Observations of the Cosmic Background Radiation: Search for spectral distortions and residual polarization

We discuss observations of the CBR presently underway in Milano. We are trying to detect polarization with a sensitivity level of 1/106 and search distortions in the Rayleigh Jeans portion of the frequency spectrum

Comparison between ozone monitoring data and modelling data, in Italy, from the perspective of health indicator assessments

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Polished silver solid amalgam electrode and cationic surfactant as tool in electroanalytical determination of methomyl pesticide.

Trabalho de Conclusão de Curso (Graduação)The polished silver solid amalgam electrode (p-AgSAE) combined with square wave voltammetry (SWV) was used in the development of an analytical procedure to Methomyl determination in natural water samples. The experimental and voltammetric parameters were optimized and the use of cationic surfactant cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide promoted a considerable change in the kinetic and mechanism of the Methomyl reaction. Was observed the presence one-single reduction peak, related to a totally irreversible two-electrons transfer, followed by chemical reaction involving two protons. Analytical parameters (linearity range, analytical curve equations, correlation coefficient, detection and quantification limits, recovery efficiency, and relative standard deviation for intraday and interday experiments) were evaluated indicating that the proposed voltammetric procedure is suitable for determination of Methomyl. The application of the proposed procedure in natural water analysis indicated high robustness with only simple filtration, without pre-concentration steps, good stability and suitable sensitivity to determination of Methomyl in natural water samples

Environmental footprint family to address local to planetary sustainability and deliver on the SDGs

The number of publications on environmental footprint indicators has been growing rapidly, but with limited efforts to integrate different footprints into a coherent framework. Such integration is important for comprehensive understanding of environmental issues, policy formulation and assessment of trade-offs between different environmental concerns. Here, we systematize published footprint studies and define a family of footprints that can be used for the assessment of environmental sustainability. We identify overlaps between different footprints and analyse how they relate to the nine planetary boundaries and visualize the crucial information they provide for local and planetary sustainability. In addition, we assess how the footprint family delivers on measuring progress towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), considering its ability to quantify environmental pressures along the supply chain and relating them to the water-energy-food-ecosystem (WEFE) nexus and ecosystem services. We argue that the footprint family is a flexible framework where particular members can be included or excluded according to the context or area of concern. Our paper is based upon a recent workshop bringing together global leading experts on existing environmental footprint indicators

Energy use in the EU food sector: State of play and opportunities for improvement

The amount of energy necessary to cultivate, process, pack and bring the food to European citizens tables accounts for the 17 % of the EU's gross energy consumption, equivalent to about 26 % of the EU's final energy consumption in 2013. Challenges and solutions for decreasing energy consumption and increasing the use of renewable energy in the European food sector are presented and discussed.JRC.F.7-Renewables and Energy Efficienc

A MonteCarlo approach for assessing the adequacy of the European gas transmission system under supply crisis conditions

Europe's dependency on non-EU countries' energy supply is sharply increasing. Recently, sudden supply disruption caused by international disputes outside the EU have created serious problems for some EU countries and raised concern in many others. In these situations, it is highly desirable to have a tool to assess possible outcomes of supply disruptions. This paper presents a newly developed model, MC-GENERCIS, aimed to assess the robustness of the EU transnational gas transmission system during both normal and special operating conditions, including high-demand situations and/or a supply shortage. The model has a country-by-country resolution and examines all possible dispatching choices of national TSOs on the basis of a probabilistic MonteCarlo approach. The preliminary validation of the model through its application to the "normal" conditions for the winter 2008-2009 and to the recent supply disruption involving Ukrainian gas transit is also described.Security of gas supply MonteCarlo modeling European gas transmission system

GEMFLOW: A time dependent model to assess responses to natural gas supply crises

The January 2009 gas dispute, followed by the biggest gas supply crisis ever, called for significant changes at the community level. In line with other measures (e.g. a new regulation to ensure security of gas supply), a new tool is needed that will help decision-makers react properly in such a situation. Based on Monte-Carlo modeling principles, this new tool is being developed to take the first step towards a comprehensive model. This model could be of great support to common European efforts in order to assess the possible outcomes of a supply disruption beforehand and minimize losses during an emergency by finding the optimal distribution of flows. Naturally, the described model cannot serve at present as hydraulic software that is currently used by the national system operators, but it is able to draw significant conclusions from the European gas system's capabilities.Security of gas supply Monte-Carlo modeling European gas transmission system