HOW CAN ONE PROBE PODOLSKY ELECTRODYNAMICS?

We investigate the possibility of detecting the Podolsky generalized electrodynamics constant a. First we analyze an ion interferometry apparatus proposed by B. Neyenhuis et al. ( Phys. Rev. Lett.99, 200401 (2007)), who looked for deviations from Coulomb's inverse-square law in the context of Proca model. Our results show that this experiment has not enough precision for measurements of a. In order to set up bounds for a, we investigate the influence of Podolsky's electrostatic potential on the ground state of the Hydrogen atom. The value of the ground state energy of the Hydrogen atom requires Podolsky's constant to be smaller than 5.6 fm, or in energy scales larger than 35.51 MeV.

High Temperature Facility Under Vacuum for the Thermal Characterization of Anisotropic Materials

New applications in Aerospace or in Energy industries require the development of new insulating materials at high temperature exhibiting anisotropic properties. Their thermal characterization requires the development of new experimental facilities. The In-Plane measurements can be very difficult due to the thermal coupling that can appear between the sample and air in its vicinity, especially for low conductivity materials. We will show that this problem can be solved either through theoretical models or by working under vacuum. A new facility developed in LEMTA for the thermal characterization at high temperature and under vacuum of anisotropic materials is presented. This type of measurements allows us to get rid of convection effects and non-homogenous oxidation of the material. This method is fast and accurate thank to the inverse method based on an analytical model and allow to estimate through only one experiment the three diffusivities in each direction.

Consequences of food energy excess and positive energy balance

This paper discusses possible consequences of energy excess throughout the life cycle. Firstly we consider the effects of foods on hunger, satiety and satiation. Also, the changes in food availability and consumption in relation to changes in social and economic determinants of energy excess. The relationship between physical activity and energy intake (EI) is also considered. Secondly we explore the definition of energy excess and the metabolic effects of macronutrients (mainly in relation to fuel partitioning oxidation/storage) on energy balance. The cellular and molecular regulation determined by specific genes involved in lipogenesis, fuel partitioning and/or in energy dissipation are explored. Thirdly, we examine the main consequences induced by energy excess and positive energy balance, starting with the alterations in glucose utilisation (insulin resistance) leading to type 2 diabetes and the linkage of energy excess with other non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Biological, social and psychological consequences during perinatal, childhood and adolescence periods are specifically analysed. Fourthly, the transition from energy deficit to excess, under the optic of a developing country is analysed with country examples drawn from Latin America. The possible role of supplementary food programmes in determining positive energy balance is discussed especially in relation to pre-school and school feeding programmes. Fifthly, we deal with the economic costs of energy excess and obesity related diseases. Finally, some areas where further research is needed are described; biological and genetic determinants of individual and population energy requirements, foods and food preparations as actually consumed, consumer education and research needs on social determinants of energy imbalances.