Baseline Distribution of Invasive Alien Species of Union concern

A current EU geographical distribution of spatial information for the 37 Invasive Alien Species (IAS) of Union concern (IAS Regulation 1143/2014) is set, based on the best available knowledge, resulting from an assessment of data aggregated through the European Alien Species Information Network (EASIN) in collaboration with the Member States (MS) Competent Authorities of 18 EU countries. This baseline is an important tool supporting the implementation of the IAS Regulation and also provides a factual basis for the review of the application of the IAS Regulation. Ultimately, the information included can be used for monitoring the achievement of Target 5 of the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020 for combatting IAS, but also to the implementation of other EU policies with requirements on alien species, such as the Birds and Habitats Directives, and the Marine Strategy and Water Framework Directives.JRC.D.2-Water and Marine Resource

An Acute Bout of Exercise Improves the Cognitive Performance of Older Adults.

There is evidence that an acute bout of exercise confers cognitive benefits, but it is largely 2 unknown what the optimal mode and duration of exercise is and how cognitive performance 3 changes over time after exercise. We compared the cognitive performance of 31 older adults 4 using the Stroop test before, immediately after, and at 30 and 60 minutes after a 10 and 30 5 minute aerobic or resistance exercise session. Heart rate and feelings of arousal were also 6 measured before, during and after exercise. We found that independent of mode or duration of 7 exercise, the participants improved in the Stroop Inhibition task immediately post-exercise. We 8 did not find the exercise influenced the performance of the Stroop Color or Stroop Word 9 Interference tasks. Our findings suggest that an acute bout of exercise can improve cognitive 10 performance, and in particular the more complex executive functioning, of older adults

Electromagnetic waves in loaded cylindrical structures : a radial transmission line approach

The motivation for developing the computational electromagnetic methods presented in this thesis is to model the radiation of leaky slotted coaxial cables (LCXs), which are used as distributed antennas in environments that are not readily accessible via conventional antenna substations, and to model ring cavities that act as circular waveguide ??lters. We employ circuit-based electromagnetic wave theory in the solution of guided-wave scattering problems. Here the term ¿guided wave¿ is actually to be interpreted loosely, since even free space can be viewed as a waveguide. Propagation in usual rectilinear waveguides is often phrased in literature in the language of transmission line theory. The theory of equivalent transmission lines has been contrived as a way to give physical insight into the mathematical method of separation of variables. This opens the way to the use of unconventional equivalent transmission lines, such as radial or angular ones. In this thesis we have focused on the concept of radial waveguide, a structure that has the radial direction as the direction of propagation, and that is possibly bounded by metal plates parallel to the coordinate surfaces. Unlike the traditional vector mode functions encountered in conventional waveguides, the radial transmission line concept is introduced in a component basis. Radial lines are peculiar, because they have an absolute origin and hence is not shift invariant. Nevertheless, using a suitable vector formalism, the usual circuit theory concepts can be still applied, including the de??nition of voltages and currents, impedances, propagators, scattering matrices, etc. The LCXs are standard coaxial cables from which, on the outer conductor, slots are cut in order to induce energy exchange between the interior of the cable and the surrounding external domain. These kinds of antennas are usually employed for indoor communications in places where the traditional antenna systems fail or their application and installation are problematic, such as in subways and tunnels. They are also used for security reasons, e.g., in outstations and airports, in order to con??ne the communications inside speci??c places. In particular, nowadays, there is an increasing interest in the application of this technology in the GSM and UMTS frequency bands. LCXs have been studied by several researchers in the past. The analysis techniques employed in these studies produce solutions, to a varying degree of accuracy, for the particular problem of the in??nite periodically slotted cable. The problem of junctions between closed and slotted cables has so far not been addressed. The periodically slotted LCXs considered in the literature suffers from poor ef??ciency in terms of percentage of incident power used for the radiation. Indeed, since the decay of the power inside the cable is exponential and the radiated ??eld decays along the cable length with the same law, the standard periodically slotted LCX requires a compromise between an almost constant level of power along the slotted cable length and minimum power at the end of the cable that is not employed for radiation. In the present thesis we have developed accurate and ef??cient modeling techniques, enabling us to analyze both periodic and aperiodic LCXs, as well as transitions between open and closed cables. The second type of devices of interest is a particular category of stop-band ??lters commonly used in antenna systems to isolate receivers from the signals produced by transmitters, internal or external to the system, and operating in adjacent frequency bands. The structure that we have analyzed presents advantages in terms of the radial and longitudinal dimensions, which allows for the high level of integration that is often essential for space applications. Due to the resonance behavior of the device, the commercial numerical codes require long computational times before suf??ciently accurate ??eld solutions are obtained. Our dedicated modeling method is much more ef??cient in attaining the required results, which has made it possible to produce several design examples. Our modeling techniques are based on the magnetic ??eld integral equation. The associated kernel is the Green's function of the structure, which is been computed in the spectral domain, using radial transmission line theory. The solution of the corresponding integral equation is obtained, for both problems, by the method of moments in the Galerkin form, using a suitable set of basis functions. The computation of the moments requires particular care. We have developed dedicated numerical techniques by which the numerical convergence is improved and the computation of the integrals is accelerated considerably. For LCXs, we have developed a design procedure based on tapering the geometrical dimensions of the slots in order to obtain an uniform radiation and to maximize the radiated power. Since a typical LCX consists of thousands of slots, one approaches practical limitations of integral equation techniques, as the dimension of the linear system resulting from the discretization of the integral equation increases with the number of slots. For this reason, we have augmented our approach to analyze LCXs in two alternative directions. One is based on the application of the Bloch wave approach, the other comprises an extension, for the electromagnetic problem under consideration, of the so-called eigencurrent approach, that was originally developed for linear arrays of patches. First, the Bloch wave approach is not standard in this case since the structure consists of two different regions, one is closed (the interior of the coaxial cable) the other is open (the unbounded exterior domain). We have employed a particular mathematical formalism to overcome this problem, viz., we have solved the junction problem between an closed cable and a slotted one using the mode matching technique. In the Bloch wave approach a LCX with any number of slots, all equal and equally spaced, can ef??ciently be analyzed. Second, the eigencurrent approach is a versatile two-step technique for modelling large compound structures. The ??rst step is to evaluate the eigenvalues and current eigenfunctions of the integral operator associated with a single slot. Subsequently, the pertaining eigencurrents act as global-domain basis functions for the slotted array. In the resulting equivalent linear system, the interaction between the slots is adequately described in terms of very few of these eigencurrents. We have applied this method for LCXs with slots of different geometric dimensions, and have observed a substantial reduction of computation times. For a LCX with a large but ??nite number of identical slots, it turns out that the dominant Bloch wave is the same as the one excited in the semi-in??nite case. When this so-called Forward wave reaches the junction between the slotted and unslotted cable, it gives rise to several re??ected Bloch waves that, upon scattering at the ??rst junction, couple only with the Forward wave. Further, we have observed that all the regressive Bloch waves have globally a negligible effect on the magnetic currents on the slots. Hence the ??eld propagating in the slotted region of the ??nite slotted cable is essentially a progressive wave. As regards the radiation properties of an in??nite LCX, a paradox arises. In practical LCX applications the receiver is always in the near-??eld region of the array, but in the far-??eld region of the majority of the slots. This is related to the in??nite length of a LCX. Application of the Poisson sum formula to the expression for the radiated ??eld emanating from a LCX converts that expression into a linear superposition of spatial harmonics, in line with the Bloch-wave de scription. As a consequence, cables with different slot spacings are perfectly explained in terms of the various modes of operation resulting from the Bloch-wave description, i.e., surface-wave, mono-radiation and multi-radiation operation

