Techniques and crops for efficient rooftop gardens in Bologna, Italy

Urban rooftop farming favours local food production. Although rooftop farming is perceived as 33 a sustainable system, there is a lack of quantitative studies on rooftop farming. There we set up 34 experiments in the community rooftop garden of a public housing building in Bologna, Italy, 35 between 2012 and 2014. We grew lettuce, a leafy vegetable, using three techniques: nutrient 36 film, floating hydroponic and soil cultivation. We also grew tomato, chilli pepper, eggplant, 37 melon, watermelon on soils. Data was analysed by life cycle assessment for environmental and 38 economic performance. Results reveal that the best techniques of lettuce cultivation to address 39 global warming were floating in the summer, with 65-85% less environmental impact per kg 40 than nutrient film; and soil production in the winter, with 85-95% less environmental impact. 41 Furthermore, floating production was 25% cheaper in summer and soil was 65% cheaper in 42 winter, compared to the nutrient film technique. For soil production, eggplants and tomatoes 43 showed the best environmental performances of about 74 g CO2 per kg. Eggplant production in 44 soil gave in the cheapest crop of 0.13 € per kg

Geography and ecology shape the phylogenetic composition of Amazonian tree communities.

Aim Amazonia hosts more tree species from numerous evolutionary lineages, both young and ancient, than any other biogeographic region. Previous studies have shown that tree lineages colonized multiple edaphic environments and dispersed widely across Amazonia, leading to a hypothesis, which we test, that lineages should not be strongly associated with either geographic regions or edaphic forest types. Location Amazonia. Taxon Angiosperms (Magnoliids; Monocots; Eudicots). Methods Data for the abundance of 5082 tree species in 1989 plots were combined with a mega-phylogeny. We applied evolutionary ordination to assess how phylogenetic composition varies across Amazonia. We used variation partitioning and Moran's eigenvector maps (MEM) to test and quantify the separate and joint contributions of spatial and environmental variables to explain the phylogenetic composition of plots. We tested the indicator value of lineages for geographic regions and edaphic forest types and mapped associations onto the phylogeny. Results In the terra firme and várzea forest types, the phylogenetic composition varies by geographic region, but the igapó and white-sand forest types retain a unique evolutionary signature regardless of region. Overall, we find that soil chemistry, climate and topography explain 24% of the variation in phylogenetic composition, with 79% of that variation being spatially structured (R2 = 19% overall for combined spatial/environmental effects). The phylogenetic composition also shows substantial spatial patterns not related to the environmental variables we quantified (R2 = 28%). A greater number of lineages were significant indicators of geographic regions than forest types. Main Conclusion Numerous tree lineages, including some ancient ones (>66 Ma), show strong associations with geographic regions and edaphic forest types of Amazonia. This shows that specialization in specific edaphic environments has played a long-standing role in the evolutionary assembly of Amazonian forests. Furthermore, many lineages, even those that have dispersed across Amazonia, dominate within a specific region, likely because of phylogenetically conserved niches for environmental conditions that are prevalent within regions.Na publicação: Joice Ferreira

Supplement: "Localization and broadband follow-up of the gravitational-wave transient GW150914" (2016, ApJL, 826, L13)

This Supplement provides supporting material for Abbott et al. (2016a). We briefly summarize past electromagnetic (EM) follow-up efforts as well as the organization and policy of the current EM follow-up program. We compare the four probability sky maps produced for the gravitational-wave transient GW150914, and provide additional details of the EM follow-up observations that were performed in the different bands

Geography and ecology shape the phylogenetic composition of Amazonian tree communities

