Near-range receiver unit of next generation PollyXT used with Koldeway aerosol Raman lidar in Arctic

The Near-range Aerosol Raman lidar (NARLa) receiver unit, that was designed to enhance the detection range of the NeXT generation PollyXT Aerosol-Depolarization-Raman (ADR) lidar of the University of Warsaw, was employed next the Koldeway Aerosol Raman Lidar (KARL) at the AWI-IPEV German-French station in Arctic during Spring 2015. Here we introduce shortly design of both lidars, the scheme of their installation next to each other, and preliminary results of observations aiming at arctic haze investigation by the lidars and the iCAP a set of particle counter and aethalometer installed under a tethered balloon

Orientational order parameters of a de Vries–type ferroelectric liquid crystal obtained by polarized Raman spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction

The orientational order parameters 〈P2〉 and 〈P4〉 of the ferroelectric, de Vries–type liquid crystal 9HL have been determined in the SmA* and SmC* phases by means of polarized Raman spectroscopy, and in the SmA* phase using x-ray diffraction. Quantum density functional theory predicts Raman spectra for 9HL that are in good agreement with the observations and indicates that the strong Raman band probed in the experiment corresponds to the uniaxial, coupled vibration of the three phenyl rings along the molecular long axis. The magnitudes of the orientational order parameters obtained in the Raman and x-ray experiments differ dramatically from each other, a discrepancy that is resolved by considering that the two techniques probe the orientational distributions of different molecular axes. We have developed a systematic procedure in which we calculate the angle between these axes and rescale the orientational order parameters obtained from x-ray scattering with results that are then in good agreement with the Raman data. At least in the case of 9HL, the results obtained by both techniques support a “sugar loaf” orientational distribution in the SmA* phase with no qualitative difference to conventional smectics A. The role of individual molecular fragments in promoting de Vries–type behavior is considered

Microalgae as bioreactors for bioplastic production

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) is a polyester with thermoplastic properties that is naturally occurring and produced by such bacteria as <it>Ralstonia eutropha </it>H16 and <it>Bacillus megaterium</it>. In contrast to currently utilized plastics and most synthetic polymers, PHB is biodegradable, and its production is not dependent on fossil resources making this bioplastic interesting for various industrial applications.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>In this study, we report on introducing the bacterial PHB pathway of <it>R. eutropha </it>H16 into the diatom <it>Phaeodactylum tricornutum</it>, thereby demonstrating for the first time that PHB production is feasible in a microalgal system. Expression of the bacterial enzymes was sufficient to result in PHB levels of up to 10.6% of algal dry weight. The bioplastic accumulated in granule-like structures in the cytosol of the cells, as shown by light and electron microscopy.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Our studies demonstrate the great potential of microalgae like the diatom <it>P. tricornutum </it>to serve as solar-powered expression factories and reveal great advantages compared to plant based production systems.</p

Overview of NASA Technology Development for In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU)

In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) encompasses a broad range of systems that enable the production and use of extraterrestrial resources in support of future exploration missions. It has the potential to greatly reduce the dependency on resources transported from Earth (e.g., propellants, life support consumables), thereby significantly improving the ability to conduct future missions. Recognizing the critical importance of ISRU for the future, NASA is currently conducting technology development projects in two of its four mission directorates. The Advanced Exploration Systems Division in the Agency's Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate has initiated a new project for ISRU Technology focused on component, subsystem, and system maturation in the areas of water volatiles resource acquisition, and water volatiles and atmospheric processing into propellants and other consumable products. The Space Technology Mission Directorate is supporting development of ISRU component technologies in the areas of Mars atmosphere acquisition, including dust management, and oxygen production from Mars atmosphere for propellant and life support consumables. Together, these two coordinated projects are working towards a common goal of demonstrating ISRU technology and systems in preparation for future flight applications

Effect of physical activity intervention based on a pedometer on physical activity level and anthropometric measures after childbirth: a randomized controlled trial

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Pregnancy and childbirth are associated with weight gain in women, and retention of weight gained during pregnancy can lead to obesity in later life. Diet and physical activity are factors that can influence the loss of retained pregnancy weight after birth. Exercise guidelines exist for pregnancy, but recommendations for exercise after childbirth are virtually nonexistent. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of physical activity intervention based on pedometer on physical activity level and anthropometric measures of women after childbirth.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We conducted a randomized controlled trial in which 66 women who had given birth 6 weeks to 6 months prior were randomly assigned to receive either a 12 week tailored program encouraging increased walking using a pedometer (intervention group, n = 32) or routine postpartum care (control group, n = 34). During the 12-week study period, each woman in the intervention group wore a pedometer and recorded her daily step count. The women were advised to increase their steps by 500 per week until they achieved the first target of 5000 steps per day and then continued to increase it to minimum of 10,000 steps per day by the end of 12^thweek. Assessed outcomes included anthropometric measures, physical activity level, and energy expenditure per week. Data were analyzed using the paired t-test, independent t-test, Mann-Whitney, chi-square, Wilcoxon, covariance analysis, and the general linear model repeated measures procedure as appropriate.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>After 12 weeks, women in the intervention group had significantly increased their physical activity and energy expenditure per week (4394 vs. 1651 calorie, <it>p </it>< 0.001). Significant differences between-group in weight (<it>P </it>= 0.001), Body Mass Index (<it>P </it>= 0.001), waist circumference (<it>P </it>= 0.001), hip circumference (<it>P </it>= 0.032) and waist-hip ratio (<it>P </it>= 0.02) were presented after the intervention. The intervention group significantly increased their mean daily step count over the study period (from 3249 before, to 9960 after the intervention, <it>p </it>< 0.001).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>A physical activity intervention based on pedometer is an effective means to increase physical activity; reducing retention of weight gained during pregnancy and can improve anthropometric measures in postpartum women.</p> <p>Trial registration</p> <p>ISRCTN: <a href="http://www.controlled-trials.com/IRCT201105026362N1">IRCT201105026362N1</a></p