Functionalization of wool fabric with phase-change materials microcapsules after plasma surface modification

The use of microcapsules has increased in several different areas, namely, textile applications. They have been used as a possible means of introducing new properties, namely, in medical care by antibiotics, skin moisturizers, and other drugs and for thermal comfort. In this study, we examined the influence of dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma treatment on the adhesion of phase-change material (PCM) microcapsules on wool fabric. Several experimental techniques were used to evaluate the wool surface modification after plasma treatment and the influence of the microcapsules' resistance to washing conditions, namely, the determination of the static and dynamic contact angles, surface energy, and adhesion work; X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy; Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy; differential scanning calorimetry; and scanning electron microscopy. Chemical and physical characterization of the wool fiber in the fabric confirmed significant surface modification. The plasma treatment greatly increased the hydrophilicity, surface energy, and adhesion work of the wool fabric; this proved that more microcapsules were adsorbed on the fabric and more microcapsules remained on the fabric surface after the washing procedures.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT

Towards an ecosystem-based approach in marine ecosystem accounting. Seagrass ecosystems in the Mediterranean Sea: from diversity to restoration

The aim of this report is to highlight the relevance of implementing an ecosystem-based approach in the marine ecosystem accounting. The evidences are based on non-exhaustive literature review and data and analyses present in non-public external study reports commissioned by Joint Research Centre (section 1, 2, 3), and are used to present a conceptual framework (section 4) for marine accounts. The report will focus on seagrass ecosystems, with a case study in the Mediterranean Sea, explaining their importance as essential (vulnerable) ecosystems with several key roles, from biodiversity hotspots to climate change mitigation, and highlighting their characteristics, condition, threats, and potential values of ecosystem services fundamental for the society and economy. Finally, the report will summarize the main methodologies applied for seagrass restoration (section 3) and include a brief narrative on the marine ecosystem accounting (section 4) as pivotal implementation of conservation, protection and restoration actions in the framework of European legislations, such as Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 and the Proposal on Nature Restoration Law, Marine Strategy Framework Directive, Common Fisheries Policy Regulation, Ecosystem-based Approach for Maritime Spatial Planning Directive, Nature-based Solutions, Sustainable Blue Economy, Taxonomy Regulation for Sustainable Activities, and the Regulation (EU) No 691/2011 on European environmental economic accounts.JRC.D.2 - Ocean and Wate

