UmbraGroup (Italy)

This paper deals with the design and the robustness analysis of a model predictive control (MPC) for the position tracking of primary flight movables driven by electro-mechanical actuators. This study is, in particular, focused on a rotary electro-mechanical actuator (EMA) by UMBRAGROUP, employing a patented mechanical transmission based on a differential ball-screw mechanism characterized by a huge gear ratio. To obtain a baseline reference, conventional PID regulators were initially optimized by using multi-objective cost functions based on tracking accuracy, load disturbance rejection, and power consumption. The position regulator was then replaced by an MPC regulator, designed to balance performance, computational resources, and safety constraints. A nonlinear physics-based simulation model of the EMA, entirely developed in the Matlab–Simulink environment and validated with experiments, was used to compare the two control strategies. The simulation results in both the time and frequency domains highlight that the MPC solution provides faster and more accurate position tracking, improved dynamic stiffness, and reduced power absorption. Finally, the robustness against model uncertainties of the MPC was addressed by imposing random and combined deviations of model parameters from the nominal values (via Monte Carlo analysis). The results demonstrate that the implementation of MPC control laws could enhance the stability and the reliability of EMAs, thus supporting their application for safety-critical flight control functions.

Advancing therapy in T2DM with injectables, i.e., basal insulin (BI) and GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) is recommended after the failure of oral glucose lowering agents (OGLAs), BI alone, or BI in combination with OGLAs, especially in persons with, or at high risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). BI and GLP-1RAs can be administered separately or as fixed-ratio combinations (FRCs) for daily use (degludec+liraglutide, IDegLira, glargine-100 + lixisenatide iGlarLixi) or weekly use (icodec+semaglutide, IcoSema). The currently available FRCs IDegLira and iGlarLixi differ in their respective BI as well as GLP-1RA components. Liraglutide predominantly stimulates glucose-dependent endogenous insulin secretion in response to nutrient challenges. In contrast, the rapid-acting lixisenatide primarily delays gastric emptying over a few hours post-dosing with little or no impact on insulin secretion. IDegLira in DUAL studies and iGlarLixi in LixiLan studies appear to have equivalent lowering effects on HbA1c, although IDegLira achieves a greater reduction in body weight. The weekly FRC IcoSema is superior to weekly insulin icodec (COMBINE 1), to semaglutide (COMBINE 2), and non-inferior to basal-bolus insulin therapy (COMBINE 3). Comparison of IcoSema with glargine-100 is ongoing (COMBINE 4). However, all FRCs are limited by the low GLP-1RA dose relative to the insulin delivered. Whenever higher GLP-1RA doses are required (i.e., in obese people), the option of separate dosing of BI and GLP-1RA with independent titration of each component should be considered.

Electromechanical actuators (EMAs) begin to have a greater presence in current aeronautic designs due to the energy efficiency and reliability advantages they can provide. However, the conventional mechanical design with a single combination of a ball screw and an electric motor is subject to scenarios in which a single point of failure can render it inoperative. This paper presents a failsafe innovative EMA that gives a solution to the most typical jamming issues of aeronautical electromechanical actuators, either due to ball screw or electric motor failures. Different electric motor synchronization techniques applicable to the presented mechanical EMA design are analysed, and the benefits of the most adequate control strategy, the virtual line-shafting (VLS), are validated. Finally, the implementation of the control algorithm in a simplified virtual test bench with promising results is shown. The obtained results demonstrate that the proposed novel EMA mechanical design can enhance the failsafe capabilities of the current EMA designs based on a single ball screw and motor combination.

Drawing from a social network perspective on innovation, this study aims to explore the relationship between advice network centrality, and innovative work behaviour by focusing on the mediating role of voice behaviour and the moderation of organizational tenure. Hypotheses were tested using a sample of 478 employees in an Italy‐based aerospace organization. The results indicated that a central position in the advice network was positively associated with innovative work behaviour and that voice behaviour mediated this relationship. Additionally, moderated mediation analysis highlighted that the path between advice network centrality and voice behaviour was stronger for individuals with shorter organizational tenure. These findings offer guidance for organizations that aim to strengthen employee‐driven innovation by highlighting the importance of a social network approach. Several implications for theory and practice are discussed.

