Advanced Waste-To-Energy Cycles

The increase in environmental and healthy concerns, combined with the possibility to exploit waste as a valuable energy resource, has led to explore alternative methods for waste final disposal. In this context, the energy conversion of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) in Waste-To-Energy (WTE) power plant is increasing throughout Europe, both in terms of plants number and capacity, furthered by legislative directives. Due to the heterogeneous nature of waste, some differences with respect to a conventional fossil fuel power plant have to be considered in the energy conversion process. In fact, as a consequence of the well-known corrosion problems, the thermodynamic efficiency of WTE power plants typically ranging in the interval 25% ÷ 30%. The new Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC promotes production of energy from waste introducing an energy efficiency criteria (the so-called “R1 formula”) to evaluate plant recovery status. The aim of the Directive is to drive WTE facilities to maximize energy recovery and utilization of waste heat, in order to substitute energy produced with conventional fossil fuels fired power plants. This calls for novel approaches and possibilities to maximize the conversion of MSW into energy. In particular, the idea of an integrated configuration made up of a WTE and a Gas Turbine (GT) originates, driven by the desire to eliminate or, at least, mitigate limitations affecting the WTE conversion process bounding the thermodynamic efficiency of the cycle. The aim of this Ph.D thesis is to investigate, from a thermodynamic point of view, the integrated WTE-GT system sharing the steam cycle, sharing the flue gas paths or combining both ways. The carried out analysis investigates and defines the logic governing plants match in terms of steam production and steam turbine power output as function of the thermal powers introduced.

Analysis and modelling of the performance of technologies for flue gas treatment in Waste-to-Energy processes

Waste management represents an important issue in our society and Waste-to-Energy incineration plants have been playing a significant role in the last decades, showing an increased importance in Europe. One of the main issues posed by waste combustion is the generation of air contaminants. Particular concern is present about acid gases, mainly hydrogen chloride and sulfur oxides, due to their potential impact on the environment and on human health. Therefore, in the present study the main available technological options for flue gas treatment were analyzed, focusing on dry treatment systems, which are increasingly applied in Municipal Solid Wastes (MSW) incinerators. An operational model was proposed to describe and optimize acid gas removal process. It was applied to an existing MSW incineration plant, where acid gases are neutralized in a two-stage dry treatment system. This process is based on the injection of powdered calcium hydroxide and sodium bicarbonate in reactors followed by fabric filters. HCl and SO2 conversions were expressed as a function of reactants flow rates, calculating model parameters from literature and plant data. The implementation in a software for process simulation allowed the identification of optimal operating conditions, taking into account the reactant feed rates, the amount of solid products and the recycle of the sorbent. Alternative configurations of the reference plant were also assessed. The applicability of the operational model was extended developing also a fundamental approach to the issue. A predictive model was developed, describing mass transfer and kinetic phenomena governing the acid gas neutralization with solid sorbents. The rate controlling steps were identified through the reproduction of literature data, allowing the description of acid gas removal in the case study analyzed. A laboratory device was also designed and started up to assess the required model parameters.

The Scrum approach to software development

Agile methodologies have become the standard approach to software development. The most popular and used one is Scrum. Scrum is a very simple and flexible framework that respond to unpredictability in a really effective way. However, his implementation must be correct, and since Scrum tells you what to do but not how to do it, this is not trivial. In this thesis I will describe the Scrum Framework, how to implement it and a tool that can help to do this. The thesis is divided into three parts. The first part is called Scrum. Here I will introduce the framework itself, its key concepts and its components. In Scrum there are three components: roles, meetings and artifacts. Each of these is meant to accomplish a series of specific tasks. After describing the “what to do”, in the second part, Best Practices, I will focus on the “how to do it”. For example, how to decide which items should be included in the next sprint, how to estimate tasks, and how should the team workspace be. Finally, in the third part called Tools, I will introduce Visual Studio Online, a cloud service from Microsoft that offers Git and TFVC repositories and the opportunity to manage projects with Scrum. == Versione italiana: I metodi Agile sono diventati l’approccio standard per lo sviluppo di software. Il più famoso ed utilizzato è Scrum. Scrum è un framework molto semplice e flessibile che risponde ai cambiamenti in una maniera molto efficace. La sua implementazione deve però essere corretta, e visto che Scrum ci dice cosa fare ma non come farlo, questo non risulta essere immediato. In questa tesi descriverò Scrum, come implementarlo ed uno strumento che ci può aiutare a farlo. La tesi è divisa in tre parti. La prima parte è chiamata Scrum. Qui introdurrò il framework, i suoi concetti base e le sue componenti. In Scrum ci sono tre componenti: i ruoli, i meeting e gli artifact. Ognuno di questi è studiato per svolgere una serie di compiti specifici. Dopo aver descritto il “cosa fare”, nella seconda parte, Best Practices, mi concentrerò sul “come farlo”. Ad esempio, come decidere quali oggetti includere nella prossima sprint, come stimare ogni task e come dovrebbe essere il luogo di lavoro del team. Infine, nella terza parte chiamata Tools, introdurrò Visual Studio Online, un servizio cloud della Microsoft che offre repository Git e TFVC e l’opportunità di gestire un progetto con Scrum.

