bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A General Framework for Incorporating Stochastic Recovery in Structural Models of Credit Risk
Authors: Cohen Albert , Costanzino Nick
Published: December 2017

In this work, we introduce a general framework for incorporating stochastic recovery into structural models. The framework extends the approach to recovery modeling developed in Cohen and Costanzino (2015, 2017) and provides for a systematic way to include different recovery processes into a structural credit model. The key observation is a connection between the partial information gap between firm manager and the market that is captured via a distortion of the probability of default. This last feature is computed by what is essentially a Girsanov transformation and reflects untangling of the recovery process from the default probability. Our framework can be thought of as an extension of Ishizaka and Takaoka (2003) and, in the same spirit of their work, we provide several examples of the framework including bounded recovery and a jump-to-zero model. One of the nice features of our framework is that, given prices from any one-factor structural model, we provide a systematic way to compute corresponding prices with stochastic recovery. The framework also provides a way to analyze correlation between Probability of Default (PD) and Loss Given Default (LGD), and term structure of recovery rates.
Land-Air Interactions over Urban-Rural Transects Using Satellite Observations: Analysis over Delhi, India from 1991–2016
Authors: Jain Madhavi , Dimri A. , Niyogi Dev
Published: December 2017

Over the past four decades Delhi, India, has witnessed rapid urbanization and change in land use land cover (LULC) pattern, with most of the cultivable areas and wasteland being converted into built-up areas. Presently around 40% land is under built-up area, a drastic rise of 30% from 1977. The effect of changing LULC, at a local scale, on various variables-land surface temperature (LST), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), emissivity, albedo, evaporation, Bowen ratio, and planetary boundary layer (PBL) height, from 1991–2016, is investigated. To assess the spatio-temporal dynamics of land-air interactions, we select two different 100 km transects covering the NE-SW and NW-SE expanse of Delhi and its adjoining areas. High NDVI and emissivity is found for regions with green cover and drastic reduction is noted in built-up area clusters. In both of the transects, land surface variations manifest itself in patterns of LST variation. Parametric and non-parametric correlations are able to statistically establish the land-air interactions in the city. NDVI, an indirect indicator for LULC classes, significantly helps in understanding the modifications in LST and ultimately air temperature. Significant, strong positive relationships exist between skin temperature and evaporation, skin temperature and PBL height, and PBL height and evaporation, providing insights into the meteorological changes that are associated with urbanization.
High-Resolution Mapping of Freeze/Thaw Status in China via Fusion of MODIS and AMSR2 Data
Authors: Hu Tongxi , Zhao Tianjie , Shi Jiancheng , Wu Shengli , Liu Dan , Qin Haiming , Zhao Kaiguang
Published: December 2017

Transition of freeze/thaw (F/T) affects land-atmospheric interactions and other biospheric dynamics. Global F/T statuses are normally monitored using microwave remote sensing, but at coarse resolutions (e.g., 25 km). Integration of coarse microwave remote sensing data with finer satellite products represents an opportunity to further enhance our ability to map F/T statuses regionally and globally. Here, we implemented and tested an approach to generate daily F/T status maps at a 5-km spatial resolution through the fusion of passive microwave data from AMSR2 and land surface temperature products from MODIS, using China as our study area for the year 2013 and 2014. Moreover, possible influences from elevation, vegetation, seasonality, etc., were also analyzed, as such analysis provides a direction to improve the approach. Overall, our freeze/thaw maps agreed well with ground reference observations, with an accuracy of ~86.6%. The new F/T maps helped to identify regions subject to frequent F/T transitions through the year, such as the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, Xinjiang, Gansu, Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Liaoning Province. This study indicates that the combination of AMSR2 and MODIS observations provides an effective method to obtain finer F/T maps (5-km or lower) for extensive regions. The finer F/T maps improve our knowledge of the F/T state detected by satellite remote sensing, and have a wide range of applications in regional studies considering land surface heterogeneity and models (e.g., community land models).
Analyzing the Long-Term Phenological Trends of Salt Marsh Ecosystem across Coastal LOUISIANA
Authors: Ghosh Shuvankar , Mishra Deepak
Published: December 2017

