bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Theology and Hermeneutics: A Gadamerian Approach to Interreligious Interpretation
Authors: Hedges Paul
Published: January 2016

This paper employs the hermeneutics of Hans-Georg Gadamer as a tool to underpin the methodology of Comparative Theology. Acknowledging limitations in Gadamer’s framework, it argues these can either be overcome or bypassed in this context. The paper initially sets out Gadamer’s own understanding of the relationship of his hermeneutics to theology and its reception within theology. It then outlines Francis Clooney’s Comparative Theology using others theologians as needed to supplement this, notably Paul Knitter and Michelle Voss Roberts. The third part shows how Comparative Theology’s methodologically can be grounded in principles coming from Gadamer’s hermeneutics which provide a philosophical rationale for the discipline, making particular use of the concept of translation. It makes reference to Marianne Moyaert’s deployment of Paul Ricoeur’s hermeneutical model for interreligious understanding. Various directions for further research are suggested at the end of the paper.
Surplus Cost Potential as a Life Cycle Impact Indicator for Metal Extraction
Authors: Vieira Marisa , Ponsioen Thomas , Goedkoop Mark , Huijbregts Mark
Published: January 2016

In the evaluation of product life cycles, methods to assess the increase in scarcity of resources are still under development. Indicators that can express the importance of an increase in scarcity of metals extracted include surplus ore produced, surplus energy required, and surplus costs in the mining and the milling stage. Particularly the quantification of surplus costs per unit of metal extracted as an indicator is still in an early stage of development. Here, we developed a method that quantifies the surplus cost potential of mining and milling activities per unit of metal extracted, fully accounting for mine-specific differences in costs. The surplus cost potential indicator is calculated as the average cost increase resulting from all future metal extractions, as quantified via cumulative cost-tonnage relationships. We tested the calculation procedure with 12 metals and platinum-group metals as a separate group. We found that the surplus costs range six orders of magnitude between the metals included, i.e., between $0.01–$0.02 (iron) and $13,533–$17,098 (rhodium) USD (year 2013) per kilogram of metal extracted. The choice of the reserve estimate (reserves vs. ultimate recoverable resource) influenced the surplus costs only to a limited extent, i.e., between a factor of 0.7 and 3.2 for the metals included. Our results provide a good basis to regularly include surplus cost estimates as resource scarcity indicator in life cycle assessment.
Estimating Soil Moisture with Landsat Data and Its Application in Extracting the Spatial Distribution of Winter Flooded Paddies
Authors: Li Bolun , Ti Chaopu , Zhao Yongqiang , Yan Xiaoyuan
Published: January 2016

Dynamic monitoring of the spatial pattern of winter continuously flooded paddies (WFP) at regional scales is a challenging but highly necessary process in analyzing trace greenhouse gas emissions, water resource management, and food security. The present study was carried out to demonstrate the feasibility of extracting the spatial distribution of WFP through time series imagery of volumetric surface soil moisture content (θv) at the field scale (30 m). A trade-off approach based on the synergistic use of tasseled cap transformation wetness and temperature vegetation dryness index was utilized to obtain paddy θv. The results showed that the modeled θv was in good agreement with in situ measurements. The overall correlation coefficient (R) was 0.78, with root-mean-square ranging from 1.96% to 9.96% in terms of different vegetation cover and surface water status. The lowest error of θv estimates was found to be restricted at the flooded paddy surface with moderate or high fractional vegetation cover. The flooded paddy was then successfully identified using the θv image with saturated moisture content thresholding, with an overall accuracy of 83.33%. This indicated that the derived geospatial dataset of WFP could be reliably applied to fill gaps in census statistics.
A Deadline-Aware Scheduling and Forwarding Scheme in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Dao Thi-Nga , Yoon Seokhoon , Kim Jangyoung
Published: January 2016

