bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A 36 nW, 7 ppm/°C on-Chip Clock Source Platform for Near-Human-Body Temperature Applications
Authors: Kamakshi Divya , Shrivastava Aatmesh , Duan Chuhong , Calhoun Benton
Published: May 2016

We propose a fully on-chip clock-source system in which an ultra-low-power diode-based temperature-uncompensated oscillator (OSCdiode) serves as the main clock source and frequency locks to a higher-power temperature-compensated oscillator (OSCcmp) that is disabled after each locking event to save power. The locking allows the stability of the uncompensated oscillator to stay within the stability bound of the compensated design. This paper demonstrates the functionality of a locking controller that uses a periodic (counter-based) scheme implemented on-chip and a prediction (temperature-drift-based) scheme. The flexible clock source platform is validated in a 130 nm CMOS technology. In the demonstrated system, it achieves an effective average temperature stability of 7 ppm/°C in the human body temperature range from 20 °C to 40 °C with a power consumption of 36 nW at 0.7 V. It achieves a frequency range of 12 kHz to 150 kHz at 0.7 V.
The Landscape of the Emergence of Life
Authors: Jheeta Sohan
Published: May 2016

Is it unrealistic to presuppose that all of the steps that could lead to the formation of life could occur in one setting?[...]
Nanoporous Monolithic Microsphere Arrays Have Anti-Adhesive Properties Independent of Humidity
Authors: Eichler-Volf Anna , Xue Longjian , Kovalev Alexander , Gorb Elena , Gorb Stanislav , Steinhart Martin
Published: May 2016

Bioinspired artificial surfaces with tailored adhesive properties have attracted significant interest. While fibrillar adhesive pads mimicking gecko feet are optimized for strong reversible adhesion, monolithic microsphere arrays mimicking the slippery zone of the pitchers of carnivorous plants of the genus Nepenthes show anti-adhesive properties even against tacky counterpart surfaces. In contrast to the influence of topography, the influence of relative humidity (RH) on adhesion has been widely neglected. Some previous works deal with the influence of RH on the adhesive performance of fibrillar adhesive pads. Commonly, humidity-induced softening of the fibrils enhances adhesion. However, little is known on the influence of RH on solid anti-adhesive surfaces. We prepared polymeric nanoporous monolithic microsphere arrays (NMMAs) with microsphere diameters of a few 10 µm to test their anti-adhesive properties at RHs of 2% and 90%. Despite the presence of continuous nanopore systems through which the inner nanopore walls were accessible to humid air, the topography-induced anti-adhesive properties of NMMAs on tacky counterpart surfaces were retained even at RH = 90%. This RH-independent robustness of the anti-adhesive properties of NMMAs significantly contrasts the adhesion enhancement by humidity-induced softening on nanoporous fibrillar adhesive pads made of the same material.
Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of Arene Ru(II) Complexes Induce Tumor Cell Apoptosis Through Selectively Binding and Stabilizing bcl-2 G-Quadruplex DNA
Authors: Chen Yanhua , Wu Qiong , Wang Xicheng , Xie Qiang , Tang Yunyun , Lan Yutao , Zhang Shuangyan , Mei Wenjie
Published: May 2016

A series of arene Ru(II) complexes coordinated with phenanthroimidazole derivatives, [(η6-C6H6)Ru(l)Cl]Cl(1b L = p-ClPIP = 2-(4-Chlorophenyl)imidazole[4,5f] 1,10-phenanthroline; 2b L = m-ClPIP = 2-(3-Chlorophenyl)imidazole[4,5f] 1,10-phenanthroline; 3b L = p-NPIP = 2-(4-Nitrophenyl)imidazole[4,5f] 1,10-phenanthroline; 4b L = m-NPIP = 2-(3-Nitrophenyl) imidazole [4,5f] 1,10-phenanthroline) were synthesized in yields of 89.9%–92.7% under conditions of microwave irradiation heating for 30 min to liberate four arene Ru(II) complexes (1b, 2b, 3b, 4b). The anti-tumor activity of 1b against various tumor cells was evaluated by MTT assay. The results indicated that this complex blocked the growth of human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells with an IC50 of 16.59 μM. Flow cytometric analysis showed that apoptosis of A549 cells was observed following treatment with 1b. Furthermore, the in vitro DNA-binding behaviors that were confirmed by spectroscopy indicated that 1b could selectively bind and stabilize bcl-2 G-quadruplex DNA to induce apoptosis of A549 cells. Therefore, the synthesized 1b has impressive bcl-2 G-quadruplex DNA-binding and stabilizing activities with potential applications in cancer chemotherapy.
“The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” of Chitosans
Authors: Bellich Barbara , D’Agostino Ilenia , Semeraro Sabrina , Gamini Amelia , Cesàro Attilio
Published: May 2016

