Spreadsheets are widely used, and studies have shown that most end-user spreadsheets contain non-trivial errors. To improve end-users productivity, recent research proposes the use of a model-driven engineering approach to spreadsheets. In this paper we conduct the first systematic empirical study to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of this approach. A set of spreadsheet end users worked with two different model-based spreadsheets, and we present and analyze here the results achieved.

In this paper we present MoTh, a tool that uses static analysis to enable the automatic verification of concurrency anomalies in Transactional Memory Java programs. Currently MoTh detects high-level dataraces and stale-value errors, but it is extendable by plugging-in sensors, each sensor implementing an anomaly detecting algorithm. We validate and benchmark MoTh by applying it to a set of well known concurrent buggy programs and by close comparison of the results with other similar tools. The results achieved so far are very promising, yielding good accuracy while triggering only a very limited number of false warnings.

Saturation transfer difference (STD) NMR has emerged as one of the most popular ligand-based NMR techniques for the study of protein−ligand interactions. The success of this technique is a consequence of its robustness and the fact that it is focused on the signals of the ligand, without any need of processing NMR information about the receptor and only using small quantities of nonlabeled macromolecule. Moreover, the attractiveness of this experiment is also extendable to the classroom. In the context of a practical NMR class, this experiment is ideal to illustrate some fundamental NMR concepts, such as the nuclear Overhauser effect and relaxation in a multidisciplinary context, bridging chemistry and biochemistry with a taste of medicinal chemistry.

We use the readily available human serum albumin (HSA), 6-d,l-methyl-tryptophan (6-CH3-Trp), and 7- d,l-methyl-tryptophan (7-CH3-Trp) to introduce the STD-NMR experiment and to illustrate its applicability for ligand screening, mapping of binding moieties, and determination of the dissociation constant, in a context that can be explored or adapted to the student’s course level and topic (chemistry or biochemistry). We also cover the most important theoretical aspects of the STD experiment, calling attention to some of its limitations and drawbacks without a complex theoretical approach.

Analysis of sequenced bacterial genomes revealed that the genomes encode more than 30% hypothetical and conserved hypothetical proteins of unknown function. Among proteins of unknown function that are conserved in anaerobes, some might be determinants of the anaerobic way of life. This study focuses on two divergent clusters specifically found in anaerobic microorganisms and mainly composed of genes encoding conserved hypothetical proteins. We show that the two gene clusters DVU2103-DVU2104-DVU2105 (orp2) and DVU2107-DVU2108-DVU2109 (orp1) form two divergent operons transcribed by the sigma(54)-RNA polymerase. We further demonstrate that the sigma(54)-dependent transcriptional regulator DVU2106, located between orp1 and orp2, collaborates with sigma(54)-RNA polymerase to orchestrate the simultaneous expression of the divergent orp operons. DVU2106, whose structural gene is transcribed by the sigma(70)-RNA polymerase, negatively retrocontrols its own expression. By using an endogenous pulldown strategy, we identify a physiological complex composed of DVU2103, DVU2104, DVU2105, DVU2108, and DVU2109. Interestingly, inactivation of DVU2106, which is required for orp operon transcription, induces morphological defects that are likely linked to the absence of the ORP complex. A putative role of the ORP proteins in positioning the septum during cell division is discussed.

An equivalent model and electromechanical characteristics for the disk motor was obtained based on the Steinmetz parameters. This paper describes a series of tests conducted on an axial flux motor, equipped with an aluminum rotor disc and an YBCO high temperature superconducting rotor disc, at liquid nitrogen temperature (77 K). The rotating magnetic field was produced by a four-pole, three-phase stator winding, at 50 Hz. At asynchronous permanent regime, Steinmetz-type models are able to describe both motors' behavior. From the performed tests, the parameters of both motors' models were deduced. A variable load was used to obtain both motor's characteristics (conventional and superconducting). Experimental obtained characteristics of both motors are compared with the ones predicted from parameters' calculation. The HTS motor provides high efficiency then the conventional ones.

