A novel scanning lens instrument for evaluating Fresnel lens performance: equipment development and initial results

A system dedicated to the optical transmittance characterization of Fresnel lenses has been developed at NREL, in collaboration with the UPM. The system quantifies the optical efficiency of the lens by generating a performance map. The shape of the focused spot may also be analyzed to understand change in the lens performance. The primary instrument components (lasers and CCD detector) have been characterized to confirm their capability for performing optical transmittance measurements. Measurements performed on SoG and PMMA lenses subject to a variety of indoor conditions (e.g., UV and damp heat) identified differences in the optical efficiency of the evaluated lenses, demonstrating the ability of the Scanning Lens Instrument (SLI) to distinguish between the aged lenses.

Social attitude toward sustainable development in 2025: A case for reinforcing scenario design

This paper shows the role that some foresight tools, such as scenario design, may play in exploring the future impacts of global challenges in our contemporary Society. Additionally, it provides some clues about how to reinforce scenario design so that it displays more in-depth analysis without losing its qualitative nature and communication advantages. Since its inception in the early seventies, scenario design has become one of the most popular foresight tools used in several fields of knowledge. Nevertheless, its wide acceptance has not been seconded by the urban planning academic and professional realm. In some instances, scenario design is just perceived as a story telling technique that generates oversimplified future visions without the support of rigorous and sound analysis. As a matter of fact, the potential of scenario design for providing more in-depth analysis and for connecting with quantitative methods has been generally missed, giving arguments away to its critics. Based on these premises, this document tries to prove the capability of scenario design to anticipate the impacts of complex global challenges and to do it in a more analytical way. These assumptions are tested through a scenario design exercise which explores the future evolution of the sustainable development paradigm (SD) and its implications in the Spanish urban development model. In order to reinforce the perception of scenario design as a useful and added value instrument to urban planners, three sets of implications –functional, parametric and spatial— are displayed to provide substantial and in-depth information for policy makers. This study shows some major findings. First, it is feasible to set up a systematic approach that provides anticipatory intelligence about future disruptive events that may affect the natural environment and socioeconomic fabric of a given territory. Second, there are opportunities for innovating in the Spanish urban planning processes and city governance models. Third, as a foresight tool, scenario design can be substantially reinforced if proper efforts are made to display functional, parametric and spatial implications generated by the scenarios. Fourth, the study confirms that foresight offers interesting opportunities for urban planners, such as anticipating changes, formulating visions, fostering participation and building networks

Communication Project for development: 25 years of experience in andean rural communities in Ecuador

IThis paper analyses communication for development from a new perspective: the project in its broader and most genuine sense, as an instrument for changing current reality. This is examined from both its theoretical and practical implementation side. Knowledge/action binomial as a two-way relationship is one of the basis of the project cycle. It allows for better knowing the reality that the project itself (what constitutes the action) is intended to improve. Besides that, this knowledge/action binomial also offers new knowledge that nourishes future actions (projects). From a project based communication perspective, the project nourishes the knowledge, which leads to a transformative action. Reflecting about the action is a new knowledge source whose adoption by the community is eased by the communication process. Radio Mensaje project among the indigenous Andean communities in Cayambe (Ecuador) was born and also developed within this approach, supporting the collaborative participation in project management. This leads to the development process which is described in this case study.

Estudio y análisis para la elaboración de un modelo de certificado de calidad cinegética en España = Study and analysis for the development of a model of hunting quality certificate in Spain

Con esta tesis doctoral se pretende elaborar un modelo de Certificado de Calidad Cinegética independiente, de adhesión voluntaria y aplicable a todo tipo de espacios cinegéticos, de forma que posteriormente pueda convertirse en una metodología que sea empleada como instrumento válido de medición de la Calidad Cinegética y normalizada a través de una familia de Normas aprobadas por un organismo de normalización reconocido a nivel nacional o internacional. En primer lugar, se procedió a la realización de un riguroso y exhaustivo estudio de justificación siguiendo la metodología propuesta por la Norma UNE 66172:2003 IN, Directrices para la justificación y desarrollo de sistemas de gestión (equivalente a la Norma Internacional GUIA ISO/IEC 72:2001). A continuación, se procedió a la identificación y desarrollo de los parámetros de Ordenación Cinegética comunes a cualquier espacio cinegético en España y a la conceptualización de la Calidad Cinegética. Finalmente, se desarrolló un modelo estructurado en nueve Criterios y treinta y cuatro Indicadores de Calidad Cinegética, y un proyecto de familia de Normas para la Certificación de la Calidad Cinegética. ABSTRACT This doctoral thesis aims to produce a model of Hunting Quality Certificate independent, of voluntary adherence and applicable to all types of hunting areas, so that later it can become a methodology to be used as a valid instrument for measuring Hunting Quality and standardized through a family of standards approved by an organization of standardization recognized at a national or an international level. First, we proceeded to carry out a rigorous and comprehensive justification study following the methodology proposed by the UNE 66172: 2003 IN, Guidelines for the justification and development of management systems standards (equivalent to the International Standard GUIA ISO / IEC 72: 2001). Then, we proceeded to the identification and development of Hunting Management parameters common to any hunting area in Spain and the conceptualization of Hunting Quality. Finally, a model structured into nine Criteria and thirty-four Indicators of Hunting Quality and a draft of a family of standards for Hunting Quality Certification were developed.