Estimating the potential biomasses energy source of forest and agricultural residues in the cinque terre italian national park

This paper aims to evaluate the feasibility of biomasses exploitation as an alternative Energy source, in areas characterized by high environmental, cultural and landscaping value. In particular, a. methodology for assessing the energy potential from biomass was applied in protected areas, using Geographic Information System (GIS) software and data from European Program Conine Land Cover, jointly with other local data useful for analyzing the topography and the biomass availability of the chosen territory, as well as for an assessment of the necessary logistics for biomasses transportation. This methodology was applied to the Cinque Terre national park, obtaining as a result an estimation of the potential biomasses energy source coming from forest and agricultural residues

Fermion production during preheating after hybrid inflation

At the end of inflation, the coherent oscillations of the inflaton field may resonantly amplify the long wavelength modes of both bosons and fermions coupled to it. We study the resonant production of both kinds of particles during preheating in a model of hybrid inflation. The coherent time evolution of the inflaton and the Higgs fields after inflation induce a very different production of fermions depending on whether they are coupled to the Higgs or to the inflaton. For reasonable values of the model parameters, the fermion production through parametric resonance can be very efficient. We study the relative growth of the fermion and boson energy densities during preheating in hybrid models. During the initial stage of preheating, fermion production dominates the relative energy density, while the exponential growth of bosonic modes soon takes over.Comment: 20 pages, 14 figures, uses epsfig and JHEP macros (included

Frontoparietal action-oriented codes support novel task set implementation

A key aspect of human cognitive flexibility concerns the ability to rapidly convert complex symbolic instructions into novel behaviors. Previous research proposes that this fast configuration is supported by two differentiated neurocognitive states, namely, an initial declarative maintenance of task knowledge, and a progressive transformation into a pragmatic, action-oriented state necessary for optimal task execution. Furthermore, current models predict a crucial role of frontal and parietal brain regions in this transformation. However, direct evidence for such frontoparietal formatting of novel task representations is still lacking. Here, we report the results of an fMRI experiment in which participants had to execute novel instructed stimulus-response associations. We then used a multivariate pattern-tracking procedure to quantify the degree of neural activation of instructions in declarative and procedural representational formats. This analysis revealed, for the first time, format-unique representations of relevant task sets in frontoparietal areas, prior to execution. Critically, the degree of procedural (but not declarative) activation predicted subsequent behavioral performance. Our results shed light on current debates on the architecture of cognitive control and working memory systems, suggesting a contribution of frontoparietal regions to output gating mechanisms that drive behavior

Environment of 1 ≤ z ≤ 2 MIR selected obscured and unobscured AGNs in the Extended Chandra Deep Field South

Context. In unified models, different types of active galaxy nuclei (AGN) correspond to a single class of objects, where their observed differences are solely due to the different orientations of the obscuring material around the central inner regions. Recent studies also show that this obscuring material can even extend at galactic scales due to debris from galaxy interactions and/or mergers. In standard unified models the different AGN types are expected to show similar galaxy environments. Aims. We aim to investigate properties and environment of obscured and unobscured AGNs selected from mid-infrared (MIR) bands from the Multiwavelength Survey by Yale-Chile (MUSYC), in order to test the unified model and evolutionary scenarios. Methods. The sample of AGNs was selected from images obtained with the Infrared Array Camera (IRAC) mounted on the Spitzer Space Telescope, based on their MIR colors centered at wavelengths [3.6], [4.5], [5.8] and [8.0] microns. We selected two samples of AGNs with redshifts in the range 1 ≤ z ≤ 2 and rest-frame absolute magnitudes Mv ≤ -21: obscured and unobscured AGNs by means of a simple optical-MIR color cut criterion (R - [4:5] = 3:05.) Results. We find that obscured AGNs are intrinsically optically faint in the R band, suggesting that luminous IR-selected AGNs have a significant dust extinction. From a cross-correlation with several X-ray surveys, we find that the majority of the AGNs in our sample have X-ray luminosities similar to those found in Seyfert-like galaxies. We study the properties of galaxies surrounding these two samples. Neighbouring galaxies located close to (~200 kpc) obscured AGNs tend to have redder colors, compared to the local environment of unobscured AGNs. Results obtained from a KS test show that the two color distributions are different at ~95% confidence level. We find that obscured AGNs are located in denser local galaxy environments compared to the unobscured AGN sample. Conclusions. Our results suggest that AGN obscuration can occur at galactic scales, possibly due to galaxy interactions or mergers, and that the simple unified model based solely on the local torus orientation may not be sufficient to explain all the observations.Fil: Bornancini, Carlos Guillermo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Astronomía Teórica y Experimental. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Observatorio Astronómico de Córdoba. Instituto de Astronomía Teórica y Experimental; ArgentinaFil: Taormina, Mónica Silvia. Polish Academy of Sciences. Nicolaus Copernicus Astronomical Center; Polonia. Universidad Nacional de Cordoba. Observatorio Astronomico de Cordoba; ArgentinaFil: Garcia Lambas, Diego Rodolfo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Astronomía Teórica y Experimental. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Observatorio Astronómico de Córdoba. Instituto de Astronomía Teórica y Experimental; Argentin