The STRIP instrument of the Large Scale Polarization Explorer: microwave eyes to map the Galactic polarized foregrounds

In this paper we discuss the latest developments of the STRIP instrument of the "Large Scale Polarization Explorer" (LSPE) experiment. LSPE is a novel project that combines ground-based (STRIP) and balloon-borne (SWIPE) polarization measurements of the microwave sky on large angular scales to attempt a detection of the "B-modes" of the Cosmic Microwave Background polarization. STRIP will observe approximately 25% of the Northern sky from the "Observatorio del Teide" in Tenerife, using an array of forty-nine coherent polarimeters at 43 GHz, coupled to a 1.5 m fully rotating crossed-Dragone telescope. A second frequency channel with six-elements at 95 GHz will be exploited as an atmospheric monitor. At present, most of the hardware of the STRIP instrument has been developed and tested at sub-system level. System-level characterization, starting in July 2018, will lead STRIP to be shipped and installed at the observation site within the end of the year. The on-site verification and calibration of the whole instrument will prepare STRIP for a 2-years campaign for the observation of the CMB polarization.Comment: 17 pages, 15 figures, proceedings of the SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation conference "Millimeter, Submillimeter, and Far-Infrared Detectors and Instrumentation for Astronomy IX", on June 15th, 2018, Austin (TX

Accuracy of complex internal channels produced by laser powder bed fusion process

Additive manufacturing (AM) technology has great potential in manufacturing complex internal channels for several applications such as satellite-communication microwave systems. These systems can have complex shapes and make traditional finishing processes a challenge for additive parts. Therefore, it is desirable that the internal surfaces are as close as possible to the tolerance of the field of application. In this study, a complex component, a unique waveguide device with bending, twisting and filtering functionalities, has been designed and manufactured in AlSi10Mg alloy through laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) process. Three different prototypes with three different curvature (R of 50 mm, 40 mm and 30 mm), operating in Ku/K band, have been manufactured and tested showing a very good agreement with the desired performances. Using 3D scan data, the internal deviations from the CAD model have been evaluated showing an average deviation of the internal areas of about 0.08 mm, 0.046 mm and 0.023 mm from the CAD model for the R of 50 mm, 40 mm and 30 mm respectively The surface roughness measured in the internal channel is about Ra (arithmetic average roughness) of 8 μm ± 1.3 μm and Rz (average maximum height of the roughness profile) of 62.3 μm ± 0.34 μm

Systematics and phylogeography of the deep-sea coral Desmophyllum dianthus (Anthozoa, Hexacorallia): morphological and molecular evidences

Tesis doctoral inédita leída en la Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Facultad de Ciencias, Departamento de Biología. Fecha de lectura: 28-11-2014

Global-scale genetic structure of a cosmopolitan cold-water coral species

© The Author(s), 2020. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License. The definitive version was published in Addamo, A. M., Miller, K. J., Haussermann, V., Taviani, M., & Machordom, A. Global-scale genetic structure of a cosmopolitan cold-water coral species. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, (2020): 1-14, doi:10.1002/aqc.3421.1. When considering widely distributed marine organisms with low dispersal capabilities, there is often an implication that the distribution of cosmopolitan species is an artefact of taxonomy, constrained by the absence of characters for delimiting either sibling or cryptic species. Few studies have assessed the relationship among populations across the global range of the species' distribution, and the presence of oceanographic barriers that might influence gene flow among populations are underestimated. 2. In this study, evolutionary and ecological drivers of connectivity patterns have been inferred among populations of the cold‐water coral Desmophyllum dianthus, a common and widespread solitary scleractinian species, whose reproduction strategy and larval dispersal are still poorly unknown. 3. The genetic structure of D. dianthus was explored using 30 microsatellites in 347 specimens from 13 localities distributed in the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. 4. Results clearly reveal genetically differentiated populations in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres (FST = 0.16, FSC = 0.01, FCT = 0.15, P‐values highly significant), and Chilean and New Zealand populations with independent genetic profiles. 5. Marine connectivity patterns at different spatial scales are discussed to characterize larval dispersal and gene flow through the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.This research was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (CGL2011‐23306), and EU CoCoNET—“Towards COast to COast NETworks of marine protected areas (from the shore to the high and deep sea), coupled with sea‐based wind energy potential”—from FP7‐KKBE of the European Commission (project ID: 287844). This scientific contribution commits to EESF Cocarde, Italian Flag Ritmare, and Region Apulia Biomap programmes. This is scientific publication no. 1888 Ismar‐CNR Bologna. Funding to VH was partially provided through Fondecyt project nos. 1131039 and 1161699. This is publication no. 179 of Huinay Scientific Field Station