Flashing LEDs for microalgal production

Flashing lights are next-generation tools to mitigate light attenuation and increase the photosynthetic efficiency of microalgal cultivation systems illuminated by light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Optimal flashing light conditions depend on the reaction kinetics and properties of the linear electron transfer chain, energy dissipation, and storage mechanisms of a phototroph. In particular, extremely short and intense light flashes potentially mitigate light attenuation in photobioreactors without impairing photosynthesis. Intelligently controlling flashing light units and selecting electronic components can maximize light emission and energy efficiency. We discuss the biological, physical, and technical properties of flashing lights for algal production. We combine recent findings about photosynthetic pathways, self-shading in photobioreactors, and developments in solid-state technology towards the biotechnological application of LEDs to microalgal production.Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal) [CCMAR/Multi/04326/2013]Nord UniversityNordland County Government (project Bioteknologi en framtidsrettet naering)INTERREG V-A Espana-Portugal project [0055 ALGARED + 5E]Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology [SFRH/BD/105541/2014, SFRH/BD/115325/2016]info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Settlement and economic strategies and cultural exchanges in bolognese and romagnolo Appennines during the Bronze age

Il seguente lavoro analizza lo sviluppo dell’occupazione territoriale dell’area collinare e montana del bolognese e della Romagna nell’età del Bronzo. Si sono censite le attestazioni archeologiche relative all’età del Bronzo nell’area di studio, per analizzare le tendenze insediative e le loro eventuali modificazioni nel corso del tempo, onde individuare le strategie alla base del scelta del luogo da insediare e le eventuali vie di percorrenza. Attraverso l’analisi tipologica del materiale rinvenuto nei vari contesti si è cercato di determinare le influenze culturali provenienti dal centro Italia o dalla zona terramaricola. Per raggiungere questo obbiettivo si sono analizzati i dati di archivio della Soprintendenza ai beni archeologici dell’Emilia Romagna e l’Archivio Renato Scarani, protagonista delle ricerche archeologiche in Emilia Romagna per il periodo degli anni ’50-’70 del XX secolo, recentemente acquisito dall’Università di Bologna. Ai dati desunti dagli archivi, che in molti casi hanno chiarito le vicende concernenti le indagini ed i posizionamenti di molti dei siti segnalati ed esplorati tra la seconda metà del XIX e gli anni ’70 del XX secolo, che costituiscono la maggioranza del campione analizzato, si sono aggiunti i dati recentemente acquisiti a seguito degli scavi a Monterenzio Località Chiesa Vecchia (Bo), uno dei siti più importanti (per stratigrafia conservata e per contesto territoriale) dell'Appennino Bolognese.The following paper analyzes the development of territorial occupation of the hills and mountains of Bologna and Romgna during the Bronze Age. They have been censused the claims related to the Bronze Age archaeological sites in the study area, to analyze trends settlement and their possible changes over time, in order to identify the strategies behind the choice of location to settle and channels.Through typological analysis of the material found in different contexts we have tried to determine the cultural influences coming from the central Italy or from terramare's area. To achieve this goal we analyzed the data archive of the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage of Emilia Romagna and the Renato Scarani's Archive, protagonist of archaeological research in Emilia Romagna for the period of the 50s and 70s of the twentieth century, recently acquired by the University of Bologna. The data taken from the archives, which in many cases have clarified the matters involving investigations and placements of many of the reported sites and explored between the second half of the nineteenth and the 70s of the twentieth century, that make up the majority of the sample analyzed; the data have been implemented by the result of the excavations in Monterenzio-Località Chiesa Vecchia(Bo) one of the most important (for stratigraphy and preserved for local context) of the Bolognese

A comparison of PBDE serum concentrations in Mexican and Mexican-American children living in California.

BackgroundPolybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE), which are used as flame retardants, have been found to be higher in residents of California than of other parts of the United States.ObjectivesWe aimed to investigate the role of immigration to California on PBDE levels in Latino children.MethodsWe compared serum PBDE concentrations in a population of first-generation Mexican-American 7-year-old children (n = 264), who were born and raised in California [Center for Health Analysis of Mothers and Children of Salinas (CHAMACOS) study], with 5-year-old Mexican children (n = 283), who were raised in the states in Mexico where most CHAMACOS mothers had originated (Proyecto Mariposa).ResultsOn average, PBDE serum concentrations in the California Mexican-American children were three times higher than their mothers' levels during pregnancy and seven times higher than concentrations in the children living in Mexico. The PBDE serum concentrations were higher in the Mexican-American children regardless of length of time their mother had resided in California or the duration of the child's breast-feeding. These data suggest that PBDE serum concentrations in these children resulted primarily from postnatal exposure.ConclusionsLatino children living in California have much higher PBDE serum levels than their Mexican counterparts. Given the growing evidence documenting potential health effects of PBDE exposure, the levels in young children noted in this study potentially present a major public health challenge, especially in California. In addition, as PBDEs are being phased out and replaced by other flame retardants, the health consequences of these chemical replacements should be investigated and weighed against their purported fire safety benefits