AimAmazonia hosts more tree species from numerous evolutionary lineages, both young and ancient, than any other biogeographic region. Previous studies have shown that tree lineages colonized multiple edaphic environments and dispersed widely across Amazonia, leading to a hypothesis, which we test, that lineages should not be strongly associated with either geographic regions or edaphic forest types.LocationAmazonia.TaxonAngiosperms (Magnoliids; Monocots; Eudicots).MethodsData for the abundance of 5082 tree species in 1989 plots were combined with a mega-phylogeny. We applied evolutionary ordination to assess how phylogenetic composition varies across Amazonia. We used variation partitioning and Moran's eigenvector maps (MEM) to test and quantify the separate and joint contributions of spatial and environmental variables to explain the phylogenetic composition of plots. We tested the indicator value of lineages for geographic regions and edaphic forest types and mapped associations onto the phylogeny.ResultsIn the terra firme and várzea forest types, the phylogenetic composition varies by geographic region, but the igapó and white-sand forest types retain a unique evolutionary signature regardless of region. Overall, we find that soil chemistry, climate and topography explain 24% of the variation in phylogenetic composition, with 79% of that variation being spatially structured (R2 = 19% overall for combined spatial/environmental effects). The phylogenetic composition also shows substantial spatial patterns not related to the environmental variables we quantified (R2 = 28%). A greater number of lineages were significant indicators of geographic regions than forest types.Main ConclusionNumerous tree lineages, including some ancient ones (>66 Ma), show strong associations with geographic regions and edaphic forest types of Amazonia. This shows that specialization in specific edaphic environments has played a long-standing role in the evolutionary assembly of Amazonian forests. Furthermore, many lineages, even those that have dispersed across Amazonia, dominate within a specific region, likely because of phylogenetically conserved niches for environmental conditions that are prevalent within regions

Geography and ecology shape the phylogenetic composition of Amazonian tree communities

Aim: Amazonia hosts more tree species from numerous evolutionary lineages, both young and ancient, than any other biogeographic region. Previous studies have shown that tree lineages colonized multiple edaphic environments and dispersed widely across Amazonia, leading to a hypothesis, which we test, that lineages should not be strongly associated with either geographic regions or edaphic forest types. Location: Amazonia. Taxon: Angiosperms (Magnoliids; Monocots; Eudicots). Methods: Data for the abundance of 5082 tree species in 1989 plots were combined with a mega-phylogeny. We applied evolutionary ordination to assess how phylogenetic composition varies across Amazonia. We used variation partitioning and Moran\u27s eigenvector maps (MEM) to test and quantify the separate and joint contributions of spatial and environmental variables to explain the phylogenetic composition of plots. We tested the indicator value of lineages for geographic regions and edaphic forest types and mapped associations onto the phylogeny. Results: In the terra firme and várzea forest types, the phylogenetic composition varies by geographic region, but the igapó and white-sand forest types retain a unique evolutionary signature regardless of region. Overall, we find that soil chemistry, climate and topography explain 24% of the variation in phylogenetic composition, with 79% of that variation being spatially structured (R$^{2}$ = 19% overall for combined spatial/environmental effects). The phylogenetic composition also shows substantial spatial patterns not related to the environmental variables we quantified (R$^{2}$ = 28%). A greater number of lineages were significant indicators of geographic regions than forest types. Main Conclusion: Numerous tree lineages, including some ancient ones (>66 Ma), show strong associations with geographic regions and edaphic forest types of Amazonia. This shows that specialization in specific edaphic environments has played a long-standing role in the evolutionary assembly of Amazonian forests. Furthermore, many lineages, even those that have dispersed across Amazonia, dominate within a specific region, likely because of phylogenetically conserved niches for environmental conditions that are prevalent within regions

Geography and ecology shape the phylogenetic composition of Amazonian tree communities

Aim: Amazonia hosts more tree species from numerous evolutionary lineages, both young and ancient, than any other biogeographic region. Previous studies have shown that tree lineages colonized multiple edaphic environments and dispersed widely across Amazonia, leading to a hypothesis, which we test, that lineages should not be strongly associated with either geographic regions or edaphic forest types. Location: Amazonia. Taxon: Angiosperms (Magnoliids; Monocots; Eudicots). Methods: Data for the abundance of 5082 tree species in 1989 plots were combined with a mega‐phylogeny. We applied evolutionary ordination to assess how phylogenetic composition varies across Amazonia. We used variation partitioning and Moran's eigenvector maps (MEM) to test and quantify the separate and joint contributions of spatial and environmental variables to explain the phylogenetic composition of plots. We tested the indicator value of lineages for geographic regions and edaphic forest types and mapped associations onto the phylogeny. Results: In the terra firme and várzea forest types, the phylogenetic composition varies by geographic region, but the igapó and white‐sand forest types retain a unique evolutionary signature regardless of region. Overall, we find that soil chemistry, climate and topography explain 24% of the variation in phylogenetic composition, with 79% of that variation being spatially structured (R2 = 19% overall for combined spatial/environmental effects). The phylogenetic composition also shows substantial spatial patterns not related to the environmental variables we quantified (R2 = 28%). A greater number of lineages were significant indicators of geographic regions than forest types. Main Conclusion: Numerous tree lineages, including some ancient ones (>66 Ma), show strong associations with geographic regions and edaphic forest types of Amazonia. This shows that specialization in specific edaphic environments has played a long‐standing role in the evolutionary assembly of Amazonian forests. Furthermore, many lineages, even those that have dispersed across Amazonia, dominate within a specific region, likely because of phylogenetically conserved niches for environmental conditions that are prevalent within regions

