È vero !

 

 

Não permitir a manifestação de grande júbilo ou grande lamento em relação a qualquer acontecimento, uma vez que a mutabilidade de todas as coisas pode transformá-lo completamente de um instante para o outro; em vez disso, usufruir sempre o presente da maneira mais serena possível: isso é sabedoria de vida. Em geral, porém, fazemos o contrário: planos e preocupações com o futuro ou também a saudade do passado ocupam-nos de modo tão contínuo e duradouro, que o presente quase sempre perde a sua importância e é negligenciado; no entanto, somento o presente é seguro, enquanto o futuro e mesmo o passado quase sempre são diferentes daquilo que pensamos. Sendo assim, iludimo-nos uma vida inteira.
Ora, para o eudemonismo, tudo isso é bastante positivo, mas uma filosofia mais séria faz com que justamente a busca do passado seja sempre inútil, e a preocupação com o futuro o seja com frequência, de modo que somente o presente constitui o cenário da nossa felicidade, mesmo se a qualquer momento se vier a transformar-se em passado e, então, tornar-se tão indiferente como se nunca tivesse existido. Onde fica, portanto, o espaço para a nossa felicidade?

Arthur Schopenhauer, in "A Arte de Ser Feliz"

Kasakhstan’s capital : Astana

 

"Central Downtown Astana 2" by Ken and Nyetta - Central Downtown Astana, Kazakhstan. Licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Central_Downtown_Astana_2.jpg#/media/File:Central_Downtown_Astana_2.jpg

A new spin on plasmonics

 

Thu, 05/07/2015 Aalto University Magnetic nanoparticles arranged in arrays put a twist on light: depending on the distance between the nanoparticles, one frequency of light (visible to the human eye by its colour) resonates in one direction; in the other direction, light (induced by quantum effects in the magnetic material) is enhanced at a different wavelength. Researchers experimentally demonstrated that patterning of magnetic materials into arrays of nanoscale dots can lead to a very strong and highly controllable modification of the polarization of light when the beam reflects from the array. This discovery could increase the sensitivity of optical components for telecommunication and biosensing applications. The result was just published in Nature Communications. The coupling between light and magnetization in ferromagnetic materials arises from quantum mechanical interactions. These interactions result in magneto-optical effects that modify the properties, such as the polarization axis or intensity of the light. Interactions between light and matter are enhanced at the nanoscale. This is a key motivation in the field of plasmonics, which studies light interacting with metal nanostructures. A nano-sized, metallic nanoparticle behaves very much like an antenna for visible wavelengths; such antennas are familiar to us in numerous everyday devices that operate on much longer radio- and micro-waves. The researchers took advantage of a phenomenon known as surface lattice resonances in which all the nanoparticles, the little antennas, radiate in unison in an array. The key to this is to assemble the magnetic nanoantennas on a length scale that matches the wavelength of the incoming light. In periodic arrays, nanoparticles interact strongly with each other, giving rise to collective oscillations. Such behavior has been previously reported in noble metal nanoparticles and researched extensively at Aalto Univ. in the Quantum Dynamics (QD) research group. Now, a collaborative effort between QD and the Nanomagnetism and Spintronics (NanoSpin) Group shows that such collective oscillations can also be observed in magnetic materials. The surface lattice resonances enhance the light polarization change in ferromagnetic materials, the so-called magneto-optical Kerr effect. "A key finding of our research was that the frequency, that is the color of light, for which this happens can be made different from the frequency where the purely optical effect is strongest. The separation of magneto-optical and optical signals was achieved by choosing a different distance between the nanoparticles in the two directions of the array," explains Prof. Päivi Törmä. Using magnetic materials was not an obvious choice. So far, optical activity in ferromagnetic materials has been limited by their high resistance, which makes it impossible to observe the impressive plasmon resonances seen in noble metals. "However, by ordering the nanoparticles in arrays and taking advantage of collective resonances, this problem was mitigated. Or result opens an important new direction in the research field that focuses on the coupling of light and magnetization at the nanoscale," says Prof. Sebastiaan van Dijken. The benefits of collaboration between research groups—those working in different fields—was essential for the success of the project. The authors stress that this kind of project would not have been possible to achieve without extensive knowledge in both optics and magnetism at the nanoscale. Their innovative work has created the groundwork for further explorations and has the potential to advance applications beyond fundamental physics. The joint team used the nanofabrication facilities in the Micronova cleanroom as well as the electron microscopy tools available in the Nanomicroscopy Center. Source: Aalto University

