bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High Efficient Hydrogenation of Lignin-Derived Monophenols to Cyclohexanols over Pd/γ-Al2O3 under Mild Conditions
Authors: Yi Jian , Luo Yiping , He Ting , Jiang Zhicheng , Li Jianmei , Hu Changwei
Published: January 2016

The catalytic hydrogenation of lignin-derived monophenols with high efficiency and selectivity is important for the sustainable production of chemicals and fuels. Here, Pd/γ-Al2O3 was prepared via impregnation and used as catalyst for the hydrogenation of phenols to cyclohexanols under mild conditions in aqueous solution. 3 wt. % Pd/γ-Al2O3 exhibited good catalytic activity for the selective hydrogenation of 4-ethylphenol into 4-ethylcyclohexanol, and a conversion of 100% with selectivity of 98.9% was achieved at 60 °C for 12 h. Other lignin-derived monophenolic model compounds such as 4-methyl phenol and 4-propyl phenol could be hydrogenated into cyclohexanols selectively under optimal conditions. Moreover, the Pd/γ-Al2O3 catalyst displayed good activity for the hydrogenation of the mixture of monophenols directly derived from raw biomass system to cyclohexanols as the main products, and was favorable for the depolymerization of lignin oligomers under milder conditions. Pd/γ-Al2O3 catalyst showed good water resistance and stability after recycling four times. This result might provide a promising approach to selectively producing cyclohexanol directly from raw biomass material under mild conditions in aqueous solutions.
The Impact of Heatwaves on Community Morbidity and Healthcare Usage: A Retrospective Observational Study Using Real-Time Syndromic Surveillance
Authors: Smith Sue , Elliot Alex , Hajat Shakoor , Bone Angie , Bates Chris , Smith Gillian , Kovats Sari
Published: January 2016

We investigated the impact of a moderate heatwave on a range of presenting morbidities in England. Asthma, difficulty breathing, cerebrovascular accident, and cardiovascular symptoms were analysed using general practitioner in hours (GPIH), out of hours (GPOOH) and emergency department (ED) syndromic surveillance systems. Data were stratified by age group and compared between a heatwave year (2013) and non-heatwave years (2012, 2014). Incidence rate ratios were calculated to estimate the differential impact of heatwave compared to non-heatwave summers: there were no apparent differences for the morbidities tested between the 2013 heatwave and non-heatwave years. A subset of GPIH data were used to study individuals at higher risk from heatwaves based on their pre-existing disease. Higher risk patients were not more likely to present at GPs or ED than other individuals. Comparing GPIH consultations and ED attendances for myocardial infarction/ischaemia (MI), there was evidence of a fall in the presentation of MI during the heatwave, which was particularly noted in the 65–74 years age group (and over 75 years in ED attendances). These results indicate the difficulty in identifying individuals at risk from non-fatal health effects of heatwaves and hot weather.
Occupational Stress, Work-Family Conflict and Depressive Symptoms among Chinese Bank Employees: The Role of Psychological Capital
Authors: Kan Dan , Yu Xiaosong
Published: January 2016

Although depression is a major problem affecting the physical and mental health of the occupational population worldwide, little research is available among bank employees. The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of occupational stress and work-family conflict on depressive symptoms and the mediating role of psychological capital (PsyCap). A cross-sectional study was performed from May to June in 2013 in Liaoning province, China. The effort-reward imbalance (ERB) scale, the work-family conflict scale, the PsyCap questionnaire and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale were completed by 1546 employees in state-owned banks. A total of 1239 effective respondents (467 men and 772 women) became our subjects. Hierarchical regression analysis was carried out to explore the effects of extrinsic effort, reward, overcommitment, work-family conflict, and PsyCap on depressive symptoms. The mediating role of PsyCap was examined using Preacher and Hayes’ asymptotic and resampling strategies. The mean score of depressive symptoms was 18.4 (SD = 7.6) among the Chinese bank employees. Extrinsic effort, overcommitment and work-family conflict were positively associated with depressive symptoms. Reward and PsyCap were negatively associated with depressive symptoms. The significant mediating roles of PsyCap in the associations of extrinsic effort (a*b = 0.046, BCa 95% CI: 0.029, 0.066) and reward (a*b = −0.047, BCa 95% CI: −0.065, −0.030) with depressive symptoms were revealed. There is a high level of depressive symptoms among Chinese bank employees. PsyCap partially mediates the effects of extrinsic effort and reward on depressive symptoms. Investing in PsyCap may provide new approaches to improve mental health among Chinese bank employees.
Enrichment of Secondary Wastewater Sludge for Production of Hydrogen from Crude Glycerol and Comparative Evaluation of Mono-, Co- and Mixed-Culture Systems
Authors: Pachapur Vinayak , Kutty Prianka , Brar Satinder , Ramirez Antonio
Published: January 2016