The objective of this paper is to emphasize the fact that while consistent interest has been paid to the industrial use of chitosan, minor attention has been devoted to spread the knowledge of a good characterization of its physico-chemical properties. Therefore, the paper attempts to critically comment on the conflicting experimental results, highlighting the facts, the myths and the controversies. The goal is to indicate how to take advantage of chitosan versatility, to learn how to manage its variability and show how to properly tackle some unexpected undesirable features. In the sections of the paper various issues that relate chitosan properties to some basic features and to advanced solutions and applications are presented. The introduction outlines some historical pioneering works, where the chemistry of chitosan was originally explored. Thereafter, particular reference is made to analytical purity, characterization and chain modifications. The macromolecular characterization is mostly related to molecular weight and to degree of acetylation, but also refers to the conformational and rheological properties and solution stability. Then, the antimicrobial activity of chitosan in relation with its solubility is reviewed. A section is dedicated to the formulation of chitosan biomaterials, from gel to nanobeads, exploring their innovative application as active carrier nanoparticles. Finally, the toxicity issue of chitosan as a polymer and as a constructed nanomaterial is briefly commented in the conclusions.
The Pilot Study of Evaluating Fluctuation in the Blood Flow Volume of the Radial Artery, a Site for Traditional Pulse Diagnosis
Authors: Watanabe Masashi , Kaneko Soichiro , Takayama Shin , Shiraishi Yasuyuki , Numata Takehiro , Saito Natsumi , Seki Takashi , Sugita Norihiro , Konno Satoshi , Yambe Tomoyuki , Yoshizawa Makoto , Yaegashi Nobuo , Ishii Tadashi
Published: May 2016

Background: Radial artery (RA) pulse diagnosis has been used in traditional Asian medicine. Blood pressure (BP) and pulse rate related to heart rate variability (HRV) can be monitored via the RA. The fluctuation in these parameters has been assessed using fast Fourier transform (FFT) analytical methods that calculate power spectra. Methods: We measured blood flow volume (Volume) in the RA and evaluated its fluctuations. Normal participants (n = 34) were enrolled. We measured the hemodynamics of the right RA for approximately 50 s using ultrasonography. Results: The parameters showed the center frequency (CF) of the power spectrum at low frequency (LF) and high frequency (HF). More than one spectral component indicated that there were fluctuations. The CF at LF for Volume was significantly different from that for vessel diameter (VD); however, it was significantly correlated with blood flow velocity (Velocity). On the other hand, the CF at HF for Volume was significantly different from that for Velocity; however, it was significantly correlated with VD. Conclusion: It is suggested that fluctuation in the Volume at LF of RA is influenced by the fluctuation in Velocity; on the other hand, fluctuation in the Volume at HF is influenced by the fluctuation in VD.
Finding and Producing Probiotic Glycosylases for the Biocatalysis of Ginsenosides: A Mini Review
Authors: Ku Seockmo
Published: May 2016

Various microorganisms have been widely applied in nutraceutical industries for the processing of phytochemical conversion. Specifically, in the Asian food industry and academia, notable attention is paid to the biocatalytic process of ginsenosides (ginseng saponins) using probiotic bacteria that produce high levels of glycosyl-hydrolases. Multiple groups have conducted experiments in order to determine the best conditions to produce more active and stable enzymes, which can be applicable to produce diverse types of ginsenosides for commercial applications. In this sense, there are various reviews that cover the biofunctional effects of multiple types of ginsenosides and the pathways of ginsenoside deglycosylation. However, little work has been published on the production methods of probiotic enzymes, which is a critical component of ginsenoside processing. This review aims to investigate current preparation methods, results on the discovery of new glycosylases, the application potential of probiotic enzymes and their use for biocatalysis of ginsenosides in the nutraceutical industry.
MASM, a Matrine Derivative, Offers Radioprotection by Modulating Lethal Total-Body Irradiation-Induced Multiple Signaling Pathways in Wistar Rats
Authors: Li Jianzhong , Xu Jing , Lu Yiming , Qiu Lei , Xu Weiheng , Lu Bin , Hu Zhenlin , Chu Zhiyong , Chai Yifeng , Zhang Junping
Published: May 2016

Matrine is an alkaloid extracted from Sophora flavescens Ait and has many biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antitumor, anti-fibrosis, and immunosuppressive properties. In our previous studies, the matrine derivative MASM was synthesized and exhibited potent inhibitory activity against liver fibrosis. In this study, we mainly investigated its protection against lethal total-body irradiation (TBI) in rats. Administration of MASM reduced the radiation sickness characteristics and increased the 30-day survival of rats before or after lethal TBI. Ultrastructural observation illustrated that pretreatment of rats with MASM significantly attenuated the TBI-induced morphological changes in the different organs of irradiated rats. Gene expression profiles revealed that pretreatment with MASM had a dramatic effect on gene expression changes caused by TBI. Pretreatment with MASM prevented differential expression of 53% (765 genes) of 1445 differentially expressed genes induced by TBI. Pathway enrichment analysis indicated that these genes were mainly involved in a total of 21 pathways, such as metabolic pathways, pathways in cancer, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. Our data indicated that pretreatment of rats with MASM modulated these pathways induced by TBI, suggesting that the pretreatment with MASM might provide the protective effects on lethal TBI mainly or partially through the modulation of these pathways, such as multiple MAPK pathways. Therefore, MASM has the potential to be used as an effective therapeutic or radioprotective agent to minimize irradiation damages and in combination with radiotherapy to improve the efficacy of cancer therapy.
Macro vs. Micro Methods in Non-Life Claims Reserving (an Econometric Perspective)
Authors: Charpentier Arthur , Pigeon Mathieu
Published: May 2016

