FEASIBILITY STUDY OF AN INNOVATIVE URBAN ELECTRIC-HYBRID MICROCAR

Alessandro Ferraris,Federico Micca,Alessandro Messana,Andrea Giancarlo Airale,Massimiliana Carello 한국자동차공학회 2019 International journal of automotive technology Vol.20 No.2

This paper presents the feasibility study of a new platform for electric-hybrid quadricycles, developed by addressing important concepts like passive safety and comfort, which often represent a shortcoming in this vehicle category. Starting from packaging of energy storage system and macroscopic subsystems as the main technological constraint, the study has been entirely developed in a virtual environment, with finite element verifications on preliminary models, and a subsequent cooperation phase between computer aided design and finite element analysis softwares, with a guideline for the main tests being that each could feasibly be carried out on a complete vehicle model in order to validate the original assumptions. The resulting design, with a body curb mass of less than 100 kg, was capable of integrating optimal static stiffness characteristics and crash performance, together with improved vehicle dynamics thanks to an innovative suspension archetype.

PID CONTROLLER MODELLING AND OPTIMIZATION IN CR SYSTEMS WITH STANDARD AND REDUCED ACCUMULATORS

Alessandro Ferrari,Antonio Mittica,Pietro Pizzo,Zhiru Jin 한국자동차공학회 2018 International journal of automotive technology Vol.19 No.5

The proportional-integrative-derivative (PID) controller and the pressure control valve of a Common Rail system are modelled by taking into account electronic, electrical, hydraulic and mechanical aspects. A fully predictive model of the injection apparatus is realized and validated by means of comparison with experimental data. The effects of the PID parameters on the injection system dynamics are illustrated and discussed on the basis of model results, which refer to steadystate and transient working conditions. The influence of the accumulator size on the rail pressure time history is investigated when the rail volume is dramatically reduced (up to 2.5 cm3). In particular, the effect of the large rail pressure drop that occurs at the end of the main injection for Minirail layout solutions is examined when after injections are implemented. An objective is to try to determine possible suitable values of the PID controller parameters and of the pressure-sensor sampling-frequency for rails of reduced size.

Comparison of traditional and simplified methods for repairing CAD/CAM feldspathic ceramics

Michele Carrabba,Alessandro Vichi,Chris Louca,Marco Ferrari 대한치과보철학회 2017 The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics Vol.9 No.4

PURPOSE. To evaluate the adhesion to CAD/CAM feldspathic blocks by failure analysis and shear bond strength test (SBSt) of different restorative systems and different surface treatments, for purpose of moderate chipping repair. MATERIALS AND METHODS. A self-adhering flowable composite (Vertise Flow, Kerr) containing bi-functional phosphate monomers and a conventional flowable resin composite (Premise Flow, Kerr) applied with and without adhesive system (Optibond Solo Plus, Kerr) were combined with three different surface treatments (Hydrofluoric Acid Etching, Sandblasting, combination of both) for repairing feldspathic ceramics. Two commercial systems for ceramic repairing were tested as controls (Porcelain Repair Kit, Ultradent, and CoJet System, 3M). SBSt was performed and failure mode was evaluated using a digital microscope. A One-Way ANOVA (Tukey test for post hoc) was applied to the SBSt data and the Fisher’s Exact Test was applied to the failure analysis data. RESULTS. The use of resin systems containing bi-functional phosphate monomers combined with hydrofluoric acid etching of the ceramic surface gave the highest values in terms of bond strength and of more favorable failure modalities. CONCLUSION. The simplified repairing method based on self-adhering flowable resin combined with the use of hydrofluoric acid etching showed high bond strength values and a favorable failure mode. Repairing of ceramic chipping with a self-adhering flowable resin associated with hydrofluoric acid etching showed high bond strength with a less time consuming and technique-sensitive procedure compared to standard procedure.