In this study, we examined the phenology of the salt marsh ecosystem across coastal Louisiana (LA) for a 16-year time period (2000–2015) using NASA’s Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer’s (MODIS) eight-day average surface reflectance images (500 m). We compared the performances of least squares fitted asymmetric Gaussian (AG) and double logistic (DL) smoothing functions in terms of increasing the signal-to-noise ratio from the raw phenology derived from the time-series composites. We performed derivative analysis to determine the appropriate start of season (SOS) and end of season (EOS) thresholds. After that, we extracted the seasonality parameters in TIMESAT, and studied the effect of environmental disturbances/anomalies on the seasonality parameters. Finally, we performed trend analysis using the derived seasonality parameters such as base green biomass (GBM) value, maximum GBM value, seasonal amplitude, and small seasonal integral. Based on root mean square error (RMSE) values and residual plots, we selected the best thresholds for SOS (5% of amplitude) and EOS (20% of amplitude), along with the best smoothing function. The selected SOS and EOS thresholds were able to capture the environmental disturbances that have affected the salt marsh ecosystem during the 16-year time period. Our trend analysis results indicate positive trends in the base GBM values in the salt marshes of LA. However, we did not notice as much of a positive trend in the maximum GBM levels. Hence, we observed mostly negative changes in the GBM amplitude and small seasonal integral values. These negative changes indicated the overall progressive decline in the rates of photosynthesis and biomass allocation in the LA salt marsh ecosystem, which is most likely due to elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and sea level rise. The results illustrate both the relative efficiency of MODIS-based biophysical models for analyzing salt marsh phenology, and performances of the smoothing techniques in terms of improving the signal-to-noise ratio of the MODIS-derived phenology.
Investigation of Wavenumber Domain Imaging Algorithm for Ground-Based Arc Array SAR
Authors: Huang Zengshu , Sun Jinping , Tan Weixian , Huang Pingping , Han Kuoye
Published: December 2017

Ground-based synthetic aperture radar (GB-SAR) has become an important technique for remote sensing deformation monitoring. However, most of the existing GB-SAR systems realize synthetic aperture by exploiting two closely spaced horn antennas to move along a linear rail. In order to obtain higher data acquisition efficiency and a wider view angle, we introduce arc antenna array technology into the GB-SAR system, which realizes a novel kind of system: ground-based arc array SAR (GB-AA-SAR). In this paper, we analyze arc observation geometry and derive analytic expressions of sampling criteria. Then, we propose a novel wavenumber domain imaging algorithm for GB-AA-SAR, which can achieve high image reconstruction precision through numerical solutions in the wavenumber domain. The proposed algorithm can be applied in wide azimuth view angle scenarios, and the problem of azimuth mismatch caused by distance approximation in arc geometric efficient omega-k imaging can be solved successfully. Finally, we analyze the two-dimensional (2D) spatial resolution of GB-AA-SAR, and verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm through numerical simulation experiments.
Enhancing Time Synchronization Support in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Tavares Bruscato Leandro , Heimfarth Tales , Pignaton de Freitas Edison
Published: December 2017

With the emerging Internet of Things (IoT) technology becoming reality, a number of applications are being proposed. Several of these applications are highly dependent on wireless sensor networks (WSN) to acquire data from the surrounding environment. In order to be really useful for most of applications, the acquired data must be coherent in terms of the time in which they are acquired, which implies that the entire sensor network presents a certain level of time synchronization. Moreover, to efficiently exchange and forward data, many communication protocols used in WSN rely also on time synchronization among the sensor nodes. Observing the importance in complying with this need for time synchronization, this work focuses on the second synchronization problem, proposing, implementing and testing a time synchronization service for low-power WSN using low frequency real-time clocks in each node. To implement this service, three algorithms based on different strategies are proposed: one based on an auto-correction approach, the second based on a prediction mechanism, while the third uses an analytical correction mechanism. Their goal is the same, i.e., to make the clocks of the sensor nodes converge as quickly as possible and then to keep them most similar as possible. This goal comes along with the requirement to keep low energy consumption. Differently from other works in the literature, the proposal here is independent of any specific protocol, i.e., it may be adapted to be used in different protocols. Moreover, it explores the minimum number of synchronization messages by means of a smart clock update strategy, allowing the trade-off between the desired level of synchronization and the associated energy consumption. Experimental results, which includes data acquired from simulations and testbed deployments, provide evidence of the success in meeting this goal, as well as providing means to compare these three approaches considering the best synchronization results and their costs in terms of energy consumption.
Remotely Exploring Deeper-Into-Matter by Non-Contact Detection of Audible Transients Excited by Laser Radiation
Authors: Moros Javier , Gaona Inmaculada , Laserna J.
Published: December 2017

An acoustic spectroscopic approach to detect contents within different packaging, with substantially wider applicability than other currently available subsurface spectroscopies, is presented. A frequency-doubled Nd:YAG (neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet) pulsed laser (13 ns pulse length) operated at 1 Hz was used to generate the sound field of a two-component system at a distance of 50 cm. The acoustic emission was captured using a unidirectional microphone and analyzed in the frequency domain. The focused laser pulse hitting the system, with intensity above that necessary to ablate the irradiated surface, transferred an impulsive force which led the structure to vibrate. Acoustic airborne transients were directly radiated by the vibrating elastic structure of the outer component that excited the surrounding air in contact with. However, under boundary conditions, sound field is modulated by the inner component that modified the dynamical integrity of the system. Thus, the resulting frequency spectra are useful indicators of the concealed content that influences the contributions originating from the wall of the container. High-quality acoustic spectra could be recorded from a gas (air), liquid (water), and solid (sand) placed inside opaque chemical-resistant polypropylene and stainless steel sample containers. Discussion about effects of laser excitation energy and sampling position on the acoustic emission events is reported. Acoustic spectroscopy may complement the other subsurface alternative spectroscopies, severely limited by their inherent optical requirements for numerous detection scenarios.
Quantitative and Sensitive Detection of Chloramphenicol by Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering
Authors: Ding Yufeng , Zhang Xin , Yin Hongjun , Meng Qingyun , Zhao Yongmei , Liu Luo , Wu Zhenglong , Xu Haijun
Published: December 2017