Traditionally, actuaries have used run-off triangles to estimate reserve (“macro” models, on aggregated data). However, it is possible to model payments related to individual claims. If those models provide similar estimations, we investigate uncertainty related to reserves with “macro” and “micro” models. We study theoretical properties of econometric models (Gaussian, Poisson and quasi-Poisson) on individual data, and clustered data. Finally, applications in claims reserving are considered.
Comparison of XH2O Retrieved from GOSAT Short-Wavelength Infrared Spectra with Observations from the TCCON Network
Authors: Dupuy Eric , Morino Isamu , Deutscher Nicholas , Yoshida Yukio , Uchino Osamu , Connor Brian , De Mazière Martine , Griffith David , Hase Frank , Heikkinen Pauli , Hillyard Patrick , Iraci Laura , Kawakami Shuji , Kivi Rigel , Matsunaga Tsuneo , Notholt Justus , Petri Christof , Podolske James , Pollard David , Rettinger Markus , Roehl Coleen , Sherlock Vanessa , Sussmann Ralf , Toon Geoffrey , Velazco Voltaire , Warneke Thorsten , Wennberg Paul , Wunch Debra , Yokota Tatsuya
Published: May 2016

Understanding the atmospheric distribution of water (H 2 O) is crucial for global warming studies and climate change mitigation. In this context, reliable satellite data are extremely valuable for their global and continuous coverage, once their quality has been assessed. Short-wavelength infrared spectra are acquired by the Thermal And Near-infrared Sensor for carbon Observation-Fourier Transform Spectrometer (TANSO-FTS) aboard the Greenhouse gases Observing Satellite (GOSAT). From these, column-averaged dry-air mole fractions of carbon dioxide, methane and water vapor (XH 2 O) have been retrieved at the National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES, Japan) and are available as a Level 2 research product. We compare the NIES XH 2 O data, Version 02.21, with retrievals from the ground-based Total Carbon Column Observing Network (TCCON, Version GGG2014). The datasets are in good overall agreement, with GOSAT data showing a slight global low bias of −3.1% ± 24.0%, good consistency over different locations (station bias of −1.53% ± 10.35%) and reasonable correlation with TCCON (R = 0.89). We identified two potential sources of discrepancy between the NIES and TCCON retrievals over land. While the TCCON XH 2 O amounts can reach 6000–7000 ppm when the atmospheric water content is high, the correlated NIES values do not exceed 5500 ppm. This could be due to a dry bias of TANSO-FTS in situations of high humidity and aerosol content. We also determined that the GOSAT-TCCON differences directly depend on the altitude difference between the TANSO-FTS footprint and the TCCON site. Further analysis will account for these biases, but the NIES V02.21 XH 2 O product, after public release, can already be useful for water cycle studies.
MODIS-Based Mapping of Secchi Disk Depth Using a Qualitative Algorithm in the Shallow Arabian Gulf
Authors: Al Kaabi Muna. , Zhao Jun , Ghedira Hosni
Published: May 2016

Regionally calibrated algorithms for water quality are strongly needed, especially for optically complex waters such as coastal areas in the Arabian Gulf. In this study, a regional qualitative algorithm was proposed to retrieve seawater transparency, with Secchi disk depth (SDD) as a surrogate, in the Arabian Gulf. A two-step process was carried out, first estimating the diffuse attenuation coefficient of downwelling irradiance at 490 nm (Kd_490) from MODIS/Aqua imagery and then SDD based on empirical correlations with Kd_490. Three satellite derived Kd products were tested and assessed against a set of in situ measurements, and one from a semi-analytical algorithm based on inherent optical properties gave the best performance with a R2 of 0.62. Comparisons between the performances of SDD models developed in this study and those established in other regions indicated higher accuracy of our proposed model for the Gulf region. The potential factors causing uncertainties of the proposed algorithm were also discussed. Seasonal and inter-annual variations of SDD over the entire Gulf were demonstrated using a 14-year time series of MODIS/Aqua data from 2002 to 2015. High SDD values were generally observed in summer while low values were found in winter. Inter-annual variations of SDD did not shown any significant trend with exceptions during algal bloom outbreaks that resulted in low SDD.
The Real-Valued Sparse Direction of Arrival (DOA) Estimation Based on the Khatri-Rao Product
Authors: Chen Tao , Wu Huanxin , Zhao Zhongkai
Published: May 2016

There is a problem that complex operation which leads to a heavy calculation burden is required when the direction of arrival (DOA) of a sparse signal is estimated by using the array covariance matrix. The solution of the multiple measurement vectors (MMV) model is difficult. In this paper, a real-valued sparse DOA estimation algorithm based on the Khatri-Rao (KR) product called the L1-RVSKR is proposed. The proposed algorithm is based on the sparse representation of the array covariance matrix. The array covariance matrix is transformed to a real-valued matrix via a unitary transformation so that a real-valued sparse model is achieved. The real-valued sparse model is vectorized for transforming to a single measurement vector (SMV) model, and a new virtual overcomplete dictionary is constructed according to the KR product’s property. Finally, the sparse DOA estimation is solved by utilizing the idea of a sparse representation of array covariance vectors (SRACV). The simulation results demonstrate the superior performance and the low computational complexity of the proposed algorithm.
Measurement of Moisture in Wood for Application in the Restoration of Old Buildings
Authors: Moron Carlos , Garcia-Fuentevilla Luisa , Garcia Alfonso , Moron Alberto
Published: May 2016