Many applications in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) require energy consumption to be minimized and the data delivered to the sink within a specific delay. A usual solution for reducing energy consumption is duty cycling, in which nodes periodically switch between sleep and active states. By increasing the duty cycle interval, consumed energy can be reduced more. However, a large duty cycle interval causes a long end-to-end (E2E) packet delay. As a result, the requirement of a specific delay bound for packet delivery may not be satisfied. In this paper, we aim at maximizing the duty cycle while still guaranteeing that the packets arrive at the sink with the required probability, i.e., the required delay-constrained success ratio (DCSR) is achieved. In order to meet this objective, we propose a novel scheduling and forwarding scheme, namely the deadline-aware scheduling and forwarding (DASF) algorithm. In DASF, the E2E delay distribution with the given network model and parameters is estimated in order to determine the maximum duty cycle interval, with which the required DCSR is satisfied. Each node independently selects a wake-up time using the selected interval, and packets are forwarded to a node in the potential forwarding set, which is determined based on the distance between nodes and the sink. DASF does not require time synchronization between nodes, and a node does not need to maintain neighboring node information in advance. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme can satisfy a required delay-constrained success ratio and outperforms existing algorithms in terms of E2E delay and DCSR.
Estimation of Gaze Detection Accuracy Using the Calibration Information-Based Fuzzy System
Authors: Gwon Su , Jung Dongwook , Pan Weiyuan , Park Kang
Published: January 2016

Gaze tracking is a camera-vision based technology for identifying the location where a user is looking. In general, a calibration process is applied at the initial stage of most gaze tracking systems. This process is necessary to calibrate for the differences in the eyeballs and cornea size of the user, as well as the angle kappa, and to find the relationship between the user’s eye and screen coordinates. It is applied on the basis of the information of the user’s pupil and corneal specular reflection obtained while the user is looking at several predetermined positions on a screen. In previous studies, user calibration was performed using various types of markers and marker display methods. However, studies on estimating the accuracy of gaze detection through the results obtained during the calibration process have yet to be carried out. Therefore, we propose the method for estimating the accuracy of a final gaze tracking system with a near-infrared (NIR) camera by using a fuzzy system based on the user calibration information. Here, the accuracy of the final gaze tracking system ensures the gaze detection accuracy during the testing stage of the gaze tracking system. Experiments were performed using a total of four types of markers and three types of marker display methods. From them, it was found that the proposed method correctly estimated the accuracy of the gaze tracking regardless of the various marker and marker display types applied.
Gait Partitioning Methods: A Systematic Review
Authors: Taborri Juri , Palermo Eduardo , Rossi Stefano , Cappa Paolo
Published: January 2016

In the last years, gait phase partitioning has come to be a challenging research topic due to its impact on several applications related to gait technologies. A variety of sensors can be used to feed algorithms for gait phase partitioning, mainly classifiable as wearable or non-wearable. Among wearable sensors, footswitches or foot pressure insoles are generally considered as the gold standard; however, to overcome some inherent limitations of the former, inertial measurement units have become popular in recent decades. Valuable results have been achieved also though electromyography, electroneurography, and ultrasonic sensors. Non-wearable sensors, such as opto-electronic systems along with force platforms, remain the most accurate system to perform gait analysis in an indoor environment. In the present paper we identify, select, and categorize the available methodologies for gait phase detection, analyzing advantages and disadvantages of each solution. Finally, we comparatively examine the obtainable gait phase granularities, the usable computational methodologies and the optimal sensor placements on the targeted body segments.
Integrated Amorphous Silicon p-i-n Temperature Sensor for CMOS Photonics
Authors: Rao Sandro , Pangallo Giovanni , Della Corte Francesco
Published: January 2016

Hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) shows interesting optoelectronic and technological properties that make it suitable for the fabrication of passive and active micro-photonic devices, compatible moreover with standard microelectronic devices on a microchip. A temperature sensor based on a hydrogenated amorphous silicon p-i-n diode integrated in an optical waveguide for silicon photonics applications is presented here. The linear dependence of the voltage drop across the forward-biased diode on temperature, in a range from 30 °C up to 170 °C, has been used for thermal sensing. A high sensitivity of 11.9 mV/°C in the bias current range of 34–40 nA has been measured. The proposed device is particularly suitable for the continuous temperature monitoring of CMOS-compatible photonic integrated circuits, where the behavior of the on-chip active and passive devices are strongly dependent on their operating temperature.
A Novel Hybrid Error Criterion-Based Active Control Method for on-Line Milling Vibration Suppression with Piezoelectric Actuators and Sensors
Authors: Zhang Xingwu , Wang Chenxi , Gao Robert , Yan Ruqiang , Chen Xuefeng , Wang Shibin
Published: January 2016

