How to evaluate nature-based solutions performance for microclimate, water and soil management issues – Available tools and methods from Nature4Cities European project results

International audienceIn the context of climate change, Nature-Based Solutions (NBSs), a recently developed concept, are increasingly considered as part of the adaptation strategies of the cities. Studies using expert models and methods (EMM) receive a great deal of scientific attention. Considering EMM increasing use, this study aims to perform an analysis of the reported evaluation results, reflecting the capability of the EMM to accurately tackle urban challenges identified within the EU Nature4Cities project. Then, we propose a set of indicators and recommendations about sixteen EMM to be used by funders, researchers and practitioners when evaluating the performance of NBSs. The coupling of the different components (climate, water and soil) is not a simple matter. The analysis relies on the definition of the range of the reported metrics and on the investigation of the relationship between the various indices, applied for the EMM evaluation. Secondly, the study assesses the existing EMM, indicating the potential of NBSs: (i) to reduce urban heat island, (ii) to limit surface warming, (iii) to increase the thermal comfort of people, (iv) to limit the overheating and runoff of surfaces due to impervious areas, (v) to increase water retention during stormy episodes, (vi) to improve storm water quality at the outlet of the sustainable urban drainage systems, (vii) to promote the filtration and epuration of storm water runoff in soil and (viii) to be a support for vegetation. The analysis reveals that EMM can be considered as helpful tools for urban microclimate, urban soil and water management analysis, provided their limitations and characteristics are taken into account by the user when choosing tools and interpreting results (e.g. application scale). With regard to the performance of NBSs, the most commonly used indicators clearly depend on the scale of the project

Prophylactic cranial irradiation in small cell lung cancer: a systematic review of the literature with meta-analysis

PURPOSE: A systematic review of the literature was carried out to determine the role of prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) . METHODS: To be eligible, full published trials needed to deal with SCLC and to have randomly assigned patients to receive PCI or not. Trials quality was assessed by two scores (Chalmers and ELCWP). RESULTS: Twelve randomised trials (1547 patients) were found to be eligible. Five evaluated the role of PCI in SCLC patients who had complete response (CR) after chemotherapy. Brain CT scan was done in the work-up in five studies and brain scintigraphy in six. Chalmers and ELCWP scores are well correlated (p < 0.001), with respective median scores of 32.6 and 38.8 %. This meta-analysis based on the available published data reveals a decrease of brain metastases incidence (hazard ratio (HR): 0.48; 95 % confidence interval (CI): 0.39 - 0.60) for all the studies and an improvement of survival (HR: 0.82; 95 % CI: 0.71 - 0.96) in patients in CR in favour of the PCI arm. Unfortunately, long-term neurotoxicity was not adequately described . CONCLUSIONS: PCI decreases brain metastases incidence and improves survival in CR SCLC patients but these effects were obtained in patients who had no systematic neuropsychological and brain imagery assessments. The long-term toxicity has not been prospectively evaluated. If PCI can be recommended in patients with SCLC and CR documented by a work-up including brain CT scan, data are lacking to generalise its use to any CR situations

Energy Resolution Performance of the CMS Electromagnetic Calorimeter

The energy resolution performance of the CMS lead tungstate crystal electromagnetic calorimeter is presented. Measurements were made with an electron beam using a fully equipped supermodule of the calorimeter barrel. Results are given both for electrons incident on the centre of crystals and for electrons distributed uniformly over the calorimeter surface. The electron energy is reconstructed in matrices of 3 times 3 or 5 times 5 crystals centred on the crystal containing the maximum energy. Corrections for variations in the shower containment are applied in the case of uniform incidence. The resolution measured is consistent with the design goals

Wind integration and AGC frequency dynamics simulations using Quasi Steady-State approximation