Potential painkiller provides longer lasting effects

 

Thu, 05/07/2015 Derek Thompson, University of Missouri-Columbia Medications have long been used to treat pain caused by injury or chronic conditions. Unfortunately, most are short-term fixes or cause side effects that limit their use. Researchers at the Univ. of Missouri have discovered a new compound that offers longer lasting painkilling effects, and shows promise as an alternative to current anesthetics. “Because of its versatility and effectiveness at quickly numbing pain in targeted areas, lidocaine has been the gold standard in local anesthetics for more than 50 years,” said George Kracke, PhD, associate professor of anesthesiology and perioperative medicine at the MU School of Medicine and lead author of the study. “While lidocaine is effective as a short-term painkiller, its effects wear off quickly. We developed a new compound that can quickly provide longer lasting relief. This type of painkiller could be beneficial in treating sports injuries or in joint replacement procedures.” Painkillers work by interfering with the nervous system’s transmission of nerve signals that the body perceives as pain. Lidocaine is used as an injectable pain reliever in minor surgical or dental procedures, or as a topical ointment or spray to relieve itching, burning and pain from shingles, sunburns, jellyfish stings and insect bites. The new compound developed at MU, boronicaine, could potentially serve many of those same functions as an injectable or topical painkiller. National Academy of Sciences member M. Frederick Hawthorne, PhD, director of MU’s International Institute of Nano and Molecular Medicine and a pioneer in the field of boron chemistry, synthesized boronicaine as a derivative of lidocaine. By changing aspects of the chemical structure of lidocaine, the researchers found that the new compound provided pain relief that lasted five times longer than lidocaine. In pre-clinical, early stage studies, boronicaine provided about 25 min of relief, compared to about five minutes of pain relief with lidocaine. “Although some conditions may warrant the use of a short-lasting painkiller, in many cases a longer lasting anesthetic is a better option,” Kracke said. “Having a longer lasting anesthetic reduces the dosage or number of doses needed, limiting the potential for adverse side effects.” While other types of painkillers can provide longer pain relief than lidocaine, they can cause heart toxicity, gastrointestinal issues and other side effects. Preliminary findings show no toxicity in single-dose studies of boronicaine, though more studies are needed. “Boronicaine could have distinct advantages over existing painkilling medications,” said Hawthorne, who also serves as the Curators’ Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and Radiology at MU. “We’re conducting more research into the side effects of the compound, but in time it could very well become a useful material to use as an anesthetic.” The study was published in ChemMedChem. Source: Univ. of Missouri-Columbia

Qatar Integrated Railway Project by UNStudio » Yanko Design

 

