MulTyLink (Multiple Type Linkages) is a C++ open source program, licensed under the GPL v3, to define linkages between terminals of the same type.Available at: http://pascal.iseg.utl.pt/ rbras/MulTyLink/

The goal of this paper is to present a comparison among three known metaheuristics: Genetic Algorithm (GA), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Simulated Annealing (SA). For the comparison, the design of an LC - Voltage Controlled Oscillator (LC-VCO) is considered, where the minimization of both VCO phase noise and power consumption is envisaged. The objective of this comparison is to find the algorithm yielding the best solution. The validity of the solution obtained with each metaheuristic algorithm is checked against HSPICE/RF simulation results. Robustness checks for each algorithm are presented at the end of this paper.

The strengthening of reinforced concrete structures by means of externally bonded fibre reinforced polymers (FRPs) is now routinely considered and applied in the retrofit or strengthening of structures. FRP composites have received a considerable attention from civil engineers in recent years due to the high strength-weight and stiffness/weight ratios when compared to other materials. However, when FRP composites are bonded to a concrete surface, there is a persistent potential problem that the FRP plates may debond prematurely from the concrete. This is a very important issue for the engineers who have to focus on the computational modelling of this phenomenon. Some studies can be found in literature on computational modelling. However, there is very little information about the best modelling of the interface between FRP composites and concrete and this work is intended to help bridge this gap. The computational analysis presented here is based on three-dimensional software which assumes the smeared crack model, and the interface finite elements (FEs) used have a rupture criteria based on the Mohr-Coulomb criterion with tension cut-off. The definition of these FEs was based on double shear tests that were performed specifically for this purpose and they have shown that the debonding phenomenon can be predicted with some accuracy. In total, 10 double shear models were studied and the results were compared with the 21 experimental tests performed. The double shear tests consisted of applying loads to 2 layered GFRP laminates bonded to a 150 mm concrete cube with a bonded area of 150 × 80 mm (length × width). Double shear models with and without a gap interface were considered in order to emphasize the importance of modelling the GFRP-to-concrete interface with interface finite elements. The effect of the concrete strength on the interface performance was also considered. An externally bonded reinforcement (EBR) concrete T-beam strengthened with 2 GFRP layers is presented to illustrate the application of the method. The wet lay-up technique was used for the external reinforcement of a reinforced concrete T-beam and then tested under a four point bending test until rupture. The results are reported and differences between the numerical and the experimental results are discussed.

Given graphs G and H, and a coloring of the edges of G with k colors, a monochromatic H-decomposition of G is a partition of the edge set of G such that each part is either a single edge or forms a monochromatic graph isomorphic to H. Let f_{k}(n,H) be the smallest number t such that any k-edge-colored graph G of order n, admits a monochromatic H-decomposition with at most t parts. Here we study the function f_{k}(n,K_r) for k ≥2 and r≥ 3.

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Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition is one of the most currently available therapies for the management of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) symptoms. In this context, NMR spectroscopy binding studies were accomplished to explain the inhibition of AChE activity by Salvia sclareoides extracts. HPLC-MS analyses of the acetone, butanol and water extracts eluted with methanol and acidified water showed that rosmarinic acid is present in all the studied samples and is a major constituent of butanol and water extracts. Moreover, luteolin 4′-O-glucoside, luteolin 3′,7-di-O-glucoside and luteolin 7-O-(6′′-O-acetylglucoside) were identified by MS2 and MS3 data acquired during the LC-MSn runs. Quantification of rosmarinic acid by HPLC with diode-array detection (DAD) showed that the butanol extract is the richest one in this component (134 μg mg−1 extract). Saturation transfer difference (STD) NMR spectroscopy binding experiments of S. sclareoides crude extracts in the presence of AChE in buffer solution determined rosmarinic acid as the only explicit binder for AChE. Furthermore, the binding epitope and the AChE-bound conformation of rosmarinic acid were further elucidated by STD and transferred NOE effect (trNOESY) experiments. As a control, NMR spectroscopy binding experiments were also carried out with pure rosmarinic acid, thus confirming the specific interaction and inhibition of this compound against AChE. The binding site of AChE for rosmarinic acid was also investigated by STD-based competition binding experiments using Donepezil, a drug currently used to treat AD, as a reference. These competition experiments demonstrated that rosmarinic acid does not compete with Donepezil for the same binding site. A 3D model of the molecular complex has been proposed. Therefore, the combination of the NMR spectroscopy based data with molecular modelling has permitted us to detect a new binding site in AChE, which could be used for future drug development.

The continuing size reduction of electronic devices imposes design challenges to optimize the performances of modern electronic systems, such as: wireless services, telecom and mobile computing. Fortunately, those design challenges can be overcome thanks to the development of Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools. In the analog, mixed signal and radio-frequency (AMS/RF) domains, circuit optimization tools have demonstrated their usefulness in addressing design problems taking into account downscaling technological aspects. Recent advances in EDA have shown that the simulation-based sizing technique is a very interesting solution to the ‘complex’ modelling task in the circuit design optimization problem. In this paper we propose a multi-objective simulation-based optimization tool. A CMOS LC-VCO circuit is presented to show the viability of this tool. The tool is used to generate the Pareto front linking two conflicting objectives, namely the VCO Phase Noise and Power Consumption. The accuracy of the results is checked against HSPICE/RF simulations.

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Marinobacter hydrocarbonoclasticus is a marine bacterium widespread in the Mediterranean sea and Atlantic Ocean, and growing at temperate temperatures. This bacterium can perform complete denitrification, reducing nitrate to molecular nitrogen under anaerobic conditions. Here the nitrite concentration, pH and nitrous oxide reductase activity was monitored during bacterial growth, showing that this bacterium can also perform complete denitrification under low oxygen tension, using lactate as carbon source, in the presence of nitrate as alternative electron acceptor. Nitrous oxide reductase activity was observed after 7 h of growth under low oxygen tensions, and is maintained constant after 48h. Nitrite concentration reaches its maximum at mid-exponential phase and in the stationary phase, at lower oxygen tensions is almost non-existent.

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to examine how different business models, embodied in awards, standards and frameworks, can contribute to modelling a lean and green approach for an organization and its supply chain. Design/methodology/approach - In total, 12 business models were studied. A literature review was conducted to provide a comprehensive understanding of each model. After defining lean and green management paradigms, a number of guidelines were developed to connect and integrate lean and green principles. Findings - The study reveals a number of categories that are common in most business models, providing adequate conditions for a lean-green transformation. The guidelines were developed to model a lean-green organization by applying specific principles and tools of a lean and green culture. Research limitations/implications - The relationships identified within and between models reflect a partial view of a lean-green transformation. The approach adopted merges the different principles, and tends to emphasize similarities and minimize differences. Practical implications - The proposed model can be the basis for further research in lean and green paradigms, contributing to understanding when an organization and its supply chain can apply the lean and green principles and tools. Originality/value - This study is the first attempt to understand, develop and integrate a lean and green organizational culture approach, based in standardized management business models.