Retrieval of surface and atmospheric parameters from high resolution infrared sensors

To retrieve surface and atmospheric temperature profiles, together with trace species concentrations is a fundamental challenge in numerical weather prediction and Earth monitoring. Over the last 20 years, the development of high-resolution infrared sensors on board Earth observation satellites has opened new remote sensing opportunities, providing an unprecedented source of information. However, infrared sensors cannot probe into thick cloud layers, rendering their observations insensitive to surface under cloudy conditions. This results in spatial fields flagged with missing data, disrupting the continuity of inferred information and hindering accurate modeling of energy fluxes between the surface and the atmosphere. Consequently, advanced interpolation techniques and spatial statistics are essential to process the available (very large) data sets and produce satellite products on a regular grid mesh. This paper reviews and presents the physical modeling of radiative transfer in the atmosphere and the related mathematics of inversion, tailored for high spectral-resolution infrared sensors

Measurement of the Drell–Yan forward-backward asymmetry and of the effective leptonic weak mixing angle in proton-proton collisions at sqrt(s) = 13 TeV

The forward-backward asymmetry in Drell–Yan production and the effective leptonic electroweak mixing angle are measured in proton-proton collisions at s=13 TeV, collected by the CMS experiment and corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 138fb−1. The measurement uses both dimuon and dielectron events, and is performed as a function of the dilepton mass and rapidity. The unfolded angular coefficient A4 is also extracted, as a function of the dilepton mass and rapidity. Using the CT18Z set of parton distribution functions, we obtain sin2⁡θeffl=0.23152±0.00031, where the uncertainty includes the experimental and theoretical contributions. The measured value agrees with the standard model fit result to global experimental data. This is the most precise sin2⁡θeffl measurement at a hadron collider, with a precision comparable to the results obtained at LEP and SLD

Multi-scale (whole-rock, grain size, and particles) distribution of potentially hazardous elements (PHEs) in sedimentary phosphorites from Algerian deposits: Geochemical and environmental implications

Phosphorite exploitation poses environmental risks due to potentially hazardous elements (PHEs). This study investigates their distribution, fractionation, and origin in Algeria’s sedimentary deposits. Whole-rock (n = 16), grain size fractions (n = 15), and phosphate particles (n = 32) were analyzed using petrographic, SEM-EDS, ICPMS, and LA-ICP-MS techniques. Robust Principal Component Analysis (Robust PCA) and environmental indices, including enrichment factors (EF) and potential ecological risk index (PERI), were applied. Samples contains carbonate-fluorapatite (CFA) with minor carbonate and silica, while SEM-EDS occasionally detects sulfide inclusions in P-particle pores. Chemical analysis reveals high CaO and P2O5 (up to 45 and 38 wt%, respectively), along with elevated Sr (516–2597 mg/kg), Zn (106–609 mg/kg), Cr (199–348 mg/kg), Cd (0.5–143 mg/kg), and U (11–126 mg/kg). According to Robust PCA, CFA hosts, through substitutions, U, Sr, Y, V, Cr, Pb, Cd, Cu, and Zn, while the matrix retains Nb, Rb, Ta, Hf, Zr, Li, Cs, Mo, As, and Th, via adsorption. Fine fractions and glauconite show enhanced PHEs, with peak enrichment at the Paleocene-Eocene transition. Environmental assessments reveal extreme risks, particularly from Cd and U, necessitating selective mining to mitigate contamination in PHE-enriched layers, along with appropriate waste management

A Finite Element Method orthotropic multi-yield elastic-inelastic model of a wood-adhesive-steel composite

Composite elements made of wood reinforced by adhesively inter-layered steel lamina can be employed as structural elements in building engineering, thanks to their favorable ratios of strength and stiffness to mass and their ductility. The mechanical response of such composite, under loading, can be predicted by employing a Finite Element Method with a proper model of each material. In this work, the Finite Element Method model is formulated within the theories of Continuum Mechanics and irreversible thermodynamics of deformation, finite strains hypothesis, and kinematics of large displacements. For the wood material constituent an orthotropic elastic–plastic-damage constitutive law is adopted, to address the effects of irreversible strains, formulated by a multi-surface yield, both for plasticity and damage, where each yield surface operates disjointedly each other, at the level of stress–strain component. The validity of the proposed model and its computational technique is revealed by analyzing the stress–strain path until the failure of a composite element. Thus, the numerical results are compared with the experimental data obtained in a tension test of that composite element. The proposed model adequately represents the mechanical behavior of the composite

Diet, fruit and vegetables and One Health: benefits for health, environment, society and the consumer—proceedings of the 9th edition of EGEA conference