We used surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) for the quantitative and sensitive detection of chloramphenicol (CAP). Using 30 nm colloidal Au nanoparticles (NPs), a low detection limit for CAP of 10−8 M was obtained. The characteristic Raman peak of CAP centered at 1344 cm−1 was used for the rapid quantitative detection of CAP in three different types of CAP eye drops, and the accuracy of the measurement result was verified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The experimental results reveal that the SERS technique based on colloidal Au NPs is accurate and sensitive, and can be used for the rapid detection of various antibiotics.
Out-of-Focus Projector Calibration Method with Distortion Correction on the Projection Plane in the Structured Light Three-Dimensional Measurement System
Authors: Zhang Jiarui , Zhang Yingjie , Chen Bo
Published: December 2017

The three-dimensional measurement system with a binary defocusing technique is widely applied in diverse fields. The measurement accuracy is mainly determined by out-of-focus projector calibration accuracy. In this paper, a high-precision out-of-focus projector calibration method that is based on distortion correction on the projection plane and nonlinear optimization algorithm is proposed. To this end, the paper experimentally presents the principle that the projector has noticeable distortions outside its focus plane. In terms of this principle, the proposed method uses a high-order radial and tangential lens distortion representation on the projection plane to correct the calibration residuals caused by projection distortion. The final accuracy parameters of out-of-focus projector were obtained using a nonlinear optimization algorithm with good initial values, which were provided by coarsely calibrating the parameters of the out-of-focus projector on the focal and projection planes. Finally, the experimental results demonstrated that the proposed method can accuracy calibrate an out-of-focus projector, regardless of the amount of defocusing.
Empowering Domestic Workers: A Critical Analysis of the Belgian Service Voucher System
Authors: Mousaid Sarah , Bosmans Kim , Vanroelen Christophe
Published: December 2017

Domestic cleaners lack bargaining power, which can prevent them from being in control of their work quality. The ‘service voucher system’ is expected to change the power position of domestics. This is expected because the system is formalized by the Belgian government and organized through a triangular employment relationship between the domestic, the service voucher company (the employer), and the customers. This study draws on 42 interviews with immigrant and native service voucher cleaners. It probes into how the employment relationship with the company affects the domestics’ perceived power to bargain with customers about determinants of the work quality. Based on the results, policy recommendations are made to further empower domestic cleaners in the relationship with their customers and to help them safeguard their work quality.
Being a Foster Family in Portugal—Motivations and Experiences
Authors: Diogo Elisete , Branco Francisco
Published: December 2017

Foster care is an almost absent component in the child care system and scientific research conducted in Portugal foster comprises 3.2%1 of out-of-home care in Portugal. This research aims to contribute to a deeper visibility of the care phenomena, giving specific attention to the foster families themselves. This research adopted a qualitative analytical approach, inspired by Grounded Theory. Foster families’ motivation is rooted in altruism, affection for children, and sensitivity to maltreatment. Personal and professional biography or past contact with out-of-home care can also induce predisposition to become a carer. The experience of being a carer2 is one of traversing through a life of many challenges and rewards. Considering the recognition from the stakeholders, it is a rewarding task. The quality of the service provided and the performance of the care professionals are both key elements to foster care.
Cloud-Centric and Logically Isolated Virtual Network Environment Based on Software-Defined Wide Area Network
Authors: Kim Dongkyun , Kim Yong-Hwan , Kim Ki-Hyun , Gil Joon-Min
Published: December 2017

Recent development of distributed cloud environments requires advanced network infrastructure in order to facilitate network automation, virtualization, high performance data transfer, and secured access of end-to-end resources across regional boundaries. In order to meet these innovative cloud networking requirements, software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) is primarily demanded to converge distributed cloud resources (e.g., virtual machines (VMs)) in a programmable and intelligent manner over distant networks. Therefore, this paper proposes a logically isolated networking scheme designed to integrate distributed cloud resources to dynamic and on-demand virtual networking over SD-WAN. The performance evaluation and experimental results of the proposed scheme indicate that virtual network convergence time is minimized in two different network models such as: (1) an operating OpenFlow-oriented SD-WAN infrastructure (KREONET-S) which is deployed on the advanced national research network in Korea, and (2) Mininet-based experimental and emulated networks.
Boundary Value Problems for Some Important Classes of Recurrent Relations with Two Independent Variables
Authors: Stević Stevo , Iričanin Bratislav , Šmarda Zdeněk
Published: December 2017

