bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Explaining the Microtubule Energy Balance: Contributions Due to Dipole Moments, Charges, van der Waals and Solvation Energy
Authors: Ayoub Ahmed , Staelens Michael , Prunotto Alessio , Deriu Marco , Danani Andrea , Klobukowski Mariusz , Tuszynski Jack
Published: September 2017

Microtubules are the main components of mitotic spindles, and are the pillars of the cellular cytoskeleton. They perform most of their cellular functions by virtue of their unique dynamic instability processes which alternate between polymerization and depolymerization phases. This in turn is driven by a precise balance between attraction and repulsion forces between the constituents of microtubules (MTs)—tubulin dimers. Therefore, it is critically important to know what contributions result in a balance of the interaction energy among tubulin dimers that make up microtubules and what interactions may tip this balance toward or away from a stable polymerized state of tubulin. In this paper, we calculate the dipole–dipole interaction energy between tubulin dimers in a microtubule as part of the various contributions to the energy balance. We also compare the remaining contributions to the interaction energies between tubulin dimers and establish a balance between stabilizing and destabilizing components, including the van der Waals, electrostatic, and solvent-accessible surface area energies. The energy balance shows that the GTP-capped tip of the seam at the plus end of microtubules is stabilized only by − 9 kcal/mol, which can be completely reversed by the hydrolysis of a single GTP molecule, which releases + 14 kcal/mol and destabilizes the seam by an excess of + 5 kcal/mol. This triggers the breakdown of microtubules and initiates a disassembly phase which is aptly called a catastrophe.
Leak Location of Pipeline with Multibranch Based on a Cyber-Physical System
Authors: Lang Xianming , Li Ping , Li Yan , Ren Hong
Published: September 2017

Data cannot be shared and leakage cannot be located simultaneously among multiple pipeline leak detection systems. Based on cyber-physical system (CPS) architecture, the method for locating leakage for pipelines with multibranch is proposed. The singular point of pressure signals at the ends of pipeline with multibranch is analyzed by wavelet packet analysis, so that the time feature samples could be established. Then, the Fischer-Burmeister function is introduced into the learning process of the twin support vector machine (TWSVM) in order to avoid the matrix inversion calculation, and the samples are input into the improved twin support vector machine (ITWSVM) to distinguish the pipeline leak location. The simulation results show that the proposed method is more effective than the back propagation (BP) neural networks, the radial basis function (RBF) neural networks, and the Lagrange twin support vector machine.
Validation of a Tool for the Initial Dynamic Design of Mooring Systems for Large Floating Wave Energy Converters
Authors: Thomsen Jonas , Ferri Francesco , Kofoed Jens
Published: September 2017

Mooring of floating wave energy converters is an important topic in renewable research since it highly influences the overall cost of the wave energy converter and thereby the cost of energy. In addition, several wave energy converter failures have been observed due to insufficient mooring systems. When designing these systems, it is necessary to ensure the applicability of the design tool and to establish an understanding of the error between model and prototype. The present paper presents the outcome of an experimental test campaign and construction of a numerical model using the open-source boundary element method code NEMOH and the commercial time-domain mooring analysis tool OrcaFlex. The work used the wind/wave energy converter Floating Power Plant as a case study, which is defined as a large floating structure with a passive mooring system. The investigated mooring consists of a three-legged turret system with synthetic lines, and it was tested for both operational and extreme events. In order to understand the difference between the model and experimental results, no tuning of the model was done, besides adding drag elements with values found from a simplified methodology. This resembles initial design cases where no experimental data are available. Generally good agreement was found for the tensions in the lines when the drag element was applied, with some overestimation of the motions. The main cause of difference was found to be underestimation of linear damping. A model was tested with additional linear damping, and it illustrated that a final analysis needs to use experimental data to achieve the best results. However, the analyses showed that the investigated model can be used without tuning in initial investigations of mooring systems, and it is expected that this approach can be applied to other similar systems.
Methyl N-[1-(Benzoylamino)-2-methoxy-2-oxoethyl]-tryptophanate
Authors: Karai Oumaima , El Hamdani Maha , Faraj Hassane , Alami Anouar , Kabbour Mohammed , El Hallaoui Abdelilah , Bouksaim Mohammed , Aouine Younas
Published: September 2017

The title compound, methyl N-[1-(benzoylamino)-2-methoxy-2-oxoethyl]tryptophanate 2, was synthesized in high yield, via N-alkylation reaction of methyl 2-azido-2-benzamidoacetate with methyl 2-amino-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)propanoate in acetone, with the presence of diisopropylethylamine as a base. The structure of the prepared compound was characterized by 1H, 13C NMR in addition to MS, X-Ray diffraction data, and elemental analysis. This compound was tested in vitro for its antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus, and Gram-negative bacteria, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Salmonella enteric. The MIC values showed that the synthesized compound had a bactericidal effect against the strains tested.
Adsorption Mechanisms of Dodecylbenzene Sulfonic Acid by Corn Straw and Poplar Leaf Biochars
Authors: Zhao Nan , Yang Xixiang , Zhang Jing , Zhu Ling , Lv Yizhong
Published: September 2017

