Expert networks as science-policy interlocutors in the implementation of a monitoring reporting and verification (MRV) system

The Paris Agreement, which entered into effect in 2016, emphasizes a definite timeline for communicating and maintaining successive nationally determined contributions (NDCs) that it plans to achieve in addressing climate change. This calls for the development of a measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) system and a Capacity-building Initiative for Transparency (CBIT). Though such actions are universally accepted by the Parties to the Paris Agreement, earlier studies have shown that there remain technological, social, political and financial constrains which will affect the development and deployment of such a system. In this paper, using a case study on MRV implementation in Bogor City in Indonesia, how the above-mentioned challenges can be overcome is outlined through a technological and policy innovation process where scientists and technologists (collectively referred as expert networks) can join hands with local governments and national policy makers in designing, development and implementation of an MRV system that meets the local, national and global requirements. Through the case study it is further observed that expert networks can act as interactive knowledge generators and policy interlocutors in bridging technology with policy. To be specific, first, a brief history of the international context of MRV and CBIT is outlined. Next, the theoretical underpinning of the study is contextualized within the existing theories related to public policy and international relations. Finally, the case study is outlined and investigated where the engagement of an expert-network and policy makers in the design, development and implementation of an MRV tool is showcased.     

Molecular profiling of native and matrix-coated tissue slices from rat brain by infrared and ultraviolet laser desorption/ionization orthogonal time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Phospho- and glycolipids contained in the plasma membrane of neuronal tissue were profiled by direct infrared laser desorption/ionization orthogonal time-of-flight mass spectrometry (IR-LDI-o-TOF-MS), performed on cryosected native slices generated from rat brain. About 100 different detected lipid species are putatively assigned based on their molecular weight. Spraying of potassium acetate onto the slices was found to facilitate data interpretation in positive ion mode by reducing residual sodium adduct ion intensities. Coating the slices with matrix and using an ultraviolet laser for UV-MALDI-o-TOF-MS extends the analysis to peptides and small proteins but induces analyte diffusion. Peptides and partially cleaved proteins derived from proteolytic digests were recorded after incubation of native sections with trypsin and subsequent coating of the slices with MALDI matrix.     

Report on the 10th International Conference on Autonomous Infrastructure,Management, and Security (AIMS 2016)

This article is a report of the IFIP AIMS 2016, which was held at Universität der Bundeswehr München, Germany from June 20 to June 23, 2016. AIMS 2016 focused on the theme “Management and Security in the Age of Hyperconnectivity”. The AIMS conference positions itself in the network management community as an educational venue for young researchers and Ph.D. students. The AIMS program included keynotes, technical sessions and Ph.D. Workshop sessions, but also hands-on labs and an educational panel for training young academics. The highlights on each of the parts of the AIMS 2016 program are summarized in this article.     

Strengthening the Junction Between EPDM and Aluminium Substrate via Plasma Polymerisation

High interfacial strengths of elastomer to metal joints imply the formation of covalent bonds at the interface. It is proposed to deposit a plasma polymer coating containing double bonds on an aluminium substrate for the formation of crosslinks between the elastomer and the coating during peroxide crosslinking of the elastomer. Ethylene-co-propylene-co-diene terpolymer (EPDM) is considered here. Maleic anhydride is polymerised and reacted with allylamine to lead to an amide functionalised plasma polymer which is heated to produce imide functional groups. Plasma polymer coated aluminium/EPDM joints were evaluated by a peel test and the locus of failure was identified by several techniques: SEM, infrared spectroscopy, wettability, and XPS.     

Gene sorting in differential evolution with cross-generation mutation

Gene sorting is proposed in this paper as a method of ordering trial vector’s component in dif- ferential evolution (DE). This method tends to significantly increase the convergence speed of DE with just a little modification on the original algorithm. In the meantime, a new concept of cross-generation mutation is introduced in order to perform the evolution process serially rather than parallelly. When combined with gene sorting, this method will further increase the convergence speed. A benchmar...     

Management of mobile ad hoc networks: information model and probe‐based architecture

The increasing need for mobility in networks and computing leads to the deployment of wireless networks without fixed infrastructure, called ad hoc networks. These networks raise new challenges towards monitoring and managing them to provide optimal performance. We propose in this paper a management framework to assess the operational state and the behaviour of mobile ad hoc networks. After presenting the management requirements, we define an information model to manage these networks. Simulations provide an overview of how this model can be used. Finally, we describe a probe‐based architecture with an implementation prototype, to use and populate the information model in a realistic environment. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.