Purpose: To present the outcomes of the EGEA Conference on the state of knowledge regarding the contribution of diets rich in fruit and vegetables (FV) to human and planetary health, commonly included in the One Health concept. Methods: The 9th edition of EGEA Conference (20–22 September 2023, Barcelona) provided a transversal and multidisciplinary perspective on the contribution of FV to One Health, in particular to the health of individuals, society and the planet. Nearly 150 international scientists and stakeholders discussed the current state of knowledge. These proceedings are based both on a literature review and the scientific studies presented by the speakers. Results: Scientific evidence confirms the role of FV in preventing cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes; more evidence is needed on the effects and mechanisms of FV in cancer prevention. FV production and consumption helps ensure territorial cohesion and provides a denser, nutrient-rich diet with less environmental impact (except water use) than other food groups, but use of synthetic pesticides in FV production remains a challenge that could be addressed with agro-ecological solutions. Various factors influence consumer choice and behaviour towards FV consumption across the lifespan, with specific periods being more conducive to change. New research is emerging on the role of FV consumption in regulating gut microbiota and on both mental and brain health; the potential role of FV production and supply in tackling biodiversity loss and climate change; and better monitoring of FV consumption. Conclusion: Sufficient evidence confirms the contribution of diet rich in FV to One Health, with some emerging research on this topic. Concerted actions are required towards an increased consumption of FV and a more diversified and environmentally neutral FV production

Remote handling validation of the OPM-FDS connecting system for the IFMIF-DONES target assembly

The qualification process of the materials for future DEMO fusion reactors plays a pivotal role towards its realization. In this light, the International Fusion Materials Irradiation Facility-DEMO Oriented Neutron Source (IFMIF-DONES) has achieved the final design stage and is currently under construction in Granada (Spain). IFMIF-DONES aims to reproduce the irradiation conditions foreseen on the first wall of DEMO by using deuteron-lithium stripping reactions induced by a D+ beam accelerated through a superconducting LINAC. These reactions occur in a Target Assembly (TA) within a closed cavity (Test Cell) housing the test modules. Due to the strong neutron activation, a Remote Handling System (RHS) is required to perform the maintenance operations in the Test Cell. Therefore, suitably custom-designed components necessary due to the conditions of IFMIF-DONES, must be validated from the RH point of view. In particular, the system responsible for connecting the TA with the accelerator beamline plays a key role. This system includes a compression element made of an extensible bellow actuated by a One-Point-Mechanism (OPM) and a circular chain acting as a Fast Detachment System (FDS), which secures the connection by applying the required tightening force on the sealing gasket. The main objective of this work is then to test and validate the OPM-FDS design with focus on the RH suitability. Therefore, to demonstrate the concept validity and qualify the system, the University of Granada made a prototype of the OPM-FDS connection in collaboration with ARQUIMEA® and delivered it to the ENEA Brasimone Center for experimental validation. The outcomes of the validation activity conducted in this work confirmed that the OPM-FDS design is suitable for Remote Handling and can perform several connections and disconnections. The rescue system, which detaches the FDS in case of failure, has also been tested successfully. The experimental campaign also showed some potential improvements in the design of the connecting system for further implementation

Resilience‐based assessment of seismic risk by investigating the socioeconomic and structural earthquake engineering factors

Various impacts of earthquakes in different countries with distinct social and economic conditions (SEC) indicate that seismic risk is affected by SEC. It is also well accepted that seismic risk depends, through the quality of structures in built environments, on structural earthquake engineering (SEE) actions. The consequences of earthquakes correspondingly affect SEC and the status of SEE, at least by attracting attention to engineering solutions that aim to overcome the continuing challenge of safety against earthquakes. SEC and SEE are therefore two fundamental dimensions of sustainable seismic resilience, which is the key earthquake disaster risk reduction strategy. This paper explores resilience-related interactions between SEC and SEE to help humanity more effectively cope with the earthquake challenge. Ten earthquake-prone countries are selected as case studies. SEC are statistically evaluated based on some related criteria, including migration rate and monetary flow. The status of SEE is thoroughly investigated by considering both direct and indirect factors. The application of seismic isolation, the well-known SEE solution, and completeness of open street map projects are the studied direct factors. Death tolls and economic losses are considered as the indirect factors relating to inappropriate and inadequate preparedness against earthquakes. Interactions between SEC and SEE are discussed through detailed comparisons of the studied measures, and seismic risk is assessed based on resilience. It is shown that disaster risk reduction essentially requires economic support by the government and this can occur if the society is aware of the need for implementing effective SEE techniques in civil engineering practice