Biomass to oil : fast pyrolysis and subcritical hydrothermal liquefaction

International audienceThe present abstract deals with the comparison of two biomass-to-oil processes: fast pyrolysis and subcritical hydrothermal liquefaction. Using the same biomass (beech sawdust), fast pyrolysis was led thanks to the cyclone reactor (wall temperature between 870 and 1040 K) and subcritical hydrothermal liquefaction thanks to a 150-ml-batch-reactor (temperature between 420 and 600 K). Mass balances and analysis (ultimate analysis, HHV, pH, Karl-Fischer, gas chromatographies, H 1 NMR) allow the comparison of both processes and the characterization of the main fractions of pyro-oils (heavy oils, light oils and aerosols) and liq-oils (heavy oils and water soluble organics)

In-flight radiometric calibration of the Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS)

A reflectance-based method was used to provide an analysis of the in-flight radiometric performance of AVIRIS. Field spectral reflectance measurements of the surface and extinction measurements of the atmosphere using solar radiation were used as input to atmospheric radiative transfer calculations. Five separate codes were used in the analysis. Four include multiple scattering, and the computed radiances from these for flight conditions were in good agreement. Code-generated radiances were compared with AVIRIS-predicted radiances based on two laboratory calibrations (pre- and post-season of flight) for a uniform highly reflecting natural dry lake target. For one spectrometer (C), the pre- and post-season calibration factors were found to give identical results, and to be in agreement with the atmospheric models that include multiple scattering. This positive result validates the field and laboratory calibration technique. Results for the other spectrometers (A, B and D) were widely at variance with the models no matter which calibration factors were used. Potential causes of these discrepancies are discussed

Formative Assessment and Professional Training: Reflections from a Mathematics course in Bioengineering

Bioengineering is currently considered an interdisciplinary professional field which provides solutions to different problems arising in the area of health care. Its strategic importance is widely acknowledged since its developments and proposals could help diminish the level of technological dependence in the sector. The fast pace of innovation in the area of biomedical technology gives rise to permanent reflection on the learning goals and teaching strategies proposed by educators in the different training stages of a bioengineer. In this context, learning assessment appears as a controversial issue which needs to be debated and rethought. This paper describes the reflections of teachers of a Mathematics course within a Bioengineering program around the question, What approach to assessment favors the student's participation, autonomy and training as a future bioengineer? The investigation was carried out in the framework of a Participatory Research Action project and helped us to redesign assessment activities from a different perspective.Fil: Carrere, C.. Universidad Nacional de Entre Ríos. Facultad de Ingeniería; ArgentinaFil: Milesi, S.. Universidad Nacional de Entre Ríos. Facultad de Ingeniería; ArgentinaFil: Lapyckyj, I.. Universidad Nacional de Entre Ríos. Facultad de Ingeniería; ArgentinaFil: Ravera, Emiliano Pablo. Universidad Nacional de Entre Ríos. Facultad de Ingeniería; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Escher, L.. Universidad Nacional de Entre Ríos. Facultad de Ingeniería; ArgentinaFil: Miyara, A.. Universidad Nacional de Rosario; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Entre Ríos. Facultad de Ingeniería; ArgentinaFil: Pita, G.. Universidad Nacional de Entre Ríos. Facultad de Ingeniería; ArgentinaFil: Añino, M.. Universidad Nacional de Entre Ríos. Facultad de Ingeniería; Argentin

Did Ebola emerge in West Africa by a policy-driven phase change in agroecology? Ebola's social context

SCOPUS: no.jinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe

Modélisation de l'entretien du paysage par des herbivores en moyenne montagne : une approche multi-agents