Biochar is an eco-friendly, renewable, and cost-effective material that can be used as an adsorbent for the remediation of contaminated environments. In this paper, two types of biochar were prepared through corn straw and poplar leaf pyrolysis at 300 °C and 700 °C (C300, C700, P300, P700). Brunaer–Emmett–Teller N2 surface area, scanning electron microscope, elemental analysis, and infrared spectra were used to characterize their structures. These biochars were then used as adsorbents for the adsorption of dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid (DBSA). The microscopic adsorption mechanisms were studied by using infrared spectra, 13C-nuclear magnetic resonance spectra, and electron spin resonance spectra. The surface area and pore volume of C700 (375.89 m2/g and 0.2302 cm3/g) were the highest among all samples. Elemental analysis results showed that corn straw biochars had a higher aromaticity and carbon to nitrogen (C/N) ratio than the poplar leaf biochars. High temperature caused the increase of carbon content and the decrease of oxygen content, which also gave the biochars a higher adsorption rate. Pseudo-second order kinetic provided a better fit with the experimental data. Adsorption isotherm experiments showed that the adsorption isotherm of C300 fit the linear model. For other biochars, the adsorption isotherms fitted Langmuir model. Biochars with high temperatures exhibited enhanced adsorption capacity compared with ones at low temperatures. The qmax values of biochars to DBSA followed the order of P700 > C700 > P300. The adsorption mechanisms were complex, including partition, anion exchange, the formation of H bonds, covalent bonds, and charge transfer. The adsorption by covalent bonding might be the key mechanism determining the adsorption capacity of P700.
Effects of Liposomes Contained in Thermosensitive Hydrogels as Biomaterials Useful in Neural Tissue Engineering
Authors: Olguín Yusser , Campos Cristian , Catalán Javiera , Velásquez Luís , Osorio Fernando , Montenegro Iván , Madrid Alejandro , Acevedo Cristian
Published: September 2017

Advances in the generation of suitable thermosensitive hydrogels for the delivery of cells in neural tissue engineering demonstrate a delicate relationship between physical properties and capabilities to promote cell proliferation and differentiation. To improve the properties of these materials, it is possible to add liposomes for the controlled release of bioactive elements, which in turn can affect the physical and biological properties of the hydrogels. In the present investigation, different hydrogels based on Pluronic F127 have been formulated with the incorporation of chitosan and two types of liposomes of two different sizes. The rheological and thermal properties and their relation with the neurite proliferation and growth of the PC12 cell line were evaluated. Our results show that the incorporation of liposomes modifies the properties of the hydrogels dependent on the concentration of chitosan and the lipid type in the liposomes, which directly affect the capabilities of the hydrogels to promote the viability and differentiation of PC12 cells.
Essential Oils as an Alternative to Pyrethroids’ Resistance against Anopheles Species Complex Giles (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Gnankiné Olivier , Bassolé Imaël
Published: September 2017

Widespread resistance of Anopheles sp. populations to pyrethroid insecticides has led to the search for sustainable alternatives in the plant kingdom. Among many botanicals, there is great interest in essential oils and their constituents. Many researchers have explored essential oils (EOs) to determine their toxicity and identify repellent molecules that are effective against Anopheles populations. Essential oils are volatile and fragrant substances with an oily consistency typically produced by plants. They contain a variety of volatile molecules such as terpenes and terpenoids, phenol-derived aromatic components and aliphatic components at quite different concentrations with a significant insecticide potential, essentially as ovicidal, larvicidal, adulticidal, repellency, antifeedant, growth and reproduction inhibitors. The current review provides a summary of chemical composition of EOs, their toxicity at different developmental stages (eggs, larvae and adults), their repellent effects against Anopheles populations, for which there is little information available until now. An overview of antagonist and synergistic phenomena between secondary metabolites, the mode of action as well as microencapsulation technologies are also given in this review. Finally, the potential use of EOs as an alternative to current insecticides has been discussed.
Synthesis of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes from Plastic Waste Using a Stainless-Steel CVD Reactor as Catalyst
Authors: Tripathi Pranav , Durbach Shane , Coville Neil
Published: September 2017

The disposal of non-biodegradable plastic waste without further upgrading/downgrading is not environmentally acceptable and many methods to overcome the problem have been proposed. Herein we indicate a simple method to make high-value nanomaterials from plastic waste as a partial solution to the environmental problem. Laboratory-based waste centrifuge tubes made of polypropylene were chosen as a carbon source to show the process principle. In the process, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were synthesized from plastic waste in a two-stage stainless steel 316 (SS 316) metal tube that acted as both reactor vessel and catalyst. The steel reactor contains Fe (and Ni, and various alloys), which act as the catalyst for the carbon conversion process. The reaction and products were studied using electron probe microanalysis, thermogravimetric analysis, Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Optimization studies to determine the effect of different parameters on the process showed that the highest yield and most graphitized MWCNTs were formed at 900 °C under the reaction conditions used (yield 42%; Raman ID/IG ratio = 0.48). The high quality and high yield of the MWCNTs that were produced in a flow reactor from plastic waste using a two stage SS 316 chemical vapor deposition (CVD) furnace did not require the use of an added catalyst.
Synthesis and Enhanced Ethanol Gas Sensing Properties of the g-C3N4 Nanosheets-Decorated Tin Oxide Flower-Like Nanorods Composite
Authors: Wang Yan , Cao Jianliang , Qin Cong , Zhang Bo , Sun Guang , Zhang Zhanying
Published: September 2017

