OAR@UM Collection:

UNESCO Science Report : towards 2030

Fri, 01 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Title: UNESCO Science Report : towards 2030 Editors: Schneegans, Susan; Eröcal, Deniz Abstract: In 2015, the United Nations General Assembly took a historic and visionary step with the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. For the first time at this level, the role of science, technology and innovation has been explicitly recognized as a vital driver of sustainability. Sustainability depends on the capacity of states to put science at the heart of their national strategies for development, strengthening their capacities and investment to tackle challenges, some of which are still unknown. This commitment resonates at the heart of UNESCO’s mandate and sees this as a call for action, as UNESCO celebrates the 70th anniversary of the Organization. The UNESCO Science Report draws a comprehensive picture of the many facets of science in an increasingly complex world – including trends in innovation and mobility, issues relating to big data and the contribution of indigenous and local knowledge to addressing global challenges. This report is unique in providing such a clear vision of the global scientific landscape, reflecting the contributions of more than 50 experts from across the world. I am convinced that the analysis here will help clear the path towards more sustainable development, laying the foundations for more inclusive knowledge societies across the world.

Novel system for distributed energy generation from a small scale concentrated solar power

Wed, 01 Jan 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Novel system for distributed energy generation from a small scale concentrated solar power Authors: Crema, Luigi; Alberti, Fabrizio; Wackelgard, Ewa; Rivolta, Barbara; Hesse, Sebastian; Luminari, Lorenzo; Hislop, Drummond; Restall, Brian Abstract: The present work describes the realization of a modular 1-3 kWe, 3-9 kWth micro Combined Heat and Power (m-CHP) system based on innovative Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) and Stirling engine technology. The cogeneration of energy at distributed level is one of leading argument in large part of energy policies related to renewable energy resources and systems. This CSP m-CHP will provide electrical power, heating and cooling for single and multiple domestic dwellings and other small buildings. The developed system integrates small-scale concentrator optics with moving and tracking components, solar absorbers in the form of evacuated tube collectors, a heat transfer fluid, a Stirling engine with generator, and heating and/or cooling systems; it incorporates them into buildings in an architecturally acceptable manner, with low visual impact. Some good results have already been achieved, while developments on several technology subcomponents will be finalized through first part of 2013. Two Cer.Met. have been modelled, realized and tested. The up scaled receiver, in form of Cer.Met. coating based on TiO2 - Nb, has been confirmed an absorptance of 0.94 and emittance of 0.1 (@350°C). A second Cer.Met. coating based on SiO2 - W has demonstrated an absorptance of 0.93 and emittance of 0.09 (@350°C). A full-evacuated solar tube has been designed and realized, with absorber of 12 mm in diameter and length in 2 meters. The system is provided of a concentration ratio 12:1, and a single module is 200 cm long, 40 cm wide and 20-25 cm high. Two or more modules can be combined. The evacuated solar tube, located on the focus, has the selective absorber on a tube of 12 mm in diameter. A very thin glass mirror has been developed (< 1 mm). The overall mirror reflectivity has been measured, the verified value is 0,954. Research has proposed a high energy density, double acting Stirling engine, provided of innovative heat exchangers realized through Selective Laser Melting process. The engine is a low speed (250 RPM), high pressure (130 Bars) and compact solution able to be run at 300°C and generate 3,5 kW nominal power. The solar technology has actually entered the proof-of-concept stage. A solar plant has been installed in Malta, by Arrow Pharm company, supplying the industrial process of generated steam at 180°C and 3.5 absolute pressure. The solar collector's efficiency is close to 47% in presence of 900 W/m2 of direct solar radiation. During 2013, solar evacuated tubes with innovative Cer.Met. coating, together with new thin glass mirrors will upgrade the demonstration site, together with a new and innovative low temperature difference and high energy density Stirling. By end-2013, the system will be demonstrated, with the overall objective to achieve a minimum of 65% in solar collectors' efficiency at 300°C, and 12 - 15% of overall electrical efficiency by the Stirling cycle.

Phenotypic spectrum and prevalence of INPP5E mutations in Joubert Syndrome and related disorders

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Phenotypic spectrum and prevalence of INPP5E mutations in Joubert Syndrome and related disorders Authors: Travaglini, Lorena; Brancati, Francesco; Silhavy, Jennifer; Iannicelli, Miriam; Nickerson, Elizabeth; Elkhartoufi, Nadia; Scott, Eric; Spencer, Emily; Gabriel, Stacey; Thomas, Sophie; Ben-Zeev, Bruria; Bertini, Enrico; Boltshauser, Eugen; Chaouch, Malika; Cilio, Maria Roberta; Jong, Mirjam M. de; Kayserili, Hulya; Ogur, Gonul; Poretti, Andrea; Signorini, Sabrina; Uziel, Graziella; Zaki, Maha S.; Johnson, Colin; Attie ́-Bitach, Tania; Gleeson, Joseph G.; Valente, Enza Maria Abstract: Joubert syndrome and related disorders (JSRD) are clinically and genetically heterogeneous ciliopathies sharing a peculiar midbrain–hindbrain malformation known as the ‘molar tooth sign’. To date, 19 causative genes have been identified, all coding for proteins of the primary cilium. There is clinical and genetic overlap with other ciliopathies, in particular with Meckel syndrome (MKS), that is allelic to JSRD at nine distinct loci. We previously identified the INPP5E gene as causative of JSRD in seven families linked to the JBTS1 locus, yet the phenotypic spectrum and prevalence of INPP5E mutations in JSRD and MKS remain largely unknown. To address this issue, we performed INPP5E mutation analysis in 483 probands, including 408 JSRD patients representative of all clinical subgroups and 75 MKS fetuses. We identified 12 different mutations in 17 probands from 11 JSRD families, with an overall 2.7% mutation frequency among JSRD. The most common clinical presentation among mutated families (7/11, 64%) was Joubert syndrome with ocular involvement (either progressive retinopathy and/or colobomas), while the remaining cases had pure JS. Kidney, liver and skeletal involvement were not observed. None of the MKS foetuses carried INPP5E mutations, indicating that the two ciliopathies are not allelic at this locus.

National strategic plan for research and innovation, 2007-2010 : building and sustaining the R & I enabling framework

Sun, 01 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Title: National strategic plan for research and innovation, 2007-2010 : building and sustaining the R & I enabling framework Abstract: In February 2005, the Prime Minister tasked the Cabinet Committees’ Support Unit within his Office to carry out a Strategic Audit of the Malta Council for Science and Technology (MCST). The Strategic Audit proposed the articulation of a national R&I strategic plan that reflects the Government’s economic direction for the nation as a necessity in order to ensure that State R&I financing is channelled to those areas that can truly become economic growth drivers. It further added that key goals of the strategic R&I plan should be: (a) the key identification of the priorities towards which investment and resources are to be channelled and the goals they will seek to attain; (b) that of ensuring that investment and resources in R&I provide value-added, thereby enhancing the nation’s competitive edge. This document is the National Strategic Plan for Research and Innovation Policy which was produced which was submitted by the Director of Science and Technology (S&T) for the years 2017 - 2010.