Anaerobic digestion using mixed-culture with broader choice of pretreatments for hydrogen (H2) production was investigated. Pretreatment of wastewater sludge by five methods, such as heat, acid, base, microwave and chloroform was conducted using crude glycerol (CG) as substrate. Results for heat treatment (100 °C for 15 min) showed the highest H2 production across the pretreatment methods with 15.18 ± 0.26 mmol/L of medium at 30 °C in absence of complex media and nutrient solution. The heat-pretreated inoculum eliminated H2 consuming bacteria and produced twice as much as H2 as compared to other pretreatment methods. The fermentation conditions, such as CG concentration (1.23 to 24 g/L), percentage of inoculum size (InS) (1.23% to 24% v/v) along with initial pH (2.98 to 8.02) was tested using central composite design (CCD) with H2 production as response parameter. The maximum H2 production of 29.43 ± 0.71 mmol/L obtained at optimum conditions of 20 g/L CG, 20% InS and pH 7. Symbiotic correlation of pH over CG and InS had a significant (p-value: 0.0011) contribution to H2 production. The mixed-culture possessed better natural acclimatization activity for degrading CG, at substrate inhibition concentration and provided efficient inoculum conditions in comparison to mono- and co-culture systems. The heat pretreatment step used across mixed-culture system is simple, cheap and industrially applicable in comparison to mono-/co-culture systems for H2 production.
Optimizing a Male Reproductive Aging Mouse Model by d-Galactose Injection
Authors: Liao Chun-Hou , Chen Bing-Huei , Chiang Han-Sun , Chen Chiu-Wei , Chen Mei-Feng , Ke Chih-Chun , Wang Ya-Yun , Lin Wei-Ning , Wang Chi-Chung , Lin Ying-Hung
Published: January 2016

The d-galactose (d-gal)-injected animal model, which is typically established by administering consecutive subcutaneous d-gal injections to animals for approximately six or eight weeks, has been frequently used for aging research. In addition, this animal model has been demonstrated to accelerate aging in the brain, kidneys, liver and blood cells. However, studies on aging in male reproductive organs that have used this animal model remain few. Therefore, the current study aimed to optimize a model of male reproductive aging by administering d-gal injections to male mice and to determine the possible mechanism expediting senescence processes during spermatogenesis. In this study, C57Bl/6 mice were randomized into five groups (each containing 8–10 mice according to the daily intraperitoneal injection of vehicle control or 100 or 200 mg/kg dosages of d-gal for a period of six or eight weeks). First, mice subjected to d-gal injections for six or eight weeks demonstrated considerably decreased superoxide dismutase activity in the serum and testis lysates compared to those in the control group. The lipid peroxidation in testis also increased in the d-gal-injected groups. Furthermore, the d-gal-injected groups exhibited a decreased ratio of testis weight/body weight and sperm count compared to the control group. The percentages of both immotile sperm and abnormal sperm increased considerably in the d-gal-injected groups compared to those of the control group. To determine the genes influenced by the d-gal injection during murine spermatogenesis, a c-DNA microarray was conducted to compare testicular RNA samples between the treated groups and the control group. The d-gal-injected groups exhibited RNA transcripts of nine spermatogenesis-related genes (Cycl2, Hk1, Pltp, Utp3, Cabyr, Zpbp2, Speer2, Csnka2ip and Katnb1) that were up- or down-regulated by at least two-fold compared to the control group. Several of these genes are critical for forming sperm-head morphologies or maintaining nuclear integration (e.g., cylicin, basic protein of sperm head cytoskeleton 2 (Cylc2), casein kinase 2, alpha prime interacting protein (Csnka2ip) and katanin p80 (WD40-containing) subunit B1 (Katnb1)). These results indicate that d-gal-injected mice are suitable for investigating male reproductive aging.
Correlation of High Magnetoelectric Coupling with Oxygen Vacancy Superstructure in Epitaxial Multiferroic BaTiO3-BiFeO3 Composite Thin Films
Authors: Lorenz Michael , Wagner Gerald , Lazenka Vera , Schwinkendorf Peter , Bonholzer Michael , Van Bael Margriet , Vantomme André , Temst Kristiaan , Oeckler Oliver , Grundmann Marius
Published: January 2016

Epitaxial multiferroic BaTiO3-BiFeO3 composite thin films exhibit a correlation between the magnetoelectric (ME) voltage coefficient αME and the oxygen partial pressure during growth. The ME coefficient αME reaches high values up to 43 V/(cm·Oe) at 300 K and at 0.25 mbar oxygen growth pressure. The temperature dependence of αME of the composite films is opposite that of recently-reported BaTiO3-BiFeO3 superlattices, indicating that strain-mediated ME coupling alone cannot explain its origin. Probably, charge-mediated ME coupling may play a role in the composite films. Furthermore, the chemically-homogeneous composite films show an oxygen vacancy superstructure, which arises from vacancy ordering on the {111} planes of the pseudocubic BaTiO3-type structure. This work contributes to the understanding of magnetoelectric coupling as a complex and sensitive interplay of chemical, structural and geometrical issues of the BaTiO3-BiFeO3 composite system and, thus, paves the way to practical exploitation of magnetoelectric composites.
Bottom-Up Synthesis and Sensor Applications of Biomimetic Nanostructures
Authors: Wang Li , Sun Yujing , Li Zhuang , Wu Aiguo , Wei Gang
Published: January 2016