Milling vibration is one of the most serious factors affecting machining quality and precision. In this paper a novel hybrid error criterion-based frequency-domain LMS active control method is constructed and used for vibration suppression of milling processes by piezoelectric actuators and sensors, in which only one Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) is used and no Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT) is involved. The correction formulas are derived by a steepest descent procedure and the control parameters are analyzed and optimized. Then, a novel hybrid error criterion is constructed to improve the adaptability, reliability and anti-interference ability of the constructed control algorithm. Finally, based on piezoelectric actuators and acceleration sensors, a simulation of a spindle and a milling process experiment are presented to verify the proposed method. Besides, a protection program is added in the control flow to enhance the reliability of the control method in applications. The simulation and experiment results indicate that the proposed method is an effective and reliable way for on-line vibration suppression, and the machining quality can be obviously improved.
Spatial Explorations and Digital Traces: Experiences of Legal Blindness through Filmmaking
Authors: Ruiz Adolfo , Strickfaden Megan
Published: January 2016

Descriptions of legal blindness, as lived experience—involving continual movement between the world of sightedness and blindness—are largely absent within medical models of disability. In an effort to challenge depictions of blindness as pathology, researchers in this project worked with participants who are legally blind, in a co-designed exploration of built spaces in the city of Edmonton, Canada. In this article we describe a collaborative research method through which participants shared stories while recording their movement through a shopping mall, an art gallery, and a gym. Through this project, participants often took the lead, determining the content and context of urban journeys. Stories and images shared through this collaboration suggest that legal blindness is an alternative way of knowing the world, with unique perceptual experiences, navigational strategies, and complexity that is often unacknowledged within a medically constructed blindness/sightedness binary. In describing the complex relationship between participants, researchers, architecture, and technology we will combine narrative forms of writing with actor-network theory. The sharing of stories, along with lived experiences has led to a project that revolves around ability, as opposed to disability. A link to the film is provided at the end of this article.
Stochastic Pricing and Order Model with Transportation Mode Selection for Low-Carbon Retailers
Authors: Zheng Yi , Liao Huchang , Yang Xue
Published: January 2016

More and more enterprises have begun to pay attention to their carbon footprint in the supply chain, of which transportation has become the second major source of carbon emissions. This paper aims to study both optimum pricing and order quantities, considering consumer demand and the selection of transportation modes by retailers, in terms of carbon emissions sensitivity and price sensitivity under the conditions of a cap-and-trade policy and uncertain market demand. Firstly, we analyze the effects of transportation mode (including transportation costs and transportation-induced carbon emissions), initial emissions allowances, carbon emissions trading price and consumer sensitivity to carbon emissions on the optimum decisions and profits of retailers. The results demonstrate that when consumers are less sensitive to price, the optimum retail price and the optimum order quantity of products are proportional to the transportation cost and transportation-induced carbon emissions of retailers per unit product, the carbon emissions trading price as well as consumer sensitivity to carbon emissions. However, when consumers are highly sensitive to price, the optimum order quantity of products is inversely proportional to the transportation costs and transportation-induced carbon emissions of retailers per unit product, the carbon emissions trading price and consumer sensitivity to carbon emissions. In addition, the optimum retail price of products is inversely proportional to consumer sensitivity to carbon emissions. We also find that retailers prefer a low-carbon transportation mode when the carbon emissions trading price is high. Meanwhile, the carbon emissions trading price influences the carbon emissions trading volume of retailers. These theoretical findings are further validated by some numerical analysis.
Vitamin B12 Uptake by the Gut Commensal Bacteria Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron Limits the Production of Shiga Toxin by Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli
Authors: Cordonnier Charlotte , Le Bihan Guillaume , Emond-Rheault Jean-Guillaume , Garrivier Annie , Harel Josée , Jubelin Grégory
Published: January 2016

Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) are foodborne pathogens responsible for the development of bloody diarrhea and renal failure in humans. Many environmental factors have been shown to regulate the production of Shiga toxin 2 (Stx2), the main virulence factor of EHEC. Among them, soluble factors produced by human gut microbiota and in particular, by the predominant species Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron (B. thetaiotaomicron), inhibit Stx2 gene expression. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying the B. thetaiotaomicron-dependent inhibition of Stx2 production by EHEC. We determined that Stx2-regulating molecules are resistant to heat treatment but do not correspond to propionate and acetate, two short-chain fatty acids produced by B. thetaiotaomicron. Moreover, screening of a B. thetaiotaomicron mutant library identified seven mutants that do not inhibit Stx2 synthesis by EHEC. One mutant has impaired production of BtuB, an outer membrane receptor for vitamin B12. Together with restoration of Stx2 level after vitamin B12 supplementation, these data highlight vitamin B12 as a molecule produced by gut microbiota that modulates production of a key virulence factor of EHEC and consequently may affect the outcome of an infection.
Hepatic Transcriptome Responses of Domesticated and Wild Turkey Embryos to Aflatoxin B1
Authors: Monson Melissa , Cardona Carol , Coulombe Roger , Reed Kent
Published: January 2016

The mycotoxin, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a hepatotoxic, immunotoxic, and mutagenic contaminant of food and animal feeds. In poultry, AFB1 can be maternally transferred to embryonated eggs, affecting development, viability and performance after hatch. Domesticated turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) are especially sensitive to aflatoxicosis, while Eastern wild turkeys (M. g. silvestris) are likely more resistant. In ovo exposure provided a controlled AFB1 challenge and comparison of domesticated and wild turkeys. Gene expression responses to AFB1 in the embryonic hepatic transcriptome were examined using RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq). Eggs were injected with AFB1 (1 μg) or sham control and dissected for liver tissue after 1 day or 5 days of exposure. Libraries from domesticated turkey (n = 24) and wild turkey (n = 15) produced 89.2 Gb of sequence. Approximately 670 M reads were mapped to a turkey gene set. Differential expression analysis identified 1535 significant genes with |log2 fold change| ≥ 1.0 in at least one pair-wise comparison. AFB1 effects were dependent on exposure time and turkey type, occurred more rapidly in domesticated turkeys, and led to notable up-regulation in cell cycle regulators, NRF2-mediated response genes and coagulation factors. Further investigation of NRF2-response genes may identify targets to improve poultry resistance.
Controlled graphene oxide assembly on silver nanocube monolayers for SERS detection: dependence on nanocube packing procedure
Authors: Banchelli Martina , Tiribilli Bruno , Pini Roberto , Dei Luigi , Matteini Paolo , Caminati Gabriella
Published: January 2016

Hybrid graphene oxide/silver nanocubes (GO/AgNCs) arrays for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) applications were prepared by means of two procedures differing for the method used in the assembly of the silver nanocubes onto the surface: Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) transfer and direct sequential physisorption of silver nanocubes (AgNCs). Adsorption of graphene oxide (GO) flakes on the AgNC assemblies obtained with both procedures was monitored by quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) technique as a function of GO bulk concentration. The experiment provided values of the adsorbed GO mass on the AgNC array and the GO saturation limit as well as the thickness and the viscoelastic properties of the GO film. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements of the resulting samples revealed that a similar surface coverage was achieved with both procedures but with a different distribution of silver nanoparticles. In the GO covered LB film, the AgNC distribution is characterized by densely packed regions alternating with empty surface areas. On the other hand, AgNCs are more homogeneously dispersed over the entire sensor surface when the nanocubes spontaneously adsorb from solution. In this case, the assembly results in less-packed silver nanostructures with higher inter-cube distance. For the two assembled substrates, AFM of silver nanocubes layers fully covered with GO revealed the presence of a homogeneous, flexible and smooth GO sheet folding over the silver nanocubes and extending onto the bare surface. Preliminary SERS experiments on adenine showed a higher SERS enhancement factor for GO on Langmuir–Blodgett films of AgNCs with respect to bare AgNC systems. Conversely, poor SERS enhancement for adenine resulted for GO-covered AgNCs obtained by spontaneous adsorption. This indicated that the assembly and packing of AgNCs obtained in this way, although more homogeneous over the substrate surface, is not as effective for SERS analysis.
Sustained Immune Control in HBeAg-Positive Patients who Switched from Entecavir Therapy to Pegylated Interferon-α2a: 1 Year follow-up of the OSST Study
Authors: Han Meifang , Jiang Jiaji , Hou Jinlin , Tan Deming , Sun Yongtao , Zhao Mianzhi , Ning Qin
Published: January 2016