Urban Connectivity in Qatar Appointed as the principal architect for the Qatar Integrated Railway Project (QIRP) which will extend to 60 stations, the design forms a bridge between past and future, drawing inspiration from the vast regional architecture lexicon while representing an effective vision of modernism and preservation. With its strong identity, this new network creates instant recognition at busy intersections, serving as a permanent reminder of the alternative to private transportation. The full network is planned to comprise four lines connecting the GDA as well as Al Khor, and Al Wakrah-Mesaieed communities located north and south of Doha respectively. SCALES OF IDENTITY: A key concept within the design is one of creating varying scales of identity for the user: network identity, line identity and station identity. Network identity reflects the overall Qatar Rail brand using recurring design elements that will shape the architecture of the stations consistently throughout the network and will offer brand recognition with Doha’s urban fabric. Line identity is achieved by creating different atmospheres within the stations for the theme of each of the metro lines (Historic line, Coastal line, City line and Education line) through distinct wall and floor treatments, as well as through material applications that orient and guide the travellers through their journey. Individual station identity is achieved by displaying features positioned at strategic points in different areas of each station. The content of these features is specific to each station and is related to the local context and/or to the line theme. By integrating curated content throughout the stations, the Metro Network will serve as a cultural vehicle for Doha. VAULTED SPACES: Building upon existing elements found in the architecture of the region, in the architectural branding vision, the ‘Vault’ represents a new referential bridge between Qatar’s historic architecture and culture and its future as a beacon of innovation and prosperity. Drawing inspiration from the arch, expressions of traditional architecture, the lightness of the dhow sail, and the tensile profiles of nomadic tents, the ‘Vaulted Spaces’ design proposes a contemporary approach to the interpretation and morphological implementation of these elements. Through a system of interconnected triangular base forms, the massing of the geometry adapts and transforms to incorporate programmatic functions and to connect interior spaces with exterior urban infrastructure. ADAPTABILITY: The scale of the Metro intervention in Doha requires careful planning in order to comply with a strict time schedule and achieve minimum disruption in the urban environment. Flexibility becomes a design and planning objective at all levels of intervention. Using a large catalogue of architectural ‘branding’ elements, the design proposal represents a flexible new architectural system which can adapt itself to the scalar challenges set within the Metro Network. Drawing on innovative construction methodologies and materials, the Qatar Rail architectural identity is designed for an efficient organisation of the production and assembly of elements, resulting in an effective construction site and a high level of quality control. OYSTER: The materialisation principles are experienced through a duality of a pure, modest exterior versus a rich, illuminated mother of pearl effect interior. The exteriors reference the monolithic strength of old Qatari architecture, while the interior spaces create a radiant effect of movement and fluidity. The use of this uniquely Qatari ornamentation and material palette assists in dividing the large interior spaces and guiding pedestrians towards the transient spaces. The integrated light lines amplify the experience, function as natural wayfinding elements and contribute to a unique ambience for the Metro Network. CARAVANSERAI: Referencing the notion of Caravanserais – which were inns with enclosed courts that served as gathering and resting places on ancient trade routes – and following in the lineage of historic train palaces, the design generates social interaction and propagates place creation over space creation. Drawing on this tradition of key reference nodes along a travelling route, a sequence of wall attractors within the transient space of pedestrian flows create moments of diversity, opportunities for calmness and gathering and showcases for local culture and identity. Designer: UNStudio

Rural roadways paintings by Grant Haffner

 

source : www.fubiz.com

 

Grant Haffner est un artiste peintre californien. Il s’inspire principalement des routes de campagne et paysages à perte de vue pour créer des peintures, reflets de son amour pour sa région. Son coup de pinceau et sa palette de couleurs vives lui permettent de représenter habilement la vitesse et le rythme des routes rurales.

Morses Creek–Australia

 

Scenes from Brazil–republishing

 

Brazil, a growing, multicultural nation of more than 200 million people.  Brazilians face numerous challenges, building many new structures and the infrastructure to support them, while attending to existing challenges and "cleaning up" before the world comes to visit. Brazil is also huge (the largest country in the southern hemisphere), and its ecological diversity ranges from dense urban spaces to forested mountains, vast plains to sparkling beaches. It's impossible to sum up a country in a single photo essay, so take this as just a sample of recent scenes from around Brazil.

Sugarloaf mountain and Guanabara Bay, at dawn in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)

Yawalapiti children climb a tree to jump into the Xingu River in the Xingu National Park, Mato Grosso State. (Reuters/Ueslei Marcelino) #

A night view of the city of Belem, northeastern Brazil. . The city of Belem, located at the mouth of the Amazon River, has a population of more than 2.3 million in the greater metropolitan area and its 39 islands, according to the latest census.

A bird perches on a tree in front of the full moon in the Yawalapiti village at the Xingu National Park, Mato Grosso State.

John John Florence of Hawaii competes in the final of the Association of Surfing Professionals' men's 2012 ASP World Championship Tour at Barra da Tijuca beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. . Florence won the competition.

Participants arrive at the camping area of the VI edition of the Campus Party event in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The Campus Party is an annual week-long, 24-hour technology festival that gather around 7,000 hackers, developers, gamers and computer geeks.