The combination of nanotechnology, biology, and bioengineering greatly improved the developments of nanomaterials with unique functions and properties. Biomolecules as the nanoscale building blocks play very important roles for the final formation of functional nanostructures. Many kinds of novel nanostructures have been created by using the bioinspired self-assembly and subsequent binding with various nanoparticles. In this review, we summarized the studies on the fabrications and sensor applications of biomimetic nanostructures. The strategies for creating different bottom-up nanostructures by using biomolecules like DNA, protein, peptide, and virus, as well as microorganisms like bacteria and plant leaf are introduced. In addition, the potential applications of the synthesized biomimetic nanostructures for colorimetry, fluorescence, surface plasmon resonance, surface-enhanced Raman scattering, electrical resistance, electrochemistry, and quartz crystal microbalance sensors are presented. This review will promote the understanding of relationships between biomolecules/microorganisms and functional nanomaterials in one way, and in another way it will guide the design and synthesis of biomimetic nanomaterials with unique properties in the future.
Natural Products from Marine Fungi—Still an Underrepresented Resource
Authors: Imhoff Johannes
Published: January 2016

Marine fungi represent a huge potential for new natural products and an increased number of new metabolites have become known over the past years, while much of the hidden potential still needs to be uncovered. Representative examples of biodiversity studies of marine fungi and of natural products from a diverse selection of marine fungi from the author’s lab are highlighting important aspects of this research. If one considers the huge phylogenetic diversity of marine fungi and their almost ubiquitous distribution, and realizes that most of the published work on secondary metabolites of marine fungi has focused on just a few genera, strictly speaking Penicillium, Aspergillus and maybe also Fusarium and Cladosporium, the diversity of marine fungi is not adequately represented in investigations on their secondary metabolites and the less studied species deserve special attention. In addition to results on recently discovered new secondary metabolites of Penicillium species, the diversity of fungi in selected marine habitats is highlighted and examples of groups of secondary metabolites produced by representatives of a variety of different genera and their bioactivities are presented. Special focus is given to the production of groups of derivatives of metabolites by the fungi and to significant differences in biological activities due to small structural changes.
Porous γ-TiAl Structures Fabricated by Electron Beam Melting Process
Authors: Mohammad Ashfaq , Alahmari Abdulrahman , Moiduddin Khaja , Mohammed Muneer , Alomar Abdulrahman , Renganayagalu Ravi
Published: January 2016

Porous metal structures have many benefits over fully dense structures for use in bio-implants. The designs of porous structures can be made more sophisticated by altering their pore volume and strut orientation. Porous structures made from biocompatible materials such as titanium and its alloys can be produced using electron-beam melting, and recent reports have shown the biocompatibility of titanium aluminide (γ-TiAl). In the present work, we produced porous γ-TiAl structures by electron-beam melting, incorporating varying pore volumes. To achieve this, the individual pore dimensions were kept constant, and only the strut thickness was altered. Thus, for the highest pore volume of ~77%, the struts had to be as thin as half a millimeter. To accomplish such fine struts, we used various beam currents and scan strategies. Microscopy showed that selecting a proper scan strategy was most important in producing these fine struts. Microcomputed tomography revealed no major gaps in the struts, and the fine struts displayed compressive stiffness similar to that of natural bone. The characteristics of these highly-porous structures suggest their promise for use in bio-implants.
Direct Adherence of Fe(III) Particles onto Sheaths of Leptothrix sp. Strain OUMS1 in Culture
Authors: Kunoh Tatsuki , Hashimoto Hideki , Suzuki Tomoko , Hayashi Naoyuki , Tamura Katsunori , Takano Mikio , Kunoh Hitoshi , Takada Jun
Published: January 2016

Leptothrix species, one of the Fe/Mn-oxidizing bacteria, oxidize Fe(II) and produce extracellular, microtubuar, Fe-encrusted sheaths. Since protein(s) involved in Fe(II) oxidation is excreted from Leptothrix cells, the oxidation from Fe(II) to Fe(III) and subsequent Fe(III) deposition to sheaths have been thought to occur in the vicinity or within the sheaths. Previously, Fe(III) particles generated in MSVP medium amended with Fe(II) salts by abiotic oxidation were directly recruited onto cell-encasing and/or -free sheaths of L. cholodnii SP-6. In this study, whether this direct Fe(III) adherence to sheaths also occurs in silicon-glucose-peptone (SGP) medium amended with Fe(0) (SGP + Fe) was investigated using another strain of Leptothrix sp., OUMS1. Preparation of SGP + Fe with Fe powder caused turbidity within a few hours due to abiotic generation of Fe(III) particles via Fe(II), and the medium remained turbid until day 8. When OUMS1 was added to SGP + Fe, the turbidity of the medium cleared within 35 h as Fe(III) particles adhered to sheaths. When primitive sheaths, cell-killed, cell-free, or lysozyme/EDTA/SDS- and proteinase K-treated sheath remnants were mixed with Fe(III) particles, the particles immediately adhered to each. Thus, vital activity of cells was not required for the direct Fe(III) particle deposition onto sheaths regardless of Leptothrix strains.
Screening a Small Library of Xanthones for Antitumor Activity and Identification of a Hit Compound which Induces Apoptosis
Authors: Barbosa João , Lima Raquel , Sousa Diana , Gomes Ana , Palmeira Andreia , Seca Hugo , Choosang Kantima , Pakkong Pannee , Bousbaa Hassan , Pinto Madalena , Sousa Emília , Vasconcelos M. , Pedro Madalena
Published: January 2016

