Tallinn University of Technology

About: Tallinn University of Technology is a education organization based out in Tallinn, Estonia. It is known for research contribution in the topics: European union & Oil shale. The organization has 3688 authors who have published 10313 publications receiving 145058 citations. The organization is also known as: Tallinn Technical University & Tallinna Tehnikaülikool.

Protein resonance assignment at MAS frequencies approaching 100 kHz: a quantitative comparison of J-coupling and dipolar-coupling-based transfer methods

Abstract: We discuss the optimum experimental conditions to obtain assignment spectra for solid proteins at magic-angle spinning (MAS) frequencies around 100 kHz We present a systematic examination of the MAS dependence of the amide proton T 2′ times and a site-specific comparison of T 2′ at 93 kHz versus 60 kHz MAS frequency A quantitative analysis of transfer efficiencies of building blocks, as they are used for typical 3D experiments, was performed To do this, we compared dipolar-coupling and J-coupling based transfer steps The building blocks were then combined into 3D experiments for sequential resonance assignment, where we evaluated signal-to-noise ratio and information content of the different 3D spectra in order to identify the best assignment strategy Based on this comparison, six experiments were selected to optimally assign the model protein ubiquitin, solely using spectra acquired at 93 kHz MAS Within 3 days of instrument time, the required spectra were recorded from which the backbone resonances have been assigned to over 96 %

Lignocellulosic biomass (LCB): a potential alternative biorefinery feedstock for polyhydroxyalkanoates production

Abstract: Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are one of the most promising, degradable and eco-friendly alternatives to fossil fuel-based plastic. Nevertheless, PHA derived from edible sources is a relatively easier process than using other resources. Cost of raw material is being considered as a significant constraint for sustainability of industrial bioplastic production. In recent days, lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) in the form of waste residue generated from agriculture, forestry, energy crop system, marine biomass, industrial and municipal solid waste has gained great attention as it is the most abundant feedstock worldwide and supports the sustainable production of PHA. However, the conversion efficiency and PHA yield vary significantly based on the source and nature of LCB due to their content distinction. The complex structure of LCB, mainly composed of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, makes it challenging to be depolymerized. Therefore, the processes required to utilize LCB for production of PHA are covered in this review including pretreatment, hydrolysis, fermentation, and the associated difficulties during the process development. In addition, several attempts made to exploit LCB as a feedstock for PHA production were also discussed in order to improve the overall conversion process.

Fast ferry traffic as a qualitatively new forcing factor of environmental processes in non-tidal sea areas : A case study in Tallinn Bay, Baltic Sea

Abstract: The impact of wake wash from high-speed ferries on the coastal environment in non-tidal seas is analysed in terms of wave energy and power, and properties of the largest waves. Shown is that hydrodynamic loads caused by heavy high-speed traffic may play a decisive role not only in low-energy coasts but also in certain areas with high wind wave activity. For example, ship-generated waves form, at least, about 5–8% from the total wave energy and about 18–35% from the wave power in the coastal areas of Tallinn Bay exposed to dominating winds. The periods of wake waves from high-speed ships frequently are much larger than dominating periods of wind waves. The leading waves typically have a height of about 1 m and a period of 10–15 s. Such waves extremely seldom occur in natural conditions in many regions of semi-enclosed seas. They cause unusually high hydrodynamic loads in the deeper part of the nearshore. The fast ferry traffic thus is a qualitatively new forcing component of vital impact on the local ecosystem. It is demonstrated that wakes from high-speed ferries may trigger considerable changes of the existing balance of coastal processes. Owing to their low decay rates combined with their exceptional compactness after crossing many kilometres of the sea surface, such wakes may cause considerable remote impact of the ship traffic. This feature has to be addressed in the analysis of the impact of harbours and associated ship traffic in the neighbourhood of vulnerable areas.