A forelimb of a new sauropod dinosaur (Angolatitan adamastor n. gen. et sp.) from the Late Turonian of Iembe (Bengo Province) represents the first dinosaur discovery in Angola, and is one of the few occurrences of sauropod dinosaurs in sub-Saharan Africa collected with good chronological controls. The marginal marine sediments yielding the specimen are reported to be late Turonian in age and, thus it represents a non-titanosaurian sauropod in sub-Saharan Africa at a time taken to be dominated by titanosaurian forms. Moreover, Angolatitan adamastor is the only basal Somphospondyli known in the Late Cretaceous which implies in the existence of relict forms in Africa.

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Going lean/green is a trend more manufacturers are beginning to recognize as important in an era of economic aus-terity and environmental responsibility. Unlike lean supply chain, which focuses on ways to improve operations and cut wastes from the customer's perspective, green initiatives look at ways to eliminate waste from the environment's perspective. Looking at operations from a ‘lean/green' perspective has benefits to not only the environment, but to manufacturers and customers as well. Based on the literature review we developed a conceptual model incorporating lean and green supply chain into a performance measurement system, using the balanced scorecard approach.

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The majority of papers published in the last decades on European Union policy strongly stress the importance of the so-called Lisbon Strategy approved in the year 2000. The same applies to studies and reports on the shift of the European countries towards modernisation and restructuring policy in recent years. This EU development strategy defines a new direction for the coordination of national policies. But why has it become so important? One of the reasons is the fact that many of the papers are based on the concept of “knowledge society” as the key driver for an increased competitiveness of all political and economic regions of Europe. In this context, the term “knowledge” means the inter-linkage of education (including training, qualification, skills) and innovation (including research, information and communication). The use of the concept represents an important shift in the European strategy: further development would not only be based on investment in material infrastructures, but also more on the immaterial ground. However, this Lisbon Strategy was criticised by many politicians and opinion-makers in the first years of this century because the European structures were not prepared for such a quick change. At the same time, the focus for investment moved away from the traditional support of industrial sectors (manufacturing, agriculture and fisheries, construction) towards the “new economy” sectors. The vision of a knowledge society remained appealing also in a changing international context: the Middle East wars (Afghanistan, Iraq and Israel-Palestine) and the fast growth of the Chinese economy. However, the shadows of new recessions have strongly questioned the options made by the European Council. New challenges have emerged with the need to redefine collective strategies in terms of European development as set by the Lisbon strategy. “Europe 2020” is one more attempt to define a new strategy. But at present no clear path has been identifi

Purpose - This paper aims to explore the divergences and commitments between the lean, agile, resilient and green paradigms while investigating the effect of paradigms’ practices within supply chain attributes. Design/methodology/approach - A conceptual model with lean, agile, resilient and green practices and supply chain management attributes is proposed. Causal diagrams were used to represent the relationships between paradigm practices and supply chain attributes. The four diagrams were aggregated to build the conceptual model. Findings - The conceptual model allows for the identification of synergies and divergences resulting from the paradigms practices implementation. The synergies between paradigms are related to “information frequency” and “integration level” increasing as well as reduction of “production lead time” and “transportation lead time”. However, other supply chain attributes such as “capacity surplus”, “inventory level” and “replenishment frequency” are affected in opposite directions by some paradigms creating divergences. Research limitations/implications - The model relationships were established using an anecdotal approach derived from the literature review, reflecting only a partial view of supply chain dynamics. More research related to other supply chain attributes and/or paradigm practices, and validation of the proposed relationships is suggested. Practical implications - The proposed model can be the basis for further research in lean, agile, resilient and green paradigms, contributing to a more sustainable and competitive lean supply chain with the necessary agility toward a quick response, resiliency to disruptions, and harmonization with the ecologic and environmental aspects. Originality/value - To the authors’ knowledge this paper is the first to provide an understanding about the tradeoffs among lean, agile, resilient and green supply chain paradigms.