Our previous work has described a library of thioxanthones designed to have dual activity as P-glycoprotein modulators and antitumor agents. Some of these compounds had shown a significant cell growth inhibitory activity towards leukemia cell lines, without affecting the growth of non-tumor human fibroblasts. However, their effect in cell lines derived from solid tumors has not been previously studied. The present work aimed at: (i) screening this small series of compounds from an in-house library, for their in vitro cell growth inhibitory activity in human tumor cell lines derived from solid tumors; and (ii) initiate a study of the effect of the most potent compound on apoptosis. The tumor cell growth inhibitory effect of 27 compounds was first analysed in different human tumor cell lines, allowing the identification of a hit compound, TXA1. Its hydrochloride salt TXA1·HCl was then synthesized, to improve solubility and bioavailability. Both TXA1 and TXA1·HCl inhibited the growth of MCF-7, NCI-H460, A375-C5, HeLa, 786-O, Caki-2 and AGS cell lines. The effect of TXA1·HCl in MCF-7 cells was found to be irreversible and was associated, at least in part, with an increase in cellular apoptosis.
Low Temperature Soda-Oxygen Pulping of Bagasse
Authors: Yue Fengxia , Chen Ke-Li , Lu Fachuang
Published: January 2016

Wood shortages, environmental pollution and high energy consumption remain major obstacles hindering the development of today’s pulp and paper industry. Energy-saving and environmental friendly pulping processes are still needed, especially for non-woody materials. In this study, soda-oxygen pulping of bagasse was investigated and a successful soda-oxygen pulping process for bagasse at 100 °C was established. The pulping parameters of choice were under active alkali charge of 23%, maximum cooking temperature 100 °C, time hold at maximum temperature 180 min, initial pressure of oxygen 0.6 MPa, MgSO4 charge 0.5%, and de-pithed bagasse consistency 12%. Properties of the resultant pulp were screened yield 60.9%, Kappa number 14, viscosity 766 dm3/kg, and brightness 63.7% ISO. Similar pulps were also obtained at 110 °C or 105 °C with a cooking time of 90 min. Compared with pulps obtained at higher temperatures (115–125 °C), this pulp had higher screened yield, brightness, and acceptable viscosity, while the delignification degree was moderate. These results indicated that soda-oxygen pulping at 100 °C, the lowest cooking temperature reported so far for soda-oxygen pulping, is a suitable process for making chemical pulp from bagasse. Pulping at lower temperature and using oxygen make it an environmental friendly and energy-saving pulping process.
Selective and Efficient Generation of ortho-Brominated para-Substituted Phenols in ACS-Grade Methanol
Authors: Georgiev David , Saes Bartholomeus , Johnston Heather , Boys Sarah , Healy Alan , Hulme Alison
Published: January 2016

The mono ortho-bromination of phenolic building blocks by NBS has been achieved in short reaction times (15–20 min) using ACS-grade methanol as a solvent. The reactions can be conducted on phenol, naphthol and biphenol substrates, giving yields of >86% on gram scale. Excellent selectivity for the desired mono ortho-brominated products is achieved in the presence of 10 mol % para-TsOH, and the reaction is shown to be tolerant of a range of substituents, including CH3, F, and NHBoc.
Research Priorities for Fertility and Conception Research as Identified by Multidisciplinary Health Care Practitioners and Researchers
Authors: Moran Lisa , Spencer Laura , Russell Darryl , Hull Mary , Robertson Sarah , Varcoe Tamara , Davies Michael , Brown Hannah , Rodgers Raymond ,   Robinson Research Institute Consortium of Fertility and Conception Practitioners
Published: January 2016

The Robinson Research Institute of the University of Adelaide convened a multidisciplinary group of n = 33 clinicians, researchers and representatives of government organisations on the 2 October 2014 for a workshop entitled “Promoting fertility and healthy conception. How do we generate greater reproductive health awareness?” The key aim of the workshop was to assess the body of knowledge that informs clinical practice and government policy, and to identify questions and additional information needed by health practitioners and government representatives working in the field of reproductive health and to frame future research and policy. The workshop identified topics that fell mostly into three categories: lifestyle-related, societal and biological factors. The lifestyle topics included nutrition and diet, exercise, obesity, shift work and other factors deemed to be modifiable at the level of the individual. The societal topics included discussions of matters that are structural, and resistant to change by individuals, including specific ethical issues, social disadvantage, government and educational policies. The biological factors are intrinsic physical states of the individual, and included many factors where there is a dense body of scientific knowledge which may not be readily accessible in less academic language. This workshop thus provided an opportunity to identify further actions that could be undertaken to meet the needs of diverse organisations and groups of professionals with an interest in human fertility. Since so many factors in our social and biological environment can impact fertility and preconception health, it is imperative to involve many disciplines or levels of government or societal organisations that have not traditionally been involved in this area.
Viral Interactions with PDZ Domain-Containing Proteins—An Oncogenic Trait?
Authors: James Claire , Roberts Sally
Published: January 2016