Flower-like SnO2/g-C3N4 nanocomposites were synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method by using SnCl4·5H2O and urea as the precursor. The structure and morphology of the as-synthesized samples were characterized by using the X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), electron microscopy (FESEM and TEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FT-IR) techniques. SnO2 displays the unique 3D flower-like microstructure assembled with many uniform nanorods with the lengths and diameters of about 400–600 nm and 50–100 nm, respectively. For the SnO2/g-C3N4 composites, SnO2 flower-like nanorods were coupled by a lamellar structure 2D g-C3N4. Gas sensing performance test results indicated that the response of the sensor based on 7 wt. % 2D g-C3N4-decorated SnO2 composite to 500 ppm ethanol vapor was 150 at 340 °C, which was 3.5 times higher than that of the pure flower-like SnO2 nanorods-based sensor. The gas sensing mechanism of the g-C3N4nanosheets-decorated SnO2 flower-like nanorods was discussed in relation to the heterojunction structure between g-C3N4 and SnO2.
Mediterranean Diet and Multi-Ingredient-Based Interventions for the Management of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Suárez Manuel , Boqué Noemí , Del Bas Josep , Mayneris-Perxachs Jordi , Arola Lluís , Caimari Antoni
Published: September 2017

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) comprises a wide spectrum of hepatic disorders, from simple steatosis to hepatic necro-inflammation leading to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Although the prevalence of these multifactorial pathologies is continuously increasing in the population, there is still not an established methodology for their treatment other than weight loss and a change in lifestyle habits, such as a hypocaloric diet and physical exercise. In this framework, there is increasing evidence that several food bioactives and dietary patterns are effective for reversing and preventing the onset of these pathologies. Some studies have claimed that better responses are obtained when treatments are performed under a multifaceted approach, using different bioactive compounds that act against complementary targets. Thus, in this work, current strategies for treating NAFLD and NASH based on multi-ingredient-based supplements or the Mediterranean diet, a dietary pattern rich in bioactive compounds, are reviewed. Furthermore, the usefulness of omics techniques to design effective multi-ingredient nutritional interventions and to predict and monitor their response against these disorders is also discussed.
The Development of a Melt-Extruded Shellac Carrier for the Targeted Delivery of Probiotics to the Colon
Authors: Gately Noel , Kennedy James
Published: September 2017

Hot melt extrusion (HME) is considered an efficient technique in developing solid molecular dispersions, and has been demonstrated to provide sustained, modified and targeted drug delivery resulting in improved bioavailability. However, most commercial enteric or pH-responsive polymers are relatively difficult to process or have high Glass Transition Temperature (Tg) values, making their use with temperature-sensitive drugs, probiotics or biologics not viable. Shellac is a natural thermoplastic, and after a review of current literature on the pharmaceutical HME process, a possible gap in the knowledge of the use of shellac to produce dosage forms by means of HME was identified. This work explores the possibility of SSB® 55 pharmaceutical-grade shellac as a melt-extrudable encapsulation polymer to entrap freeze-dried probiotic powder and to determine bacterial cell viability post-processing. Well-defined strands were produced from the physical mixture of shellac and Biocare® Bifidobacterium Probiotic. FTIR clarified that there are no significant interactions between the probiotic and polymer. All of the samples demonstrated less than 5% degradation over 24 h at pH of both 1.2 and 6.8. At pH 7.4, both loaded samples gave a similar dissolution trend with complete degradation achieved after 10–11 h. Following five-month storage, 57.8% reduction in viability was observed.
Phytochemicals: Extraction, Isolation, and Identification of Bioactive Compounds from Plant Extracts
Authors: Altemimi Ammar , Lakhssassi Naoufal , Baharlouei Azam , Watson Dennis , Lightfoot David
Published: September 2017

There are concerns about using synthetic phenolic antioxidants such as butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) as food additives because of the reported negative effects on human health. Thus, a replacement of these synthetics by antioxidant extractions from various foods has been proposed. More than 8000 different phenolic compounds have been characterized; fruits and vegetables are the prime sources of natural antioxidants. In order to extract, measure, and identify bioactive compounds from a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, researchers use multiple techniques and methods. This review includes a brief description of a wide range of different assays. The antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties of phenolic natural products from fruits and vegetables are also discussed.
Distribution of N-Methylimidazole in Ionic Liquids/Organic Solvents Systems
Authors: Bogdanov Milen , Svinyarov Ivan
Published: September 2017

