration (functionalization) of CNTs may impact the toxicity of these NPs to bivalve species after a chronic exposure. For this reason, the impacts induced by chronic exposure (28 days) to unfunctionalized MWCNTs (Nf-MWCNTs) in comparison with functionalized MWCNTs (f-MWCNTs), were evaluated in R. philippinarum, by measuring alterations induced in clams' oxidative status, neurotoxicity and metabolic capacity. The results obtained revealed that exposure to both MWCNT materials altered energy-related responses, with higher metabolic capacity and lower glycogen, protein and lipid concentrations in clams exposed to these CNTs. Moreover, R. philippinarum exposed to Nf-MWCNTs and f-MWCNTs showed oxidative stress expressed in higher lipid peroxidation and lower ratio between reduced and oxidized glutathione, despite the activation of defense mechanisms (superoxide-dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione S-transferases) in exposed clams. Additionally, neurotoxicity was observed by inhibition of Cholinesterases activity in organisms exposed to both MWCNTs.publishe

Spectrum of gluten-related disorders: consensus on new nomenclature and classification

A decade ago celiac disease was considered extremely rare outside Europe and, therefore, was almost completely ignored by health care professionals. In only 10 years, key milestones have moved celiac disease from obscurity into the popular spotlight worldwide. Now we are observing another interesting phenomenon that is generating great confusion among health care professionals. The number of individuals embracing a gluten-free diet (GFD) appears much higher than the projected number of celiac disease patients, fueling a global market of gluten-free products approaching $2.5 billion (US) in global sales in 2010. This trend is supported by the notion that, along with celiac disease, other conditions related to the ingestion of gluten have emerged as health care concerns. This review will summarize our current knowledge about the three main forms of gluten reactions: allergic (wheat allergy), autoimmune (celiac disease, dermatitis herpetiformis and gluten ataxia) and possibly immune-mediated (gluten sensitivity), and also outline pathogenic, clinical and epidemiological differences and propose new nomenclature and classifications

Un nuovo disegno di vite per innesti autologhi in blocchi.

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Innesti ad apposizione mediante tecnica piezoelettrica; considerazioni cliniche e metodologiche.

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Difetti cistici e trattamento con Fisiograft: studio pilota.

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Analisi comparativa della riparazione di difetti ossei con Fisiograft®.

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Associations between Celiac Disease, Extra-Gastrointestinal Manifestations, and Gluten-Free Diet: A Narrative Overview

Millions of children and adults worldwide suffer from undiagnosed and untreated celiac disease (CeD). The clinical picture of CeD is highly heterogeneous and comprises manifestations that can affect almost the whole body. This narrative overview is aimed at characterizing diseases and complaints that are associated with unrecognized CeD and that frequently involve sites other than the gastrointestinal (G.I.) tract, i.e., dental, otorhinolaryngological, and ocular complications; skin and hair abnormalities; afflictions of the bones, joints, and muscles; cardiovascular affectations; kidney diseases; neuro-psychiatric disorders; and gynecological–obstetrical manifestations. The association between CeD and extra-GI manifestations is frequently overlooked, which leads to a delay in diagnosis. Most CeD-mediated disorders can be treated with a strict gluten-free diet (GFD), but some of them are irreversible unless CeD is diagnosed in time. Some manifestations can be classified as risk factors for CeD, and CeD screening tests for affected patients should be selectively considered. Apart from gastroenterologists, specialists in other medical disciplines can play an important role in identifying people with unrecognized CeD and may help prevent its progress and long-term complications. Further comprehensive investigations are necessary to clarify the pathogenesis of extra-GI manifestations and the effect of a GFD