Frequency dynamics studies are important at Hydro-Québec (HQ). Wind integration raises questions about HQ ability to maintain frequency regulation in normal operation and during contingencies. Quasi Steady-State (QSS) approximation is the best alternative to simulate long-term voltage and frequency dynamics without compromising the exactness of simulation results. Collaboration between HQ and University of Liège allowed the development of numerous models. Frequency dynamics is represented by machines inertia, speed governors and a complete AGC controlling 13 hydro power plants including transmission delays. For voltage dynamics, static var compensators, synchronous condensers and tap changer transformers are also represented. Wind farms are modeled as generation patterns (Pwind = f(t)) including a Wind Farm Management System (WFMS). This paper addresses wind farm integration and AGC frequency regulation. Based on HQ field measurements and observations, the most pessimistic cases were simulated. Two scenarios are detailed: the 3500 MW of wind farms currently planned for 2015 and a hypothetical 10 000 MW of wind integration. The results show that actual AGC settings are accurate for the planned wind farms, but might need some changes for a 10 000 MW scenario

Prospects of a new dynamic simulation software for real-time applications on the Hydro-Québec system

Hydro-Québec has a long interest in on-line Dynamic Security Assessment (DSA) driven by its challenging system dynamics. Presently, off-line calculated security limits are combined with an on-line monitoring system. However, new developments in dynamic simulation enable real-time or near-real-time DSA calculations and transfer limits determination. In this paper, the domain-decomposition-based algorithm implemented in the simulator RAMSES is presented, along with techniques to accelerate its sequential and parallel executions. RAMSES exploits the localized response to disturbances and the timescale decomposition of dynamic phenomena to provide sequential acceleration when the simulation is performed on a single processing unit. Additionally, when more units are available, the parallelization potential of domain-decomposition methods is exploited for further acceleration. The algorithm and techniques have been tested on a realistic model of the Hydro-Québec system to evaluate the accuracy of dynamic responses and the sequential and parallel performances. Finally, the real-time capabilities have been assessed using a shared-memory parallel processing platform

Prospects of a new dynamic simulation software for real-time applications on the Hydro-Québec system

peer reviewedHydro-Québec has a long interest in on-line Dynamic Security Assessment (DSA) driven by its challenging power network dynamics (angle, frequency and voltage stability, short and long-term dynamics). At the moment, off-line calculated security indicators are combined with an on-line monitoring system to ensure the security of the system. However, new developments in power system dynamic simulation algorithms facilitate real-time or near-real-time DSA calculations and enable on-line transfer limits determination. In this paper, the domain-decomposition-based algorithm implemented in the dynamic simulator RAMSES is presented, along with the techniques used to accelerate both its sequential and parallel execution. RAMSES exploits the localized response of power systems to disturbances and the timescale decomposition of dynamic phenomena to provide sequential acceleration when the simulation is performed on a single processing unit. In addition, when more computational units are available, the parallelization potential of domain-decomposition methods is exploited to provide parallel acceleration. The presented algorithm and techniques are tested on a realistic model of the Hydro-Québec system and the accuracy of dynamic response, the sequential and parallel performances are evaluated. Finally, the real-time capabilities of the simulator are assessed using a shared-memory parallel processing platform

Développement d'un procédé de traitement de matrices d'origine viticole polluées par des herbicides par couplage bioaugmentation/phytoremédiation (sélection d'un triplet bactéries - sorbant - plante testé en microcosme)