The partition coefficients, Kmim, of N-methylimidazole (mim) in two-component systems composed of ionic liquid (IL) and a series of organic solvents immiscible with ILs (butyl acetate, ethyl acetate, tert-butyl methyl ether, diethyl ether and cyclohexane) were determined by a shake-flask method. The influence of different factors such as temperature, solvent polarity, mim concentration, and water content on Kmim by using 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride {[C4C1im]Cl} as a model compound was comprehensively studied. The calculated thermodynamic functions of transfer (∆trG0, ∆trH0, ∆trS0) showed that the mim migration (IL→organic phase) is a thermodynamically unfavorable and enthalpy-determined process in the temperature range of 298.15 to 328.15K; however, the results suggested that mim partition toward the organic phase can be enhanced by the rational manipulation of the extraction conditions. Experiments conducted with other 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolim chlorides (CnC1im]Cl (n = 6, 8, 10) revealed that mim possesses similar behavior and can be successfully washed out from the ILs by extraction with organic solvents. The results obtained in this study give some clues toward the choice of an appropriate solvent and conditions to be employed for the purification of halide-based ILs by means of a liquid-liquid extraction.
Assessment of Policy Integration of Sustainable Consumption and Production into National Policies
Authors: Koide Ryu , Akenji Lewis
Published: September 2017

Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) was adopted as a stand-alone goal and reflected as one of the cross-cutting objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a central role to address global resource consumption and its associated environmental impacts, as well as numerous social and economic issues. With this broad characterization of SCP, policy integration is crucial in addressing it at national level. This paper analyzes characteristics of SCP policy integration based on a survey of national government policies. It reveals that SCP is not fully integrated in national policy-making; high resource consumption sectors such as urban planning, building, and tourism are not fully incorporated into national SCP policies, and there is only limited participation of relevant government ministries other than environment ministries. We find that among countries with horizontal policy integration, those with Green Economy/Green Growth frameworks tend to have better sectoral integration; and those with SCP-specific frameworks are likely to have broader coordination of ministries. By conducting cross-analysis using income level and region, the different characteristics of SCP policy-making approaches were identified. The results of this study provide a better understanding of how SCP is integrated into policy for effective national policy-making and measurement of the SDG Goal 12.
Raman Lidar Observations of Aerosol Optical Properties in 11 Cities from France to Siberia
Authors: Dieudonné Elsa , Chazette Patrick , Marnas Fabien , Totems Julien , Shang Xiaoxia
Published: September 2017

In June 2013, a ground-based mobile lidar performed the ~10,000 km ride from Paris to Ulan-Ude, near Lake Baikal, profiling aerosol optical properties in the cities visited along the journey and allowing the first comparison of urban aerosols optical properties across Eurasia. The lidar instrument was equipped with N2-Raman and depolarization channels, enabling the retrieval of the 355-nm extinction-to-backscatter ratio (also called Lidar Ratio (LR)) and the linear Particle Depolarization Ratio (PDR) in the urban planetary boundary or residual layer over 11 cities. The optical properties of pollution particles were found to be homogeneous all along the journey: no longitude dependence was observed for the LR, with most values falling within the 67–96 sr range. There exists only a slight increase of PDR between cities in Europe and Russia, which we attribute to a higher fraction of coarse terrigenous particles lifted from bad-tarmac roads and unvegetated terrains, which resulted, for instance, in a +1.7% increase between the megalopolises of Paris and Moscow. A few lower LR values (38 to 50 sr) were encountered above two medium size Siberian cities and in an isolated plume, suggesting that the relative weight of terrigenous aerosols in the mix may increase in smaller cities. Space-borne observations from the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP), retrieved during summer 2013 above the same Russian cities, confirmed the prevalence of aerosols classified as “polluted dust”. Finally, we encountered one special feature in the Russian aerosol mix as we observed with good confidence an unusual aerosol layer displaying both a very high LR (96 sr) and a very high PDR (20%), even though both features make it difficult to identify the aerosol type.
Remote Sensing of Aerosol Optical Depth Using an Airborne Polarimeter over North China
Authors: Wang Han , Yang Leiku , Deng Anjian , Du Weibing , Liu Pei , Sun Xiaobing
Published: September 2017

The airborne Atmosphere Multi-angle Polarization Radiometer (AMPR) was employed to perform airborne measurements over North China between 2012 and 2016. Seven flights and synchronous ground-based observations were acquired. These data were used to test the sensor’s measurements and associated aerosol retrieval algorithm. According to the AMPR measurements, a successive surface-atmosphere decoupling based algorithm was developed to retrieve the aerosol optical depth (AOD). It works via an iteration method, and the lookup table was employed in the aerosol inversion. Throughout the results of the AMPR retrievals, the surface polarized reflectances derived from air- and ground-based instruments were well matched; the measured and simulated reflectances at the aircraft level, which were simulated based on in situ sun photometer observed aerosol properties, were in good agreement; and the AOD measurements were validated against the automatic sun-photometer (CE318) at the nearest time and location. The AOD results were close; the average deviation was less than 0.03. The MODIS AODs were also employed to test the AMPR retrievals, and they showed the same trend. These results illustrate that (i) the successive surface-atmosphere decoupling method in the retrieved program completed its mission and (ii) the aerosol retrieval method has its rationality and potential ability in the regionally accurate remote sensing of aerosol.
Fractional Snow Cover Mapping from FY-2 VISSR Imagery of China
Authors: Wang Gongxue , Jiang Lingmei , Wu Shengli , Shi Jiancheng , Hao Shirui , Liu Xiaojing
Published: September 2017

Daily fractional snow cover (FSC) products derived from optical sensors onboard low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites are often discontinuous, primarily due to prevalent cloud cover. To map the daily cloud-reduced FSC over China, we utilized clear-sky multichannel observations from the first-generation Chinese geostationary orbit (GEO) satellites (namely, the FY-2 series) by taking advantage of their high temporal resolution. The method proposed in this study combines a newly developed binary snow cover detection algorithm designed for the Visible and Infrared Spin Scan Radiometer (VISSR) onboard FY-2F with a simple linear spectral mixture technique applied to the visible (VIS) band. This method relies upon full snow cover and snow-free end-members to estimate the daily FSC. The FY-2E/F VISSR FSC maps of China were compared with the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) FSC data based on the multiple end-member spectral mixture analysis (MESMA), and with Landsat-8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) FSC maps based on the SNOWMAP approach. The FY-2E/F VISSR FSC maps, which demonstrate a lower cloud coverage, exhibit the root mean squared errors (RMSEs) of 0.20/0.19 compared with the MODIS FSC data. When validated against the Landsat-8 OLI FSC data, the FY-2E/F VISSR FSC maps, which display overall accuracies that can reach 0.92, have an RMSE of 0.18~0.29 with R2 values ranging from 0.46 to 0.80.
Modelling above Ground Biomass in Tanzanian Miombo Woodlands Using TanDEM-X WorldDEM and Field Data
Authors: Puliti Stefano , Solberg Svein , Næsset Erik , Gobakken Terje , Zahabu Eliakimu , Mauya Ernest , Malimbwi Rogers
Published: September 2017

The use of Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) data has great potential for monitoring large scale forest above ground biomass (AGB) in the tropics due to the increased ability to retrieve 3D information even under cloud cover. To date; results in tropical forests have been inconsistent and further knowledge on the accuracy of models linking AGB and InSAR height data is crucial for the development of large scale forest monitoring programs. This study provides an example of the use of TanDEM-X WorldDEM data to model AGB in Tanzanian woodlands. The primary objective was to assess the accuracy of a model linking AGB with InSAR height from WorldDEM after the subtraction of ground heights. The secondary objective was to assess the possibility of obtaining InSAR height for field plots when the terrain heights were derived from global navigation satellite systems (GNSS); i.e., as an alternative to using airborne laser scanning (ALS). The results revealed that the AGB model using InSAR height had a predictive accuracy of R M S E = 24.1 t·ha−1; or 38.8% of the mean AGB when terrain heights were derived from ALS. The results were similar when using terrain heights from GNSS. The accuracy of the predicted AGB was improved when compared to a previous study using TanDEM-X for a sub-area of the area of interest and was of similar magnitude to what was achieved in the same sub-area using ALS data. Overall; this study sheds new light on the opportunities that arise from the use of InSAR data for large scale AGB modelling in tropical woodlands.
Logistic Model to Support Service Modularity for the Promotion of Reusability in a Web Objects-Enabled IoT Environment
Authors: Kibria Muhammad , Ali Sajjad , Jarwar Muhammad , Kumar Sunil , Chong Ilyoung
Published: September 2017

Due to a very large number of connected virtual objects in the surrounding environment, intelligent service features in the Internet of Things requires the reuse of existing virtual objects and composite virtual objects. If a new virtual object is created for each new service request, then the number of virtual object would increase exponentially. The Web of Objects applies the principle of service modularity in terms of virtual objects and composite virtual objects. Service modularity is a key concept in the Web Objects-Enabled Internet of Things (IoT) environment which allows for the reuse of existing virtual objects and composite virtual objects in heterogeneous ontologies. In the case of similar service requests occurring at the same, or different locations, the already-instantiated virtual objects and their composites that exist in the same, or different ontologies can be reused. In this case, similar types of virtual objects and composite virtual objects are searched and matched. Their reuse avoids duplication under similar circumstances, and reduces the time it takes to search and instantiate them from their repositories, where similar functionalities are provided by similar types of virtual objects and their composites. Controlling and maintaining a virtual object means controlling and maintaining a real-world object in the real world. Even though the functional costs of virtual objects are just a fraction of those for deploying and maintaining real-world objects, this article focuses on reusing virtual objects and composite virtual objects, as well as discusses similarity matching of virtual objects and composite virtual objects. This article proposes a logistic model that supports service modularity for the promotion of reusability in the Web Objects-enabled IoT environment. Necessary functional components and a flowchart of an algorithm for reusing composite virtual objects are discussed. Also, to realize the service modularity, a use case scenario is studied and implemented.
SFOL Pulse: A High Accuracy DME Pulse for Alternative Aircraft Position and Navigation
Authors: Kim Euiho , Seo Jiwon
Published: September 2017