It is shown that complex-valued boundary value problems for several classes of recurrent relations with two independent variables, of some considerable interest, are solvable on the following domain: C = { ( n , k ) : 0 ≤ k ≤ n , k ∈ N 0 , n ∈ N } , the so called combinatorial domain. The recurrent relations include some of the most important combinatorial ones, which, among other things, serve as a motivation for the investigation. The methods for solving the boundary value problems are presented and explained in detail.
Microbial Inhibition of Fusarium Pathogens and Biological Modification of Trichothecenes in Cereal Grains
Authors: Wachowska Urszula , Packa Danuta , Wiwart Marian
Published: December 2017

Fungi of the genus Fusarium infect cereal crops during the growing season and cause head blight and other diseases. Their toxic secondary metabolites (mycotoxins) contaminate grains. Several dozen toxic compounds produced by fungal pathogens have been identified to date. Type B trichothecenes—deoxynivalenol, its acetyl derivatives and nivalenol (produced mainly by F. graminearum and F. culmorum)—are most commonly detected in cereal grains. “T-2 toxin” (produced by, among others, F. sporotrichioides) belongs to type-A trichothecenes which are more toxic than other trichothecenes. Antagonistic bacteria and fungi can affect pathogens of the genus Fusarium via different modes of action: direct (mycoparasitism or hyperparasitism), mixed-path (antibiotic secretion, production of lytic enzymes) and indirect (induction of host defense responses). Microbial modification of trichothecenes involves acetylation, deacetylation, oxidation, de-epoxidation, and epimerization, and it lowers the pathogenic potential of fungi of the genus Fusarium. Other modifing mechanisms described in the paper involve the physical adsorption of mycotoxins in bacterial cells and the conjugation of mycotoxins to glucose and other compounds in plant and fungal cells. The development of several patents supports the commercialization and wider application of microorganisms biodegrading mycotoxins in grains and, consequently, in feed additives.
Assessing the Potential Economic Viability of Precision Irrigation: A Theoretical Analysis and Pilot Empirical Evaluation
Authors: Galioto Francesco , Raggi Meri , Viaggi Davide
Published: December 2017

The present study explores the value generated by the use of information to rationalize the use of water resources in agriculture. The study introduces the value of information concept in the field of irrigation developing a theoretical assessment framework to evaluate whether the introduction of “Precision Irrigation” (PI) practices can improve expectations on income. This is supported by a Stakeholders consultation and by a numerical example, using secondary data and crop growth models. The study reveals that the value generated with the transition to PI varies with pedo-climate, economic, technological and other conditions, and it depends on the initial status of the farmer’s information environment. These factors affect the prerequisite needed to make viable PI. To foster the adoption of PI, stakeholders envisaged the need to set up free meteorological information and advisory service that supports farmers in using PI, as well as other type of instruments. The paper concludes that the profitability of adoption and the relevant impact on the environment cannot be considered as generally given, but must be evaluated case by case justifying (or not) the activation of specific agricultural policy measures supporting PI practices to target regions.
Removal of Arsenic Using Acid/Metal-Tolerant Sulfate Reducing Bacteria: A New Approach for Bioremediation of High-Arsenic Acid Mine Waters
Authors: Serrano Jennyfer , Leiva Eduardo
Published: December 2017

Fluvial sediments, soils, and natural waters in northern Chile are characterized by high arsenic (As) content. Mining operations in this area are potential sources of As and other metal contaminants, due to acid mine drainage (AMD) generation. Sulfate Reducing Bacteria (SRB) has been used for the treatment of AMD, as they allow for the reduction of sulfate, the generation of alkalinity, and the removal of dissolved heavy metals and metalloids by precipitation as insoluble metal sulfides. Thus, SRB could be used to remove As and other heavy metals from AMD, however the tolerance of SRB to high metal concentrations and low pH is limited. The present study aimed to quantify the impact of SRB in As removal under acidic and As-Fe-rich conditions. Our results show that SRB tolerate low pH (up to 3.5) and high concentrations of As (~3.6 mg·L−1). Batch experiments showed As removal of up to 73%, Iron (Fe) removal higher than 78% and a neutralization of pH from acidic to circum-neutral conditions (pH 6–8). In addition, XRD analysis showed the dominance of amorphous minerals, while Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) analysis showed associations between As, Fe, and sulfur, indicating the presence of Fe-S-As compounds or interaction of As species with amorphous and/or nanocrystalline phases by sorption processes. These results indicate that the As removal was mediated by acid/metal-tolerant SRB and open the potential for the application of new strains of acid/metal-tolerant SRB for the remediation of high-As acid mine waters.
Synthetic mRNA capping
Authors: Muttach Fabian , Muthmann Nils , Rentmeister Andrea
Published: December 2017

Eukaryotic mRNA with its 5′-cap is of central importance for the cell. Many studies involving mRNA require reliable preparation and modification of 5′-capped RNAs. Depending on the length of the desired capped RNA, chemical or enzymatic preparation – or a combination of both – can be advantageous. We review state-of-the art methods and give directions for choosing the appropriate approach. We also discuss the preparation and properties of mRNAs with non-natural caps providing novel features such as improved stability or enhanced translational efficiency.
ALGORITHM FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF HEAVYWEIGHT AND OVERSIZE CARGO TRANSPORTATION ROUTES
Authors: PETRAŠKA Artūras , ČIŽIŪNIENĖ Kristina , JARAŠŪNIENĖ Aldona , MARUSCHAK Pavlo , PRENTKOVSKIS Olegas
Published: December 2017