Background

In the OSST study, hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive chronic hepatitis B patients who switched from long-term entecavir (ETV) therapy to pegylated interferon-α2a (PEG-IFN-α2a; 40 kDa) achieved higher rates of HBeAg seroconversion and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss than those who continued ETV. Herein we report the sustainability of serological responses during 1 year of untreated follow-up in patients who switched from ETV to PEG-IFN-α2a therapy.

Methods

A total of 62 patients who completed 48 weeks of PEG-IFN-α2a therapy were followed-up for 48 weeks off treatment. Primary end points were HBeAg seroconversion and maintenance of HBeAg seroconversion at 48 weeks post-treatment. Secondary end points included HBsAg loss, HBV DNA <1,000 copies/ml and alanine aminotransferase normalization (<1 x upper limit of normal).

Results

The HBeAg seroconversion rate increased from 17.7% (11/62) at the end of treatment to 38.7% (24/62) 1 year post-treatment. Sustained HBeAg seroconversion was achieved by 63.6% (7/11) patients with end-of-treatment responses, while late HBeAg seroconversion was achieved by 33.3% (17/51) of patients who did not have end-of-treatment responses. Sustained HBsAg loss was documented in 6 of 7 patients, and sustained HBV DNA suppression was achieved in 60% (27/45) of patients with an end-of-treatment response.

Conclusions

In patients who do not achieve HBeAg sero-conversion during long-term ETV therapy, switching to finite treatment with PEG-IFN-α2a produces HBeAg sero-conversion in a substantial proportion of patients at end of treatment and during 1 year of follow-up. Moreover, HBeAg seroconversion and HBsAg loss are sustained in most patients during 1 year of untreated follow-up.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Viral Escape and Acute Encephalitis in a Patient on Boosted Protease Inhibitor Monotherapy
Authors: Tiraboschi Juan , Hamzah Lisa , Siddiqui Ata , Kulasegaram Ranjababu , Post Frank , Fox Julie
Published: January 2016

Although currently available data suffice to support the use of protease inhibitor monotherapy in selected patients, there is concern about the antiviral activity of this regimen in the long term and in viral sanctuaries, such as the central nervous system. We report a case of encephalitis related to viral escape while receiving darunavir/ritonavir monotherapy in a carefully selected patient for participation in a clinical trial.
Processus non conscients et développement du moi. Concepts clefs d’Éric Berne et de Christopher Bollas
Authors: Landaiche Michel , Bailleau Patrick
Published: January 2016

Entre intuition, protocole, scénario, physis et connu-non-pensé, ombre de l’objet et pulsion de la destinée, Bill Cornell et Michel Landaiche, par un tissage fin et leur humanité, mettent en évidence la complémentarité de Berne et de Bollas et nous permettent d’approfondir notre compréhension des processus inconscients, ou plutôt non conscients, qui jouent un rôle majeur dans nos métiers de relation d’aide. B.E
L’être en relation thérapeutique en analyse transactionnelle : La vérité de l’amour ou l’amour de la vérité
Authors: Bonds-White Frances , Bailleau Patrick
Published: January 2016