View of the Pantanal from the Cidade de Pedra viewpoint in the Chapada dos Guimaraes national park, Mato Grosso state, western Brazil.. The Pantanal area, a sanctuary of biodiversity, is presently at risk because of the intensive culture of soybean and the deforestation, scientists said.

Hundreds of swimmers take part in the "Travessia dos Fortes" (Forts Crossing) men's category in Copacabana beach, in Rio de Janeiro.. Hundreds of swimmers took part in the 3,6km crossing from the Copacaban Fort to the Duque de Caxias Fort in Leme.
Vasco's Alecsandro Felisbino (right) vies with Corinthians's Marcio Passos during their Libertadores quarterfinal 1st leg in Rio de Janeiro..

Botafogo's fans cheers their team before the Carioca Championship final first leg soccer match against Fluminense, at Joao Havelange stadium in Rio de Janeiro.

View of Iguazu Falls, one of the Natural Seven Wonders of the World, from the Brazilian side, in Foz de Iguazu, Brazil. The waterfall system, 2.7 km long, consists of 275 falls, and has an annual peak flow of some 6,500 cubic meters a second. An acute drought has hit the famed falls, cutting back the tumbling waters to reveal the rocky sides. Only a third of the usual volume of water is now flowing over the top.

A Yawalapiti boy dips his head into the Xingu River in the Xingu National Park, Mato Grosso State.

Brazilian pianist Ricardo de Castro Monteiro plays in the air on a piano hanging from wires during the annual "Virada Cultural" event, in Sao Paulo, Brazil.. The Virada Cultural is a cultural party which offers 24 hours of uninterrupted attractions in stages around the city, such as music, dance, cooking, theatre, exhibitions of art and history and other forms of expression.

Roman Catholic faithful participate in the procession of candles in the streets around the Our Lady of Fatima shrine in Belem.. Brazilians have been honoring the Virgin Mary with this annual procession since 1966.

A sculpture cast from the body of British artist Antony Gormley, atop a building in downtown Sao Paulo.. The public exhibition titled "Event Horizon' uses 31 rooftops as a part of Gormley's exhibition at Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil. According to the organizers, when the exhibition began, many people confused the sculptures with potential suicides and reported them to authorities.

A worker walks through a soybean field on a farm in the city of Tangara da Serra in Cuiaba.

A physical therapist supports Luiza Ezaledo, 2, during a hydrotherapy session at the Association for the Aid of Disabled Children (AACD) in Sao Paulo.  The AACD, a non-profit organization that began in 1950 with just 14 patients, now works with some 8,000 young victims of disabling conditions and diseases such as cerebral palsy to give them better physical skills and improve their lives. Most of the patients are from impoverished or broken homes.

A man fishes on the rocks of Arpoador beach in Rio de Janeiro..

An egret stands on a ship mooring rope in Rio de Janeiro.

Hawaian Coco Ho competes during the final of the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) Billabong Rio Pro women's surfing competition at Barra da Tijuca beach in Rio de Janeiro..

           The interior of Biblioteca Nacional do Brasil, Brazil's National Library, in Rio de Janeiro.

                   A Brazilian military jet performs a fly-over at IndyCar's Sao Paulo 300 auto race..

 

Riders try to thread a wooden needle through a ring during a horse riding competition as part of the festivities known as the "Marujada" in celebration of St. Benedict, who is also known in Brazil as the "black saint", in Braganca in the northeastern state of Para.. The Marujada began in the 18th century when a group of black slaves were allowed by their owners to form the Fraternity of St. Benedict, and decided to dance through the streets as an expression of their gratitude.

Firefighters carry the body of a victim among the debris of a collapsed building, behind the Municipal Theater in Rio de Janeiro.. Two buildings collapsed in downtown Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday, in the latest incident highlighting the failure of authorities to improve the city's infrastructure amid preparations to host soccer's World Cup and the Olympics.

Kypato Kayapo, chief of Kayapo tribe from the Aukre community, receives post-cataract surgery ophthalmologic attention on the seventh day of the "Expedicionarios da Saude" (Brazilian Health Expeditions) medical expedition in the Kikretum community in Sao Felix.  Twice a year, volunteer doctors build a mobile hospital to provide clinical and surgical treatments for indigenous tribes and residents from different parts of the Amazonian Rainforest.