The improvement of transportation systems and technologic equipment leads to changing technical capabilities of this equipment. With the development of technologies, industrial development is also inevitable, resulting in correspondingly increasing need of transportation of HeavyWeight and OverSize (HW/OS) cargo. The application of a systematic approach in HW/OS cargo transportation processes allows reducing costs of delivery of such a cargo several times, which leads to a dramatic change of economic development and investment attraction conditions. Thus creating a system of criteria for the selection and assessment of HW/OS routes, which would allow selecting the most appropriate route of transportation in terms of cost and time, is expedient for this reason. The algorithm for the assessment of HW/OS cargo transportation routes will be drawn up in this article. This algorithm enables an objective evaluation of HW/OS transportation processes comparing different modes of transport, route segments, cargo transportation and cargo handling technology, and it can be practically applied to any territory.
IS PROFITABILITY DRIVEN BY WORKING CAPITAL MANAGEMENT? EVIDENCE FOR HIGH-GROWTH FIRMS FROM EMERGING EUROPE
Authors: BOȚOC Claudiu , ANTON Sorin Gabriel
Published: December 2017

Despite the importance of high-growth firms (HGFs) for job creation, innovation, and economic development in transition economies, current knowledge on the role of financial decisions in explaining their profitability is limited. The aim of this paper is to examine the relationship between working capital management and firm profitability. Using a panel data set on HGFs from Central, Eastern, and South-Eastern Europe during the time span 2006–2015, we found an inverted U-shape relationship between working capital level and firm profitability. Our findings indicate that HGFs should find and maintain the optimal working capital level that maximizes their profitability. Our results proved to be robust when we employ different methodology (quantile regression), different sub-samples as well as alternative measures of profitability and working capital management. The study highlights the importance of short-term financial decisions in enhancing HGFs’ profitability, with significant implications for academics and practitioners. We contribute to the extant literature by providing empirical evidence on the existence a concave relationship between working capital level and firm profitability for a cross-country sample of firms.
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE EASTERN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES AS PARTICIPANTS OF THE NEW SILK ROAD
Authors: NAZARKO Joanicjusz , CZEREWACZ-FILIPOWICZ Katarzyna , KUŹMICZ Katarzyna Anna
Published: December 2017

the chinese one belt one road (obor) initiative often referred to as the new silk road (nsr), seems to be the greatest endeavour of our times in terms of economy, politics and logistics. the study aimed to examine the potential of poland, belarus, lithuania, latvia, estonia and russia to participate in the nsr. the method applied was comparative analysis including both quantitative and qualitative studies. the juxtaposition of data from the intensity of global integration enabled assessment of the potential negative consequences of non-participation of the countries in the nsr. in turn, the analysis of specific indicators of trade integration, the intensity of global integration and the logistics performance of the researched part of europe has made it possible to answer the question about the most promising variants of the nsr.
ESTIMATION OF MEDICAL EQUIPMENT PRICES – A CASE STUDY OF TOMOTHERAPY EQUIPMENT IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC
Authors: DONIN Gleb , BARTÁK Miroslav , KNEPPO Peter
Published: December 2017

Medical equipment (ME) is often considered to be an important factor in the growth of healthcare expenditures. In the Czech Republic (CR) validated approach does not yet exist for hospitals to use to assess commercial offers, nor is there a generally accepted methodology for regulatory bodies to allow for the evaluation of the effectiveness of prior purchases. This study intends to present a methodological approach that will allow for assessing the effectiveness of the procurement of capital ME based on international prices. The case of the purchase of tomotherapy system in the CR was used to demonstrate the developed approach. We performed a multiway search for international estimated and exact prices for tomotherapy unit using public-procurement databases, scientific papers, health technology assessment studies, professional reports, and Internet searches. All of the data that was gathered on prices was subjected to critical assessment vis-à-vis the reliability of the information. This research lays new methodology that may provide general background of international comparison studies focused on ME. The results provide support for decision making about the acquisitions of ME.
STRATEGIC BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND CLIENT PROSPECTING IN THE THIRD-PARTY APARTMENT MANAGEMENT INDUSTRY
Authors: READ Dustin C. , GOSS Rosemary Carruci , HOPKINS Erin
Published: December 2017

Intensifying competition and increasing market demands are forcing many third-party apartment management firms to re-evaluate their approach to business development and client prospecting. In some instances, these companies are becoming more selective about both the assignments they take on and the property owners with whom they work. Careful consideration is frequently given to a number of factors to determine if new business opportunities are a good strategic fit. This paper examines how sophisticated fee management firms make such determinations by examining the perspectives of executives representing 25 of the largest multifamily operators in the United States. The results indicate heavy reliance on relational approaches to business development, limited long-range planning, and informal channels of communication often encourage fee managers to pursue new business in an ad hoc manner despite market conditions favouring more systematic behaviour. A series of best practices are put forth to address these concerns.
EVALUATING INNOVATION CAPABILITIES OF REAL ESTATE FIRMS: A COMBINED FUZZY DELPHI AND DEMATEL APPROACH
Authors: KUMAR Anil , KAVIANI Mohamad Amin , HAFEZALKOTOB Ashkan , ZAVADSKAS Edmundas Kazimieras
Published: December 2017