L'abandon de l'utilisation des ressources herbagères par l'activité pastorale entraîne un appauvrissement de la diversité écologique et spécifique. A terme, cette évolution se traduit par le déplacement des activités humaines hors de ces zones et à un déséquilibre au niveau du territoire national. Un programme de recherche pluridisciplinaire, dans le cadre d'un Groupement d'intérêt Scientifique, a été mis en place dès 1994 pour élaborer de nouveaux modes de gestion qui concilient production agricole et entretien de l'espace en condition de sous chargement (peu d'animaux par unité de surface). Cet article s'inscrit dans une démarche d'acquisition de méthodes afin d'expérimenter des techniques de gestion de pâturage mixte bovins et chevaux selon une hypothèse de complémentarité entre ces deux espèces. La partie informatique présentée vise à simuler les dynamiques animales, végétales et paysagères futures et, à terme, proposer des protocoles de gestion aptes à répondre à ces nouvelles demandes. L'objectif de la modélisation que nous présentons est de simuler le fonctionnement de l'estive, afin de comprendre l'interaction entre l'évolution de la végétation, les déplacements et les actions des animaux en pâture. Un des modes de simulation utilise un système multi-agents. Le modèle conceptuel de la simulation est en cours de validation, il a été formalisé avec la notation graphique du langage de modélisation unifié (UML) et la version actuelle du logiciel est implémentée avec le langage de programmation Java. Pour suivre et enregistrer les localisations des animaux sur le terrain, ceux-ci sont équipés d'un récepteur satellite GPS (Global Positioning System). L'activité de pâturage des animaux est enregistrée par des colliers Ethosys. / The surrender of herbaceous resources by the grazing activity results in an impoverishment of both ecological and specific diversity. On the long term, this trend imposes the localization of human activities far from these zones and a national imbalance. A multidisciplinary research program was set up in 1994 with the aim of elaborating new ways of management, which would contribute to maintain both the productivity and the opened landscapes within the condition of low grazing pressure. This paper exposes the methods we elaborated in order to test several management techniques of grasslands by mean of cattle and horses within the hypothesis of complementarity between these two species. The computer science part of this paper presents the results of simulations of future dynamic behaviors of the animals, vegetation and landscape, in order to propound some management protocols. The simulator is based on a multi-agent system. The conceptual model, formalized with Unified Modeling Language graphical notation is actually in validation phase and the implementation of the software was done in the Java programming language. The following of the animals in the field was done by means of GPS equipments and the animal activity was recorded by Ethosys equipments

Understanding formative assessment in a mathematics course for Bioengineering students

[EN] This paper describes how formative assessment was introduced into a bioengineering mathematics course. This change was carried out within a Participatory Action Research project and involved a shift from an assessment system based on midterm tests, final exams and laboratory assignments to a new system which emphasizes debate, feedback and student participation. In this new assessment approach the students complete written reports and present them orally in class, giving rise to a rich exchange in which peer assessment, self-assessment and teacher assessment are combined. They are also asked to submit drafts for their laboratory assignments so as to receive teacher feedback; and in a further instance of self-assessment, they are asked to complete checklists and questionnaires on their performance in the course. The first results of this new system are encouraging as student performance has considerably improved and, furthermore, a healthy change of attitude has been observed in both students and teachers.[ES] Este trabajo describe cómo la evaluación formativa fue introducida en un curso de matemáticas para futuros bioingenieros. Este cambio se desarrolló en el contexto de una indagación enmarcada en los principios metodológicos de una Investigación Acción Participativa. Como resultado de la indagación el sistema tradicional de evaluación basado en exámenes parciales, evaluaciones finales y trabajos de laboratorio fue reemplazado por un nuevo sistema que incorpora nuevas actividades enfatizando el debate, la retroalimentación y la participación de los estudiantes. En este nuevo sistema se solicita a los estudiantes completar informes escritos y presentarlos oralmente en la clase, dando lugar a un intercambio enriquecido por la combinación de la evaluación entre pares, la autoevaluación y la evaluación del docente. Por otro lado también se les propone realizar entregas de borradores de los trabajos de laboratorio para recibir retroalimentación del docente, y en otra instancia de autoevaluación, se les presentan listas de cotejo y cuestionarios para reflexionar sobre su desempeño en el curso. Los primeros resultados de este nuevo sistema son alentadores, porque no sólo muestran mejoras en el desempeño de los alumnos, sino que también permiten observar un cambio de actitud beneficioso tanto en los alumnos como en los docentes.Carrere, LC.; Miyara, A.; Ravera, E.; Escher, L.; Lapyckyj, I.; Pita, G.; Perassi, M.... (2017). Descubriendo el enfoque formativo de la evaluación en un Curso de Matemáticas para estudiantes de Bioingeniería. REDU. Revista de Docencia Universitaria. 15(1):325-343. doi:10.4995/redu.2017.6334.SWORD32534315