Das Konzept für ein FDM-Kompetenznetzwerk an der Universität zu Köln

Forschungsdatenmanagement (FDM) hat sich innerhalb der letzten Jahre zunehmend als integraler Bestandteil von Forschungsprozessen etabliert. Durch diesen Umstand stellt es eine gemeinschaftliche Herausforderung in einem komplexen sozio-technologischen Umfeld dar. Das 2018 an der Universität zu Köln (UzK) gegründete Cologne Competence Center for Research Data Management (C3RDM) legt u. a. einen Fokus auf die stärkere Vernetzung der FDM-Akteur*innen auf dem Campus. Diese erscheint notwendig, da FDM an vielen Stellen der Universität in einer nur sehr lose gekoppelten Art und Weise stattfindet, bspw. in Forschungsprojekten, in Instituten, an Fakultäten usw. Der hier vorgestellte Ansatz geht von den zentralen Infrastruktureinrichtungen (Universitäts- und Stadtbibliothek, Regionales Rechenzentrum, Forschungsmanagement) aus, die im C3RDM kooperieren und ein strukturelles Modell für ein universitätsweites FDM konzipieren sollen, das sowohl Policies, Entwicklungskonzepte, als auch ein Service-Portfolio zum FDM umfasst. Die bereits vorhandenen und noch aufzubauenden Services auf Seiten des C3RDM sollen möglichst generisch sein und in die Breite wirken. Für den weiteren Aufbau ist es außerdem wichtig, eine gezielte Vernetzung zwischen allen Stakeholdern voranzutreiben, um Fachspezifika und lokale Strukturen zu berücksichtigen. Zur systematischen Förderung des fakultätsübergreifenden Erfahrungsaustausches zwischen den FDM-Akteur*innen gibt das C3RDM zukünftig Impulse, um Synergien zu identifizieren und nachhaltige FDM-Strukturen aufzubauen. Ausgehend von einem generischen FDM-Service-Portfolio präsentieren wir ein initiales Konzept für die Vernetzung an der UzK und erste Erfahrungen bei deren Umsetzung. Bei der Größe des Standortes und der Komplexität der Aufgabe ist eine wichtige Charakteristik in diesem Zusammenhang der experimentelle Charakter, d. h., die iterative Erprobung und Anpassung an spezifische Bedingungen (lokal oder fachspezifisch)

Estimation of a suitable Schmidt number range in diesel sprays at high injection pressure

The aim of this paper is to estimate a suitable range for the Schmidt number value in non-evaporative diesel sprays. For this purpose, mass distribution data obtained from X-ray absorption experiments existing in literature and a theoretical derivation for spray microscopic characteristics have been combined. Firstly, a procedure based on Gaussian concentration profiles has been proposed in order to interpret X-ray absorption results and relate them to physical parameters as local concentration or spray density. After this, information about FWHM (Full Width at Half Maximum) values has allowed to estimate spray angle in the tested conditions by the definition of Gaussian profiles for the mass radial distribution inside the spray. Following, a theoretical model dependent on momentum flux and Schmidt number has been used to simulate local mass concentration evolution along the spray axis and compare it with the values obtained from the experiments. The combination of the experimental and the theoretical data has allowed to estimate a suitable range for the Schmidt number value in such conditions as those existing in diesel sprays. © 2011 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.This work was sponsored by "Vicerrectorado de Investigacion, Desarrollo e Innovacion" of the "Universitat Politecnica de Valencia" in the frame of the project "Estudio numeric de la cavitacion en toberas de inyeccion Diesel mediante Grid Computing (Cavigrid) Reference No 2597.Salvador Rubio, FJ.; Ruiz Rosales, S.; Gimeno, J.; De La Morena Borja, J. (2011). Estimation of a suitable Schmidt number range in diesel sprays at high injection pressure. International Journal of Thermal Sciences. 50(9):1790-1798. doi:10.1016/j.ijthermalsci.2011.03.030S1790179850