Due to strong competition, numerous technology advancements and the monetary policy of the government, the survival of Indian real estate firms now depends on their capacity to measure their existing innovation capabilities, rebuild them and adopt new ones. The aim of this study is to evaluate the technology and human resources innovation capabilities of Indian real estate firms by applying fuzzy Delphi and DEMATEL techniques. After identifying the innovation capabilities through an extensive literature review, a questionnaire is designed based on fuzzy linguistic scales to manage any vagueness of information received. Data has been collected from experts in the field, with capabilities then finalized by using a fuzzy Delphi method. To establish cause-effect relationships among capabilities, a DEMATEL method is applied to the data collected from a second questionnaire. Analysis of the data divides capabilities into two groups i.e. cause and effect. The results show that innovation management, robustness of product and process design capability, strategic planning and knowledge resources fall in the cause group; these are critical findings given the effect on the other capabilities. The study outcomes can help real estate firms to enhance their capabilities with the proposed model providing guidelines and direction in this regard.
The Complete Transmission Spectrum of WASP-39b with a Precise Water Constraint
Authors: Wakeford H. R. , Sing D. K. , Deming D. , Lewis N. K. , Goyal J. , Wilson T. J. , Barstow J. , Kataria T. , Drummond B. , Evans T. M. , Carter A. L. , Nikolov N. , Knutson H. A. , Ballester G. E. , Mandell A. M.
Published: December 2017

WASP-39b is a hot Saturn-mass exoplanet with a predicted clear atmosphere based on observations in the optical and infrared. Here, we complete the transmission spectrum of the atmosphere with observations in the near-infrared (NIR) over three water absorption features with the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3) G102 (0.8–1.1 μm) and G141 (1.1–1.7 μm) spectroscopic grisms. We measure the predicted high-amplitude H2O feature centered at 1.4 μm and the smaller amplitude features at 0.95 and 1.2 μm, with a maximum water absorption amplitude of 2.4 planetary scale heights. We incorporate these new NIR measurements into previously published observational measurements to complete the transmission spectrum from 0.3 to 5 μm. From these observed water features, combined with features in the optical and IR, we retrieve a well constrained temperature T
eq = 1030

K, and atmospheric metallicity

solar, which is relatively high with respect to the currently established mass–metallicity trends. This new measurement in the Saturn-mass range hints at further diversity in the planet formation process relative to our solar system giants.
Modeling Type II-P/II-L Supernovae Interacting with Recent Episodic Mass Ejections from Their Presupernova Stars with MESA and SNEC
Authors: Das Sanskriti , Ray Alak
Published: December 2017

We show how dense, compact, discrete shells of circumstellar gas immediately outside of red supergiants affect the optical light curves of Type II-P/II-L supernovae (SNe), using the example of SN 2013ej. Earlier efforts in the literature had used an artificial circumstellar medium (CSM) stitched to the surface of an evolved star that had not gone through a phase of late-stage heavy mass loss, which, in essence, is the original source of the CSM. In contrast, we allow enhanced mass-loss rate from the modeled star during the 16O and 28Si burning stages and construct the CSM from the resulting mass-loss history in a self-consistent way. Once such evolved pre-SN stars are exploded, we find that the models with early interaction between the shock and the dense CSM reproduce light curves far better than those without that mass loss and, hence, having no nearby dense CSM. The required explosion energy for the progenitors with a dense CSM is reduced by almost a factor of two compared to those without the CSM. Our model, with a more realistic CSM profile and presupernova and explosion parameters, fits observed data much better throughout the rise, plateau, and radioactive tail phases as compared to previous studies. This points to an intermediate class of supernovae between Type II-P/II-L and Type II-n SNe with the characteristics of simultaneous UV and optical peak, slow decline after peak, and a longer plateau.
Toward Understanding the 3D Structure and Evolution of Magnetic Flux Ropes in an Extremely Long Duration Eruptive Flare
Authors: Zhou 周振 Zhenjun 军 , Zhang Jie , Wang Yuming , Liu Rui , Chintzoglou Georgios
Published: December 2017