The integration of electromechanical actuators in the aircraft systems is one of the major key-point of the aerospace industry, thanks to their advantages, such us minor weight and major efficiency: this trend is called “More-Electric Aircraft”. In this paper, a PM brushless motor has been designed and analyzed to integrate in an electromechanical actuator in a regional aircraft to control aileron/spoiler surface. As first step, an accurate selection of the active material has been made in order to have the best compromise between envelope and performance. Then, an optimization of the electromagnetic design has been performed in order to maximize the torque-to-current ratio at continuous operation. A surface permanent magnets machine with concentrated windings has been chosen and the proposed motor has the magnets directly glued on the surface of the steel nut. Moreover, in order to improve the power density, the high-performance CoFe electrical steel has been selected. Accurate Finite Element analysis and thermal verification have been carried out to ensure that the sized motor could cover the overall range of required performance avoiding over-temperature during the operation.

The Cannara aquifer (Umbria, Italy) has been known for more than a century, and is one of the main drinking water supplies in the Umbria Region. In the beginning it was used for irrigation purposes, since this area was mainly agricultural up to the 1960s. The groundwater—exploited by Umbra Acque S.p.A. (a Company supplying drinking water)—is 150 m under ground level and is contained in a porous confined aquifer, which originally had artesian characteristics. Exploitation of 200–300 l/s with nine wells caused a reduction of piezometric level, maintaining the confined aquifer conditions, except for a very short period during which the aquifer was depressurised by drought, and for increase of emergency withdrawals replacing other water supplies (from springs) for drinking purposes. The occasional presence of iron and ammonium ions confirms the confinement of the groundwater and their hydrochemical facies in a redox environment, while in nearby areas and shallow aquifers anthropogenic contaminants (nitrates and chlorinated solvents) are reported. For the protection of this aquifer of strategic interest (the most important well field in Umbria), all hydrological and hydrochemical data available have been reviewed, and the aquifer recharge studied. Sustainable rates of withdrawal, and groundwater protection areas have been identified using a numerical flow model. Further action for monitoring groundwater of both shallow and artesian aquifers, together with well-revamping, have been proposed.

This paper reports the preliminary results of the REPRISE (Reliable Electromechanical actuator for PRImary SurfacE with health monitoring) project, which aims to design a novel Electro-Mechanical Actuator (EMA) to be used on primary flight surfaces of small aircrafts. An important element of the actuator control system is a Health Monitoring (HM) module. This component is an algorithm able to detect anomalies in the device even if there is no evident loss of ability in pursuing its main function (position tracking). In particular, the project aim is to identify any degradation in the mechanical transmission elements, the ballscrew and other components such as bearings. Moreover, it is strongly advisable that the HM algorithm is based on a feature whose value can be easily computed and monitored during the actuator life. In this work, a large experimental activity has been carried out with the purpose of bringing the actuator close to failure, by progressive fault injection in overload operating conditions. A feature named Σ, that is, the mean of the RMS of the three phase currents (the input to the electric motor), is proposed as a parameter for HM. The effectiveness of this parameter in detecting the mechanical transmission degradation is experimentally tested. The degradation has been confirmed by visual inspection and screw thread profile measurements. In spite of this, the actuator is still able to perform position tracking in an effective way.

The design of multi-phase permanent magnet brushless motor for an electrical helicopter tail rotor is introduced and described. The presented electric machine allows a substitution of the actual mechanisms in tail rotor system matching envelope, weights and performances. In order to obtain high torque with small overall dimensions of the motor, a spoke-type solution with interior PMs has been chosen. An optimization procedure has been used to combine thermal and electromagnetic requirements with the aim to improve the overall design. The motor performance has been evaluated by the FE analysis to validate the final design and start the prototype production.

Sorafenib has improved the median overall survival of unresectable or otherwise untreatable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) of ∼3 months, compared to supportive cares. Complete response, although rare, has been reported. The authors reported herein a case of complete biochemical and radiological remission of advanced unresectable HCC with lymph node metastasis and tumoral portal vein thrombosis treated by 5 months therapy with sorafenib followed by adjuvant Yttrium-90 radioembolization. At 12 months follow-up, there is no evidence of HCC recurrence.