Inhibition of the kynurenine-NAD+ pathway leads to energy failure and exacerbates apoptosis in pneumococcal meningitis

Pneumococcal meningitis causes neurological sequelae, including learning and memory deficits in up to half of the survivors. In both humans and in animal models of the disease, there is apoptotic cell death in the hippocampus, a brain region involved in learning and memory function. We previously demonstrated that in an infant rat model of pneumococcal meningitis, there is activation of the kynurenine (KYN) pathway in the hippocampus, and that there was a positive correlation between the concentration of 3-hydroxykynurenine and the extent of hippocampal apoptosis. To clarify the role of the KYN pathway in the pathogenesis of hippocampal apoptosis in pneumococcal meningitis, we specifically inhibited 2 key enzymes of the KYN pathway and assessed hippocampal apoptosis, KYN pathway metabolites, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) concentrations by high-performance liquid chromatography. Pharmacological inhibition of kynurenine 3-hydroxylase and kynureninase led to decreased cellular NAD levels and increased apoptosis in the hippocampus. The cerebrospinal fluid levels of tumor necrosis factor and interleukin-1? and -? were not affected. Our data suggest that activation of the KYN pathway in pneumococcal meningitis is neuroprotective by compensating for an increased NAD demand caused by infection and inflammation;this mechanism may prevent energy failure and apoptosis in the hippocampus.

Cold ischemia contributes to the development of chronic rejection and mitochondrial injury after cardiac transplantation

Chronic rejection (CR) remains an unsolved hurdle for long-term heart transplant survival. The effect of cold ischemia (CI) on progression of CR and the mechanisms resulting in functional deficit were investigated by studying gene expression, mitochondrial function, and enzymatic activity. Allogeneic (Lew F344) and syngeneic (Lew Lew) heart transplantations were performed with or without 10 h of CI. After evaluation of myocardial contraction, hearts were excised at 2, 10, 40, and 60 days for investigation of vasculopathy, gene expression, enzymatic activities, and mitochondrial respiration. Gene expression studies identified a gene cluster coding for subunits of the mitochondrial electron transport chain regulated in response to CI and CR. Myocardial performance, mitochondrial function, and mitochondrial marker enzyme activities declined in all allografts with time after transplantation. These declines were more rapid and severe in CI allografts (CR-CI) and correlated well with progression of vasculopathy and fibrosis. Mitochondria related gene expression and mitochondrial function are substantially compromised with the progression of CR and show that CI impacts on progression, gene profile, and mitochondrial function of CR. Monitoring mitochondrial function and enzyme activity might allow for earlier detection of CR and cardiac allograft dysfunction.

Milk fatty acid profile related to energy balance in dairy cows

Milk fatty acid (FA) profile is a dynamic pattern influenced by lactational stage, energy balance and dietary composition. In the first part of this study, effects of the energy balance during the proceeding lactation [weeks 1-21 post partum (pp)] on milk FA profile of 30 dairy cows were evaluated under a constant feeding regimen. In the second part, effects of a negative energy balance (NEB) induced by feed restriction on milk FA profile were studied in 40 multiparous dairy cows (20 feed-restricted and 20 control). Feed restriction (energy balance of -63 MJ NEL/d, restriction of 49 % of energy requirements) lasted 3 weeks starting at around 100 days in milk. Milk FA profile changed markedly from week 1 pp up to week 12 pp and remained unchanged thereafter. The proportion of saturated FA (predominantly 10:0, 12:0, 14:0 and 16:0) increased from week 1 pp up to week 12 pp, whereas monounsaturated FA, predominantly the proportion of 18:1,9c decreased as NEB in early lactation became less severe. During the induced NEB, milk FA profile showed a similarly directed pattern as during the NEB in early lactation, although changes were less marked for most FA. Milk FA composition changed rapidly within one week after initiation of feed restriction and tended to adjust to the initial composition despite maintenance of a high NEB. C18:1,9c was increased significantly during the induced NEB indicating mobilization of a considerable amount of adipose tissue. Besides 18:1,9c, changes in saturated FA, monounsaturated FA, de-novo synthesized and preformed FA (sum of FA >C16) reflected energy status in dairy cows and indicated the NEB in early lactation as well as the induced NEB by feed restriction.