Cette étude vise à développer un système de dépollution d'eau et de sédiments viticoles. Le glyphosate, diuron et 3,4-dichloroaniline (3,4-DCA) sont considérés, en tenant compte de la charge en cuivre. L'augmentation du temps de séjour des polluants dans le système et le choix de la bioaugmentation couplée à la phytoremédiation est la stratégie retenue. Chaque composante d'un triplet sorbant-inoculum bactérien-plante a été sélectionnée en laboratoire et le triplet mis en oeuvre en microcosmes en conditions partiellement contrôlées.La sélection de matériaux sorbants dans différentes matrices liquides en présence des polluants seuls ou en mélange montre que les capacités de sorption des différents matériaux testés varient selon le polluant, sa formulation (seul ou en mélange) et la matrice liquide. Le sédiment se révèle être le meilleur sorbant pour le glyphosate ; le sable pour le diuron et le 3,4-DCA.Les performances de dissipation des colonies tolérantes isolées varient fortement selon le polluant. Le consortium sélectionné pour le procédé dissipe le glyphosate, le diuron et le 3,4-DCA en milieu liquide et complexe par ailleurs le cuivre.L'expérience en microcosmes montre que le temps de rétention hydraulique influe sur l'efficacité du système et que les matériaux sorbants sont efficaces. De plus les performances de dissipation atteintes sont bonnes. L'effet de la bioaugmentation sur les performances de dissipation n'est pas significatif pour le glyphosate et le 3,4-DCA, mais améliore en moyenne la dissipation du diuron. Un temps d'action prolongé dans la matrice solide s'avère nécessaire pour obtenir une bonne efficacité du procédé.This study aims at developing a depollution system for vineyard sediments and passing water. Glyphosate, diuron and 3,4-dichloroaniline (3,4-DCA) have been chosen, taking a copper load into account. Strategical choices are increased pollutant hydraulic retention time and the use of bioaugmentation together with phytoextraction. Each item on this sorbent-bacterial inoculum-plant triplet has been beforehand selected in the laboratory and implemented in microcosm experiments under semi-controlled conditions.Sorbent material selection in different liquid matrices with pollutants alone or in combination shows that material sorption capacities change with the type of pollutant. It has also been shown that these capacities vary with formulation (alone or in combination) and liquid matrix chosen. Sediment is awarded the best sorbent for glyphosate, sand the best sorbent for diuron and 3,4-DCA.Dissipation performances from isolated colonies are strongly related to the nature of the compound. Elected consortium degrades glyphosate, diuron and 3,4-dichloroaniline (3,4-DCA) in liquid culture as well as it complexes copper.Microcosm experiments show that hydraulic retention time weighs on pollutant concentration in water at the system outlet. Sorbents prove to be efficient. Dissipation performances are satisfactory. Bioaugmentation does not impact on glyphosate and 3,4-DCA dissipation performances significantly, but enhances diuron dissipation in average. Suitable process efficiency requires increased action time within the solid matrix.MULHOUSE-SCD Sciences (682242102) / SudocSudocFranceF

The Role of Microorganisms in Mobilization and Phytoextraction of Rare Earth Elements: A Review

Rare earth (RE) elements are a group of 17 chemical elements including the 15 lanthanides plus Yttrium and Scandium. RE have been identified as critical elements due to their special properties (e.g., catalytic, metallurgical, nuclear, electrical, magnetic, and luminescent) and various applications in many modern technologies, environment and economic areas. Thus, the demand for RE has increased significantly during the last decades. This demand has induced an increase in mining activities and consequently a release of RE into the surrounding environment, causing a potential threat to human health and the environment. Therefore, investigations leading to new solutions for the RE recycling from alternate resources like electronic, mining and industrial wastes, has been rapidly growing. In spite of that, recycling stays extremely difficult, expensive and is currently not seen as a significant solution. The concept of phytomanagement is a promising solution when conventional mining methods are no longer cost-effective, not to mention all the ecosystem services provided by plants. The phytoextraction service allows the extraction and recovery of RE from soils or industrial wastes (e.g., phosphogypsum from phosphoric acid production) with the prospect of economic added value. To date, some twenty hyperaccumulator plant species (almost ferns such as Dicranopteris dicthotoma) accumulate high concentrations of RE especially in their erial parts. While the potential roles of native bacteria in mobilization of RE from ores remains slightly documented, those of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) is much less. PGPR are indeed able to mobilize metals and/or to stimulate plant development in the aim to increase the amount of RE extracted by the plant with then a higher phytoextraction efficiency. Yet to date, only a few studies have been devoted to RE using coupled bioaugmentation-phytoextraction. This review summarizes the data regarding 1) the source of RE (RE-accumulating sediments, soils naturally rich in RE, wastes) and their bioavailability in these matrices, 2) plants identified as RE hyperaccumulator and their potential for RE phytomining, 3) isolation and selection of indigenous bacteria stemming from RE contaminated matrices, such as soil, for their potential ability to increase phytoextraction performances and 4) bioaugmentationassisted phytoextraction studies dealing with RE