 

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Retired Brazilian police officer Andre Luiz Pinheiro, 50, dressed as the super-hero Batman, runs at Santa Terezinha Square, in Taubate city, Sao Paulo state. . Pinheiro has been called to help police patrol the crime-ridden streets of Taubate, in Brazil. He was officially presented on March 17 in the districts with the highest crime rates in Sao Paulo state. Police captain Warley Takeo, one of the policemen who decided to bring in the character to help them fight drug traffickers, said the measure would bring long-term benefits. Takeo said making a connection between the police and Batman would help children have a clearer idea of good and bad.

Brazil's Talita Antunes prepares to serve during a beach volleyball training match on Ipanema beach in Rio de Janeiro.

Tourists take in the view above Rio de Janeiro, from the Sugar Loaf cable car station.

A policeman patrols the Rocinha Slum during an operation to find a man who killed a policeman during a shootout in one of the slum's alleys in Rio de Janeiro.  According to local media, nine people were killed in Rocinha in the last two months during a dispute on the control of the drug traffic. Three thousand troops, backed by helicopters and armored vehicles, occupied Rio de Janeiro's largest slum without firing a shot on November 13, the biggest step in the Brazilian city's bid to improve security and end the reign of drug gangs. 

A worker climbs scaffolding around a century-old port warehouse undergoing renovation in Rio de Janeiro, on.  A multi-billion dollar project remaking Rio's port region into a tourism and business hub called "Porto Maravilha" ("Port of the 2016 Olympics, has also unearthed Valongo port, once the single busiest slave-trading port in the world where up to a million men and women forced into bondage arrived from Africa.

 

 

X-47B makes first touch-and-go landings on carrier–republishing

 

X-47B leaving the flight deck after a touch-and-go landing (Image: US Navy by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tony D. Curtis)

On Friday May 17, the US Navy's X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System Demonstrator took another historic step as it conducted its first touch-and-go landings on the nuclear aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush off the coast of Virginia. This maneuver is a critical achievement in the Navy’s program to develop an autonomous, unmanned, jet-powered combat aircraft capable for operating from a carrier.

A touch-and-go landing (also known as “circuits and bumps”) is where an aircraft touches its wheels to a runway or flight deck, but does not come to a full stop. Instead, it throttles up and takes off again. It’s a common training maneuver and it allows the X-47B to repeatedly demonstrate its ship-relative navigation and ability to make precision touchdowns on the deck of a carrier at sea.

"When we operate in a very dynamic and harsh carrier environment, we need networks and communication links that have high integrity and reliability to ensure mission success and provide precise navigation and placement of an unmanned vehicle," said Captain Jaime Engdahl, program manager for Unmanned Combat Air Systems program office. "Today, we have demonstrated this with the X-47B, and we will continue to demonstrate consistent, reliable, repeatable touchdown locations on a moving carrier flight deck."

The X-47B used was one of two built by Northrop Grumman to demonstrate autonomous carrier operations, including launch, recovery and operations within 50 nautical miles (57.5 miles/92.6 km) of a carrier. One of the two test drones is designed to carry out in-flight refueling tests as well. The intention is that the technology developed for the X-47B will one day lead to autonomous unmanned carrier-based aircraft for surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat duty.

The May 17 operation follows closely on the X-47B’s successful catapult launch from the USS George H.W. Bush on May 14. After completing the current round of carrier tests, the X-47B will return to Naval Air Station Patuxent River to conduct shore-based capture landings before trying its first true carrier landing later this year.

