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The integration and testing of the Mini-EUSO multi-level trigger system
No full textThe Mini-EUSO telescope is designed by the JEM-EUSO Collaboration to ob- serve the UV emission of the Earth from the vantage point of the International Space Station (ISS) in low Earth orbit. The main goal of the mission is to map the Earth in the UV, thus increasing the technological readiness level of future EUSO experiments and to lay the groundwork for the detection of Extreme En- ergy Cosmic Rays (EECRs) from space [1]. Due to its high time resolution of 2.5 μs, Mini-EUSO is capable of detecting a wide range of UV phenomena in the Earth's atmosphere. In order to maximise the scientific return of the mission, it is necessary to implement a multi-level trigger logic for data selection over different timescales. This logic is key to the success of the mission and thus must be thoroughly tested and carefully integrated into the data processing system prior to the launch. This article introduces the motivation behind the trigger design and details the integration and testing of the logic
Impact of design of coronary stents and length of dual antiplatelet therapies on ischaemic and bleeding events: a network meta-analysis of 64 randomized controlled trials and 102 735 patients
No full textAims The differential impact on ischaemic and bleeding events of the type of drug-eluting stent [durable polymer stents [DES] vs. biodegradable polymer stents vs. bioresorbable scaffolds (BRS)] and length of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) remains to be defined. ................................................................................................................................................................................................... Methods Randomized controlled trials comparing different types of DES and/or DAPT durations were selected. The primary and results endpoint was Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACE) [a composite of death, myocardial infarction (MI), and target vessel revascularization]. Definite stent thrombosis (ST) and single components of MACE were secondary endpoints. The arms of interest were: BRS with 12 months of DAPT (12mDAPT), biodegradable polymer stent with 12mDAPT, durable polymer stent [everolimus-eluting (EES), zotarolimus-eluting (ZES)] with 12mDAPT, EES/ ZES with <12 months of DAPT, and EES/ZES with >12 months of DAPT (DAPT > 12 m). Sixty-four studies with 150 arms and 102 735 patients were included. After a median follow-up of 20 months, MACE rates were similar in the different arms of interest. EES/ZES with DAPT > 12 m reported a lower incidence of MI than the other groups, while BRS showed a higher rate of ST when compared to EES/ZES, irrespective of DAPT length. A higher risk of major bleedings was observed for DAPT > 12 m as compared to shorter DAPT. ................................................................................................................................................................................................... Conclusion Durable and biodegradable polymer stents along with BRS report a similar rate of MACE irrespective of DAPT length. Fewer MI are observed with EES/ZES with DAPT > 12 m, while a higher rate of ST is reported for BRS when compared to EES/ZES, independently from DAPT length. Stent type may partially affect the outcome to- gether with DAPT length
Polymers and photopolymers engineering to achieve unconventional properties in solar cells and smart windows
No full textPhotovoltaic (PV) technology has evolved rapidly in the past few decades and now encompasses a large variety of materials and device structures. A key aspect to be taken into account in any PV technology is the operational durability of these systems in outdoor conditions. In this context, the large compositional flexibility of polymeric materials as well as their proven easy processability may be of great help. The first part of this contribution shows a series of photocurable fluoropolymeric systems that find application as multifunctional coatings for different solution-processable PV devices, including perovskite solar cells and photoelectrochromic windows. Aspects related to the chemical functionalization of the coating precursors will be addressed in view of the incorporation of multiple functionalities into the final coating material, such as high photochemical durability, luminescent down-shifting, UV-screening, high hydrophobicity and easy-cleanability. It will also be demonstrated that by synthetically tuning the functionality of the coating system, improved power conversion efficiency and unmatched long-term operational stability can be achieved on all PV systems investigated. In the second part of this contribution, patterned "Fakir"-shaped super-hydrophobic polymeric architecture on the external sided of flexible solar cells are demonstrated to pave the way to floating PV devices. This represents and emerging trend in the PV scenario, with the ambitious aim to avoid not only the overheating of cells and water evaporation from water bodies in the driest areas, but also the installation of photovoltaic systems on land, thus reserving land use for agriculture or building
At the Electrode/Electrolyte Interface of Aqueous Solar Cells: a Photoelectrochemical and Chemometric Investigation