There are many historic buildings whose construction is based on timber frame walls. Most buildings built during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries were based on timber frame walls with vertical support elements. These timber frame elements are affected by their moisture content and by the passage of time. If the interaction of the timber frame walls with hygrothermal fluctuations were known, the maintenance of these buildings could be improved significantly. To determine the moisture content of wood there are two types of meters on the market: on the one hand, capacitance meters which consist of two side ends and where the moisture content is measured locally between two peaks. On the other hand, there are meters based on the variation of electromagnetic transmittance of timber, which depends on the moisture of timber. The second ones are very expensive and difficult to handle. This work presents a new non-intrusive capacitive sensor that measures the global moisture content in a section of the timber frame walls and therefore its accuracy is similar to the accuracy that can be obtained with electromagnetic transmittance meters. Additionally, as it is a capacitive sensor, it is low cost and easy to operate.
Xurography as a Rapid Fabrication Alternative for Point-of-Care Devices: Assessment of Passive Micromixers
Authors: Martínez-López J. , Mojica Mauricio , Rodríguez Ciro , Siller Héctor
Published: May 2016

Despite the copious amount of research on the design and operation of micromixers, there are few works regarding manufacture technology aimed at implementation beyond academic environments. This work evaluates the viability of xurography as a rapid fabrication tool for the development of ultra-low cost microfluidic technology for extreme Point-of-Care (POC) micromixing devices. By eschewing photolithographic processes and the bulkiness of pumping and enclosure systems for rapid fabrication and passively driven operation, xurography is introduced as a manufacturing alternative for asymmetric split and recombine (ASAR) micromixers. A T-micromixer design was used as a reference to assess the effects of different cutting conditions and materials on the geometric features of the resulting microdevices. Inspection by stereographic and confocal microscopy showed that it is possible to manufacture devices with less than 8% absolute dimensional error. Implementation of the manufacturing methodology in modified circular shape- based SAR microdevices (balanced and unbalanced configurations) showed that, despite the precision limitations of the xurographic process, it is possible to implement this methodology to produce functional micromixing devices. Mixing efficiency was evaluated numerically and experimentally at the outlet of the microdevices with performances up to 40%. Overall, the assessment encourages further research of xurography for the development of POC micromixers.
Field-Based Optimal Placement of Antennas for Body-Worn Wireless Sensors
Authors: Januszkiewicz Łukasz , Di Barba Paolo , Hausman Sławomir
Published: May 2016

We investigate a case of automated energy-budget-aware optimization of the physical position of nodes (sensors) in a Wireless Body Area Network (WBAN). This problem has not been presented in the literature yet, as opposed to antenna and routing optimization, which are relatively well-addressed. In our research, which was inspired by a safety-critical application for firefighters, the sensor network consists of three nodes located on the human body. The nodes communicate over a radio link operating in the 2.4 GHz or 5.8 GHz ISM frequency band. Two sensors have a fixed location: one on the head (earlobe pulse oximetry) and one on the arm (with accelerometers, temperature and humidity sensors, and a GPS receiver), while the position of the third sensor can be adjusted within a predefined region on the wearer’s chest. The path loss between each node pair strongly depends on the location of the nodes and is difficult to predict without performing a full-wave electromagnetic simulation. Our optimization scheme employs evolutionary computing. The novelty of our approach lies not only in the formulation of the problem but also in linking a fully automated optimization procedure with an electromagnetic simulator and a simplified human body model. This combination turns out to be a computationally effective solution, which, depending on the initial placement, has a potential to improve performance of our example sensor network setup by up to about 20 dB with respect to the path loss between selected nodes.
Reduction of Motion Artifacts and Improvement of R Peak Detecting Accuracy Using Adjacent Non-Intrusive ECG Sensors
Authors: Choi Minho , Jeong Jae , Kim Seung , Kim Sang
Published: May 2016

Non-intrusive electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring has many advantages: easy to measure and apply in daily life. However, motion noise in the measured signal is the major problem of non-intrusive measurement. This paper proposes a method to reduce the noise and to detect the R peaks of ECG in a stable manner in a sitting arrangement using non-intrusive sensors. The method utilizes two capacitive ECG sensors (cECGs) to measure ECG, and another two cECGs located adjacent to the sensors for ECG are added to obtain the information on motion. Then, active noise cancellation technique and the motion information are used to reduce motion noise. To verify the proposed method, ECG was measured indoors and during driving, and the accuracy of the detected R peaks was compared. After applying the method, the sum of sensitivity and positive predictivity increased 8.39% on average and 26.26% maximally in the data. Based on the results, it was confirmed that the motion noise was reduced and that more reliable R peak positions could be obtained by the proposed method. The robustness of the new ECG measurement method will elicit benefits to various health care systems that require noninvasive heart rate or heart rate variability measurements.
The Portrayal of Occupational Therapy and Occupational Science in Canadian Newspapers: A Content Analysis
Authors: Chai Tsing-Yee , Wolbring Gregor
Published: May 2016

