Node Degree based Improved Hop Count Weighted Centroid Localization Algorithm

Hop-count based weighted centroid localization is a simple and straightforward localization algorithm, which uses anchors with known positions and the hop count to these anchors to estimate the real position of nodes. Especially in sensor networks, where energy restrictions prevent more complex algorithms, this fast and simple algorithm can be used. Unfortunately the localization error of the algorithm can hinder the practical usage. In this paper we will improve the weighted centroid algorithm for hop count based localization by adding the node degree on the paths to the referenced anchors into the weights. After an analysis to obtain theoretically optimal coefficients we will show by means of simulation that for longer hop counts to the anchors and areas with different node degrees the proposed ND-WCL algorithm outperforms the known hop count based weighted centroid localization algorithm

Toward Understanding Enterprise Architecture Management’s Role in Strategic Change: Antecedents, Processes, Outcomes

As organizations face accelerated economic dynamics, it isincreasingly important to improve the capability of reacting agileto changes in the marketplace. This requires implementing andadapting internal structures in a timely manner and ensuringbusiness-IT coordination throughout the process. Enterprisearchitecture management (EAM) is frequently proposed as a meanto arrive at organizational forms that allow for timelyreconfiguration and to guide strategy-aligned change. Thisexplorative study seeks to contribute to an overall understandingof EAM’s application in strategic change processes. It is based onan in-depth content analysis of existing research in the field.Specifically, it identifies common EAM practices that have beensuggested for application throughout the planning andimplementation of strategic change. Furthermore, it revealsantecedents and outcomes of this application. The articlediscusses these findings in detail and summarizes the results in apreliminary process model of applying EAM for agile strategicchange

How To Rigorously Develop Process Theory Using Case Research

Dynamic phenomena are key concerns of IS researchers. However, the methodological approaches usually selected to investigate IS phenomena often rely on variance theory. Underlying factor models represent a rather static approach to the phenomenon by focusing on independent and dependent variables and explaining the degree of the relationships between them. Process theory has been suggested to overcome this problem. Process theory provides a complementary, dynamic perspective on IS phenomena by explaining how independent and dependent variables are linked in terms of event sequences. Although applying both approaches provides more complete pictures of IS phenomena, a lack of research methods focusing on process theories may hinder this goal. This article seeks to help closing this gap by examining how case research can be applied to develop process theory. We analyzed IS case research as well as process research literature and consolidated inputs from both sources toward a single methodology. The results highlight that the development of process theory benefits from a consistent methodology and quality measures that have been suggested in general case research. However, we also found that each step requires specific consideration of process theory characteristics in order to develop rigorous process theory

Putin and the Czar: Autocracy and Dissent

This project will explore the analogies between Russian foreign and domestic policies from contemporary times and from the late Russian Empire of the early 20th century. Both Czar Nicholas II and Vladimir Putin are leaders committed to autocratic rule and repression of internal dissent. Both leaders have a track record of intensifying repression as their time in power progresses. A further link is the impact that foreign policy plays on the internal politics of Russia, with success or failure in foreign conflict providing either solidification of power or the spark for popular unrest. We will explore topics such as the similarities between the crackdowns on socialist and Jewish dissidents in Imperial Russia and Putin’s expansion of the surveillance state and increased attack on political dissidents such as Alexie Navalny’s democratic reformers. The progression of Nicholas II’s rule and the impact of failed foreign policy tied with a disregard for dissatisfaction at home could give us insight into how Putin’s future decisions and outcomes may play out, as well as provide a warning for the instability and suffering that may come with said endgame. We will also take into consideration key differences between the two rulers, such as personal political aptitude or competence, an empire trying to maintain its power versus a country trying to reassert lost prestige, and a Russia that is interconnected with the wider world versus one retreating further into isolation

Altering age and gender stereotypes by creating the Halo and Horns Effects with facial expressions

This study examined the impact of a variable, facial expression, on the social perception and personality trait stereotypic inferences made to age and gender. Twelve facial photographs of young and old female and male models posing with either smiling, scowling, or neutral facial expressions were presented to participants who judged various social perceptions and personality traits. Results indicated that facial expression is strongly associated with two very different inference groupings. Smiling induced positive inferences, creating a Halo Effect, scowling induced negative inferences, creating a Horns Effect. Smiling influenced the age and gender inferences in a positive direction, and scowling did the opposite. The age and gender stereotypical inferences made to the neutral facial expression were in-between smiling and scowling. In all model configurations, the impact of smiling or scowling on the inference process was much stronger than either age or gender. However, significant age and gender inference differences were found in all three facial expression conditions, indicating that facial expressions did not completely subdue the use of these variables as inference inducers. The results are discussed in terms of how specific facial expressions can be used to positively or negatively influence age and gender stereotypes