Mise au point d'un procédé associant bioaugmentation et phytoextraction pour le traitement de sediments viticoles riches en cuivre (mise au point au laboratoire et application en microcosmes)

Les traitements phytosanitaires intensifs en viticulture, conjugués aux flux de ruissellement, se traduisent par l'arrivée de cuivre dans les bassins d'orage (BO). Des phénomènes de bioatténuation impliquant la microflore et les macrophytes s'observent, mais les niveaux d'épuration sont souvent faibles et variables. La phytoextraction du Cu est une technique intéressante in situ mais sa lenteur la pénalise. La bioaugmentation couplée à la phytoremédiation est une solution pour augmenter la vitesse d'extraction. L'étude a consisté à sélectionner un triplet bactérie-plante-sorbant afin d'extraire le Cu du sédiment et de réduire sa teneur dans les eaux en sortie de BO. Les trois composantes ont ensuite été assemblées dans des microcosmes remplis d'un mélange sable-sédiment reproduisant les caractéristiques d'un BO de référence. Sur 564 isolats bactériens cultivables, 84 ont montré une capacité à complexer les métaux et l'isolat nl06 a été retenu pour sa capacité à complexer le Cu. Des trois macrophytes testés, Phragmites australis, espèce retenue dans la suite de l'étude, a accumulé le plus de Cu dans les parties aériennes. Enfin, la pulpe de betterave s'est révélée être le sorbant le plus efficace dans une matrice complexe et en présence d'herbicides. Des expériences en microcosmes, mettant enjeu le triplet sélectionné, ont été réalisées. La localisation de la pulpe de betterave en sortie de microcosmes a réduit de 20% les quantités de Cu exportées par les eaux en atteignant un abattement de 95%. La phytoextraction du Cu a été augmentée par 1,7 grâce à la bioaugmentation dans le cas d'un régime hydraulique semi-continu et d'une inoculation répétée de l'isolat n106.Intensive pesticides use in viticulture combined with runoff often result in amounts of Cu getting to storm basins (SB). Biological pesticide mitigation has been observed and related to the role of natural macrophyte together with their associated microflora. Nevertheless, low and variable mitigation levels are most often reported. Cu phytoextraction is a promising in situ technology but requires time. Bioaugmentation-assisted phytoextraction is a new technology that may enhance the phytoextraction rate. The study consisted in selecting the best "microorganism-plant-sorbent" association in order to extract Cu from sediments and mitigate Cu load in SB outlet waters. The association of these three selected components has been studied in SB-scaled microcosms filled with a sand-sediment mixture to a better understanding of the depollution process feasability. Among the 564 isolates extracted from SB sediments, 84 were able to complex metals and isolate 106 was selected for the process implementation on the base of its ability to complex Cu. On the 3 studied macrophytes, Phragmites australis accumulated more Cu in aerial parts. Finally, sugar beet pulp has been selected as the best Cu sorbant in mixture with herbicides and in a complex matrix. Microcosm experiments that associated the best three components were carried out. Results showed that sugar beet pulp located at the outlet of microcosms reduced significantly (20 %) Cu amounts in outlet waters to reach a mitigation rate of 95%. Cu extraction in aerial parts of P. australis has been improved by a factor of 1,7 thanks to an intermittent wate Joad, with drying and rewetting periods along with repeated inoculations.MULHOUSE-SCD Sciences (682242102) / SudocSudocFranceF

The ability of Candida shehatae co-immobilized with Saccharomyces cerevisiae to metabolize xylose from a glucose and xylose mixture

International audienc