The primary goal of occupational therapy is to enable people to participate in the activities of everyday life. The demand for occupational therapists in Canada is expected to grow sharply at an annual growth rate of 3.2%, compared to 0.7% for all occupations. At the same time, it is believed by occupational therapists in Canada that the Canadian public does not understand the role of occupational therapy. Occupational science is an emerging basic science field that supports the practice of occupational therapy. Given that newspapers are one source the public uses to obtain information and that newspapers are seen to shape public opinions, the purpose of this study is to investigate how “occupational therapy” is covered in Canadian newspapers from the term’s first appearance in 1917 until 2016 and how “occupational science” is covered from the term’s first appearance in 1989 to 2016. We interrogated the findings through the lens of three non-newspaper sources—two academic journals: Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy (CJOT) and Journal of Occupational Science (JOS); and one Canadian magazine: Occupational Therapy Now (OTN). We found that medical terms were prevalent in the newspaper articles covering occupational therapy similar to the presence of medical terms in the CJOT and OTN. However, the newspapers missed contemporary shifts in occupational therapy as evident in the CJOT, OTN and JOS—such as the increased engagement with enablement, occupational justice and other occupational concepts. The newspapers also failed to portray the societal issues that occupational therapy engages with on behalf of and with their clients, and the newspapers did not cover many of the client groups of occupational therapy. Occupational science was only mentioned in n = 26 articles of the nearly 300 Canadian newspapers covered with no concrete content linked to occupational science. The scope of occupational therapy presented in Canadian newspapers may be one contributing factor to a situation where occupational therapists in Canada think that there is lack of public understanding around their role, as readers are not getting the full picture and as such approach occupational therapy with different expectations. Given the lack of coverage of occupational science, readers will likely obtain limited knowledge about occupational science and its focus.
Modeling and Multi-Objective Optimization of NOx Conversion Efficiency and NH3 Slip for a Diesel Engine
Authors: Liu Bo , Yan Fuwu , Hu Jie , Turkson Richard , Lin Feng
Published: May 2016

The objective of the study is to present the modeling and multi-objective optimization of NOx conversion efficiency and NH3 slip in the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) catalytic converter for a diesel engine. A novel ensemble method based on a support vector machine (SVM) and genetic algorithm (GA) is proposed to establish the models for the prediction of upstream and downstream NOx emissions and NH3 slip. The data for modeling were collected from a steady-state diesel engine bench calibration test. After obtaining the two conflicting objective functions concerned in this study, the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) was implemented to solve the multi-objective optimization problem of maximizing NOx conversion efficiency while minimizing NH3 slip under certain operating points. The optimized SVM models showed great accuracy for the estimation of actual outputs with the Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) of upstream and downstream NOx emissions and NH3 slip being 44.01 × 10−6, 21.87 × 10−6 and 2.22 × 10−6, respectively. The multi-objective optimization and subsequent decisions for optimal performance have also been presented.
Implications and Measurement of Energy Poverty across the European Union
Authors: Maxim Alexandru , Mihai Costică , Apostoaie Constantin-Marius , Popescu Cristian , Istrate Costel , Bostan Ionel
Published: May 2016

Energy poverty, or the inability of households to afford adequate access to energy services, is an issue that can have a significant effect on the quality of life and even the state of health of individuals and even the overall development of a nation. Since it was first brought into focus more than two decades ago in the UK, this topic has gradually gained the attention of academics and policy makers all across the EU and beyond. The current paper addresses the topic by providing not only a renewed discussion, but also an improved energy poverty indicator (with clear and relevant results at the EU level): the Compound Energy Poverty Indicator (CEPI). Moreover, knowing that the risk of poverty and social exclusion, efficiency of heating systems, total consumption of energy per household and rising energy prices tend to increase the severity of this problem in some countries, CEPI is then included into an econometric model so as to determine some possible factors that tend to put pressure on an already existing issue of energy poverty. The results of this research are expected to be relevant not only for academics (as it offers insights into the structure and severity of this topic within the European Union), but also for national and EU policymakers who are confronted in the field with the problem of sustainable development.
Sustainability-Oriented Financial Resource Allocation in a Project Portfolio through Multi-Criteria Decision-Making
Authors: Dobrovolskienė Nomeda , Tamošiūnienė Rima
Published: May 2016

Modern portfolio theory attempts to maximize the expected return of a portfolio for a given level of portfolio risk, or equivalently minimize risk for a given level of expected return. The reality, however, shows that, when selecting projects to a portfolio and allocating resources in the portfolio, an increasing number of organizations take into account other aspects as well. As a result of the sole purpose (risk-return), it offers only a partial solution for a sustainable organization. Existing project portfolio selection and resource allocation methods and models do not consider sustainability. Therefore, the aim of this article is to develop a sustainability-oriented model of financial resource allocation in a project portfolio by integrating a composite sustainability index of a project into Markowitz’s classical risk-return scheme (mean-variance model). The model was developed by applying multi-criteria decision-making methods. The practicability of the model was tested by an empirical study in a selected construction company. The proposed sustainability-oriented financial resource allocation model could be used in allocating financial resources in any type of business. The use of the model would not only help organisations to manage risk and achieve higher return but would also allow carrying out sustainable projects, thereby promoting greater environmental responsibility and giving more consideration to the wellbeing of future generations. Moreover, the model allows quantifying the impact of the integration of sustainability into financial resource allocation on the return of a portfolio.
A Knowledge Comparison Environment for Supporting Meaningful Learning of E-Book Users
Authors: Wang Jingyun , Ogata Hiroaki , Shimada Atsushi
Published: May 2016