In this work, we analyze the initial eruptive process of an extremely long duration C7.7-class flare that occurred on 2011 June 21. The flare had a 2 hr long rise time in soft X-ray emission, which is much longer than the rise time of most solar flares, including both impulsive and gradual ones. Combining the facts that the flare occurred near the disk center as seen by the Solar Dynamic Observatory (SDO) but near the limb as seen by two Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO) spacecraft, we are able to track the evolution of the eruption in 3D in a rare slow-motion manner. The time sequence of the observed large-scale EUV hot channel structure in the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) high-temperature passbands of 94 and 131 Å clearly shows the process of how the sigmoid structure prior to the eruption was transformed into a near-potential post-eruption loop arcade. We believe that the observed sigmoid represents the structure of a twisted magnetic flux rope (MFR), which has reached a height of about 60 Mm at the onset of the eruption. We argue that the onset of the flare precursor phase is likely triggered by the loss of the magnetohydrodynamic equilibrium of a preexisting MFR, which leads to the slow rise of the flux rope. The rising motion of the flux rope leads to the formation of a vertical current sheet underneath, triggering the fast magnetic reconnection that in turn leads to the main phase of the flare and fast acceleration of the flux rope.
The Architecture of the GW Ori Young Triple-star System and Its Disk: Dynamical Masses, Mutual Inclinations, and Recurrent Eclipses
Authors: Czekala Ian , Andrews Sean M. , Torres Guillermo , Rodriguez Joseph E. , Jensen Eric L. N. , Stassun Keivan G. , Latham David W. , Wilner David J. , Gully-Santiago Michael A. , Grankin Konstantin N. , Lund Michael B. , Kuhn Rudolf B. , Stevens Daniel J. , Siverd Robert J. , James David , Gaudi B. Scott , Shappee Benjamin J. , Holoien Thomas W.-S.
Published: December 2017

We present spatially and spectrally resolved Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) observations of gas and dust orbiting the pre-main-sequence hierarchical triple-star system GW Ori. A forward modeling of the 13CO and C18O J = 2–1 transitions permits a measurement of the total stellar mass in this system,

, and the circumtriple disk inclination,

. Optical spectra spanning a 35 yr period were used to derive new radial velocities and, coupled with a spectroscopic disentangling technique, revealed that the A and B components of GW Ori form a double-lined spectroscopic binary with a period of 241.50 ± 0.05 days; a tertiary companion orbits that inner pair with a period of 4218 ± 50 days. Combining the results from the ALMA data and the optical spectra with three epochs of astrometry in the literature, we constrain the individual stellar masses in the system (

,

,

) and find strong evidence that at least one of the stellar orbital planes (and likely both) is misaligned with the disk plane by as much as 45°. A V-band light curve spanning 30 yr reveals several new ∼30-day eclipse events 0.1–0.7 mag in depth and a 0.2 mag sinusoidal oscillation that is clearly phased with the AB–C orbital period. Taken together, these features suggest that the A–B pair may be partially obscured by material in the inner disk as the pair approaches apoastron in the hierarchical orbit. Lastly, we conclude that stellar evolutionary models are consistent with our measurements of the masses and basic photospheric properties if the GW Ori system is ∼1 Myr old.
Galactic-scale Feedback Observed in the 3C 298 Quasar Host Galaxy
Authors: Vayner Andrey , Wright Shelley A. , Murray Norman , Armus Lee , Larkin James E. , Mieda Etsuko
Published: December 2017

We present high angular resolution multiwavelength data of the 3C 298 radio-loud quasar host galaxy (z = 1.439) taken using the W.M. Keck Observatory OSIRIS integral field spectrograph (IFS) with adaptive optics, the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) WFC3, and the Very Large Array (VLA). Extended emission is detected in the rest-frame optical nebular emission lines Hβ, [O iii], Hα, [N ii], and [S ii], as well as in the molecular lines CO (J = 3−2) and (J = 5−4). Along the path of the relativistic jets of 3C 298, we detect conical outflows in ionized gas emission with velocities of up to 1700

 and an outflow rate of 450–1500

 extended over 12 kpc. Near the spatial center of the conical outflow, CO (J = 3−2) emission shows a molecular gas disk with a rotational velocity of ±150

and total molecular mass (

) of

. On the blueshifted side of the molecular disk, we observe broad extended emission that is due to a molecular outflow with a rate of 2300

 and depletion timescale of 3 Myr. We detect no narrow Hα emission in the outflow regions, suggesting a limit on star formation of 0.3

. Quasar-driven winds are evacuating the molecular gas reservoir, thereby directly impacting star formation in the host galaxy. The observed mass of the supermassive black hole is

, and we determine a dynamical bulge mass of

. The bulge mass of 3C 298 lies 2–2.5 orders of magnitude below the expected value from the local galactic bulge—supermassive black hole mass (

) relationship. A second galactic disk observed in nebular emission is offset from the quasar by 9 kpc, suggesting that the system is an intermediate-stage merger. These results show that galactic-scale negative feedback is occurring early in the merger phase of 3C 298, well before the coalescence of the galactic nuclei and assembly on the local

relationship.
Eclipsing Stellar Binaries in the Galactic Center
Authors: Li Gongjie , Ginsburg Idan , Naoz Smadar , Loeb Abraham
Published: December 2017