Many of the human viruses with oncogenic capabilities, either in their natural host or in experimental systems (hepatitis B and C, human T cell leukaemia virus type 1, Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus, human immunodeficiency virus, high-risk human papillomaviruses and adenovirus type 9), encode in their limited genome the ability to target cellular proteins containing PSD95/ DLG/ZO-1 (PDZ) interaction modules. In many cases (but not always), the viruses have evolved to bind the PDZ domains using the same short linear peptide motifs found in host protein-PDZ interactions, and in some cases regulate the interactions in a similar fashion by phosphorylation. What is striking is that the diverse viruses target a common subset of PDZ proteins that are intimately involved in controlling cell polarity and the structure and function of intercellular junctions, including tight junctions. Cell polarity is fundamental to the control of cell proliferation and cell survival and disruption of polarity and the signal transduction pathways involved is a key event in tumourigenesis. This review focuses on the oncogenic viruses and the role of targeting PDZ proteins in the virus life cycle and the contribution of virus-PDZ protein interactions to virus-mediated oncogenesis. We highlight how many of the viral associations with PDZ proteins lead to deregulation of PI3K/AKT signalling, benefitting virus replication but as a consequence also contributing to oncogenesis.
Application and Optimization of relE as a Negative Selection Marker for Making Definitive Genetic Constructs in Uropathogenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Khetrapal Varnica , Mehershahi Kurosh , Chen Siyi , Chen Swaine
Published: January 2016

Studies of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) pathogenesis have relied heavily on genetic manipulation to understand virulence factors. We applied a recently reported positive-negative selection system to create a series of unmarked, scarless FimH mutants that show identical phenotypes to previously reported marked FimH mutants; these are now improved versions useful for definitive assignment of phenotypes to FimH mutations. We also increased the efficiency of this system by designing new primer sites, which should further improve the efficiency and convenience of using negative selection in UTI89, other UPEC, and other Enterobacteriaceae.
HBS-1: A Modular Child-Size 3D Printed Humanoid
Authors: Wu Lianjun , Larkin Miles , Potnuru Akshay , Tadesse Yonas
Published: January 2016

An affordable, highly articulated, child-size humanoid robot could potentially be used for various purposes, widening the design space of humanoids for further study. Several findings indicated that normal children and children with autism interact well with humanoids. This paper presents a child-sized humanoid robot (HBS-1) intended primarily for children’s education and rehabilitation. The design approach is based on the design for manufacturing (DFM) and the design for assembly (DFA) philosophies to realize the robot fully using additive manufacturing. Most parts of the robot are fabricated with acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) using rapid prototyping technology. Servomotors and shape memory alloy actuators are used as actuating mechanisms. The mechanical design, analysis and characterization of the robot are presented in both theoretical and experimental frameworks.
Galileo: The Added Value for Integrity in Harsh Environments
Authors: Borio Daniele , Gioia Ciro
Published: January 2016

A global navigation satellite system (GNSS)-based navigation is a challenging task in a signal-degraded environments where GNSS signals are distorted by multipath and attenuated by fading effects: the navigation solution may be inaccurate or unavailable. A possible approach to improve accuracy and availability is the joint use of measurements from different GNSSs and quality check algorithms; this approach is investigated here using live GPS and Galileo signals. A modified receiver autonomous integrity monitoring (RAIM) algorithm, including geometry and separability checks, is proposed to detect and exclude erroneous measurements: the multi-constellation approach provides redundant measurements, and RAIM exploits them to exclude distorted observations. The synergy between combined GPS/Galileo navigation and RAIM is analyzed using live data; the performance is compared to the accuracy and availability of a GPS-only solution. The tests performed demonstrate that the methods developed are effective techniques for GNSS-based navigation in signal-degraded environments. The joint use of the multi-constellation approach and of modified RAIM algorithms improves the performance of the navigation system in terms of both accuracy and availability.
Designing the Business Models for Circular Economy—Towards the Conceptual Framework
Authors: Lewandowski Mateusz
Published: January 2016

Switching from the current linear model of economy to a circular one has recently attracted increased attention from major global companies e.g., Google, Unilever, Renault, and policymakers attending the World Economic Forum. The reasons for this are the huge financial, social and environmental benefits. However, the global shift from one model of economy to another also concerns smaller companies on a micro-level. Thus, comprehensive knowledge on designing circular business models is needed to stimulate and foster implementation of the circular economy. Existing business models for the circular economy have limited transferability and there is no comprehensive framework supporting every kind of company in designing a circular business model. This study employs a literature review to identify and classify the circular economy characteristics according to a business model structure. The investigation in the eight sub-domains of research on circular business models was used to redefine the components of the business model canvas in the context of the circular economy. Two new components—the take-back system and adoption factors—have been identified, thereby leading to the conceptualization of an extended framework for the circular business model canvas. Additionally, the triple fit challenge has been recognized as an enabler of the transition towards a circular business model. Some directions for further research have been outlined, as well.
Stochastic Forecast of the Financial Sustainability of Basic Pension in China
Authors: Tian Yuehong , Zhao Xianglian
Published: January 2016

The paper focuses on the stochastic forecast of the financial sustainability ofbasic pension, based on predictions for the population of China. The population was calculated iteratively by using Leslie matrix. An auto-regressive moving average model was adapted for the predictions of the fertility rates and the mortality rates. The Monte Carlo stochastic method was adapted for the projections of the dynamic process of the financial sustainability of the basic pension from 2013 to 2087 by 5000 times simulation. The forecasting results show that the imbalance of basic pension will occur in 2026. If the statutory retirement age is postponed by five years, the occurrence of the financial gap of the basic pension may be delayedby about 20 years, and the median deficit of basic pension will be reduced by about 64.25% in 2087.
Modeling and Multi-Objective Optimization of Engine Performance and Hydrocarbon Emissions via the Use of a Computer Aided Engineering Code and the NSGA-II Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Turkson Richard , Yan Fuwu , Ali Mohamed , Liu Bo , Hu Jie
Published: January 2016