In this paper, we present an ontology-based visualization support system which can provide a meaningful learning environment to help e-book learners to effectively construct their knowledge frameworks. In this personalized visualization support system, learners are encouraged to actively locate new knowledge in their own knowledge framework and check the logical consistency of their ideas for clearing up misunderstandings; on the other hand, instructors will be able to decide the group distribution for collaborative learning activities based on the knowledge structure of learners. For facilitating those visualization supports, a method to semi-automatically construct a course-centered ontology to describe the required information in a map structure is presented. To automatically manipulate this course-centered ontology to provide visualization learning supports, a prototype system is designed and developed.
Combination of Assessment Indicators for Policy Support on Water Scarcity and Pollution Mitigation
Authors: Yang Wei , Song Junnian , Higano Yoshiro , Tang Jie
Published: May 2016

Given increasing concern about seeking solutions to water scarcity and pollution (WSP), this paper is intent on developing significant assessment indicators as decision variables for providing reference for policy proposals on the mitigation of WSP. An indicator package consisting of footprints of freshwater consumption (FC) and water pollutant discharge (WPD), virtual contents of freshwater and water pollutants, and inter-sectoral linkages in terms of industrial production, FC and WPD has been newly set up based on an extended input-output model. These indicators allow to provide specific and well-structured analysis on FC, WPD and the economy as well as their implicated interrelationships. The Source Region of Liao River located in northeastern China was selected as an empirical study area to apply the indicator package. The results indicate that farming and production of electricity industries are major contributors to FC; farming and breeding industries, and households are major contributors to WPD. The study area exports a large amount of net virtual total nitrogen, total phosphorus and chemical oxygen demand (29.01 × 103 t, 4.66 × 103 t, 60.38 × 103 t, respectively). Farming and breeding industries are the sectors whose production could be constrained to contribute to mitigating WSP without excessive negative impacts on the economy. Two categories of policies have been proposed to mitigate WSP based on the analysis of the indicator package. One is to introduce direct water pollutant treatment and water-saving policies to the target sectors; the other is to adjust industrial structure. The integrated indicator package developed and the methodology presented are expected to provide policy researchers and decision makers with references for more sound water management.
Une ville vers 1300 : Calais
Authors: Derville Alain
Published: May 2016

Calais was in no way on the verge of bankruptcy around 1300. From 1250 to 1298, it hat borrowed at less and less onerous rates. There were in Arras real bankers investing the funds of the Arras people. Around 1300, Calais counted 15.000 inhabitants. The city was becoming more and more Roman-speaking. It was dominated by the wealthy, who were extremely well-off, and this only through their trading because they practiced neither usury nor ship-commissioning. Family was understood in its narrower meaning, kinship was not as preeminent as alliance. Celibacy was lower in the city than in the rural suburb of Saint-Pierre. The hearth ratio seems to have been higher in Calais (5 ?) that in Saint-Pierre (3.75 ?).
Chronique intime des luttes électorales et scolaires à Montreuil (1887-1901)
Authors: Grailles Bénédicte
Published: May 2016

Doorheen het leven van Emile Charpentier kan men de politieke evolutie van een traditioneel conservatieve stad, Montreuil, van 1877 tot 1901 volgen. Charpentier was een verstokt republikein die voor zijn mening uitkwam in een blad, Journal de Montreuil. Hij was campagnesecretaris van enkele verkiezingen en moteerde nauwkeurig het verloop en de actie van de militanten. Hij nam deel aan de schoolstrijd, met overtuiging, en het is vooral aan hem te danken dat er een hogere lagere school in Montreuil werd opgericht. In zijn archief vindt men de weerslag van een actief en gepassioneerd voorvechter en zo ook een beeld van zijn stad en de ideologische stromingen in zijn tijd.
La dynastie des Farjon à Boulogne-sur-Mer : de la politique des affaires aux affaires politiques (1850- 1979)
Authors: Chovaux Olivier
Published: May 2016

Als zakenlui en politici zijn de Farjons een bewijs in Boulogne van de talrijke banden tussen beide werelden tijdens de Derde Republiek.

De sleutelfiguren uit de Farjonclan, Ferdinand en Roger, gebruiken hun zaak (Baignol et Farjon), als een springplank naar de politiek, eerst op lokaal, dan op departementaal en nationaal vlak. Hun politieke ambitie zal ze tenslotte een imago van notabele/parlementariër bezig met de lokale belangen bezorgen. De opgang van de familie werd ongelukkigerwijze gebroken door de «zaak Farjon» die het weerstandsnet O.C.M. Nord ontredderde. De erfgenaam, Roland, overlijdt op een tragische manier en zo komt een einde aan de politieke ambitie van een familie die zich in 1979 zelfs uit de zaken terugtrekt.
L'intégration des femmes à la société arrageoise à la Belle Époque
Authors: Antomarchi Véronique
Published: May 2016

L'activité professionnelle à Arras à la «Belle Epoque» était importante puisqu'elle concernait près de la moitié des femmes. La plupart des métiers offerts les plaçaient dans une situation précaire et les deux champs d'activité les plus représentés correspondaient à la domesticité et aux métiers de l'aiguille. Néanmoins, certaines femmes sont parvenues à s'ancrer dans la voie de la modernité en exerçant des professions nouvelles comme celles de médecin, d'industrielle, de directrice de collège. Célibataires, elles vivaient en contradiction avec le modèle bourgeois selon lequel le rôle de femme était intimement lié à sa vie familiale.

