Development of a High Intensity Neutron Source at the European Spallation Source: The HighNESS project

The European Spallation Source (ESS), presently under construction in Lund, Sweden, is a multidisciplinary international laboratory that will operate the world's most powerful pulsed neutron source. Supported by a 3M Euro Research and Innovation Action within the EU Horizon 2020 program, a design study (HighNESS) is now underway to develop a second neutron source below the spallation target. Compared to the first source, located above the spallation target and designed for high cold and thermal brightness, the new source will provide higher intensity, and a shift to longer wavelengths in the spectral regions of cold (2 /- 20 {\AA}), very cold (VCN, 10 /- 120 {\AA}), and ultra cold (UCN, > 500 {\AA}) neutrons. The core of the second source will consist of a large liquid deuterium moderator to deliver a high flux of cold neutrons and to serve secondary VCN and UCN sources, for which different options are under study. The features of these new sources will boost several areas of condensed matter research and will provide unique opportunities in fundamental physics. Part of the HighNESS project is also dedicated to the development of future instruments that will make use of the new source and will complement the initial suite of instruments in construction at ESS. The HighNESS project started in October 2020. In this paper, the ongoing developments and the results obtained in the first year are described.Comment: 10 pages, 10 figures, 14th International Topical Meeting on Nuclear Applications of Accelerators, November 30 to December 4, 2021, Washington, D

Young-Growth Redwood Stands Respond Well to Various Thinning Intensities

Abstract Three 45- to 50-yr-old redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) sawtimber stands spanning a substantial portion of the species' commercial range were thinned to three stocking levels. Treatments were low thinnings leaving 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of the before-treatment stand density, expressed as basal area/ac. Trees were measured for dbh, and a sampling of heights was taken for volume estimations at 0, 5, 10, and 15 yr after thinning. Leave trees responded strongly to the increased growing space, in spite of the vigorous stump sprouting of cut trees. Stand growth in basal area and volume varied narrowly among treatments. Overall, volume production was significantly different only in the 25% leave plots where sites were not fully occupied by the leave trees. Results illustrate the similarity between two growth/growing stock theories which appear to conflict. We conclude that 50% of the basal area in fully stocked stands could be removed in a low thinning without significant loss in volume production. West. J. Appl. For. 9(4):106-112.</jats:p

Geohelminths in the soil of the Laguna dos Patos in Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil

Abstract This study aimed at examining the prevalence of eggs and larvae of parasites – that may cause diseases to humans and other animals – in the soil of public squares located on the shore of Laranjal beaches, in the Laguna dos Patos, in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. Four fieldwork trips – one per season – were taken to collect samples on six squares built on the shore of these beaches. Five samples of soil were collected on every square on every fieldwork trip. The material was processed by Caldwell &amp; Caldwell’s technique. Four squares (66.7%) were positive for helminth eggs and sample positivity was 8.3% (10). Toxocara spp. and Ancylostoma spp. were the main genera found in these places. Even though prevalence was lower than the one observed by other studies which were carried out in the area, helminths with zoonotic potential were found in the soil of the squares. It should be highlighted that measures to control dogs in these areas must be implemented and public policies must be put forth to make pets’ owners and beach goers aware of the need to mitigate environmental contamination.</jats:p

Geohelminths in the soil of the Laguna dos Patos in Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil

Abstract This study aimed at examining the prevalence of eggs and larvae of parasites – that may cause diseases to humans and other animals – in the soil of public squares located on the shore of Laranjal beaches, in the Laguna dos Patos, in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. Four fieldwork trips – one per season – were taken to collect samples on six squares built on the shore of these beaches. Five samples of soil were collected on every square on every fieldwork trip. The material was processed by Caldwell & Caldwell’s technique. Four squares (66.7%) were positive for helminth eggs and sample positivity was 8.3% (10). Toxocara spp. and Ancylostoma spp. were the main genera found in these places. Even though prevalence was lower than the one observed by other studies which were carried out in the area, helminths with zoonotic potential were found in the soil of the squares. It should be highlighted that measures to control dogs in these areas must be implemented and public policies must be put forth to make pets’ owners and beach goers aware of the need to mitigate environmental contamination.</div