It is feared that the increasing population of vehicles in the world and the depletion of fossil-based fuel reserves could render transportation and other activities that rely on fossil fuels unsustainable in the long term. Concerns over environmental pollution issues, the high cost of fossil-based fuels and the increasing demand for fossil fuels has led to the search for environmentally friendly, cheaper and efficient fuels. In the search for these alternatives, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has been identified as one of the viable alternatives that could be used in place of gasoline in spark-ignition engines. The objective of the study was to present the modeling and multi-objective optimization of brake mean effective pressure and hydrocarbon emissions for a spark-ignition engine retrofitted to run on LPG. The use of a one-dimensional (1D) GT-Power™ model, together with Group Method of Data Handling (GMDH) neural networks, has been presented. The multi-objective optimization was implemented in MATLAB® using the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II). The modeling process generally achieved low mean squared errors (0.0000032 in the case of the hydrocarbon emissions model) for the models developed and was attributed to the collection of a larger training sample data using the 1D engine model. The multi-objective optimization and subsequent decisions for optimal performance have also been presented.
The Resilience of a Small Company and the Grounds of Capitalism: Thriving on Non-Knowledgeable Ground
Authors: Cardoso Margarida , Ramos Isabel
Published: January 2016

A case about a small company in Portugal enables an analysis of the resilience of small companies undergoing open innovation environments. Successfully facing non-knowledgeable grounds―which means insecurity, likelihood of disruption risk and uncertainty—is only possible through constant adaptation, by which a company can thrive and, through rational thinking, enable continuity. This study shows that open innovation achieved through agile partnerships can provide the resources and synergies necessary for the continued adaptation of small businesses to environments of high uncertainty. An ability to innovatively adapt is a central characteristic of resilient companies.
The Effect of Land Use on Availability of Japanese Freshwater Resources and Its Significance for Water Footprinting
Authors: Motoshita Masaharu , Ono Yuya , Finkbeiner Matthias , Inaba Atsushi
Published: January 2016

All relevant effects on water must be assessed in water footprinting for identifying hotspots and managing the impacts of products, processes, and services throughout the life cycle. Although several studies have focused on physical water scarcity and degradation of water quality, the relevance of land use in water footprinting has not been widely addressed. Here, we aimed to verify the extent of land-use effect in the context of water footprinting. Intensity factors of land use regarding the loss of freshwater availability are modeled by calculating water balance at grid scale in Japan. A water footprint inventory and impacts related to land use are assessed by applying the developed intensity factors and comparing them with those related to water consumption and degradation. Artificial land use such as urban area results in the loss of many parts of available freshwater input by precipitation. When considering water footprint inventory, the dominance of land use is less than that of water consumption. However, the effect of land use is relevant to the assessment of water footprint impact by differentiating stress on water resources. The exclusion of land use effect underestimates the water footprint of goods produced in Japan by an average of around 37%.
Life Cycle Assessment and Optimization-Based Decision Analysis of Construction Waste Recycling for a LEED-Certified University Building
Authors: Kucukvar Murat , Egilmez Gokhan , Tatari Omer
Published: January 2016

The current waste management literature lacks a comprehensive LCA of the recycling of construction materials that considers both process and supply chain-related impacts as a whole. Furthermore, an optimization-based decision support framework has not been also addressed in any work, which provides a quantifiable understanding about the potential savings and implications associated with recycling of construction materials from a life cycle perspective. The aim of this research is to present a multi-criteria optimization model, which is developed to propose economically-sound and environmentally-benign construction waste management strategies for a LEED-certified university building. First, an economic input-output-based hybrid life cycle assessment model is built to quantify the total environmental impacts of various waste management options: recycling, conventional landfilling and incineration. After quantifying the net environmental pressures associated with these waste treatment alternatives, a compromise programming model is utilized to determine the optimal recycling strategy considering environmental and economic impacts, simultaneously. The analysis results show that recycling of ferrous and non-ferrous metals significantly contributed to reductions in the total carbon footprint of waste management. On the other hand, recycling of asphalt and concrete increased the overall carbon footprint due to high fuel consumption and emissions during the crushing process. Based on the multi-criteria optimization results, 100% recycling of ferrous and non-ferrous metals, cardboard, plastic and glass is suggested to maximize the environmental and economic savings, simultaneously. We believe that the results of this research will facilitate better decision making in treating construction and debris waste for LEED-certified green buildings by combining the results of environmental LCA with multi-objective optimization modeling.
Organocatalytic Asymmetric α-Chlorination of 1,3-Dicarbonyl Compounds Catalyzed by 2-Aminobenzimidazole Derivatives
Authors: Sánchez Daniel , Baeza Alejandro , Alonso Diego
Published: January 2016