La bourgeoise arrageoise partageait son temps entre les loisirs, les distractions et parfois l'engagement dans l'action sociale.

Mais au-delà de ces deux modèles d'intégration, l'âge était un facteur d'appauvrissement et de marginalisation et la non-intégration à la vie professionnelle entraînait beaucoup de femmes vers la prostitution. En réalité, l'instruction, comme les autorités municipales l'ont manifesté durant cette période, restait le meilleur atout pour réussir une bonne intégration, mais elle n'intéressait encore qu'un nombre limité de femmes.
Grands notables et "électeurs à chaudrons" : le petit monde des censitaires dans la Somme sous Louis-Philippe.
Authors: Wiscart Jean-Marie
Published: May 2016

Menée à partir des listes électorales et du jury de 1842-1843, cette étude a pour but de repérer les franges supérieures du tissu social d'un département où coexistent, à la veille de l'irruption du chemin de fer, grande culture et activité textile urbaine ou rurale. Face aux campagnes du Santerre et du Vimeu solidement encadrées par les riches fermiers et les marchands ruraux, s'affirme la puissance de la bourgeoisie amiénoise plus fortunée sinon plus entreprenante que celle de la capitale du Ponthieu. La noblesse locale maintient ses positions matérielles et tient une place au premier plan au sein des notabilités du cens, loin devant les négociants ou les riches "propriétaires" roturiers, héritiers bien souvent d'acquéreurs de biens nationaux.
Amiens au lendemain de la Libération d'après la presse locale (1944-1945).
Authors: Trogneux Alain
Published: May 2016

Amiens na de bevrijding in de lokale pers (1944-1945).

Na vier lange bezettingsjaren geraakt Amiens in September 1944 in een ramptoestand. Het is een martelaarsstad waarvan het centrum volledig verwoest is. Het ontbreekt aan ailes, kolen, geneesmiddelen, woningen, voedsel. Het is de tijd van de zwarte markt en de restricties.

De republikeinse wettelijkheid wordt in de verwarring hersteld. Het publiek wentelt zijn materiele en morele desillusie af op de epuratie, zonder ooit een vraag te stellen over de collectieve schuld. De wederopbouw gaat, bij gebrek aan materialen, niet wooruit, tot ieders ontevredenheid. Maar via het dagelijks gevecht voor het geluk en de diepe roerselen ten spijt wordt het moderne Amiens geboren.
Microbead encapsulation of living plant protoplasts: A new tool for the handling of single plant cells
Authors: Grasso Matthew S. , Lintilhac Philip M.
Published: May 2016

Premise of the study:

Understanding plant cell biomechanics has been hampered by a lack of appropriate experimental tools. Here we introduce a protocol for the incorporation of individual plant protoplasts into precisely sized agarose microbeads. This technology may lead to new ways to manipulate the physical and chemical microenvironment of individual plant cells.

Methods and Results:

Living protoplasts obtained from BY‐2 tobacco suspension cultures were continuously incorporated into a stream of agarose microdroplets, collected in cooled mineral oil as gelled microbeads, and then transferred into liquid MS medium for culture. In this first report, we show that spherical microbeads containing living protoplasts can be easily generated in quantity and that these encapsulated cells continue to grow and divide.

Conclusions:

Microbead encapsulation of protoplasts affords the opportunity to precisely control the physical microenvironment of individual plant cells. Ultimately, this method may help facilitate novel studies in plant biomechanics.
OBSERVATIONS OF AN X-SHAPED RIBBON FLARE IN THE SUN AND ITS THREE-DIMENSIONAL MAGNETIC RECONNECTION
Authors: Li Y. , Qiu J. , Longcope D. W. , Ding M. D. , Yang K.
Published: May 2016

We report evolution of an atypical X-shaped flare ribbon that provides novel observational evidence of three-dimensional (3D) magnetic reconnection at a separator. The flare occurred on 2014 November 9. High-resolution slit-jaw 1330 Å images from the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph reveal four chromospheric flare ribbons that converge and form an X-shape. Flare brightening in the upper chromosphere spreads along the ribbons toward the center of the “X” (the X-point), and then spreads outward in a direction more perpendicular to the ribbons. These four ribbons are located in a quadrupolar magnetic field. Reconstruction of magnetic topology in the active region suggests the presence of a separator connecting to the X-point outlined by the ribbons. The inward motion of flare ribbons in the early stage therefore indicates 3D magnetic reconnection between two sets of non-coplanar loops that approach laterally, and reconnection proceeds downward along a section of vertical current sheet. Coronal loops are also observed by the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly on board the Solar Dynamics Observatory confirming the reconnection morphology illustrated by ribbon evolution.
Design of Bionic Prototype for Autonomous Mobile Robot Visual System Cleaning Apparatus
Authors: Bagus Bhirawa Putra , Xu He , Liu Zhao Jie , Huang Xin Liang
Published: May 2016

