LCA-assisted conception of a digestate recovery by micro-algae production

The digestate produced by anaerobic digestion process is a source of nutrients (N, P, K) and organic matter (C content), generally used as spreading in culture to ideally substitute for the use of mineral fertilizers. This type of digestate recovery presents some weaknesses as for example the poor effective substitution due to the relative low content of bio-available nutrients. Thenceforth, a higher benefit for the recovery of digestate could be thought to increase the effective use of nutrients. Instead of direct spreading, a higher quantity of the digestate and the CO2 contained in the biogas could be used in a micro-algae culture. To this end, the BIOMSA system is based on the coupling of anaerobic digestion and micro-algae culture (Figure 1). To assist the eco-design of BIOMSA, the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology is used. The first system (A) was studied to identify the environmental hotspots according to the functional unit, defined as the anaerobic digestion of 25 000 tones/year of agricultural residues and the production of micro-algae from digestate, in order to highlight the performances of the whole system. The data collection and the inventory building are based on experts’ knowledge and experiments. As the first results show that the digestate spreading is the most impacting step, one of the eco-design options is to send more nutrients and CO2 in micro-algae culture to maximize the recovery through the micro-algae and not through direct spreading of digestate (liquid and solid phases). The system B is based on these modifications (Figure 1). So both systems (A and B) provide different functions and especially different quantities of micro-algae produced. In order, to allow a comparison between both systems, we studied several allocation rules based on the economic value of the outputs, their LHV (Low Heating Value) or based on their compositions in C, N, P. The novelty of our approach is the management of nutrients from digestate and C from biogas to increase the micro-algae production and to improve the effectiveness of the nutrients recovery through a biogas plant. The discussion of results focuses on the difficulty of overcoming the comparability, thanks to LCA, of both systems. The allocation rules used are difficult to perform because biogas, digestate and micro-algae are very different types of products with different C contents, nutrients contents, ICP and economic values. The combination of allocation rules could be a solution. Please click Additional Files below to see the full abstract

Localized surface plasmon resonance effects on the magneto-optical activity of continuous Au/Co/Au trilayers

We study how the magneto-optical activity in polar configuration of continuous Au/Co/Au trilayers is affected by the excitation of localized plasmon resonances of an array of Au nanodiscs fabricated on top of them over a dielectric SiO2 spacer. We show that the effect of the nanodiscs array is twofold. First, it optimizes the absorption of light at specific photon energies corresponding to the localized surface plasmon excitation of the array, modifying the reflectivity of the system (we define this effect as the purely optical contribution). Second, upon localized plasmon resonance excitation, the electromagnetic field in the whole system is redistributed, and an enhanced magneto-optical activity occurs at those energies where the electromagnetic field in the magnetic layer is increased (this effect is identified as the purely magneto-optical contribution of the nanodiscs array).This research was carried out with the financial support of the Spanish Ministry of Science and Education (NAN2004-09195-C04 and MAT2005-05524-C02-01), Comunidad de Madrid (S-0505/MAT/0194 NANOMAGNET) and the European Commission through the NoE PHOREMOST (FP6/2003/IST/2-511616). M. U. G. thanks the Spanish Ministry of Education for funding through the “Ramón y Cajal” program.Peer reviewe

The Completed SDSS-IV extended Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey: Large-scale structure catalogues for cosmological analysis

We present large-scale structure catalogues from the completed extended Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey (eBOSS). Derived from Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) IV Data Release 16 (DR16), these catalogues provide the data samples, corrected for observational systematics, and random positions sampling the survey selection function. Combined, they allow large-scale clustering measurements suitable for testing cosmological models. We describe the methods used to create these catalogues for the eBOSS DR16 Luminous Red Galaxy (LRG) and Quasar samples. The quasar catalogue contains 343 708 redshifts with 0.8 1000 km s−1). For quasars, these rates are 95 and 2 per cent (with Δz > 3000 km s−1). We apply corrections for trends between the number densities of our samples and the properties of the imaging and spectroscopic data. For example, the quasar catalogue obtains a χ2/DoF = 776/10 for a null test against imaging depth before corrections and a χ2/DoF= 6/8 after. The catalogues, combined with careful consideration of the details of their construction found here-in, allow companion papers to present cosmological results with negligible impact from observational systematic uncertainties

