Worcester Polytechnic Institute

About: Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a education organization based out in Worcester, Massachusetts, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Computer science & Population. The organization has 6270 authors who have published 12704 publications receiving 332081 citations. The organization is also known as: WPI.

Framing sustainability performance of supply chains with multidimensional indicators

Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to provide a framework which can assist focal companies in the development of sustainable supply chains. Sustainable development from an industrial perspective has extended beyond organisational boundaries to incorporate a supply chain approach. Design/methodology/approach – The literature related to sustainable supply chain management is reviewed by incorporating concepts from four organisational theories, including the resource-based, institutional, stakeholder and social network perspectives, to illustrate key drivers and enablers of sustainability initiatives in the supply chain. A conceptual multidimensional framework is then developed that can be used for the initial assessment of supply chain sustainability. Findings – Development and assessment of sustainability in supply chains are being increasingly incorporated as part of supply chain management today. This paper presents a multidimensional framework which can serve as a tool for research scholars and supply chain prac...

Privacy diffusion on the web: a longitudinal perspective

Abstract: For the last few years we have been studying the diffusion of private information for users as they visit various Web sites triggering data gathering aggregation by third parties. This paper reports on our longitudinal study consisting of multiple snapshots of our examination of such diffusion over four years. We examine the various technical ways by which third-party aggregators acquire data and the depth of user-related information acquired. We study techniques for protecting privacy diffusion as well as limitations of such techniques. We introduce the concept of secondary privacy damage. Our results show increasing aggregation of user-related data by a steadily decreasing number of entities. A handful of companies are able to track users' movement across almost all of the popular Web sites. Virtually all the protection techniques have significant limitations highlighting the seriousness of the problem and the need for alternate solutions.

The structure and function of heavy metal transport P1B-ATPases.

Abstract: P(1B)-type ATPases transport heavy metals (Cu+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Co2+, Cd2+, Pb2+) across membranes Present in most organisms, they are key elements for metal homeostasis P(1B)-type ATPases contain 6-8 transmembrane fragments carrying signature sequences in segments flanking the large ATP binding cytoplasmic loop These sequences made possible the differentiation of at least four P(1B)-ATPase subgroups with distinct metal selectivity: P(1B-1): Cu+, P(1B-2): Zn2+, P(1B-3): Cu2+, P(1B-4): Co2+ Mutagenesis of the invariant transmembrane Cys in H6, Asn and Tyr in H7 and Met and Ser in H8 of the Archaeoglobus fulgidus Cu+-ATPase has revealed that their side chains likely coordinate the metals during transport and constitute a central unique component of these enzymes The structure of various cytoplasmic domains has been solved The overall structure of those involved in enzyme phosphorylation (P-domain), nucleotide binding (N-domain) and energy transduction (A-domain), appears similar to those described for the SERCA Ca2+-ATPase However, they show different features likely associated with singular functions of these proteins Many P(1B)-type ATPases, but not all of them, also contain a diverse arrangement of cytoplasmic metal binding domains (MBDs) In spite of their structural differences, all N- and C-terminal MBDs appear to control the enzyme turnover rate without affecting metal binding to transmembrane transport sites In addition, eukaryotic Cu+-ATPases have multiple N-MBD regions that participate in the metal dependent targeting and localization of these proteins The current knowledge of structure-function relationships among the different P(1B)-ATPases allows for a description of selectivity, regulation and transport mechanisms Moreover, it provides a framework to understand mutations in human Cu+-ATPases (ATP7A and ATP7B) that lead to Menkes and Wilson diseases

Microalgal bioreactors: Challenges and opportunities

Abstract: Cultivating and harvesting of products from microalgae has led to increasing commercial interest in their use for producing valuable substances for food, feed, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and biodiesel, as well as for mitigation of pollution and rising CO2 in the environment This review outlines different bioreactors and their current status, and points out their advantages and disadvantages Compared with open-air systems, there are distinct advantages to using closed systems, but technical challenges still remain In view of potential applications, development of a more controllable, economical, and efficient closed culturing system is needed Further developments still depend on continued research in the design of photobioreactors and break-throughs in microalgal culturing technologies