No full textIn recent years, with the idea of creating efficient, safe, and low-cost dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), the research moved the attention towards alternative solvent-based electrolytes. Above all, DSSCs with water-based electrolytes have been proposed as one of the possible solution, providing reduced costs, non-flammability and environmental compatibility. Recently, we demonstrated that stability issues can be properly addressed by choosing the appropriate dye. Moreover, the possibility of gelling the liquid solvent into a polymeric matrix can reduce the electrolyte leakage outside the device, increasing the long-term stability. In this contribution, the investigation on a series of iodine and cobalt-based 100% aqueous electrolytes is presented to improve the photoanode/electrolyte interface in the emerging solar energy converters. Thanks to our previous experience and to a multivariate approach (design of experiment, DoE), the effects of the change in redox mediator concentrations and in photoanode preparation on DSSCs performances have been evaluated. Finally, the gelation of the best aqueous electrolytes with bio-derived polymers has been performed. Photovoltaic performances and stabilities will be discussed by comparing liquid and gel electrolytes. In lab-scale solar cells interesting photovoltaic performances superior to 4% were achieved
Ontology-based framework to design a collaborative human-robotic workcell
No full textExploiting the collaboration between human and robots is a fundamental target for industrial Cyber-Physical Systems. Several studies have already addressed the evaluation of collaborative robotic cells, especially in automotive industry. Feasible tasks assignment to workers and robots were proposed in a few use-cases. However, previous studies start from an existing configuration of the collaborative assembly cell. Due to the moderate diffusion of collaborative robotic applications in the industry, it would be better to define a method orienting the design of a new instances of collaborative cells, by taking into account the different classifications of collaboration deriving by the new ISO 15066 standard. The classification depends on the kind of information that must be made available within the cell, and the possible methods of acquisition and communication of such information. This knowledge base will be represented in the form of ontology, as an extension of the CORA (Core Ontologies for Robotics and Automation) ontology, by IEEE Robotics and Automation Society. By adopting this ontology, it will be possible to support the design of new collaborative cell. An industrial case-study will prove the efficacy of the proposed method
Nonequilibrium Langevin dynamics: A demonstration study of shear flow fluctuations in a simple fluid
No full textLignocellulosic Materials for Electrochemical Energy Storage and Conversion
No full textIn the last 20 years, the Li-ion battery market has rapidly grown thanks to the extensive diffusion of mobile electronics devices. In order to lower the cost and reduce the environmental impact of batteries, efforts must be devoted to reduce the amount of inactive components in the cell, to substitute synthetic polymer binders/separators and organic solvents with low-cost and biosourced materials and to develop new eco-friendly processes for the manufacture of cell components (both electrodes and electrolyte). Natural nanoscale-microfibrillated cellulose (NMFC) fibers are readily available; they show stiffness, impressive mechanical robustness, low weight and, furthermore, their preparation process is easy and does not involve chemical reactions. Here we review the use of paper-making technique for manufacturing: - Bio-inspired all-paper Li-ion polymer cells, constituted by NMFC-binded paper-electrodes, and NMFC reinforced polymer electrolytes. The use of NMFC as filler/binder leads to produce high performing, safe and extremely flexible electrolytes for LiBs. No organic solvents or synthetic polymer binders are used during the entire electrode/electrolyte/cell preparation process. - Cellulosic membranes as separators/electrolytes for post-lithium technologies, such as Na-ion and Li-S, thus demonstrating the possibility of obtaining "truly green" energy storage devices in the near future. - Paper-based flexible electrodes and electrolytes for third generation solar cells, useful to lower oil-derived components and typical temperatures used to electrodes processing. This materials platform is promising not only for the sustainable manufacture of energy devices components, but also for their processability at the end of life. For example, the all-paper lithium cell can be easily re-dispersed in water by simple mechanical stirring, as well as common paper handsheets and battery materials can be recovered using well-known water-based recycling process
A Solid-Liquid Soggy-Sand Electrolyte for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
No full textThe electrolyte is one of the crucial components in dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), allowing for fast diffusion of charge carriers between the electrodes and directly affecting photocurrent density (JSC), photovoltage (VOC), and fill factor (FF). Quasi-solid state DSSC electrolytes typically ensure mechanical properties of a solid and diffusive property of a liquid, circumventing practical problems such as solvent volatility, leakage, photodegradation and corrosion of counter electrode. In this study, a polyethylene glycol dimethyl ether (PEGDME, Mw = 150 g mol−1) based I−/I3− electrolyte containing mesoporous SiO2 particles (MSU-H, 15 nm pores) is investigated in terms of ionic conduction and DSSC performance. Similarly as in "soggy sand" electrolytes, preferential adsorption of anions is observed by Zeta potential measurements and ionic conductivity of the liquid electrolyte can be enhanced. High values of photovoltaic parameters at 1 sun irradiation (JSC = 11.5 mA cm‒2, VOC = 0.69 V, FF = 0.47, 6.3% efficiency) at 2.8 vol% SiO2 suggests an improved regeneration kinetics of the dye molecules. Transient photocurrent experiments confirmed favorable mass transport. A remarkably high 11.2% efficiency was measured under 0.2 sun irradiation