Les années 1990 ont vu s’opérer un glissement dans les théorisations cliniques au sein des approches psychodynamiques orientées sur le Moi, dont l’analyse transactionnelle. L’interprétation et l’insight ne sont plus considérés comme les moyens premiers du changement thérapeutique. Des thérapeutes de nombreuses et différentes orientations théoriques mettent dorénavant l’accent sur les composantes relationnelles, transférentielles et contre-transférentielles du processus thérapeutique. La littérature clinique est submergée par les modèles et le langage relationnel : processus mutuel, empathie, accordage, attachement, environnement « holding », relations d’objet, connaissance relationnelle implicite, intersubjectivité, réciprocité, synchronicité émotionnelle, connexion, moment de rencontre et résonance. Ce « zeitgeist » 2 relationnel a été renforcé par la popularité des modèles centrés sur la féminité tel que le modèle relationnel développé au Stone Center du Wellesley College et les approches centrées sur le traumatisme qui, tous les deux, mettent l’accent sur le rôle relationnel actif, maternant et correctif du thérapeute. Alors que ces approches maternantes/relationnelles ont beaucoup fait pour corriger les styles unidirectionnels, paternalistes et autoritaires qui prévalaient dans la psychanalyse classique et dans les orientations cognitives et comportementalistes, nous voyons apparaître maintenant dans l’analyse transactionnelle contemporaine des applications aveugles de divers modèles relationnels qui pourtant, selon nous, mériteraient une critique sérieuse.
Les demandes de facteurs de production en France
Authors: Ducoudré Bruno , Plane Mathieu
Published: January 2016

Avec la crise débutée en 2008, les facteurs de production ont connu en France une contraction sans précédent depuis la Seconde Guerre mondiale. La crise se caractérise par sa longueur : sept ans après son commencement, les facteurs de production n’ont toujours pas retrouvé leur niveau d’avant-crise. Face à un tel choc, il s’agit de savoir si, au regard de la crise, les ajustements opérés sur les facteurs de production sont en lien avec les évolutions de l’activité et si la crise a entraîné des ruptures dans le comportement des entreprises. Pour répondre à cette question, nous estimons d’une part des équations de demandes de facteurs sur les périodes 1980-2007 et 1980-2014 et nous analysons et comparons les paramètres estimés sur ces deux périodes. D’autre part, nous réalisons des simulations dynamiques de l’emploi et de l’investissement que nous comparons aux évolutions observées de ces deux variables, afin d’établir si les déterminants traditionnels des équations permettent de comprendre les évolutions des facteurs de production depuis le début de la crise. Concernant la tendance de productivité, nous conduisons des tests de détection et de datation des ruptures de tendance de productivité, ainsi que des estimations récursives des paramètres. Les résultats des équations économétriques n’indiquent pas de rupture majeure au moment de la crise dans les déterminants fondamentaux de l’investissement et de l’emploi. Enfin, nous exposons les propriétés variantielles des deux équations de demande de facteurs, puis nous évaluons l’impact depuis 2011 des politiques de consolidation budgétaire dans la zone euro et de la dégradation du taux de marge des entreprises sur l’emploi salarié marchand et le stock de capital productif en France. Toutes choses égales par ailleurs, les politiques de consolidation budgétaire dans la zone euro seraient, selon nos évaluations, responsables en France de la destruction de 772 000 à 822 000 emplois salariés dans le secteur marchand et d’une chute de l’investissement des entreprises non-financières comprise entre 6,8 % et 7,6 %, soit une contraction de 1,6 % à 1,7 % du capital productif. La baisse du taux de marge depuis 2011 aurait conduit à réduire l’investissement des entreprises de 2,1 % à 2,5 %, ce qui correspond à une baisse du capital productif de 0,3-0,4 %.
La crise de 2008 et la productivité totale des facteurs des entreprises françaises
Authors: Guillou Sarah , Nesta Lionel
Published: January 2016

Nous mesurons la productivité totale des facteurs (PTF) de plus de 2 millions d’entreprises françaises entre 2002 et 2011, réparties en 6 grands secteurs : manufacturier, construction, services de basses et moyennes technologies, services de hautes technologies, autres services, services financiers et immobilier. Nous observons que la crise s’est traduite par une baisse transitoire de la PTF, à l’exception des services de hautes technologies ou de la construction. Les plus grandes entreprises ont des niveaux de productivité plus élevés et ont mieux résisté à la crise de 2008. La crise a stoppé les effets d’apprentissage des firmes, si bien que le peu de croissance (de la TFP) observé après 2008 vient des phénomènes de réallocation des ressources entre entreprises. Enfin, la crise de 2008 a significativement altéré la corrélation entre investissement et croissance de la PTF, l’investissement post-2008 étant associé à un ralentissement de la croissance de la PTF. Des changements de la nature des investissements tout autant que des effets de volume peuvent expliquer l’inefficacité de l’investissement après la crise.
Une évaluation semi-structurelle du potentiel d’activité pour la France
Authors: Heyer Éric , Timbeau Xavier
Published: January 2016