The 16th Data Release of the Sloan Digital Sky Surveys: First Release from the APOGEE-2 Southern Survey and Full Release of eBOSS Spectra

This paper documents the 16th data release (DR16) from the Sloan Digital Sky Surveys (SDSS), the fourth and penultimate from the fourth phase (SDSS-IV). This is the first release of data from the Southern Hemisphere survey of the Apache Point Observatory Galactic Evolution Experiment 2 (APOGEE-2); new data from APOGEE-2 North are also included. DR16 is also notable as the final data release for the main cosmological program of the Extended Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey (eBOSS), and all raw and reduced spectra from that project are released here. DR16 also includes all the data from the Time Domain Spectroscopic Survey and new data from the SPectroscopic IDentification of ERosita Survey programs, both of which were co-observed on eBOSS plates. DR16 has no new data from the Mapping Nearby Galaxies at Apache Point Observatory (MaNGA) survey (or the MaNGA Stellar Library "MaStar"). We also preview future SDSS-V operations (due to start in 2020), and summarize plans for the final SDSS-IV data release (DR17)

The 16th Data Release of the Sloan Digital Sky Surveys: First Release from the APOGEE-2 Southern Survey and Full Release of eBOSS Spectra

This paper documents the 16th data release (DR16) from the Sloan Digital Sky Surveys (SDSS), the fourth and penultimate from the fourth phase (SDSS-IV). This is the first release of data from the Southern Hemisphere survey of the Apache Point Observatory Galactic Evolution Experiment 2 (APOGEE-2); new data from APOGEE-2 North are also included. DR16 is also notable as the final data release for the main cosmological program of the Extended Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey (eBOSS), and all raw and reduced spectra from that project are released here. DR16 also includes all the data from the Time Domain Spectroscopic Survey and new data from the SPectroscopic IDentification of ERosita Survey programs, both of which were co-observed on eBOSS plates. DR16 has no new data from the Mapping Nearby Galaxies at Apache Point Observatory (MaNGA) survey (or the MaNGA Stellar Library "MaStar"). We also preview future SDSS-V operations (due to start in 2020), and summarize plans for the final SDSS-IV data release (DR17)

Higher COVID-19 pneumonia risk associated with anti-IFN-α than with anti-IFN-ω auto-Abs in children

We found that 19 (10.4%) of 183 unvaccinated children hospitalized for COVID-19 pneumonia had autoantibodies (auto-Abs) neutralizing type I IFNs (IFN-alpha 2 in 10 patients: IFN-alpha 2 only in three, IFN-alpha 2 plus IFN-omega in five, and IFN-alpha 2, IFN-omega plus IFN-beta in two; IFN-omega only in nine patients). Seven children (3.8%) had Abs neutralizing at least 10 ng/ml of one IFN, whereas the other 12 (6.6%) had Abs neutralizing only 100 pg/ml. The auto-Abs neutralized both unglycosylated and glycosylated IFNs. We also detected auto-Abs neutralizing 100 pg/ml IFN-alpha 2 in 4 of 2,267 uninfected children (0.2%) and auto-Abs neutralizing IFN-omega in 45 children (2%). The odds ratios (ORs) for life-threatening COVID-19 pneumonia were, therefore, higher for auto-Abs neutralizing IFN-alpha 2 only (OR [95% CI] = 67.6 [5.7-9,196.6]) than for auto-Abs neutralizing IFN-. only (OR [95% CI] = 2.6 [1.2-5.3]). ORs were also higher for auto-Abs neutralizing high concentrations (OR [95% CI] = 12.9 [4.6-35.9]) than for those neutralizing low concentrations (OR [95% CI] = 5.5 [3.1-9.6]) of IFN-omega and/or IFN-alpha 2

The 16th Data Release of the Sloan Digital Sky Surveys : First Release from the APOGEE-2 Southern Survey and Full Release of eBOSS Spectra

This paper documents the 16th data release (DR16) from the Sloan Digital Sky Surveys (SDSS), the fourth and penultimate from the fourth phase (SDSS-IV). This is the first release of data from the Southern Hemisphere survey of the Apache Point Observatory Galactic Evolution Experiment 2 (APOGEE-2); new data from APOGEE-2 North are also included. DR16 is also notable as the final data release for the main cosmological program of the Extended Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey (eBOSS), and all raw and reduced spectra from that project are released here. DR16 also includes all the data from the Time Domain Spectroscopic Survey and new data from the SPectroscopic IDentification of ERosita Survey programs, both of which were co-observed on eBOSS plates. DR16 has no new data from the Mapping Nearby Galaxies at Apache Point Observatory (MaNGA) survey (or the MaNGA Stellar Library "MaStar"). We also preview future SDSS-V operations (due to start in 2020), and summarize plans for the final SDSS-IV data release (DR17).Peer reviewe

COVID-19 symptoms at hospital admission vary with age and sex: results from the ISARIC prospective multinational observational study

Background: The ISARIC prospective multinational observational study is the largest cohort of hospitalized patients with COVID-19. We present relationships of age, sex, and nationality to presenting symptoms. Methods: International, prospective observational study of 60 109 hospitalized symptomatic patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 recruited from 43 countries between 30 January and 3 August 2020. Logistic regression was performed to evaluate relationships of age and sex to published COVID-19 case definitions and the most commonly reported symptoms. Results: ‘Typical’ symptoms of fever (69%), cough (68%) and shortness of breath (66%) were the most commonly reported. 92% of patients experienced at least one of these. Prevalence of typical symptoms was greatest in 30- to 60-year-olds (respectively 80, 79, 69%; at least one 95%). They were reported less frequently in children (≤ 18 years: 69, 48, 23; 85%), older adults (≥ 70 years: 61, 62, 65; 90%), and women (66, 66, 64; 90%; vs. men 71, 70, 67; 93%, each P < 0.001). The most common atypical presentations under 60 years of age were nausea and vomiting and abdominal pain, and over 60 years was confusion. Regression models showed significant differences in symptoms with sex, age and country. Interpretation: This international collaboration has allowed us to report reliable symptom data from the largest cohort of patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19. Adults over 60 and children admitted to hospital with COVID-19 are less likely to present with typical symptoms. Nausea and vomiting are common atypical presentations under 30 years. Confusion is a frequent atypical presentation of COVID-19 in adults over 60 years. Women are less likely to experience typical symptoms than men

Feasibility study of micro-anaerobic digestion by co-digestion at the district level