 

10 Reasons Why Brazil Will Become A World Super Power

 

I have lived in Brazil for close to 7 years. I have married a Brazilian woman, and I have two children, one which was born in Rio de Janeiro. So I am very embedded in Brazil, but I believe that I can state in an unbiased manner why I believe that Brazil is set to become an economic super power. When I look at the facts, it is a stark and scary difference to compare the fundamentals of the US economy with that of Brazil. 1. No wars or enemies Only 25 years ago, Brazil was a military dictatorship. But since that time, Brazil has avoided military conflict. This of course is in stark contrast to the United States, where we manufacture reasons to go to war (weapons of mass destruction). 2. Made in Brazil By and large, Brazil’s trade policy has been protectionist. Still today, many conveniences of American modern life are either non existent or very expensive. One area where they could improve greatly is in technology such as computers. Computers are still very expensive in Brazil and hence internet adoption and basic computing skills lag behind other developed nations. That said, the upshot of this policy is that Brazil produces almost everything it consumes. A great example are cars. Cars are affordable in Brazil, and I would say that 90% of the automobiles in Brazil are made in Brazil. Contrast this with the United States. If you want to buy a vase or a cutting board, they are all made in China. All of the basic commodities of life in Brazil are manufactured and consumed internally. 3. High interest rates As I have stated, I am truly afraid of the American economic system that now has interest rates pegged at zero. I believe that the countries that have the highest interest rates will fare the best during the economic melt down. High interest rates also encourage savings rather spending. Furthermore, high interest rates can be lowered to provide an economic stimulus for the economy. I have been very fortunate and have been moving down large percentages of my savings into the equivalent of Brazilian T-bills. When I first purchased my apartment in 2003, interest rates were sitting at 20%. Since that time, it has dropped to 13% in 2008 and 9% in 2009. That said, I am much happier making 9% on my money here in Brazil than 0% in the United States. 4. Natural resources galore I am astounded with the naturals resources in Brazil. Brazil is a huge land mass that is actually larger than the 48 continguous states of America. On this land is incredible wealth. Brazil is the largest exporter in the world of wood and one of the largest exporters of copper. But it does not end there. The number of fruits and vegetables in Brazil are astounding. Just going to the super market for an American is confusing because they have everything that American’s are accustomed plus so much more. I have just finished doing a bunch of Googling, but could not find anything. I would bet however if there was an index to measure the natural abundance of a country, Brazil would be the winner. 5. No natural disasters In the United States, we all pay more for insurance because of natural disasters. In Myrtle Beach, it is for hurricanes, in the mid-west for tornadoes, and on the west coast, for earthquakes. Brazil has no natural disasters. There is some small amount of flooding in some areas but that is it. 6. Lots of water In addition to all of the natural resources, Brazil has an abundance of water. It rains in Brazil a lot. In some parts of the United States such as California and Nevada, water will always be an infrastructure concern. In Brazil, none. 7. Oil aplenty Off the coast of Rio de Janeiro, one of the largest oil finds was discovered. It will take years to drill, remove and distribute this oil, but Rio de Janeiro is beginning to feel like a boom town. All the major oil companies in the world are establishing operations here in Brazil. The Brazilian Petrobras is positioned to catapult into a top tier energy provider during the next decade. 8. Leading producer of alcohol Brazil is also the world’s largest exporter of ethanol. As long as I have lived here, Brazil has always been energy independent. More importantly, all of Brazil’s cars are manufactured to burn both ethanol and gasoline. Furthermore, the country’s infrastructure is already set up so that all “gas” stations handle both alcohol and gasoline. Note: ethanol is always about 30% cheaper than gasoline. 9. Government runs a surplus The United States is so upside down, it is painful to watch. The trade deficit plus the federal deficit will be enough to sink the United States. On the other hand, Brazil is running a surplus on federal spending and also on trade. 10. Infrastructure I am not very traveled throughout Brazil, but I recently visited Goiânia and Anápolis, both north of Rio de Janeiro. Goiânia has a metropolitan population of around 2.2M which makes it roughly the size of Pittsburgh. I visited the city and it is full of life, shopping malls, and it is a world class city. I also visited my wife’s home town of Anápolis, which has a population of 320,000. Much smaller in size, but again a city that is well developed. Brazil has a lot of the infrastructure to grow substantially in the decade to come. Conclusion Brazil is not without its problems. Government corruption is documented in the paper almost daily. The gap between the rich and the poor is the largest of any developed country. This results in higher violence levels in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. However, I believe that Brazil will grow and prosper despite these inherent problems