Global energy efficiency governance in the context of climate politics

This paper argues that energy efficiency and conservation is a noncontroversial, critical, and equitable option for rich and poor alike. Although there is growing scientific and political consensus on its significance as an important option at global and national level, the political momentum for taking action is not commensurate with the potential in the sector or the urgency with which measures need to be taken to deal with climate change. The current global energy (efficiency) governance framework is diffuse. This paper submits that there are four substantive reasons why global governance should play a complementary role in promoting energy efficiency worldwide. Furthermore, given that market mechanisms are unable to rapidly mobilize energy efficiency projects and that there are no clear vested interests in this field which involves a large number of actors, there is need for a dedicated agency to promote energy efficiency and conservation. This paper provides an overview of energy efficiency options presented by IPCC, the current energy efficiency governance structure at global level, and efforts taken at supranational and national levels, and makes suggestions for a governance framework.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of a liquid polyisoprene bearing amidoxime end groups

Azo-bis(isobutyroamidoxime) was synthesized and used as functionalized initiator to prepare a liquid isoprene bearing amidoxime end groups via radical polymerization. The polymer was characterized by FT-IR, Gel Permeation Chromatography and NMR. In particular, the structure of the polymer was investigated using 1D and 2D NMR techniques. The distribution of the different isoprene units (1,4-trans, 1,4-cis, 1,2 and 3,4), as well as the structure of the amidoxime end-groups was determined. It was found that the structure of the end groups was governed by the steric hindrance of the initiator. Only 1,4 and 4,1 functionalized end units were evidenced, with a majority of 4,1 end units.     

Simple and infected pancreatic pseudocysts. Methods of ultrasonography-guided percutaneous needle aspiration: results

The adaptive control of behaviour requires brain mechanisms for the selection (i.e. activation and suppression) of responses, as well as mechanisms for the modulation of the response vigour. The concept of motivation postulates the existence of brain centres that regulate the selection and strength of behavioural responses. The present paper provides examples from the behavioural neurosciences for brain mechanisms that lead to adaptive changes of an organisms responsiveness to external stimuli. The mammalian startle response is a simple defensive behaviour which is mediated by an oligosynaptic pathway located in the lower brainstem. The startle response is enhanced by aversive states (fear, anxiety) and attenuated by appetitive states (pleasure), which can be regarded as an example of motivational priming. Furthermore, the startle response is inhibited by a weak sensory stimulus presented shortly before the startling stimulus. The suppression of startle by a prepulse is an example of sensorimotor gating, a principle that is important for the hierarchical organisation of behaviour. This paper describes the neuronal mechanisms underlying the modulation (prepulse inhibition and fear potentiation) of the startle response in rats, and discusses the possible adaptive significance of these different phenomena of behavioural plasticity.     

Predicting the lightness of chromatic object colors using CIELAB

A metric of perceive lightness of object colors, L**, is derived and evaluated. This metric, based on CIELAB parameters, is designed to predict the Helmhltz-Kohlrausch effect whereby chromatic object colors appear lighter than achromatic object of the some luminance factor. Models were fitted to published data and then tested with results from a new lightness-matching experiment that is described in this article. The L** metric predicts perceived lightness to within the interobserver variability and provides a simple, practical measure of this appearance attribute.     

The su(Hw) protein insulates expression of the Drosophila melanogaster white gene from chromosomal position-effects

Mutations in the suppressor of Hairy-wing [su(Hw)] locus reverse the phenotype of a number of tissue-specific mutations caused by insertion of a gypsy retrotransposon. The su(Hw) gene encodes a zinc finger protein which binds to a 430 bp region of gypsy shown to be both necessary and sufficient for its mutagenic effects. su(Hw) protein causes mutations by inactivation of enhancer elements only when a su(Hw) binding region is located between these regulatory sequences and a promoter. To understand the molecular basis of enhancer inactivation, we tested the effects of su(Hw) protein on expression of the mini-white gene. We find that su(Hw) protein stabilizes mini-white gene expression from chromosomal position-effects in euchromatic locations by inactivating negative and positive regulatory elements present in flanking DNA. Furthermore, the su(Hw) protein partially protects transposon insertions from the negative effects of heterochromatin. To explain our current results, we propose that su(Hw) protein alters the organization of chromatin by creating a new boundary in a pre-existing domain of higher order chromatin structure. This separates enhancers and silencers distal to the su(Hw) binding region into an independent unit of gene activity, thereby causing their inactivation.     

Impact of design and operation variables on the performance of vertical-flow constructed wetlands and intermittent sand filters treating pond effluent

With the aim of improving the quality of the effluent from a waste stabilization pond (WSP) different types of vertical-flow constructed wetlands (VFCWs) and intermittent sand filters (ISFs) were tested at a pilot plant in Aurignac (France). The effectiveness of each design at upgrading the pond effluent was studied over a period of 2 years. Physicochemical parameters were monitored by taking composite samples over 24 h and grab samples every week. The hydraulic behaviour of the filters was studied using (NaCl) tracer tests and monitoring the infiltration rate. This paper describes the influence on the performance of the beds of: (a) the characteristics of the medium (type of sand, depth, and presence of Phragmites); (b) feed modes; and (c) the presence of an algae clogging layer. The study demonstrates the viability of VFCWs and ISFs as means of upgrading effluent from WSPs. For hydraulic loads (HL) of up to 80 cm/day, both technologies effectively retain algae, complete organic matter degradation, and nitrify the pond effluent. The presence of plants did not significantly affect the performance of the filters although it was important in terms of maintenance. The deeper filters presented better removals for all the parameter tested, due to higher hydraulic detention times (HDTs). The dosing regime and resting period duration all affected the hydraulic performance and purification efficiency of the filters.     

Technology for rerefining used lube oils applied in Europe: a review

The European oil rerefining industry is comprised of 28 plants treating waste oil, which represent one‐third in volume of the total European market for lubricants. The biggest European rerefineries with capacity greater than 40 000 tons/year apply various technologies for recycling of used oils from different sources. Used oil recycling technology has undergone significant changes over the past decade. With the newly developed rerefining technologies it is possible to produce higher quality base oil compared with the traditional and old acid clay methods. Currently in Europe the following re‐refining methods are widely used: solvent extraction (N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone (Germany), Interline process (United Kingdom, Spain)); combined vacuum distillation and solvent extraction (Vaxon process (Denmark, Spain); hydroprocessing (Hylube process (Germany)); combined thin film evaporation and hydrofinishing (CEP process (Finland)); combined thermal de‐asphalting and hydrofinishing (Revivoil process (Italy, Poland, and Spain)). The majority of applied technologies in Europe is appropriate for rerefining of synthetic lubricating oils, which currently are replacing the conventional mineral lube oils due to their enhanced performance characteristics. However, for the rerefining technologies applying alkaline treatment (CEP, Vaxon) and hydrofinishing step (Cyclon, Snamprogetti, Revivoil) the amount of synthetic or semi‐synthetic oils based on esters in the feedstock should be eliminated, since these oils are less stable under alkali and hydrofinishing conditions. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry