Geomicrobiological redox cycling of the transuranic element neptunium

Microbial processes can affect the environmental behavior of redox sensitive radionuclides, and understanding these reactions is essential for the safe management of radioactive wastes. Neptunium, an alpha-emitting transuranic element, is of particular importance because of its long half-life, high radiotoxicity, and relatively high solubility as Np(V)O(2)(+) under oxic conditions. Here, we describe experiments to explore the biogeochemistry of Np where Np(V) was added to oxic sediment microcosms with indigenous microorganisms and anaerobically incubated. Enhanced Np removal to sediments occurred during microbially mediated metal reduction, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy showed this was due to reduction to poorly soluble Np(IV) on solids. In subsequent reoxidation experiments, sediment-associated Np(IV) was somewhat resistant to oxidative remobilization. These results demonstrate the influence of microbial processes on Np solubility and highlight the critical importance of radionuclide biogeochemistry in nuclear legacy management.     

Aroma retention in modern bread production

In highly industrialized countries bread consumption rate decreases in favour of flavour-intensive foods like meat, sweets, cocoa products or alcoholic beverages. This trend which is unfavourable from the nutritional point of view may be forced by flavour losses in modern bread technology itself. Sensory profile studies indicate 4 points which may change the traditional bread flavour, i.e. reduction of flour extraction rate, changes within bread formula, shortening of the dough procedures or of baking time. Possible ways for improving bread flavour in modern technology are discussed. The use of precursor systems as well as of biotechnical procedures deliver chances for future bread production with improved flavour quality.     

The application of multivariate mathematical-statistical methods to the solution of problems in nutrition theory,nutritional economics and food technology. Part 5. Cluster analysis as a tool for proofing sensory attributes

The task of the test program was the replacement of more subjective and time-consuming sensory methods by instrumental or chemical ones. In the case of meat flavour concentrates (MFC) and their burnt-bitter flavour the cluster analysis resulted in the following: –The test program was based on 20 samples produced by statistical plans (central composite design for 3 explanatory variables). Starting with 10 sensory and 40 instrumental methods the latter have been reduced to 10 methods considering the suppositions for application of the cluster analysis. –The 20 samples were tested on one side by a trained sensory panel for the intensity of the “burnt-bitter” flavour and parallely by the selected 10 instrumental values. This resulted in both cases in the differentiation into 3 clusters with significant differences. –For evaluation of MFC as to their “burnt-bitter” flavour it was shown that the sensory evaluation can be replaced or supported by analytical data successfully. Thus cluster analysis is a useful tool for this purpose delivering transparent results.     

Rethinking positive and negative impacts of ‘ICT for development’ through the holistic lens of the sustainable development goals

ABSTRACT

The field of information and communication technologies for development (ICT4D) is driven by the conviction that ICTs can be used to improve peoples’ lives. Yet, it often faces criticism related to the negative effects that are associated with ICTs. Instead of viewing these as arguments against ICT4D, this article presents an integrated approach to incorporating them in our conceptualization of ICT4D impact. For this purpose, we envision a framework that is grounded in the interrelated set of Sustainable Development Goals, which make the complex interdependencies between different development goals explicit. By mapping the potentially harmful impact of ICTs within this network of goals, this framework provides a point of reference for holistically conceptualizing ICTs’ negative impact through the lens of policy coherence. Based on this framework, this article discusses, how to conceptualize ICT4D impact, taking into account the multidimensional implications for the environmental, economic and social dimensions of sustainable development.     

Toward the complexity of the existence of wonderfully stable partitions and strictly core stable coalition structures in enemy-oriented hedonic games

We study the computational complexity of the existence and the verification problem for wonderfully stable partitions (WSPE and WSPV) and of the existence problem for strictly core stable coalition structures (SCSCS) in enemy-oriented hedonic games. In this note, we show that WSPV is NP-complete and both WSPE and SCSCS are DP-hard, where DP is the second level of the boolean hierarchy, and we discuss an approach for classifying the latter two problems in terms of their complexity.     

Investigation of Inherent Gas-Bearing-Torques Acting on a Spinning Sphere Gyro

During testing of a “spinning sphere airborn in a rotating housing” torques were observed, which are inherent in the system. The components of these torques about the spin axis caused a speed difference between sphere and housing, the components 90° to the spin axis caused a gyroscopic precession of the sphere. Both effects were measured and plotted as function of the tilt angle between the spin axis and the vertical direction. Curves of similar shapes were obtained by calculating the speed of the sphere with respect to the stationary gaspocket, established by the eccentricity and the attitude angle. The Precession-torques show a maximum value at an approximate 45° till angle, the speed difference shows it at 90° A vertical spin axis proved to be the only torque-free position.