In the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) performance based navigation strategy announced in 2016, the FAA stated that it would retain and expand the Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) infrastructure to ensure resilient aircraft navigation capability during the event of a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) outage. However, the main drawback of the DME as a GNSS back up system is that it requires a significant expansion of the current DME ground infrastructure due to its poor distance measuring accuracy over 100 m. The paper introduces a method to improve DME distance measuring accuracy by using a new DME pulse shape. The proposed pulse shape was developed by using Genetic Algorithms and is less susceptible to multipath effects so that the ranging error reduces by 36.0–77.3% when compared to the Gaussian and Smoothed Concave Polygon DME pulses, depending on noise environment.
Tracking of Maneuvering Complex Extended Object with Coupled Motion Kinematics and Extension Dynamics Using Range Extent Measurements
Authors: Sun Lifan , Ji Baofeng , Lan Jian , He Zishu , Pu Jiexin
Published: September 2017

The key to successful maneuvering complex extended object tracking (MCEOT) using range extent measurements provided by high resolution sensors lies in accurate and effective modeling of both the extension dynamics and the centroid kinematics. During object maneuvers, the extension dynamics of an object with a complex shape is highly coupled with the centroid kinematics. However, this difficult but important problem is rarely considered and solved explicitly. In view of this, this paper proposes a general approach to modeling a maneuvering complex extended object based on Minkowski sum, so that the coupled turn maneuvers in both the centroid states and extensions can be described accurately. The new model has a concise and unified form, in which the complex extension dynamics can be simply and jointly characterized by multiple simple sub-objects’ extension dynamics based on Minkowski sum. The proposed maneuvering model fits range extent measurements very well due to its favorable properties. Based on this model, an MCEOT algorithm dealing with motion and extension maneuvers is also derived. Two different cases of the turn maneuvers with known/unknown turn rates are specifically considered. The proposed algorithm which jointly estimates the kinematic state and the object extension can also be easily implemented. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed modeling and tracking approaches.
The Expected Job Satisfaction Affecting Entrepreneurial Intention as Career Choice in the Cultural and Artistic Industry
Authors: Jeong Jaeyeob , Choi Myeonggil
Published: September 2017

Artists have chosen a career between employment and self-employment. We studied the factors that influence career choices. We examined the effects of work conditions and employability on job satisfaction, and examined the effect of job satisfaction, outcome expectations and self-efficacy on entrepreneurial intentions. In addition, this study examined whether heuristic factors influence entrepreneurial intentions. Our findings suggest that perceived employability positively affected job satisfaction, while expectation gaps in working conditions negatively affected job satisfaction. Secondly, job satisfaction had a negative effect on entrepreneurial intention. In addition, self-efficacy and outcome expectations mediated between job satisfaction and entrepreneurial intention. Finally, overconfidence was positively influenced by job satisfaction and positively affected self-efficacy. This study contributed the study of the entrepreneurial intent to the field of culture and arts. It confirmed the effect of career choice and heuristic factors on entrepreneurial intention.
Life Cycle Inventory Analysis of Prospective Insect Based Feed Production in West Africa
Authors: Roffeis Martin , Almeida Joana , Wakefield Maureen , Valada Tatiana , Devic Emilie , Koné N’Golopé , Kenis Marc , Nacambo Saidou , Fitches Elaine , Koko Gabriel , Mathijs Erik , Achten Wouter , Muys Bart
Published: September 2017

While the concept of insect based feeds (IBFs) promises great potential, especially in developing countries, the sustainability performance of IBF production remains widely underexplored. Drawing on experimental data from rearing trials in West Africa, three different insect production systems were modelled ex-ante. The generic models served as a basis to analyse and compare the process performances of different IBF production systems using Musca domestica and Hermetia illucens reared on different substrates. The results show that the input efficiency in the production of IBF is largely determined by the quality of rearing substrates, the larval development time and the employed inoculation practises, i.e., the method by which eggs or larvae are added to rearing substrates. The H. illucens system ranked highest for conversion efficiency (substrate input per IBF output), but showed substantially higher inputs in labour, fossil energy and output of wastewater. M. domestica systems operated at lower conversion efficiencies, which resulted in higher outputs of residue substrates, together with higher emissions, land requirements, built infrastructure and water. By offering full disclosure of generic inventory data, this study provides data and inspiration for prospect research and development activities and offers a reference to future life cycle assessments (LCAs) on IBF.
Evaluating Carbon Stock Changes in Forest and Related Uncertainty
Authors: Marziliano Pasquale , Menguzzato Giuliano , Coletta Vittoria
Published: September 2017

