Radioactivity levels of 238U and 232Th decay series and related dose rates in the surroundings of a coal power plant using high resolution g-spectrometry

Gamma radiations measurements were carried out in the vicinity of a coal-fired power plant located in the southwest coastline of Portugal. Two different gamma detectors were used to assess the environmental radiation within a circular area of 20 km centred in the coal plant: a scintillometer (SPP2 NF, Saphymo) and a high purity germanium detector (HPGe, Canberra). Fifty urban and suburban measurements locations were established within the defined area and two measurements campaigns were carried out. The results of the total gamma radiation ranged from 20.83 to 98.33 counts per second (c.p.s.) for both measurement campaigns and outdoor doses rates ranged from 77.65 to 366.51 Gy/h. Natural emitting nuclides from the U-238 and Th-232 decay series were identified as well as the natural emitting nuclide K-40. The radionuclide concentration from the uranium and thorium series determined by gamma spectrometry ranged from 0.93 to 73.68 Bq/kg, while for K-40 the concentration ranged from 84.14 to 904.38 Bq/kg. The obtained results were used primarily to define the variability in measured environmental radiation and to determine the coal plant’s influence in the measured radiation levels. The highest values were measured at two locations near the power plant and at locations between the distance of 6 and 20 km away from the stacks, mainly in the prevailing wind direction. The results showed an increase or at least an influence from the coal-fired plant operations, both qualitatively and quantitatively.

Potential M&A between TIM Brazil and Oi S.A: The irreversible force of Telecommunications convergence

The intrinsic forces of market aiming for telecom industry convergence has arrived to Brazil. This case presents real characters, a sequence of events and other public information that has been impacting two corporations studied in this case. TIM Brazil and Oi S.A, two top players in the Brazilian telecom industry mobile and fixed segment respectively. While a merge between the two of them looks perfect and simple in an operational perspective due to its vertical complementarity, bring to them opportunities to win over a bundle offer (multi service package) that will consolidate their market predominance. Macroeconomic and internal corporate contrasts between these companies’ environment might signal that an impulsive could have a high price to pay in the future.

mRNA metabolism: nonsense mediated mRNA decay as a tool for gene therapy and the role of human DIS3L2 in transcript degradation

Tese de mestrado em Biologia Humana e Ambiente, apresentada à Universidade de Lisboa, através da Faculdade de Ciências, 2015

In situ evaluation of single-cell lysis by cytosol extraction observation through fluorescence decay and dielectrophoretic trapping time

We present a new method for lysis of single cells in continuous flow, where cells are sequentially trapped, lysed and released in an automatic process. Using optimized frequencies, dielectrophoretic trapping allows exposing cells in a reproducible way to high electrical fields for long durations, thereby giving good control on the lysis parameters. In situ evaluation of cytosol extraction on single cells has been studied for Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells through out-diffusion of fluorescent molecules for different voltage amplitudes. A diffusion model is proposed to correlate this out-diffusion to the total area of the created pores, which is dependent on the potential drop across the cell membrane and enables evaluation of the total pore area in the membrane. The dielectrophoretic trapping is no longer effective after lysis because of the reduced conductivity inside the cells, leading to cell release. The trapping time is linked to the time required for cytosol extraction and can thus provide additional validation of the effective cytosol extraction for non-fluorescent cells. Furthermore, the application of one single voltage for both trapping and lysis provides a fully automatic process including cell trapping, lysis, and release, allowing operating the device in continuous flow without human intervention.

Unplanned complex suicide by self-strangulation associated with multiple sharp force injuries: a case report.

In cases of ligature strangulation, the importance of distinguishing self-inflicted death from homicide is crucial. This entails objective scene investigation, autopsy and anamnesis in order to elucidate the manner of death correctly. The authors report a case of unplanned complex suicide by means of self-strangulation and multiple sharp force injury. The use of more than one suicide method, consecutively--termed unplanned complex suicide--gives this case particular significance. A brief discussion on this uncommon method of suicide is presented, particularly relevant to the attending forensic physician. In addition, a short overview of the entity of complex suicide is given.

Exercices [de M.] Vasseur [Louis, champion du monde de force lors de son exhibition dans un gala de bienfaisance au palais du Trocadéro] : [photographie de presse] / [Agence Rol]

Référence bibliographique : Rol, 58394

Exercices [de M.] Vasseur [Louis, champion du monde de force lors de son exhibition dans un gala de bienfaisance au palais du Trocadéro] : [photographie de presse] / [Agence Rol]

Référence bibliographique : Rol, 58395

Exercices [de M.] Vasseur [Louis, champion du monde de force lors de son exhibition dans un gala de bienfaisance au palais du Trocadéro : [photographie de presse] / [Agence Rol]

Référence bibliographique : Rol, 58396

La conservation de l'énergie / par Balfour Stewart,.... Suivie d'une Etude sur la nature de la force / par P. de Saint-Robert

Collection : Bibliothèque scientifique internationale ; 10

Sanction pragmatique de sa majesté le roi d'Espagne, ayant force de loi, portant ordre à tous les Religieux de la Compagnie de Jésus de sortir de ses royaumes...

[Acte royal. 1767-04-02]

Mémoires authentiques de Jacques-Nompar de Caumont, duc de La Force,... et de ses deux fils, les marquis de Montpouillan et de Castelnaut, suivis de documents curieux et de correspondances inédites de Jeanne d'Albret, Henri III, Henri IV, Catherine de Bourbon,... et autres personnages marquants, depuis la Saint-Barthélemy jusqu'à la Fronde, pour faire suite à toutes les collections de mémoires sur l'histoire de France / recueillis, mis en ordre et précédés d'une introduction, par le Mis de La Grange,...

Comprend : [Correspondance inédite] ; Lettres ; Correspondances inédites...