Compact stellar binaries are expected to survive in the dense environment of the Galactic center. The stable binaries may undergo Kozai–Lidov oscillations due to perturbations from the central supermassive black hole (Sgr A*), yet the general relativistic precession can suppress the Kozai–Lidov oscillations and keep the stellar binaries from merging. However, it is challenging to resolve the binary sources and distinguish them from single stars. The close separations of the stable binaries allow higher eclipse probabilities. Here, we consider the massive star SO-2 as an example and calculate the probability of detecting eclipses, assuming it is a binary. We find that the eclipse probability is ∼30%–50%, reaching higher values when the stellar binary is more eccentric or highly inclined relative to its orbit around Sgr A*.
Weibel Instability in Hot Plasma Flows with the Production of Gamma-Rays and Electron–Positron Pairs
Authors: Nerush E. N. , Serebryakov D. A. , Kostyukov I. Yu.
Published: December 2017

We present the results of the theoretical analysis and numerical simulations of the Weibel instability in two counterstreaming hot relativistic plasma flows, for instance the flows of electron–proton plasmas with rest-mass densities

, Lorentz factors

, and proper temperatures

. The instability growth rate and the filament size at the linear stage are found analytically and are in qualitative agreement with the results of three-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations. In the simulations, incoherent synchrotron emission and pair photoproduction in electromagnetic fields are taken into account. If the plasma flows are dense, fast, and hot enough, the overall energy of the synchrotron photons can be much higher than the energy of the generated electromagnetic fields. Furthermore, a sizable number of positrons can be produced due to the pair photoproduction in the generated magnetic field. We propose a rough criterion to judge copious pair production and considerable synchrotron losses. By means of this criterion, we conclude that the incoherent synchrotron emission and the pair production during the Weibel instability can have implications for the collapsar model of gamma-ray bursts.
Proper Motion of the High-velocity Pulsar in SNR MSH 15-56
Authors: Temim Tea , Slane Patrick , Plucinsky Paul P. , Gelfand Joseph , Castro Daniel , Kolb Christopher
Published: December 2017

We present a measurement of the proper motion of the presumed pulsar in the evolved composite supernova remnant (SNR) MSH 15-56 whose pulsar wind nebula (PWN) has been disrupted by the supernova (SN) reverse shock. Using Chandra X-ray observations acquired over a baseline of 15 years, we measure a pulsar velocity of

and a direction of motion of 14° ± 22° west of south. We use this measurement to constrain a hydrodynamical (HD) model for the evolution of this system, and find that its morphology is well-described by an SNR expanding in an ambient density gradient that increases from east to west. The effect of the density gradient and the pulsar’s motion is an asymmetric interaction between the SN reverse shock and the PWN that displaces the bulk of the PWN material away from the pulsar toward the northeast. The simulation is consistent with an SNR age of 11,000 years, an SN ejecta mass of 10 M
⊙, and an average surrounding density of 0.4 cm−3, but a combination of a higher SN ejecta mass and ambient density can produce a similar SNR morphology at a later age.
A Quantitative Method of Comparative Assessment of Primers Ignition Performances
Authors: Goga D. A. , Tigănescu T. V. , Pulpea B. , Moldoveanu C. , Rotaru C.
Published: December 2017

The ignition performances of percussion primers for small calibre ammunition are determined using a new experimental setup, with pressure transducers and special designed combustion chambers. The method enables a comparison of new designed primers with consecrated models by relative ignition capacity. Results show that ballistic performances of primers are in direct relationship with the gradient pressure vs. rise time and also with the maximum pressure developed inside the cartridge chamber.
Wearable Systems and Methods for Monitoring Psychological and Physical Condition of Soldiers
Authors: Kutilek P. , Volf P. , Viteckova S. , Smrcka P. , Lhotska L. , Hana K. , Krivanek V. , Doskocil R. , Navratil L. , Hon Z. , Stefek A.
Published: December 2017

From the second half of the 1990s, thanks to more affordable and more powerful information technology and electronical systems for recording based on miniaturized sensors, we can observe a more intensive development of a method of data analysis and a system that monitors the physical and psychological conditions of soldiers. Systems for measuring and evaluation methods of physical and medical data for the diagnostics of physical and psychological state have significantly spread, especially in clinical practice. This study, however, examines the current technologies and usage of the wearable monitoring systems in military field. The result of this study is not only the not-yet published summary of the current state, but also the proposed possibilities of usage and recommendation of specific systems, their sensors and system methods in the military. Thus, the article can serve as a guide for choosing suitable and affordable electronical wearable systems and methods of quantitative evaluation of physical and psychological conditions of people in the military.
Temps et activité selon Unix
Authors: Mélès Baptiste
Published: December 2017

Nous traiterons ici du concept de temps propre au système d’exploitation Unix, en montrant d’une part comment il se distingue de celui de la machine et de l’autre comment il s’articule à la notion d’activité propre à Unix : celle de processus. Nous exposerons ainsi dans un premier temps la temporalité propre aux machines synchrones définies par John von Neumann dans le « First Draft of a Report on the EDVAC » (1945), avant d’analyser dans le détail le code source de la fonction principale et du pilote d’horloge de la version 6 d’Unix (1975). On verra ainsi qu’il peut exister en informatique plusieurs niveaux d’activité et qu’à ces différents niveaux d’activité correspondent autant d’échelles de temporalité.