Human pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons are functionally mature in vitro and integrate into the mouse striatum following transplantation

Human Pluripotent Stem Cells (hPSCs) are a powerful tool for modelling human development. In recent years, hPSCSs have become central in cell-based therapies for neurodegenerative diseases given their potential to replace affected neurons. However, directing hPSCs into specific neuronal types is complex and requires an accurate protocol that mimics endogenous neuronal development. Here we describe step-by-step a novel and fast feeder-free neuronal differentiation protocol to direct hPSCs onto mature forebrain neurons in 37 days in vitro (DIV). The protocol is grounded on a combination of specific morphogens, trophic and growth factors, ions, neurotransmitters and extracellular matrix elements. An induced hPSC line (Ctr-Q33) and an embryonic hPSC line (GEN-Q18) were used to reinforce the potential of the protocol. Neuronal activity was analysed by single-cell calcium imaging. At 8 DIV, we obtained a homogeneous population of hPSCs-derived neuroectodermal progenitors which self-arranged in bi-dimensional neural tube-like structures. At 16 DIV, we generated hPSC-derived neural progenitors (NPCs) with mostly subpallial identity along with a subpopulation of pallial NPCs. Terminal in vitro neuronal differentiation was confirmed by the expression of microtubule associated protein 2b (Map2b) by almost 100% of hPSC-derived neurons and the expression of specific-striatal neuronal markers including GABA, CTIP2 and DARPP-32. HPSC-derived neurons showed mature and functional phenotypes as they expressed synaptic markers, voltage-gated ion channels and neurotransmitter receptors. Neurons displayed diverse spontaneous activity patterns that were classified into three major groups, namely 'high', 'intermediate' and 'low' firing neurons. Finally, transplantation experiments in vivo showed that highly relevant, committed NPCs survived within mouse striatum for at least 3 months. NPCs embodied host environmental cues and differentiated into striatal medium size spiny neurons (MSNs), which successfully integrated into the endogenous circuitry without the appearance of any teratoma symptom. Altogether, present findings demonstrate the potential of this in vitro human neuronal differentiation protocol, which will bring new opportunities for the study of human neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration, and will open new avenues in cell-based therapies, cutting-edge pharmacological studies and toxicology

Evaluar para aprender: un proceso de investigación-acción en la carrera de Bioingeniería

La evaluación del aprendizaje es una problemática que despierta inquietudes en la comunidad universitaria. Numerosas investigaciones indican que los sistemas de evaluación implementados por los docentes influyen fuertemente en el proceso de aprendizaje. Estos resultados, y la polémica que despiertan, hacen visible la necesidad de repensar la evaluación atendiendo a su complejidad, su vinculación con el proceso de enseñanza y su fuerte impacto en el proceso de aprendizaje. Esta situación motivó la formulación de este proyecto enmarcado en los principios metodológicos de una Investigación-Acción, el cual se propuso describir y analizar críticamente el proceso de evaluación en “Cálculo Vectorial” y “Ecuaciones Diferenciales”, asignaturas de la carrera de Bioingeniería. Como resultado de las acciones implementadas se realizaron diferentes modificaciones en las prácticas de enseñanza y de evaluación, encuadradas en un nuevo plan de evaluación con enfoque formativo, y se generó en los docentes un proceso altamente reflexivo sobre esos cambios. A partir de esta I-A se ha iniciado un proceso de cambio en la manera de pensar la evaluación, no ha sido sencillo modificar las tradiciones que impregnan la evaluación en carreras de ingeniería, vencer estas resistencias ha sido posible a través de un trabajo colaborativo sostenido en el tiempo