A 600 kb deletion syndrome at 16p11.2 leads to energy imbalance and neuropsychiatric disorders

BACKGROUND: The recurrent ~600 kb 16p11.2 BP4-BP5 deletion is among the most frequent known genetic aetiologies of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related neurodevelopmental disorders. OBJECTIVE: To define the medical, neuropsychological, and behavioural phenotypes in carriers of this deletion. METHODS: We collected clinical data on 285 deletion carriers and performed detailed evaluations on 72 carriers and 68 intrafamilial non-carrier controls. RESULTS: When compared to intrafamilial controls, full scale intelligence quotient (FSIQ) is two standard deviations lower in carriers, and there is no difference between carriers referred for neurodevelopmental disorders and carriers identified through cascade family testing. Verbal IQ (mean 74) is lower than non-verbal IQ (mean 83) and a majority of carriers require speech therapy. Over 80% of individuals exhibit psychiatric disorders including ASD, which is present in 15% of the paediatric carriers. Increase in head circumference (HC) during infancy is similar to the HC and brain growth patterns observed in idiopathic ASD. Obesity, a major comorbidity present in 50% of the carriers by the age of 7 years, does not correlate with FSIQ or any behavioural trait. Seizures are present in 24% of carriers and occur independently of other symptoms. Malformations are infrequently found, confirming only a few of the previously reported associations. CONCLUSIONS: The 16p11.2 deletion impacts in a quantitative and independent manner FSIQ, behaviour and body mass index, possibly through direct influences on neural circuitry. Although non-specific, these features are clinically significant and reproducible. Lastly, this study demonstrates the necessity of studying large patient cohorts ascertained through multiple methods to characterise the clinical consequences of rare variants involved in common diseases.

Plasma leptin levels in men are not related to the development of lipoatrophy during antiretroviral therapy

OBJECTIVES: To assess the correlations between the hormone leptin and lipoatrophy in HIV-positive, treatment-naive patients on combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). DESIGN: Case-control study nested in a multicentre cohort of HIV-infected adults. Cases were patients that developed lipoatrophy and controls those who did not. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Clinical parameters and plasma leptin determinations were studied in 97 HIV-1-infected, treatment-naive Caucasian men (10 cases and 87 controls) on an unchanged and virologically successful drug regimen with a zidovudine/lamivudine backbone at baseline and after 2 years of cART. The association of plasma leptin levels and the development of lipoatrophy was investigated. RESULTS: Two years of cART was not associated with a change in plasma leptin levels. Plasma leptin levels remained sensible to changes in body mass index. There was no difference in leptin levels between patients who developed lipoatrophy and controls, neither before nor after cART. The only predictor of development of lipoatrophy was a higher age (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Leptin as measured in plasma is unlikely to play a major role in the genesis of lipoatrophy.

Remembering Lee Metcalf

Abstract Montana's Lee Metcalf was an extraordinary Montana leader with an unbelievable record of accomplishment fighting for the little people against the forces of economic and political power. The public memory is so short that this film will serve to help reacquaint Lee & Donna Metcalf to most of those who were around during their time. But it will also provide an opportunity for new generations to receive a perspective of an important leader from an important time. (Language from YouTube version of the film, written and provided by Executive Producer Evan Barrett) Lee Warren Metcalf (January 28, 1911 – January 12, 1978) was an American lawyer, judge, and politician. A member of the Democratic Party, he served as a U.S. Representative (1953–1961) and a U.S. Senator (1961–1978) from Montana. He was permanent acting President pro tempore of the Senate, the only person to hold that position, from 1963 until his death in 1978. U.S. House of Representatives During his tenure in the House, Metcalf served on the Education and Labor Committee (1953–1959), Interior and Insular Affairs Committee (1955–1959), Select Astronautics and Space Exploration Committee (1958), and Ways and Means Committee (1959–1960). He became known as one of Congress's "Young Turks" who promoted liberal domestic social legislation and reform of congressional procedures. He introduced legislation to provide health care to the elderly ten years before the creation of Medicare. He earned the nickname "Mr. Education" after sponsoring a comprehensive bill providing for federal aid to education. He also voted against legislation that would have raised grazing permits on federal lands, and led the opposition to a bill that would have swapped forested public lands for cutover private lands. He was elected chairman of the Democratic Study Group in 1959. U. S. Senate Regarded as "a pioneer of the conservation movement", Metcalf worked to protect the natural environment and regulate utilities. He helped pass the Wilderness Act of 1964, and supported the creation of the Great Bear Wilderness and the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. In 1962, he introduced a "Save Our Streams" bill to preserve natural recreation facilities and protect fish and wildlife from being destroyed by highway construction. He was a longtime member of the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission. He was also active on the issue of education. He was a leading supporter of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, the effort to extend the G.I. Bill's educational benefits to a new generation of veterans, and the development of legislation to improve federally-aided vocational education.[1] The Peace Corps was established under leadership of Metcalf and Senator Mansfield. In 1983, by act of Congress, the Lee Metcalf Wilderness area was created in southwestern Montana in honor of the late Congressman. The Great Bear Wilderness and Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness areas were also created as a result of Metcalf's efforts in Congress, in addition to the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge in Montana. Metcalf was ranked number 15 on a list of the 100 Most Influential Montanans of the Century by the Missoulian newspaper. This text is courtesy of Wikipedia®, a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization, and is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.