Showing posts with label near. Show all posts
Showing posts with label near. Show all posts
Thursday, May 25, 2017
Looking for Algal Oil with Near Infrared Light
Looking for Algal Oil with Near Infrared Light
A new method has been introduced for telling which strains of algae are likely to be any good for turning into biofuels based on Near Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. The near infrared spectrum runs the range of wavelengths 800 - 2500 nm, and is therefore just below the region of visible light but above the usual mid-infrared, at 2,500 - 30,000 nm. The discovery of infrared radiation is attributed to the British/German Astronomer Herschel, who also wrote 24 symphonies. However, NIR only came to practical use in the 1950s as an analytical device. NIR is less sensitive than normal (mid) IR but can penetrate samples more easily meaning they need less analytical preparation and in the case of algae can be examined in their raw state.
Algae very considerably in their composition, and while some varieties contain around 50% of their weight of oil, others hold as little as 5%. Not only this, but the "oil" should contain a high level of fatty acids to be converted into biodiesel: triglycerides rather than phospholipids.
The NIR method is highly specific for the detection of different kinds of fatty acids and it is intended to develop a database of fingerprints for different fatty acid components in algal biomass, with which to analyse actual algae. The method offers the promise of a rapid and precise screening of algae directly rather than the existing time-consuming, cumbersome and error-prone means for analysing algae, and may prove pivotal in the development of a putative fuel industry based on algae.
Related reading.
"Striking algal oil," Chemistry World, By Anna Lewcock. http://www.rsc.org/chemistryworld/News/2010/March/12031001.asp
"Oil from algae; salvation from peak oil," C.J.Rhodes, Science progress, 2010, Vol. 92, 39-90.
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Tuesday, April 18, 2017
Locating Near Talent Pools
Locating Near Talent Pools
The Wall Street Journal writes today that firms are increasingly weighing availability of talent as they make location decisions. Heres an excerpt:
Fifty years ago, companies opened new locations to be near lumber, copper, or resources needed for their businesses. “Today, people are the natural resources,” said Meredith Amdur, an analytics expert at advisory firm CEB. Facing a tight labor market and a shortage of skilled workers, many large companies say that a city or region’s population of desirable workers is now the top factor in location decisions.
The focus on talent makes a great deal of sense. However, I think firms have to think in terms of identifying areas where hidden gems might exist. Yes, if you want programmers, you will find a great deal of talent in San Francisco. However, you will be battling many top firms for that talent, and it will be pricey. What if another city was home to some terrific universities, but it had a less competitive labor market? Or, what if some less "prestigious" universities actually were producing great and somewhat underrated talent? Thats what I mean by finding the hidden gems.
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