The great transformation: decarbonising Europeâ??s energy and transport systems

The euro-area crisis dominates the economic news. Yet, the world and Europe may face even more important challenges that will shape our lives and the lives of our children.World population is projected to increase to 9 billion or more by 2050. At the same time, current trends indicate an increase in living standards and a growing middle class around the world. These two mega-trends will have profound implications, and the way they are managed will be one of the key determinants of prosperity and peace in the decades or even centuries to come. A number of factors are important in this respect. More people and more income will increase the global demand for energy. Choosing the right sources of this energy will be one of the determining factors of global temperature. The continued reliance on fossil-fuel energy sources is one of the main factors behind the risk of significant global temperature increases. The internationally agreed goal of limiting the temperature rise to less than two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels appears increasingly illusory. Currently, fossil energy sources dominate many economic areas. For instance, our transport infrastructure is largely based on fossil fuels, and is thereby one of the main contributor of the carbon dioxide emissions that are linked to global temperature. Thinking about a decarbonisation strategy is therefore a key challenge with a global dimension. Economic growth in Europe will be affected by the costs of this transition from the current energy and transport system. A smooth transition towards a low-carbon energy and transport system could come at comparatively modest cost. Furthermore, identifying the most economically beneficial solutions early on and becoming a global technology leader and standard setter offers vast opportunities for exports and economic growth. Hence, our decarbonisation strategy may eventually have a greater impact on long-term European growth than the current economic crisis. Bruegel is contributing to this debate with this report, which is based on research that received funding from the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking. The authors argue carefully that to make decarbonisation growth friendly, a consistent policy approach is needed. Policy intervention appears indispensable as the energy and transport system is so based around and locked-in into an incumbent technology. Overcoming this lock-in is crucial. The report makes three main proposals. First, the scope, geographical coverage and duration of carbon pricing should be extended. By setting a higher carbon price, incentives for developing and investing in new low-carbon technologies are created. Second, temporary consortia for new infrastructure to solve early-phase market failures could be put in place. This is discussed using the example of hydrogen vehicles. Lastly and importantly, an open and public transition model is needed so that second-best transport solutions do not get a head start that afterwardscannot be reversed. The technological, economic and political challenge ahead is vast. But choosing the right decarbonisaton strategy offers huge economic, environmental and societal benefits. We should not overlook this debate because of the euro crisis.

The role of pH, metal ions and their hydroxides in charge reversal of protein-coated nanoparticles

In this study, we investigated charge inversion of protein-coated Au nanoparticles caused by the addition of metal ions. The addition of hydrolyzable metal ions (Lewis acids) can induce drastic pH changes and depending on this pH, the metal ions (e.g. M3+) are readily converted into the hydrolyzed species (MOH2+, M(OH)2+) or even into hydroxides (M(OH)3). Adsorbed metal hydroxides were identified to cause the charge inversion of the NPs by using a combination of cryo-TEM, EFTEM and ζ-potential measurements

The SNARE Protein Syntaxin 3 Confers Specificity for Polarized Axonal Trafficking in Neurons.

Cell polarity and precise subcellular protein localization are pivotal to neuronal function. The SNARE machinery underlies intracellular membrane fusion events, but its role in neuronal polarity and selective protein targeting remain unclear. Here we report that syntaxin 3 is involved in orchestrating polarized trafficking in cultured rat hippocampal neurons. We show that syntaxin 3 localizes to the axonal plasma membrane, particularly to axonal tips, whereas syntaxin 4 localizes to the somatodendritic plasma membrane. Disruption of a conserved N-terminal targeting motif, which causes mislocalization of syntaxin 3, results in coincident mistargeting of the axonal cargos neuron-glia cell adhesion molecule (NgCAM) and neurexin, but not transferrin receptor, a somatodendritic cargo. Similarly, RNAi-mediated knockdown of endogenous syntaxin 3 leads to partial mistargeting of NgCAM, demonstrating that syntaxin 3 plays an important role in its targeting. Additionally, overexpression of syntaxin 3 results in increased axonal growth. Our findings suggest an important role for syntaxin 3 in maintaining neuronal polarity and in the critical task of selective trafficking of membrane protein to axons

A characterization of four B16 murine melanoma cell sublines molecular fingerprint and proliferation behavior

Background: One of the most popular and versatile model of murine melanoma is by inoculating B16 cells in the syngeneic C57BL6J mouse strain. A characterization of different B16 modified cell sub-lines will be of real practical interest. For this aim, modern analytical tools like surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy/scattering (SERS) and MTT were employed to characterize both chemical composition and proliferation behavior of the selected cells. Methods: High quality SERS signal was recorded from each of the four types of B16 cell sub-lines: B164A5, B16GMCSF, B16FLT3, B16F10, in order to observe the differences between a parent cell line (B164A5) and other derived B16 cell sub-lines. Cells were incubated with silver nanoparticles of 50–100 nm diameter and the nanoparticles uptake inside the cells cytoplasm was proved by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) investigations. In order to characterize proliferation, growth curves of the four B16 cell lines, using different cell numbers and FCS concentration were obtained employing the MTT proliferation assay. For correlations doubling time were calculated. Results: SERS bands allowed the identification inside the cells of the main bio-molecular components such as: proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids. An "on and off" SERS effect was constantly present, which may be explained in terms of the employed laser power, as well as the possible different orientations of the adsorbed species in the cells in respect to the Ag nanoparticles. MTT results showed that among the four tested cell sub-lines B16 F10 is the most proliferative and B164A5 has the lower growth capacity. Regarding B16FLT3 cells and B16GMCSF cells, they present proliferation ability in between with slight slower potency for B16GMCSF cells. Conclusion: Molecular fingerprint and proliferation behavior of four B16 melanoma cell sub-lines were elucidated by associating SERS investigations with MTT proliferation assay