Bifunctional chiral 2-aminobenzimidazole derivatives 1 and 2 catalyze the enantioselective stereodivergent α-chlorination of β-ketoesters and 1,3-diketone derivatives with up to 50% ee using N-chlorosuccinimide (NCS) or 2,3,4,4,5,6-hexachloro-2,5-cyclohexadien-1-one as electrophilic chlorine sources.
Les attitudes de quelques agents du prince à l’époque des guerres des règnes de Marc Aurèle et Commode
Authors: Rossignol Benoît
Published: January 2016

The analysis of some noteworthy cases of officials’ attitudes in the second half of the second century raises questions. The heterogeneousness of the evidences restricts our ability to understand the attitudes of the emperor’s officials. However attitudes took place within explicit cultural representations : norms decided by the emperor, norms stemming from the culture of civic elites. The wars of the period allowed some officials to appear as guardians. But the empire, by its officials, could exercise an absolute violence over its subjects, as we can see in the case of the village of Petetei. To understand the attitudes of the emperor’s officials one must consider the social and political situation of their duty, which also gave them honour and distinction, peculiarly for the highest of officials. The attitudes depended on their social position but also on the position of the subjects. A protective attitude was only one of the possible forms of domination.
Skandasvāmin et le canon védique
Authors: D’Intino Silvia
Published: January 2016

Notre connaissance du Ṛgveda, et plus précisément de la Ṛksaṃhitā, va de pair avec l’histoire de son exégèse. Grâce au travail des commentateurs, la langue des hymnes a été recomposée. Les divers genres qui caractérisent l’exégèse montrent l’influence des «Écoles védiques » (śākhā) et demandent une mise en perspective. L’exemple de Skandasvāmin (VIIe siècle apr. J.-C.), auteur du premier commentaire du Ṛgveda de type bhāṣya, montre également une vision d’ensemble originale. Ses réflexions sur la nature des mantra et sur leur lien avec le rituel permettent d’éclairer son idée du «canon » védique. Dans le célèbre commentaire de Sāyaṇa, composé sept siècles plus tard, ces mêmes questions ne font plus débat : le contexte intellectuel a profondément changé, un nouveau projet de «canonisation » du Veda est en cours.
Migrations récentes entre l'Aquitaine et l'Afrique du Nord
Authors: Pinède Christiane
Published: January 2016

Les retours en métropole de Français installés en Afrique du Nord ont, ces dernières années, dissimulé un courant inverse de départs en direction du Maghreb. Ce chassé-croisé, qui a atteint son maximum de développement en 1955, enregistre, dans l'ensemble, deux fois plus d'installations outre-mer que de rapatriements en France. Les originaires de l'Est aquitain se rendent en Algérie et surtout au Maroc : alors que leur remplacement se fait avec quelques difficultés dans les départements algériens, leur substitution est largement réalisée dans le nouvel État. Il s'agit en effet d'un changement de personnel, composé en grande partie de fonctionnaires et pour la plupart d'éléments jeunes. L'émigration semble se produire plus spontanément à destination du Maroc que de la Tunisie. Mais, dans les deux cas, elle paraît devoir être temporaire, tout au plus viagère.
Les hauts niveaux des terrasses de la Garonne entre les Petites Pyrénées et l'Auroue
Authors: Rieucau Louis
Published: January 2016

Les hauts niveaux de la Garonne, définis par une analyse granulométrique et morphoscopique détaillée, se suivent sur plus de 100 km, des Petites Pyrénées à l'Agenais. La nappe de cailloutis ne dépasse pas 3 à 4 m d'épaisseur. La protection qu'ils ont assurée à la molasse sous-jacente a cependant été suffisante pour entraîner une véritable inversion de relief : cet ancien fond de vallée de la Garonne, parallèle au tracé actuel, domine les collines de la Gascogne gersoise par un « balcon » relativement abrupt, tandis qu'on descend à l'Est, sur la moyenne terrasse, par un talus en pente douce. La conservation des hauts niveaux a été néanmoins compromise par l'attaque des affluents de rive gauche du fleuve, qui les traversent ; il n'en reste parfois que des buttes.
Les races bovines dans le département de l'Aveyron
Authors: Mergoil Guy
Published: January 2016

A la convergence de plusieurs courants de diffusion du bétail et partagé entre diverses orientations économiques, le département de l'Aveyron possède un cheptel bovin très hétérogène dont la composition a subi, durant les vingt dernières années, une profonde évolution : déclin brutal des races traditionnelles (Aubrac, Salers) du fait de l'abandon de la traction animale et de la recherche d'une productivité supérieure ; progression rapide de la Brune des Alpes et de la Frisonne, notamment dans le Ségala où la production laitière s'associe de plus en plus à celle du veau de boucherie qu'elle supplante parfois ; implantation limitée des autres races (Normande, Pie-Rouge de l'Est, Charolaise, Limousine) mais importance croissante des produits de croisements.
Paysages du Cabardès occidental (Montagne Noire, sud-ouest du Massif central)
Authors: Cantegril Geneviève , Marty Danièle , Vié Simone
Published: January 2016

A local experimentation of the integrate study of natural environments on the southern stopes of the Montagne Noire towards the mediterranean plains of the lower Aude valley : four geosystems were recognized and defined according to their structure and dynamics, each of them being constituted by various geofacies and geotopes (see inap included). Evolution of the landscapes is actually depending on man's activities and it is generally perceived through biological (vegetation, soils) trends.
Les précipitations sur la diagonale Gironde-Méditerranée
Authors: Schneider Hans
Published: January 2016