For the evaluation of changes in the carbon stock of living biomass, two methods are reported in the Good Practice Guidance for Land Use, Land-Use Change, and Forestry: (1) the default method, which requires the biomass carbon loss to be subtracted from the biomass carbon increment for the reporting year; and (2) the stock change method, which requires two consecutive biomass carbon stock inventories for a given forest area at two points in time. We used three methods to estimate above-ground biomass: (1) application of allometric equations, (2) constant BEF (biomass expansion factor), and (3) age-dependent BEF, following which we evaluated the changes in carbon stock and the related uncertainty. Our study was carried out in a Douglas fir plantation composed of plots with three different planting densities, monitored at three different ages (15, 25, and 40 years old). Results showed the highest uncertainty in the estimates based on the constant BEF, whereas the use of allometric equations led to the lowest uncertainty in the estimates. With a constant BEF, it is usually difficult to obtain a reliable value for the whole tree biomass because stem proportion increases with tree size at the expense of the other components. The age-dependent BEFs aim to reduce the bias representing the actual change in stock, thus we found a lower uncertainty in the estimates by using this method compared to the constant BEF. The default method had the highest uncertainty (35.5–48.1%) and gave an estimate higher by almost double compared to the stock change method, which had an uncertainty ranging from 2.9% (estimated by the allometric equation) to 3.4% (estimated by the constant BEF).
Green Building Pro-Environment Behaviors: Are Green Users Also Green Buyers?
Authors: Xie Xiaohuan , Lu Yi , Gou Zhonghua
Published: September 2017

Pro-environment behaviors play a key role in advancing the development of green buildings. This study investigated the link between two green building pro-environment behaviors that require dissimilar resources: energy savings that do not require money in order to be more environmentally friendly and willingness to pay that involves economic resources including spending money in order to be more environmentally friendly. This study points out that the two pro-environment behaviors can be positively linked to each other. People who behave in an environmentally friendly manner at work would also be likely to pay an extra cost for a green building when buying a new home. The consistency of the two pro-environment behaviors can be explained by their common environmental beliefs: limits to growth and eco-crisis. The green building movement should prioritize pro-environmental behaviors and associated environmental beliefs to support green building policies, guidelines, and tools.
Disinfection in Wastewater Treatment Plants: Evaluation of Effectiveness and Acute Toxicity Effects
Authors: Collivignarelli Maria , Abbà Alessandro , Alloisio Gianpaolo , Gozio Eleonora , Benigna Ilaria
Published: September 2017

In Italy, urban wastewater disinfection is regulated in the third part of Legislative Decree n. 152/2006, which states that wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) must include a disinfection unit, with a capacity exceeding 2000 Population Equivalent (PE). This treatment shall ensure microbial quality and health security. The legislation provides the following limits for wastewater: Escherichia coli (E. coli) concentration below 5000 CFU 100 mL−1 (recommended value), active chlorine concentration below 0.2 mg L−1 and lack of acute toxicity. The compliance with these conditions is shown by means of the study of correct disinfectant dosage, which also depends on wastewater characteristics. An investigation at the regional level (from 2013 to 2016) shows a correlation between acute toxicity discharge and disinfection treatment through chemical reagents (mainly with the use of chlorine compounds and peracetic acid). The experimental work concerns two active sludge WWTPs in northern Italy with small capacity (10,000–12,000 PE). The activities provide the assessment of microbiological quality and toxicity of WWTPs effluents in relation to the dosage of sodium hypochlorite and peracetic acid, by means of the use of batch tests. The results show that with similar disinfectant dosage and comparable initial E. coli concentration, peracetic acid exhibits the best performance in terms of microbial removal (with removal yields up to 99.99%). Moreover, the acute toxicity was evident at higher doses and therefore with higher residuals of peracetic acid (2.68 mg L−1) compared to the free residual chlorine (0.17 mg L−1).
Asymmetric Cryo-EM Structure of Anthrax Toxin Protective Antigen Pore with Lethal Factor N-Terminal Domain
Authors: Machen Alexandra , Akkaladevi Narahari , Trecazzi Caleb , O’Neil Pierce , Mukherjee Srayanta , Qi Yifei , Dillard Rebecca , Im Wonpil , Gogol Edward , White Tommi , Fisher Mark
Published: September 2017

The anthrax lethal toxin consists of protective antigen (PA) and lethal factor (LF). Understanding both the PA pore formation and LF translocation through the PA pore is crucial to mitigating and perhaps preventing anthrax disease. To better understand the interactions of the LF-PA engagement complex, the structure of the LFN-bound PA pore solubilized by a lipid nanodisc was examined using cryo-EM. CryoSPARC was used to rapidly sort particle populations of a heterogeneous sample preparation without imposing symmetry, resulting in a refined 17 Å PA pore structure with 3 LFN bound. At pH 7.5, the contributions from the three unstructured LFN lysine-rich tail regions do not occlude the Phe clamp opening. The open Phe clamp suggests that, in this translocation-compromised pH environment, the lysine-rich tails remain flexible and do not interact with the pore lumen region.
ABSOLUTE CALIBRATION OF SATELLITE ALTIMETRY USING LINEAR REGRESSION AND HARMONIC ANALYSIS
Authors: JAZIREEYAN Iraj , ARDALAN Alireza A.
Published: September 2017

