Federal Aviation Administration-Florida Institute of Technology Workshop on Grounding and Lightning Protection [Melbourne, Florida, April 19-21, 1977].

Mode of access: Internet.

Lightning fire incidence in northeastern California /

"May, 1960."

The successional dynamics of lightning-initiated canopy gaps in the mangrove forests of Shark River, Everglades National Park, USA

Gap succession is a significant determinant of structure and development in most forest communities. Lightning strikes are an important source of canopy gaps in the mangrove forest of Everglades National Park. I investigated the successional dynamics of lightning-initiated canopy gaps to determine their influence on forest stand structure of the mixed mangrove forests ( Rhizophora mangle, Laguncularia racemosa, and Avicennia germinans ) of the Shark River. I measured gap size, gap shape, light environment, soil characteristics, woody debris, and fiddler crab abundance. I additionally measured the vegetative composition in a chronosequences of gap successional stages (new, recruiting, and growing gaps). I recorded survivorship, recruitment, growth and soil elevation dynamics within a subset of new and growing gaps. I determined the relationship between intact forest soil elevation and site hydrology in order to interpret the effects of lightning disturbance on soil elevation dynamics. ^ Gap size averaged 289 ± 20 m2 (± 1SE) and light transmittance decreased exponentially as gaps filled with saplings. Fine woody debris was highest in recruiting gaps. Soil strength was lower in the gaps than in the forest. The abundance of large and medium fiddler crab burrows increased linearly with total seedling abundance. Soil surface elevation declined in newly formed lightning gaps; this loss was due to a combination of superficial erosion (8.5 mm) and subsidence (60.9 mm). A distinct two-cohort recruitment pattern was evident in the seedling/sapling surveys, suggesting a partitioning of the succession between individuals present before and after lightning strike. In new gaps, the seedling recruitment rate was twice as high as in forest and the sapling population increased. At the growing gap stage, R. mangle seedling mortality was 10 times greater and sapling mortality was 13 times greater than recruitment. Growing gaps had reduced seedling stem elongation, sapling growth and adult growth. However, a few individuals (R. mangle saplings) were able to recruit into the adult life stage. In conclusion, the high density of R. mangle seedlings and saplings imply that lightning strike disturbances in these mangrove forests favor their recruitment over that of A. germinans and L. racemosa. ^

Preparation of Excitation Sources to Portable X-Ray Spectrometer by Recovering 241am from Radioactive Lightning Conductor

With the prohibition of the use of radioactive lightning conductor in Brazil, this material passed to be collected and stored as radioactive waste in the waste deposits of The Brazilian National Nuclear Energy Commission (CNEN). The majority of these lightning conductor used as radioactive source 241Am with activity varying of 1 the 5 mCi. In this work are presented preliminary studies by recovering of 241Am through the electroplating technique, in order to posterior use as sources to portable X-rays fluorescence spectrometer. The 241Am sources have been removed from lightning conductor and dissolved in acid solution. The solution presented an activity of 0,6 Ci L-1. Small amounts of this solution were added to some electrolytes and tested in order to evaluate optimum electrolyte for deposition of 241Am. It was studied as electrolytes: HNO3 (0,2 mol L-1), NH4Cl (5,0 mol L-1) and a mixture of KCN and K2CO3 (in the rate of 2,0 g of each per liter). Yields of up to 90% were obtained applied a current density of 50 mA cm-2.

A marketing plan for Lightning Bolt

This project had as main goal to improve the perception of male surfers about the surf brand Lightning Bolt. It was proposed the creation of a collection of wetsuits as well as the “A Pure Source” Project to show the commitment of the brand with the surf community. To promote both several promotional activities are suggested such as the use of magazines, radio, banners and social media. To complement the distribution chain of the brand, a concept store and a mobile store are also recommended. With this project the brand will be able to double the number of current surfers that buy the brand in a profitable and effective way. The project is expected to generate a net profit of 91,294€ in year 1.

Electrical burns: A retrospective analysis across a 5-year period

This study aims to review the experience, at an institution, with patients who suffered electrical burns and study the peculiar characteristics of this type of burn as well as its complications and epidemiological aspects. The study includes medical records of patients with electrical burns who were admitted to the Burn Unit of Hospital das Clinicas in Sao Paulo, Brazil, from November 2001 to October 2006. They were classified into four categories: high voltage (>= 1000 V), low voltage (<1000 V), `flash burn` (in which there is no electrical current flow through the body of the patient) and burns caused by lightning. The complications were more severe and common in the high-voltage group, while longer hospital stays and more complex surgical procedures due to the greater depth of burns were also observed in this group. High-voltage burns are mainly labour-/occupation-related. The majority of the patients were young men at the beginning of their professional lives. This factor generates an important socio-economic impact due to the high incidence of sequelae, resulting in amputations, rendering them unable to maintain their occupations. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.