Dans cet article nous proposons une évaluation du niveau d’activité potentiel de l’économie française, notion centrale dans le diagnostic de la situation économique. Cette évaluation est réalisée à partir de l’estimation d’un modèle semi-structurel espace-état. On suppose que le potentiel, variable inobservable, suit une marche aléatoire avec tendance alors que l’équation de signal est une équation de retour à 0 de l’écart de croissance et d’écart impacté par des variables exogènes. Parmi ces dernières figurent les conditions financières, un terme de compétitivité, le prix du baril de pétrole, le prix de l’immobilier, l’impulsion budgétaire et enfin l’environnement macroéconomique d’ensemble. L’écart de production estimé est à la fois assez vraisemblable dans l’enchaînement de phases de conjoncture déprimée et de période de surchauffe et stable dans les estimations en quasi temps réel. Une dernière partie conclut et présente les nombreuses voies pour l’extension de cette approche.
France et Allemagne : une histoire du désajustement européen
Authors: Le Moigne Mathilde , Ragot Xavier
Published: January 2016

La divergence économique entre la France et l’Allemagne depuis 1993 est impressionnante. Alors que les deux pays étaient dans des situations comparables à la fin des années 1990, l’Allemagne est aujourd’hui au voisinage du plein emploi – en dépit d’inégalités en hausse – et est devenue l’un des pays les plus exportateurs du monde. La France connaît un niveau de chômage historique et voit ses performances commerciales se dégrader continûment. Plusieurs explications à cette divergence ont été proposées. Cet article quantifie la contribution particulière de la modération salariale allemande débutant outre-Rhin au milieu des années 1990 sur l’écart de performances économiques franco-allemand. En effet, les salaires allemands sont restés extraordinairement stables après la réunification allemande, et ce essentiellement dans les services. À l’aide d’un modèle quantitatif de commerce international, nous estimons que la modération salariale allemande est responsable de l’ordre de la moitié de l’écart de performances à l’exportation de la France par rapport à l’Allemagne, et explique environ 2 % du taux de chômage français. Le problème de l’offre en France est essentiellement le résultat du désajustement européen.
Stagnation séculaire et accumulation de capital
Authors: Le Garrec Gilles , Touzé Vincent
Published: January 2016

La crise économique et financière de 2008 a provoqué une crise profonde caractérisée par une croissance potentielle affaiblie et une persistance de l’ output gap . Dans cet article, nous proposons un modèle qui explique la crise et sa persistance par le passage d’un équilibre de plein emploi à un équilibre de sous-emploi. Dans ce dernier, le taux d’intérêt réel d’équilibre est négatif et l’économie est en déflation. La politique monétaire visant à contrôler l’inflation devient alors inactive en raison d’une contrainte de non négativité du taux directeur ( zero lower bound ). Cet équilibre de stagnation séculaire est obtenu en introduisant, dans le cadre d’un modèle à générations imbriquées, deux imperfections de marché : un rationnement du crédit et une rigidité nominale des salaires. Pour sortir de la trappe à stagnation séculaire, nous étudions l’impact de différentes politiques économiques. Un accroissement de la cible d’inflation (assouplissement de la politique monétaire) est efficace si la banque centrale est suffisamment crédible. Des politiques structurelles telles qu’un accroissement de la productivité ou une réduction des rigidités ont des effets déflationistes contreproductifs. Enfin une politique budgétaire redistributive, en soutenant la demande globale, peut aider l’économie à sortir de la stagnation séculaire. Toutefois une telle politique se fait aux prix d’un affaiblissement du potentiel de plein emploi en raison d’une moindre incitation à accumuler du capital.
Supporting Children in Mastering Temporal Relations of Stories
Authors: Di Mascio Tania , Gennari Rosella , Melonio Alessandra , Tarantino Laura
Published: January 2016