Localization and Broadband Follow-up of the Gravitational-wave Transient GW150914

A gravitational-wave (GW) transient was identified in data recorded by the Advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) detectors on 2015 September 14. The event, initially designated G184098 and later given the name GW150914, is described in detail elsewhere. By prior arrangement, preliminary estimates of the time, significance, and sky location of the event were shared with 63 teams of observers covering radio, optical, near-infrared, X-ray, and gamma-ray wavelengths with ground- and space-based facilities. In this Letter we describe the low-latency analysis of the GW data and present the sky localization of the first observed compact binary merger. We summarize the follow-up observations reported by 25 teams via private Gamma-ray Coordinates Network circulars, giving an overview of the participating facilities, the GW sky localization coverage, the timeline, and depth of the observations. As this event turned out to be a binary black hole merger, there is little expectation of a detectable electromagnetic (EM) signature. Nevertheless, this first broadband campaign to search for a counterpart of an Advanced LIGO source represents a milestone and highlights the broad capabilities of the transient astronomy community and the observing strategies that have been developed to pursue neutron star binary merger events. Detailed investigations of the EM data and results of the EM follow-up campaign are being disseminated in papers by the individual teams. </p

Localization and broadband follow-up of the gravitational-wave transient GW150914

A gravitational-wave transient was identified in data recorded by the Advanced LIGO detectors on 2015 September 14. The event candidate, initially designated G184098 and later given the name GW150914, is described in detail elsewhere. By prior arrangement, preliminary estimates of the time, significance, and sky location of the event were shared with 63 teams of observers covering radio, optical, near-infrared, X-ray, and gamma-ray wavelengths with ground- and space-based facilities. In this Letter we describe the low-latency analysis of the gravitational wave data and present the sky localization of the first observed compact binary merger. We summarize the follow-up observations reported by 25 teams via private Gamma-ray Coordinates Network Circulars, giving an overview of the participating facilities, the gravitational wave sky localization coverage, the timeline and depth of the observations. As this event turned out to be a binary black hole merger, there is little expectation of a detectable electromagnetic signature. Nevertheless, this first broadband campaign to search for a counterpart of an Advanced LIGO source represents a milestone and highlights the broad capabilities of the transient astronomy community and the observing strategies that have been developed to pursue neutron star binary merger events. Detailed investigations of the electromagnetic data and results of the electromagnetic follow-up campaign will be disseminated in the papers of the individual teams

Strategies for sustainable urban systems : introducing eco-innovation in buildings in Mexico and Spain /