Notre société évolue constamment et se positionne vis-à-vis du monde qui l’entoure. Cette évolution la pousse à se réorganiser atour d’énergie provenant de source locale et renouvelable. Pour ces raisons, il semble pertinent de concevoir une évolution possible de la méthanisation par des unités localisées. On parle alors de micro-méthanisation à l’échelle urbaine. La rédaction de cette thèse a ainsi eu pour objectif d’apporter des éléments de réponse quant à la question de la faisabilité d’intégrée cette micro-méthanisation dans des quartiers. Pour cela, il a été réalisé : i) Une analyse des retours d’expérience issus de villes porteuses de projet de méthanisation urbaine. ii) Une approche expérimentale, dans le but d’obtenir un processus de méthanisation des déchets urbains à l’échelle laboratoire. iii) Ces données d’entrée ont ensuite permis l’établissement d’un modèle de valorisation des déchets dans un quartier. Ces résultats mettent en avant la nécessité d’une approche systémique afin de pouvoir intégrer la méthanisation dans un quartier. Ils permettent de plus, de recommander l’utilisation de certains procédés et l’emploie de déchets, afin d’améliorer la mise en œuvre du processus dans l’espace urbain. Dans des conditions définies la méthanisation urbains est possible et stable dans le temps. De plus, le bilan énergétique s’avère bénéfique pour le quartier. On note que l’énergie ainsi produite, l’est majoritairement sous forme de chaleur ce qui met en avant l’intérêt d’un processus intégré, proche des habitations.Our society is constantly evolving and positioning itself in relation to the world around it. This evolution pushes it to reorganize itself around energy from local and more renewable sources. For these reasons, it seems appropriate to design a possible evolution of anaerobic digestion (AD) by localized units. This is referred to a micro-AD at urban scale. The purpose of this thesis was to provide some answers to the question of the feasibility of integrating this micro-AD into a neighbourhood.To this end, it was carried out: i) An analysis of feedback from cities with urban AD projects. ii) An experimental approach, with the aim of obtaining a stable AD process of urban waste atlaboratory scale. iii) These input data then made it possible to establish a waste recovery model in a district. These results highlight the need for a systemic approach in order to be able to integrate AD in a neighbourhood. They also make it possible to recommend processes and wastes, in order to improve the implementation of the process in urban areas. Under defined conditions, urban AD is possible and stable over time. In addition, the energy balance is beneficial for the district. It should be noted that the energy thus produced is mainly in the form of heat, which highlights the importance of an integrated process, close to homes

Etude de faisabilité de la micro-méthanisation par co-digestion à l'échelle des quartiers

Our society is constantly evolving and positioning itself in relation to the world around it. This evolution pushes it to reorganize itself around energy from local and more renewable sources. For these reasons, it seems appropriate to design a possible evolution of anaerobic digestion (AD) by localized units. This is referred to a micro-AD at urban scale. The purpose of this thesis was to provide some answers to the question of the feasibility of integrating this micro-AD into a neighbourhood.To this end, it was carried out: i) An analysis of feedback from cities with urban AD projects. ii) An experimental approach, with the aim of obtaining a stable AD process of urban waste atlaboratory scale. iii) These input data then made it possible to establish a waste recovery model in a district. These results highlight the need for a systemic approach in order to be able to integrate AD in a neighbourhood. They also make it possible to recommend processes and wastes, in order to improve the implementation of the process in urban areas. Under defined conditions, urban AD is possible and stable over time. In addition, the energy balance is beneficial for the district. It should be noted that the energy thus produced is mainly in the form of heat, which highlights the importance of an integrated process, close to homes.Notre société évolue constamment et se positionne vis-à-vis du monde qui l’entoure. Cette évolution la pousse à se réorganiser atour d’énergie provenant de source locale et renouvelable. Pour ces raisons, il semble pertinent de concevoir une évolution possible de la méthanisation par des unités localisées. On parle alors de micro-méthanisation à l’échelle urbaine. La rédaction de cette thèse a ainsi eu pour objectif d’apporter des éléments de réponse quant à la question de la faisabilité d’intégrée cette micro-méthanisation dans des quartiers. Pour cela, il a été réalisé : i) Une analyse des retours d’expérience issus de villes porteuses de projet de méthanisation urbaine. ii) Une approche expérimentale, dans le but d’obtenir un processus de méthanisation des déchets urbains à l’échelle laboratoire. iii) Ces données d’entrée ont ensuite permis l’établissement d’un modèle de valorisation des déchets dans un quartier. Ces résultats mettent en avant la nécessité d’une approche systémique afin de pouvoir intégrer la méthanisation dans un quartier. Ils permettent de plus, de recommander l’utilisation de certains procédés et l’emploie de déchets, afin d’améliorer la mise en œuvre du processus dans l’espace urbain. Dans des conditions définies la méthanisation urbains est possible et stable dans le temps. De plus, le bilan énergétique s’avère bénéfique pour le quartier. On note que l’énergie ainsi produite, l’est majoritairement sous forme de chaleur ce qui met en avant l’intérêt d’un processus intégré, proche des habitations