Sucessos na literatura: regras, receitas e surpresas na literatura portuguesa contemporânea

Tese de mestrado, Teoria da literatura, Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Letras, 2004Na Literatura portuguesa dos nossos dias, muitos são os sucessos que inundam o mercado livreiro. Mas há sucessos e sucessos. A presente tese visa lançar um pouco de luz num fenómeno que tem criado alguma celeuma nos meios de comunicação social: o aparecimento de um grande número de bestsellers nacionais, que, um pouco à imagem do contexto anglo-saxónico, apresenta um formato bastante previsível como denominador comum; versus o visível reconhecimento da crítica e do público em geral de vários romances que se destacam pela sua qualidade, originalidade e imprevisibilidade. Pretendeu-se destacar quais os aspectos que tornaram as narrativas singulares e que, consequentemente, levaram o público e a crítica considerá-las alvos preferenciais. A focalização, a voz, o discurso narrativo e a construção da personagem foram os elementos que revelaram ter maior importância na criação de uma narrativa interessante e irreproduzível. Conclui-se que, apesar do record de vendas extraordinário de Margarida Rebelo Pinto, apontada como a produtora de romances light em série, os leitores portugueses continuam a comprar outros livros, cujo conteúdo não se enquadra dentro da receita de sucesso. No presente trabalho, também foram analisadas obras que, sendo aparentemente imprevisíveis e originais, não têm conseguido preencher as prateleiras dos leitores portugueses, como uma tentativa de observação das causas para este facto. De acordo com a análise efectuada, verificou-se que determinadas opções do escritor podem minar a recepção da obra, mais concretamente as que se prendem com questões como a fluidez de discurso; as perturbantes opções focais, com as súbitas e confusas alterações de narrador; e a apresentação algo turva dos enredos.Abstract: In contemporary Portuguese Literature, there are many cases of successful novels, which glut the book market. Nevertheless, there is success and success. This thesis aims to shed some light into a phenomenon that has created some hype in the media: several national bestsellers have been published, which present a predictable format as common denominator, somewhat in the image of the Anglo Saxon context; versus a strong acknowledgement of critics and of general reading public regarding several novels that have stood out for their quality, originality and unpredictable character. One of the goals was to underline the aspects that made the narratives singular ones and, consequently, that impelled the public and the critics to consider them preferential targets. Narrative perspective, voice, narrative discourse and character construction were the elements that had greater importance in the creation of an interesting and unique novel. In spite Margarida Rebelo Pinto’s extraordinary sales record (she is a massive producer of light novels), Portuguese readers continue to buy other kind of novels, which do not coincide with the success recipe. In the present essay, account was also taken of novels, which seem to be unpredictable and original, but that Portuguese readers have not been tempted to buy. An attempt is made in this thesis to analyse the causes for such lack of interest. According to this analysis, one has verified that certain choices made by the writer may undermine the novel’s reception, namely the ones concerning the fluency of the narrative discourse, the disturbing choices of the narrative perspective, where sudden and confusing narrator changes take place; and a somewhat cloudy way of presenting the plot

NASA Strategic Roadmap Summary Report

In response to the Vision, NASA commissioned strategic and capability roadmap teams to develop the pathways for turning the Vision into a reality. The strategic roadmaps were derived from the Vision for Space Exploration and the Aldrich Commission Report dated June 2004. NASA identified 12 strategic areas for roadmapping. The Agency added a thirteenth area on nuclear systems because the topic affects the entire program portfolio. To ensure long-term public visibility and engagement, NASA established a committee for each of the 13 areas. These committees - made up of prominent members of the scientific and aerospace industry communities and senior government personnel - worked under the Federal Advisory Committee Act. A committee was formed for each of the following program areas: 1) Robotic and Human Lunar Exploration; 2) Robotic and Human Exploration of Mars; 3) Solar System Exploration; 4) Search for Earth-Like Planets; 5) Exploration Transportation System; 6) International Space Station; 7) Space Shuttle; 8) Universe Exploration; 9) Earth Science and Applications from Space; 10) Sun-Solar System Connection; 11) Aeronautical Technologies; 12) Education; 13) Nuclear Systems. This document contains roadmap summaries for 10 of these 13 program areas; The International Space Station, Space Shuttle, and Education are excluded. The completed roadmaps for the following committees: Robotic and Human Exploration of Mars; Solar System Exploration; Search for Earth-Like Planets; Universe Exploration; Earth Science and Applications from Space; Sun-Solar System Connection are collected in a separate Strategic Roadmaps volume. This document contains memebership rosters and charters for all 13 committees