DISENTANGLING THE “SOCIAL SHARING PARADOX”: A THREE-MARKET STUDY OF PRIVACY, TRUSTING BELIEFS AND INFORMATION DISCLOSURE IN SOCIAL MEDIA

Margherita Pagani,Alessandro Ferrari 글로벌지식마케팅경영학회 2018 Global Marketing Conference Vol.2018 No.07

This study empirically examines the effects of two distinct types of privacy-related concerns (organizational threats and social threats) on different aspects of information disclosure (amount, honesty and conscious control) on social network sites, especially by highlighting the role of trusting beliefs (integrity & honesty, predictability, benevolence, competence), across three markets in which social network usage is substantial (i.e. US, Europe, and East Asia). The study contributes to the literature focused on the paradoxical dichotomy between privacy attitudes and behaviors. In a quantitative modeling framework, we develop a structural model based on our previous conceptual model. We use data collected through snowball convenience sampling technique from a large sample (n=624), Web-based consumer survey from Europe, US and East Asia to measure these constructs, and we fit a series of structural equation models that test related prior theory. Findings suggest that the “Social Sharing” paradox may result from a failure to disentangle between social and organizational concerns, since the authors find no effect of privacy concerns about organizational threats on overall disclosure (amount and honesty of information) but find high conscious control of information disclosed for higher concerns towards social threats. Trusting beliefs differently influence information disclosure in the three main geographical areas and were found to moderate the effect of social concerns on the amount of information disclosed and conscious control. Further the cross-country analysis results suggest that cultural values may affect how concerns about privacy and trusting beliefs, impact self-disclosure. For practice, our research suggests actionable strategies to aid online marketers in matching information requests with the needs and concerns of consumers by providing greater control and customization and enhancing firm trust.

Comparison of traditional and simplified methods for repairing CAD/CAM feldspathic ceramics

Carrabba, Michele,Vichi, Alessandro,Louca, Chris,Ferrari, Marco The Korean Academy of Prosthodonitics 2017 The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics Vol.9 No.4

PURPOSE. To evaluate the adhesion to CAD/CAM feldspathic blocks by failure analysis and shear bond strength test (SBSt) of different restorative systems and different surface treatments, for purpose of moderate chipping repair. MATERIALS AND METHODS. A self-adhering flowable composite (Vertise Flow, Kerr) containing bi-functional phosphate monomers and a conventional flowable resin composite (Premise Flow, Kerr) applied with and without adhesive system (Optibond Solo Plus, Kerr) were combined with three different surface treatments (Hydrofluoric Acid Etching, Sandblasting, combination of both) for repairing feldspathic ceramics. Two commercial systems for ceramic repairing were tested as controls (Porcelain Repair Kit, Ultradent, and CoJet System, 3M). SBSt was performed and failure mode was evaluated using a digital microscope. A One-Way ANOVA (Tukey test for post hoc) was applied to the SBSt data and the Fisher's Exact Test was applied to the failure analysis data. RESULTS. The use of resin systems containing bi-functional phosphate monomers combined with hydrofluoric acid etching of the ceramic surface gave the highest values in terms of bond strength and of more favorable failure modalities. CONCLUSION. The simplified repairing method based on self-adhering flowable resin combined with the use of hydrofluoric acid etching showed high bond strength values and a favorable failure mode. Repairing of ceramic chipping with a self-adhering flowable resin associated with hydrofluoric acid etching showed high bond strength with a less time consuming and technique-sensitive procedure compared to standard procedure.

EFFECTS OF RATE-SHAPED AND MULTIPLE INJECTION STRATEGIES ON POLLUTANT EMISSIONS, COMBUSTION NOISE AND FUEL CONSUMPTION IN A LOW COMPRESSION RATIO DIESEL ENGINE

Stefano d’Ambrosio,Alessandro Ferrari,Alessandro Mancarella,Antonio Mittica 한국자동차공학회 2020 International journal of automotive technology Vol.21 No.1

An experimental investigation has been carried out to highlight the effects of different injection strategies on the performance and emissions of a low compression ratio Euro 5 diesel engine operated with high EGR rates. Rate-shaped main injections, achieved with piezoelectric and solenoid injectors by means of boot and injection fusion, respectively, as well as optimized multiple injection patterns have been compared. The results of the comparisons, performed with reference to a state-of-the-art double pilot-Main (pM) strategy, are presented in terms of engine-out exhaust emissions, combustion noise (CN) and fuel consumption. Rate-shaped main injections, when included in delayed multiple injection patterns, have shown a minor influence on reducing NOx, while a slight deterioration in soot has been found. Both a double pilot and a boot injection schedule have been able to reduce CN at low loads. A higher reduction in CN has been obtained with an injection fusion event. Finally, DoE optimized triple and quadruple injection strategies have led to improved soot-NOx trade-offs, with respect to the pM calibration. In fact, splitting the injection helps to entrain air inside the fuel plumes, thus creating locally leaner mixture (less prone to forming soot) and allowing increasing the EGR rates (reducing NOx formation).

