Time-analysis of leakage flux of a slot-bar and computation of equivalent network parameters

This paper analyzes the magnetic field analysis generated in a slot-bar, also taking into account the eddy currents, using the finite-elements method and the state-variables approach. After indicating the formulation of the procedure, the Authors mention the resulting possibility of building the equivalent network of the slot-bar, by through the determining the transfer function of the system.     

Multipolar laminated electromagnet for low-field magnetic resonanceimaging and electron paramagnetic resonance imaging

A cylindrical 16-pole electromagnet (EM) for electron paramagnetic resonance imaging (EPRI) and low-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been designed by means of two-dimensional and three-dimensional (3-D) finite element analysis (FEA). The use of an automatic procedure that combines FEA with a minimization routine allowed the optimization of the design, in order to improve the homogeneity along the axis of the EM. A prototype has been built by using electrical steel sheets that were cut by laser; this solution reduced significantly the manufacturing cost. The EM operates with a maximum flux density, in the bore, of 0.08 T and has a homogeneity along the axis of about 40 parts per million (ppm) in a spherical region 10 cm in diameter. It generates the main field and two of the three field gradients required in the 3-D image reconstruction. Good agreement was found between the results of simulation and the measured values     

Procedures and classroom architectures for the development oftele-teaching activities

A system architecture based on the use of ISDN basic inputs is presented, suitable for over-distance educational programs (tele-teaching) in academic environments. Starting from a very encouraging tele-teaching experience-performed in the last four years at the University of l'Aquila-a medium term project for the improvement and extension of the present activities in the various sites where the University is geographically distributed has been performed. The proposed classrooms, offices and conference room architectures and allocations are described in the paper, together with the possible integration between terrestrial and satellite-based educational techniques. Emphasis is also given to the teaching procedures and the student response, which are of fundamental importance to provide effectiveness and future expansion to over-distance educational techniques     

Effects of electrical faults on reliability of turbogenerator units in large steam power plants

Because of the awareness in many countries of the objection of pollution, and the lack of available cooling water, modern steam power plants frequently lie far from load centers. Moreover, the rating of turbogenerator units is continuously growing, following technology's trends, size economies and the increasing demand on electrical energy. Power transmission lines for large distances are consequently required, thus raising the need for improved safety, reliability, and control of the power plant system as a whole. Reliability especially appears to be a critical factor, affecting the quality of delivery and the economy of production, so that improved reliability is increasingly required.The paper concentrates on the consequences of a typical electrical failure on the reliability of the largest turbogenerator unit which is going to be operated in Italy. Owing to the mutually dependent behaviour of the system's different parts, obviously an interdisciplinary problem, it was necessary to construct a general model of a thermal power station which allowed for the simulation of the transient conditions under study, thus providing pertinent solution data and suggestions.     

Could Targeted Pharmacotherapies Exert a “Disease Modification Effect” in Patients with Chronic Plaque Psoriasis?

Chronic plaque psoriasis is an immune-mediated skin disease with a chronic relapsing course, affecting up to ~2–3% of the general adult population worldwide. The interleukin (IL)-23/Th17 axis plays a key role in the pathogenesis of this skin disease and may represent a critical target for new targeted pharmacotherapies. Cutaneous lesions tend to recur in the same body areas, likely because of the reactivation of tissue-resident memory T cells. The spillover of different pro-inflammatory cytokines into systemic circulation can promote the onset of different comorbidities, including psoriatic arthritis. New targeted pharmacotherapies may lead to almost complete skin clearance and significant improvements in the patient’s quality of life. Accumulating evidence supports the notion that early intervention with targeted pharmacotherapies could beneficially affect the clinical course of psoriatic disease at three different levels: (1) influencing the immune cells infiltrating the skin and gene expression, (2) the prevention of psoriasis-related comorbidities, especially psoriatic arthritis, and (3) the improvement of the patient’s quality of life and reduction of cumulative life course impairment. The main aim of this narrative review is to summarize the effects that new targeted pharmacotherapies for psoriasis may have on the immune scar, both at the molecular and cellular level, on psoriatic arthritis and on the patient’s quality of life.     

Consequences of size increases and thermodynamic constraints on steam-powerplant availability: Comparison between nuclear and fossil-fueled units

By comparing the two largest thermoelectric units recently brought into operation in Italy (i.e., a 660-MW_e fossil-fueled supercritical unit and an 860-MW_e nuclear direct cycle BWR), we obtain information on the effects of size limits on powerplant availability. We assume that torsional vibrations are among the most severe causes of damage, while short circuits at the generator terminals cause the most serious fault in a power station. Computer-aided simulation of the dynamical behaviour of the two units shows the nuclear unit to be less severely stressed, thus producing longer life and better long-term reliability.     

Multipolar laminated electromagnet for low-field magnetic resonance imaging and electron paramagnetic resonance imaging

A cylindrical 16-pole electromagnet (EM) for electron paramagnetic resonance imaging (EPRI) and low-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been designed by means of two-dimensional and three-dimensional (3-D) finite element analysis (FEA). The use of an automatic procedure that combines FEA with a minimization routine allowed the optimization of the design, in order to improve the homogeneity along the axis of the EM. A prototype has been built by using electrical steel sheets that were cut by laser; this solution reduced significantly the manufacturing cost. The EM operates with a maximum flux density, in the bore, of 0.08 T and has a homogeneity along the axis of about 40 parts per million (ppm) in a spherical region 10 cm in diameter. It generates the main field and two of the three field gradients required in the 3-D image reconstruction. Good agreement was found between the results of simulation and the measured values.