Creating a new food category - Insights from stakeholders in the Swedish Market

Title Creating a new food category - Insights from stakeholders in the Swedish market Author Silvia D. García González Division Packaging Logistics, Department of Design Sciences, Faculty of Engineering, Lund University Supervisors Märit Beckeman and Karla Marie Paredes Issue of Study The food industry faces a large number of challenges. For that, companies need to understand the dynamic of its industry and built strategies to face those challenges and go beyond. Innovation could be used as a strategic change process. One previous study related to Swedish food innovation suggests that creating a new category could be considered one success criterion to achieve innovation. Moreover, creating a new category could not just be launching a new product but creating new market shares, new experiences and new solutions for the consumers. Provided that, the author decided to explore elements for the positioning of a new food category on the market based on insights obtained from some stakeholders within the Swedish food business. Purpose To obtain insights of how a new food category could be created by (1) reviewing potential drivers and challenges, (2) examining the evolution of some examples of category creations and (3) identifying the role of different stakeholders. Method An exploratory study was carried out with an overall qualitative approach, considering a mix-method. The mix-method included: literature survey, 15 semi-structured interviews considering two case studies. The collected data was processed by triangulation of the multi-sources of evidence, and data analysis was performed by thematic and cross-case analysis. Findings were aimed to answer the research question. Finally a set of conclusions and recommendations for future research was done. Conclusion The creation of a new category is not a one-moment event but a process that needs evolution. The life cycle of a [food] category faces drivers and challenges along the cycle. A simple introduction of one innovative product could be the start up of a potential category. Once a group of products share common targets and/or characteristics, a category is born. Then, the category starts to grow until it becomes mainstream and its time frame will be shaped according to market needs. A road map for the creation of a category was suggested by (1) identifying an opportunity, (2) discussing with potential partners, (3) building a solution for a specific need, (4) constantly upgrading the company and solutions, (5) being visible at the market place and (6) attracting the mainstream consumers. Considering the food value chain, each stakeholder has a role. One key driver is to maintain strong relationships. Retailer and food manufacturer could start a new category. The marketing research body mainly monitors opportunities and provides service and information to the units that develop the product and service. On the other hand, packaging suppliers play a role in the development of alternative products as a solution provider of added-value elements to differentiate a product that could help to start a new category. Lastly, academia plays a triple role, one as an educator of principles, also as a research body of new knowledge and as a collaborator with the industry

Evaluation of reproductive sucess and conservation strategies for Senecio coincyi (Asteraceae), a narrow and threatened species

Senecio coincyi is a threatened endemic plant of central western Spain, with a very narrow extent of occurrence. The reproductive success and germination behaviour of this species were studied. The area of occupancy, habitat types and size of 13 known subpopulations of S. coincyi were evaluated. The number of individuals that form all these subpopulations was counted. In addition, the number of flowers and cypselas per fruit head and the number of fruit heads per individual plant were recorded in a subset of subpopulations. Germination tests were carried out to evaluate the effect of temperature and light regimes on, and possible intraspecific variation in, cypsela germination. Cypselas reached very high germination percentages (90?100%) from 15?C to 30?C. However, the germination decreased (19%) at 10?C. The light conditions assayed (16-h light photoperiod and complete darkness) did not significantly affect cypsela germination. In general, there was no intraspecific variability in germination patterns of S. coincyi cypselas. Livestock is the most important factor that can be a threat for this species. S. coincyi showed high reproductive success and, therefore, its conservation problems are not due to agents related to its reproduction, but rather to other factors such as alteration of its habitat caused by the presence of livestock

IUPUI Solution Center Impact Evaluation Study: Lessons Learned

In 2012 an evaluation was conducted to measure the effect of experiential learning activities (class projects, research projects, internships, community-based projects, independent study, or other) coordinated by the IUPUI Solution Center on IUPUI students and faculty members and community partners. Results are based on the perceptions of the populations involved in these experiences, and showed that these experiences: 1) Increase students’ possibilities to experience professional experiences, develop professional skills and practical knowledge, engage with different sectors of the economy, make professional contacts, define their vocational interests and work values, and serve their community. 2) Facilitate faculty members’ opportunities to strengthen their connections with community organizations, collaborate with other IUPUI faculty members, and improve teaching and research. 3) Contribute to increase community partners’ productivity, innovative capacity, effectiveness and the possibility to reach new clients