A portada: Sostenipra research group. Institut de Ciència i Tecnologia Ambientals (ICTA) (UAB). Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA)Esta disertación, propone estrategias para sistemas urbanos sustentables introduciendo aspectos de eco-innovación en edificios con especial énfasis en reducir la energía y las emisiones de Gases de Efecto Invernadero (GEI). El estudio se desarrolla en dos contextos economicos, social y climáticamente diferentes. Por una parte la mejora ambiental y energética de la vivienda social en México a través de estrategias de eco rehabilitación en el interior y exterior de la misma: eco-tecnologías (equipos eficientes), sombreado y aislamiento (sombra sobre el techo, volados en muros, louvers en ventanas y techo verde) y producción de alimentos (tomates). Se calcularon los requerimientos de energía para enfriamiento de la vivienda social así como la demanda de energía acumulada y emisiones de CO2 asociadas con los materiales usados en las estrategias de sombreamiento. En la producción de alimentos el sistema fue expandido para determinar los impactos respecto a la logística de alimentos (distribución, empaque y pérdidas de producto). Por otra parte, la implementación de invernaderos de producción intensiva de alimentos en las cubiertas de edificios de Ciudades Mediterráneas de Europa, estudiando la barreras y oportunidades ambientales, sociales, económicas y tecnológicas de su implantación. El método de trabajó consistió en grupos multidisciplinarios de discusión a través de seminarios con expertos en diferentes áreas. El potencial de sinergia entre el edificio y el invernadero en términos de flujos de calor fue identificado focalizando únicamente en los requerimientos de energía para calefacción en invierno en un edificio de servicios en Barcelona, España. Para desarrollar esta investigación fue necesario integrar herramientas multidisciplinares y programas de: simulación energética (DesignBuilder, Ecotect), análisis de flujos (CFD), análisis de ciclo de vida (SimaPro) y herramientas sociales como seminarios y grupos focales. Según los resultados, para la vivienda social, las eco-tecnologías pueden proveer una reducción annual del 31% del consumo de energía (35.7 kWh/m2/año). Con la estrategia de sombreado del techo se obtuvo un ahorro de 126 kWh/m2/año. La producción de tomates en las áreas de la vivienda social de Mérida (México) puede aportar ahorros de 662 gCO2eq por kg de tomates producidos. En orden descendiente, los principales contribuyentes de estos ahorros son: requerimientos de transporte (57.7%), pérdida de producto (37.2%) y empaque (5.1%). Respecto al sistema invernadero-edificio, el grupo de expertos coincidió en definir la interconexión entre ambos como una de las oportunidades del sistema al hacer sinergia con los flujos de agua, energía y CO2, así como la reducción del transporte de los alimentos. La metodología aplicada a este estudio resultó positiva debido a la participación interdisciplinaria de expertos lo cual facilitó una visión global de la implementación del proyecto. De acuerdo al análisis energético, un total de 87 kWh/día de calor fue removido del invernadero con la finalidad de disminuir su temperatura. Este dato indica una estimación del potencial del calor que puede ser transferido al edificio en un día típico de invierno. Basado en los resultados generados en esta investigación, futuras líneas de investigación pueden ser desarrolladas con la finalidad de determinar otros beneficios energéticos y ambientales del sistema. Las estrategias presentadas en esta disertación tienen el objetivo de facilitar el desarrollo sustentable en sistemas urbanos a través de la investigaciones para mejorar la vivienda social en países en vías de desarrollo e implementar la agricultura urbana en ciudades compactas.This dissertation proposes strategies for sustainable urban systems, introducing eco-innovation in buildings and paying particular attention to energy and GHG emissions. The study was developed in two diferent social, economical and climatic contexts. Firstly, environmental and energy improvement of social housing in a warm-humid climate in Merida (Mexico) is investigated, through eco-rehabilitation strategies such as ecotechnologies (efficient equipment), shading and insulation (Above roof shade, overhangs on walls, louvers in windows and green roof) and food production (tomato). Energy requirements for cooling in social housing, cumulative energetic demand and CO2 emissions associated with the materials used in shading and insulative strategies were calculated. In food production, the expanded system is considered, in order to determine impacts related to food logistics (distribution, packaging, retail). Secondly, Rooftop Eco-Greenhouse (RTEG) is presented as an eco-innovative system that incorporates agriculture into the rooftops of buildings in Mediterranean European cities. A list of environmental, economical, technological and social barriers, as well as opportunities for the implementation of the RTEG system, were obtained. The work method consisted of discussion seminars involving an interdisciplinary group of experts from different areas. In addition, the potential for synergies between buildings and RTEG systems in terms of heat flows was identified, focusing only on heating requirements in winter, in an office building in Barcelona (Spain). To develop this research, multidisciplinary tools and software programs such as energy simulation (DesignBuilder, Ecotect), flow analysis (CFD), life cycle analysis (SimaPro) were used. Social tools, such as seminars and focus groups, were also utilised. According to the results for social housing, eco-technologies could potentially provide reduce annual energy consumption by 31% (35.7kWh/m2/year). The 'Above roof shade' strategy can provide a saving of 126kWh/m2/year. Production of tomatoes in social housing areas in Merida (Mexico) could provide a savings of 662 gCO2eq per kg of tomatoes produced. In descending order, the main contributors to these savings are transport requirements (57.7%), retail phase (37.2%) and re-usable packaging (5.1%). In respect to RTEG, we would highlight the interconnection of the building and the greenhouse as an opportunity for RTEG, making use of water, energy and CO2 flows between both, as well as reducing food transportation requirements. The participation of experts helped to produce a global vision for the implementation of the project. According to energy analysis, a total of 87 kWh/day of heat was removed from the greenhouse, in order to reduce its temperature. This data indicates the potential amount of heat that could be transferred to the building in a study day. Based on the results generated by this research, further lines of research can be investigated, in order to determine other energy and environmental benefits of the RTEG system. All strategies presented in this dissertation aim to facilitate the sustainable development of urban systems, through researching eco-innovation in the field of improvement of social housing in Developing Countries and urban agriculture in compact cities