The calibration of satellite radar altimetry has been extremely important for altimetry community and studying sea level changes. The main purpose of this contribution is to provide ongoing absolute calibration of altimeter bias near the Southern seas of Iran using the Iranian tide gauge network that equipped with GPS receivers to measure the sea surface heights synchronously in the same geocentric reference frame as the corresponding altimetry records. The sea level time series of coastal tide gauges have been used to estimate the bias, drift and annual/semiannual constituents of altimeter range measurements using (i) linear regression and (ii) combination of linear regression and harmonic analysis. To this end, three Iranian tide gauges located at Bushehr, Bandar Abbas and Chahbahar ports as well as Geophysical Data Records (GDR) products of Topex/Poseidon, Jason-1and Jason-2 have been considered. The numerical results have indicated that the mean absolute biases of Topex/Poseidon, Jason-1 and Jason-2 are about –26.23, 120.21 and 205.17 mm, respectively. The reliability of method has been assessed via GPS vessel at the altimeter bin nearby the Bushehr tidal stations. The presented method is viable to perfectly estimate the systematic errors, and as such, it can address the demands of high-accurate applications.
The Infall of the Virgo Elliptical Galaxy M60 toward M87 and the Gaseous Structures Produced by Kelvin–Helmholtz Instabilities
Authors: Wood R. A. , Jones C. , Machacek M. E. , Forman W. R. , Bogdan A. , Andrade-Santos F. , Kraft R. P. , Paggi A. , Roediger E.
Published: September 2017

We present Chandra observations of hot gas structures, which are characteristic of gas-stripping during infall, in the Virgo cluster elliptical galaxy M60 (NGC4649) located 1 Mpc east of M87. Chandra X-ray images at 0.5–2 keV show a sharp leading edge in the surface brightness that is 12.4 ± 0.1 kpc north and west of the galaxy center in the direction of M87 and characteristic of a merger cold front due to M60's motion through the Virgo ICM. We measured a temperature of 1.00 ± 0.02 keV for an abundance of

inside the edge and

for an abundance of

in the Virgo ICM free stream region. We find that the observed jump in surface brightness yields a density ratio

between gas inside the edge and in the cluster free stream region. If the edge is a cold front due solely to the infall of M60 in the direction of M87, we find a pressure ratio of

and Mach number of

. For 1.37 keV Virgo gas, we find a total infall velocity for M60 of

. We calculate the motion in the plane of the sky to be

, implying an inclination angle of

°. Surface brightness profiles also show the presence of a faint, diffuse gaseous tail. We identify filamentary gaseous wing structures caused by the galaxy’s motion through the ICM. The structure and dimensions of these wings are consistent with simulations of Kelvin–Helmholtz instabilities, as expected if the gas-stripping is close to inviscid.
Relativistic Gas Drag on Dust Grains and Implications
Authors: Hoang Thiem
Published: September 2017

We study the drag force on grains moving at relativistic velocities through interstellar gas and explore its application. First, we derive a new analytical formula of the drag force at high energies and find that it is significantly reduced compared to the classical model. Second, we apply the obtained drag force to calculate the terminal velocities of interstellar grains by strong radiation sources such as supernovae and active galactic nuclei (AGNs). We find that grains can be accelerated to relativistic velocities by very luminous AGNs. We then quantify the deceleration of relativistic spacecraft proposed by the Breakthrough Starshot initiative due to gas drag on a relativistic lightsail. We find that the spacecraft’s decrease in speed is negligible because of the suppression of gas drag at relativistic velocities, suggesting that the lightsail may be open for communication during its journey to α Centauri without causing a considerable delay. Finally, we show that the damage to relativistic thin lightsails by interstellar dust is a minor effect.
Wavelet Denoising of Radio Observations of Rotating Radio Transients (RRATs): Improved Timing Parameters for Eight RRATs
Authors: Jiang M. , Cui B.-Y. , Schmid N. A. , McLaughlin M. A. , Cao Z.-C.
Published: September 2017

Rotating radio transients (RRATs) are sporadically emitting pulsars detectable only through searches for single pulses. While over 100 RRATs have been detected, only a small fraction (roughly 20%) have phase-connected timing solutions, which are critical for determining how they relate to other neutron star populations. Detecting more pulses in order to achieve solutions is key to understanding their physical nature. Astronomical signals collected by radio telescopes contain noise from many sources, making the detection of weak pulses difficult. Applying a denoising method to raw time series prior to performing a single-pulse search typically leads to a more accurate estimation of their times of arrival (TOAs). Taking into account some features of RRAT pulses and noise, we present a denoising method based on wavelet data analysis, an image-processing technique. Assuming that the spin period of an RRAT is known, we estimate the frequency spectrum components contributing to the composition of RRAT pulses. This allows us to suppress the noise, which contributes to other frequencies. We apply the wavelet denoising method including selective wavelet reconstruction and wavelet shrinkage to the de-dispersed time series of eight RRATs with existing timing solutions. The signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) of most pulses are improved after wavelet denoising. Compared to the conventional approach, we measure 12%–69% more TOAs for the eight RRATs. The new timing solutions for the eight RRATs show 16%–90% smaller estimation error of most parameters. Thus, we conclude that wavelet analysis is an effective tool for denoising RRATs signal.