Opportunities and Challenges in the Design and Analysis of Biomass Supply Chains

The biomass supply chain is one of the most critical elements of large-scale bioenergy production and in many cases a key barrier for procuring initial funding for new developments on specific energy crops. Most productions rely on complex transforming chains linked to feed and food markets. The term 'supply chain' covers various aspects from cultivation and harvesting of the biomass, to treatment, transportation, and storage. After energy conversion, the product must be delivered to final consumption, whether it is in the form of electricity, heat, or more tangible products, such as pellets and biofuels. Effective supply chains are of utmost importance for bioenergy production, as biomass tends to possess challenging seasonal production cycles and low mass, energy and bulk densities. Additionally, the demand for final products is often also dispersed, further complicating the supply chain. The goal of this paper is to introduce key components of biomass supply chains, examples of related modeling applications, and if/how they address aspects related to environmental metrics and management. The paper will introduce a concept of integrated supply systems for sustainable biomass trade and the factors influencing the bioenergy supply chain landscape, including models that can be used to investigate the factors. The paper will also cover various aspects of transportation logistics, ranging from alternative modal and multi-modal alternatives to introduction of support tools for transportation analysis. Finally gaps and challenges in supply chain research are identified and used to outline research recommendations for the future direction in this area of study.

Determination of the Avogadro constant by counting the atoms in a 28Si crystal

The Avogadro constant links the atomic and the macroscopic properties of matter. Since the molar Planck constant is well known via the measurement of the Rydberg constant, it is also closely related to the Planck constant. In addition, its accurate determination is of paramount importance for a definition of the kilogram in terms of a fundamental constant. We describe a new approach for its determination by counting the atoms in 1 kg single-crystal spheres, which are highly enriched with the 28Si isotope. It enabled isotope dilution mass spectroscopy to determine the molar mass of the silicon crystal with unprecedented accuracy. The value obtained, NA = 6.022,140,78(18) × 10(23) mol(-1), is the most accurate input datum for a new definition of the kilogram.

Effect of Operator-specific Handling on Tooth-composite Interface and Microleakage Formation

After calibration of the restoration procedure, three operators experienced differences in tooth-composite interface morphology and microleakage formation. These differences reflect technique-sensitivity of the etch-and-rinse adhesive. The lowest microleakage on dentin was related to an enhanced interface integrity. After additional application of an adhesive component, sealing of the enamel and dentin was partially enhanced, but microleakage formation did not decrease. These results are helpful in the comparative evaluation of other bonding systems.

Effectiveness of intubating laryngeal mask airway (ILMA Fastrach) used by nurses during out of hospital cardiac arrest resuscitation

OBJECTIVE

ILMA Fastrach is a recognized alternative to classic laryngoscopic intubation. In this study, we evaluated the success rate of intubation with Fastrach, used by emergency nurses who have no experience of field intubation.

METHODS

Twelve untrained nurses used Fastrach during 71 out of hospital cardiac arrests (OHCAs). Each step time of resuscitation was recorded.

RESULTS

Fastrach effective ventilation was obtained in 97%. Rate of successful intubation was 86%.

CONCLUSIONS

ILMA Fastrach is a good alternative to classical laryngoscopic intubation by untrained nurses, even in difficult conditions such as OHCAs.

[Acute beta 1-selective beta-receptor blocker nebivolol poisoning in attempted suicide]

HISTORY AND ADMISSION FINDINGS

A 17-year-old girl had swallowed 80-100 tablets of Nebivolol, 5 mg each, with suicidal intent. She was referred to hospital 8 hours later by an emergency duty physician. On admission she was sweaty and pale, but there were no other obvious abnormalities. Neurological examination revealed decreased responsiveness and slowed movements. She was known to have type 1 diabetes mellitus.

INVESTIGATIONS

Blood pressure was 105/55 mmHg, the ECG showed sinus bradycardia of 55 beats/min. Biochemical tests revealed hypoglycaemia (2.1 mmol/l), hypokalaemia (3.4 mmol/l) and respiratory failure (pO2 6.16 kPa, O2 saturation 82%, pCO2 6.55 kPA). Heart and lung were unremarkable on physical examination as were chest radiogram and echocardiogram. Plasma level of nebivolol was 480 ng/ml on admission (therapeutic range 88-195 ng/ml).

TREATMENT AND COURSE

After gastric lavage and administration of charcoal and sodium sulphate a temporary pacemaker was connected and glucagon infused intravenously as an antidote. The cardiovascular state stabilized with falling plasma level of nebivolol. Glucose was administered initially, but transient intravenous insulin infusion became necessary to counteract hyperglycaemia. The patient was transferred from the intensive care unit in a stable cardiovascular state after 2 days.

CONCLUSION

This case demonstrates that swallowing 400-500 mg nebivolol, resulting in a plasma level of 480 ng/ml, need not be fatal. But the outcome in this patient should not be taken as necessarily applying to similar cases. It depends on the individual patient's metabolic state whether higher plasma levels might be reached with the same amount of ingested nebivolol.

[The heart in infection and MODS (multiple organ dysfunction syndrome)]

Dysfunctioning of the heart forms part of the multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) in sepsis and SIRS. This acute septic cardiomyopathy is often underestimated in degree and relevance, although yet in fact 10% of all sepsis fatalities are due to intractable heart failure. This potentially reversible cardiomyopathy is characterized by a considerable pump failure, is not primarily ischemic, coronary blood flow being normal or even enhanced; left and right ventricle are enlarged as a consequence of an increased ventricular compliance. Damage of the heart can further be aggravated in case of an additional right ventricular impairment due to pulmonary hypertension in ARDS. SIRS-cardiomyopathy in non-infectious MODS has common traits with acute septic cardiomyopathy. The pathogenesis of heart disease in sepsis and SIRS is multifactorial, the endotoxin/TNF-alpha/NO/cGMP-cascade representing a main negative inotropic axis. Therapy of acute septic cardiomyopathy and SIRS-cardiomyopathy at present still is mainly symptomatic (volume substitution, inotropic/vasoactive agents), causal therapeutic principles are, however, put to test in the context of a comprehensive concept of causal sepsis treatment.