Essai d'analyse des précipitations journalières, mensuelles et annuelles selon leur distribution, en poussant le plus loin possible l'étude des fréquences selon lesquelles se produisent les phénomènes. La carte de synthèse regroupe un grand nombre de ces paramètres de dispersion. D'autre part, l'emploi du coefficient de corrélation permet de tester l'extension spatiale des caractéristiques pluviométriques de chaque station. Ainsi, les caractères des trois faciès régionaux : Ouest de l'Aquitaine, Centre aquitain, bordure méditerranéenne, se trouvent exprimés de façon plus rigoureuse que par les descriptions classiques.
Le vent d'autan d'Aquitaine orientale
Authors: Vigneau Jean-Pierre
Published: January 2016

L'autan est un vent propre à l'Aquitaine orientale, soufflant du sud-est, souvent violent. Deux aspects sont traditionnellement décrits : l'autan blanc (de beau temps), l'autan noir (qui précède la pluie). Un essai de classification des types de temps à autan et une étude des sondages aérologiques permettent de distinguer : un « autan synoptique » lié soit à un anticyclone européen, soit à de fortes perturbations méditerranéennes et un « autan géographique » provoqué par un flux de secteur sud au-dessus des Pyrénées. Dans ce dernier cas, le franchissement de l'obstacle orographique par le courant d'altitude déclenche le mécanisme dans les basses couches et les conditions topographiques régionales déterminent direction, aire et turbulence de ce vent.
La forêt landaise : une forêt en mutation
Authors: Pinaud Anne-Marie
Published: January 2016

La forêt landaise a connu, au lendemain de la dernière guerre, une grave crise marquée notamment par les ravages causés par les incendies et les difficultés éprouvées à défendre les marchés traditionnellement ouverts aux produits de la forêt. Cependant, l'essor des papeteries, de l'industrie des panneaux de particules, de l'industrie des parquets ouvre de nouvelles perspectives. La volonté de rénover les méthodes d'exploitation de la forêt, grâce aux travaux de stations de recherche, se manifeste chez un grand nombre de propriétaires landais. Drainage et labour, usage rationnel d'engrais chimiques, amélioration génétique des peuplements, mise en pratique de la ligniculture sont les aspects les plus remarquables de cette transformation des méthodes.
La population du Sud-Ouest de la France en 1975
Authors: Marconis Robert
Published: January 2016

Provisional analysis of population trends in south western France (Aquitaine and Midi-Pyrénées). South western regions of France contributed 12,6 % of the nation's population a century ago, but only 9,1 % nowadays. The results of the 1975 Census demonstrate that there is an increase of population distribution contrasts within these regions. The births and deaths balance is slowly decreasing. The same for the migrations' balance. Urbanization is presently proceeding at a slower pace than in France. Finaly, as the population is still increasing in the larger agglomerations, it becomes clear that the down town districts are presently less populated than they used to be ; but, on the other hand, suburbian areas experimented a sharp population growth ; this evolution began sooner in Bordeaux than in Toulouse.
Les progrès du contrôle laitier en Quercy, Albigeois et Rouergue
Authors: Mergoil Guy
Published: January 2016

Dairy farming and milk control progress in South-western France. — Introduced since 1936 around Montauban (Tarn-et-Garonne), milk control gradually spread out into the neighbouring areas after the second world war but the decisive steps were taken only ten years ago. The controls remain the pride of a minority of farmers, restricted and limited to areas with a very old tradition of milk production (Montagne Noire and Montalbanais). Such controls are developing faster in areas which have come more recently to milk (Segalas of Aveyron and Lot). In the region as a whole, milk controls have speeded up the success of the Frisonne breed of cows and established their superiority.
Le Mirail en 1977
Authors: Lévy Jean-Paul
Published: January 2016

Toulouse-Le Mirail is fifteen years old. This was one of the first French experiments of new towns though it is part of Toulouse municipality. This was a new idea aimed at the transformation of living and housing habits and the improvement of social interrelations through a new type of housing and a reshaping of the urban environment. Some questions are rising as the first part of the plan is being completed. But the controversy is not only a local one.
Catalogne ou Catalognes ? Clivages régionalistes et concentrations capitalistes
Authors: Perrin René
Published: January 2016

Catalunyas o Catalunya : diferenciacions regionals i concentració capitalista. — Catalunya está formada de dues regions que la geografia oposa pero que la historia havia soldat estretament. L'intent del règim franquista de desprendre la Catalunya continental de la Catalunya del litoral a fracassât. Pero el desequilibri economic, social i cultural entre les dues bandes s'ha considérablement accentuât, cosa que crea un problema regional à l'interior del mateix principat.
Langue, société et espace en Catalogne du Nord
Authors: Bernardo D.-J.
Published: January 2016

L'actuelle confusion toponymique en matière de régionymes n'est que l'une des manifestations d'une crise profonde affectant les populations des terres catalanes annexées par la France lors du Traité des Pyrénées. Le présent article est consacré à la présentation de certaines composantes socio- linguistiques de cette crise — notamment, l'importance du fait linguistique dans l'émergence de la formation économique et sociale catalane, les processus de francisation et de minoritarisation ayant suivi l'annexion, l'idéologie provincialiste « roussillonniste », et les phénomènes de résistance linguistique.