The Glycemic Index of Indica and Japonica Subspecies Parboiled Rice Grown in Italy and the Effect on Glycemic Index of Different Parboiling Processes

Mariangela Rondanelli,Riccardo Anselmo Ferrario,Simone Perna,Davide Guido,Clara Gasparri,Cinzia Ferraris,Alessandro Cavioni,Francesca Mansueto,Giuseppe Mazzola,Zaira Patelli,Gabriella Peroni,Martina P 한국식품영양과학회 2023 Journal of medicinal food Vol.26 No.6

Rice is generally considered a high-glycemic index (GI) food, but numerous studies show that parboiling reduces the GI. There are no studies on GI of Indica and Japonica subspecies parboiled rice grown in Italy. The aim of this study was (1) to evaluate GI in different varieties of parboiled rice (ribe, white and brown long B, basmati, black, red, roma, and arborio); (2) to evaluate GI of same variety of rice subjected to different rice parboiling processes (parboiled ribe and parboiled long B with two different methods: flora and conventional method); (3) to evaluate GI of two by-products of parboiled rice: white and brown rice cake. Participants were 10 healthy individuals (20–30 years old, body mass index 18.5–25 kg/m2). Proximate composition and GI were determined by using standard methods. All parboiled rice assessed is low-GI (brown long B 48.1 ± 6.4 by flora method, ribe 52.0 ± 1.8 GI by flora method, black rice 52.3 ± 7.6 by flora method, long B 52.4 ± 3.9 by flora method, long B 53.4 ± 5.1 by conventional method, ribe 54.4 ± 4.3 GI by conventional method, Roma 54.4 ± 7.9 GI by flora method, and arborio 54.4 ± 7.9 GI by flora method), except red rice that is of medium-GI (56.1 ± 7.0 GI), and both classic and brown cakes that are high-GI (respectively, 83.3 ± 8.9 GI and 102.2 ± 5.5 GI). Parboiled rice is low-GI and so is favorable for the dietary management of metabolic disorders and celiac disease. Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05333081).

Safety and Efficacy of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in Patients with Post-Liver Transplant Biliary Complications: Results of a Cohort Study with Long-Term Follow-Up

( Claudia Sanna ),( Chiara Giordanino ),( Ilaria Giono ),( Claudio Barletti ),( Arnaldo Ferrari ),( Serafino Recchia ),( Dario Reggio ),( Alessandro Repici ),( Alessandro Ricchiuti ),( Mauro Salizzoni 대한소화기기능성질환·운동학회 2011 Gut and Liver Vol.5 No.3

Background/Aims: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the standard approach for the management of biliary complications in liver transplant patients; however, its safety and efficacy have not been established in this setting. This study was performed to evaluate the safety and long-term efficacy of ERCP in transplant patients. Methods: The case reports of 1,500 liver transplant patients were reviewed. Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) patients were matched 1:2 with non-OLT patients and followed-up for long-term outcome (median, 7.4 years). Results: Of the 1,500 liver transplant patients, 94 (6.3%) underwent 150 ERCPs after OLT. Anastomotic strictures were present in 45 patients, biliary stones in 24, biliary leaks in 7, papillary stenosis in 2, and primary sclerosing cholangitis in 1. An ERCP success rate of 90.7% was achieved; biliary stenting led to resolution of the bile leak in 7/7 (100%) patients, and biliary stones were removed in 21/24 (87.5%) patients. In addition, 34 of 45 patients with anastomotic stricture underwent endoscopic dilation. We obtained complete resolution in 22/34 (64.7%) patients. OLT patients did not show a higher probability of complications (odds ratio [OR], 1.04), of pancreatitis (OR, 0.80) or of bleeding (OR, 1.34). Conclusions: ERCP is safe and effective for the treatment of post-OLT biliary complications, has a low rate of pancreatitis and results in a durable effect. (Gut Liver 2011;5:328-334)