With the increasing projects on surveillance and monitoring purposes over the years, the requirement of visual equipment especially in autonomous mobile robot (AMR) has improved. By implementing Computerized Fluid Dynamic (CFD) method, Coanda-effect was introduced to get better flow characteristic (radial and tangential pressure - velocity profiles) on surface particle cleaning in AMR application. To establish this condition, a novel design of particle removal based on human lacrimal system was reconstructed and gradually examined to obtain optimized particle cleaning which carried out in FLUENT and iSIGHT. Throughout the history of mankind, nature has become a source of inspiration towards technical and engineering design. A biomimetic approach was utilized as main concept in providing design process with incorporating both form aspects and functional principles. As design process progressed, the bionic innovation can serve as a prominent role in the development of engineering design. Simultaneous practice - recognition - practice is repeated, in order to make things more consistent with the simulated production needs. Under these circumstances, the growth and structure of surface disturbances by a coaxial airflow in accordance with pressure distribution and shear stresses were numerically investigated. Furthermore, an optimization method for achieving optimal particle cleaning was formulated based on independent variables with the objectives to maximize pressure flow and drag force coefficient while minimizing the dynamic turbulence flow. The influence of pressure distribution, nozzles angle of attack and particle matters have also been explored. Result shows that this design structure qualitatively represents characteristic of the optimum surface cleaning performance in terms of particle drag force and energy efficiency.
Review on Photo-Responsive Polymeric Interfaces in Biomedical Applications
Authors: Kollarigowda Ravichandran H.
Published: May 2016

Photo-sensitive, smart switchable polymers are macromolecules that change its properties when irradiated with the light of the appropriate wavelength. Due to this uniqueness photo polymers has wide application. In this review we discuss the photopolymer chemistry and explain the changing the morphology of polymeric materials after exposing into light. Also we discussed photo-polymers applications in biomedical field.
Measurement of Threshold Image Intensities on Difference of Vascular Model: Effect on Computational Fluid Dynamics for Patient-Specific Cerebral Aneurysm
Authors: Mohd Adib Mohd Azrul Hisham
Published: May 2016

Threshold image intensity for patient vascular models is determined instinctively. In this study, we used the simple method of threshold resolve to evaluate the effect of threshold image intensity level on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) of patient-specific cerebral aneurysm. This investigation involved five patients with internal carotid aneurysms collected in retrospect between August 2010 and October 2012. In 3-dimensional rotational angiography with digital subtraction angiography (DSA) image data, we set five straight line probe across the parent of the internal carotid artery and deliberate the average profile curve of the image intensity along this line. To determine the threshold image intensity level objectively, we calculated the threshold coefficient Cthre using this profile curve. The effect of Cthre value on vascular model configuration and the wall shear stress (WSS) distribution of the aneurysm was evaluated. Result shows for the inlet area and volume of the vascular model decreased and WSS increased according to the Cthre value increase. In one stage, the pattern of WSS distribution changed strangely and the threshold image intensity level can result reflective effects on CFD. This finding necessary to advance a further understanding of problems in image segmentation and solving the patient-specific aneurysm problems.
Numerical Modelling of AISI 316L Cardiovascular Stent Behaviour under Blood Pressure and Restenosis Loadings
Authors: Benhaddou Mohammed , Abbadi M. , Ghammouri M.
Published: May 2016

In the present study, ABAQUS finite element modelling was used to explore the durability of cardiovascular stent made of AISI 316L. It was found that the blood pressure loading never causes the fracture of the stent. This result was confirmed by the application of two critical plane approaches and one mean stress criterion. However, when subjected to restenosis compressive loading the stent was found to experience an in-service failure. The last proved to be dependent on the stent diameter reduction, rate and location of restenosis. Since restenosis forms gradually and randomly within the artery, two distributions were considered and investigated. The eccentric restenosis turned out to be more deleterious than the concentric one.
Material Models and their Capability for Process and Material Properties Design in Different Forming Processes
Authors: Schacht Konstantin , Prahl Ulrich , Bleck Wolfgang
Published: May 2016

Hot forming of metals is important to achieve the desired shape and properties of products. The change in process behavior and final properties of materials during processing is essential for the design of new processes and products. Finite-element-software (FE-software) is nowadays widely used in industry to design and optimize hot forming processes. These FE codes need a proper description of the material behavior being developed for specific processes.In this paper the capability of a recently developed one-point-model will be discussed to predict material behavior for the carbon steel (C-steel) family. In detail, the following topics will be discussed: (i) description of the material behavior in varying processes, (ii) definition of material properties depending on alloying content, (iii) capability to describe whole alloy families, (iv) adjusting the model parameters by a small number of experiments.
Inline High Speed Laser Cutting of Band Material
Authors: Wetzig Andreas , Hauptmann Jan , Herwig Patrick , Beyer Eckhard , Bundschuh Wieland , Volk Simon , Hemberger Mark
Published: May 2016

Laser cutting is introduced as an alternative technique to manufacture typical metallic punching and bending parts. Assets and drawbacks of high speed laser cutting technologies like Remote Laser Cutting and laser fusion cutting by means of a high dynamic form cutter are discussed. Finally, the concept of the world´s first industrial inline reel to reel laser cutting machine for metal strips is presented.