Though temporal reasoning is a key factor for text comprehension, existing proposals for visualizing temporal information and temporal connectives proves to be inadequate for children, not only for their levels of abstraction and detail, but also because they rely on pre-existing mental models of time and temporal connectives, while in the case of children the system has to induce the development of a mental model not existing yet. Filling this gap was the main goal of the FP7 European project TERENCE, which developed an adaptive learning system shaped around the concepts of repeated interaction experience and of graded text simplification and consistent with consolidated pedagogical approaches built on question-based games. In particular, in this paper the authors present the main features of its learner-oriented read-and-play visual interaction environment that, according to the dual-coding theory, follows a two-tiers approach pairing verbal and visual information.
Robotic Teaching Assistance for the “Tower of Hanoi” Problem
Authors: Thien Nguyen Duc , Terracina Annalisa , Iocchi Luca , Mecella Massimo
Published: January 2016

In this work the authors investigate the effectiveness of robotics in education. Rather than creating excitement for children when playing with robots in games, they are examining the overall learning environment where a robot acts as a teaching assistant. They designed a suitable lesson plan when groups of teenagers participate in activities involving the use of the robot: the authors first performed experiments for the robot to solve the “Tower of Hanoi” problem; then, they designed a lesson plan to teach the “Tower of Hanoi” problem using a KUKA youBot as a teaching assistant. The experiment involved two groups of students: one group was taught with the robot and the other group without the robot. Finally, the authors present results of a comparative study based on questionnaires, in order to understand if the effectiveness of the teaching has been greater with the robot as teaching assistant.
Colouring the Gaps in Learning Design
Authors: Carroll Fiona , Kop Rita
Published: January 2016

The visual is a dominant mode of information retrieval and understanding however, the focus on the visual dimension of Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) is still quite weak in relation to its predominant focus on usability. To accommodate the future needs of the visual learner, designers of e-learning environments should advance the current attention on usability and functionality to include aesthetics, the visual and the affective. The challenge lies in finding a way to fully address the needs of the visual learner. This paper explores the role of visual aesthetics in improving engagement in online learning.
A Qualitative Study of Green IT Adoption within the Philippines Business Process Outsourcing Industry
Authors: Hernandez Alexander A. , Ona Sherwin E.
Published: January 2016

This study explores the green IT adoption experience of organizations within the business process outsourcing industry in the Philippines using a multi-theory perspective. Through a multiple case study with three organizations, it presents a holistic account of the factors in green IT adoption. This study shows the usefulness of complementarily deploying adoption theory and offers important theoretical and practical implications for organizations as they extend their BPO operations globally. In this study, the authors discovered that technological and organizational context factors have greater positive impact on Green IT adoption within BPO organizations while environmental context factors have lesser impact in decision-making processes.
Technology as Work and Work as Technology
Authors: Majumder Mrinmoy
Published: January 2016

Information technology (IT) organizations are considered the flag bearers of the post-industrial society. Arguably, the IT organizations are engaging and generating new forms of work such as software development. The new forms of work do not culminate in a material or a physical product. Rather the new forms of work is processed through computers, headsets and phones. Hence, this article presents the analysis of new forms of work emerging out of IT organizations. It addresses the question about how, technology is producing a new definition of work. In doing so, the article addresses the concepts of human capital, cyber-workers and intrusion of open source learning, along with a detailed profiling of sales personnel (the new power agents of IT). Although, we come to think of technology as a mere tool, but unpacking the nature of work from an ontological perspective has made us to rethink our ideas about technology. It thus, give a complex perspective, as work and technology are entangled together with no clear-cut distinction, however this perspective generates concrete theoretical understandings while contributing to the contemporary industrial relations framework.
Assessing the Effectiveness of Interactive and Collaborative Resources to Improve Reading and Writing in English
Authors: Llorente Ana María Pinto , Gómez María Cruz Sánchez , García-Peñalvo Francisco José
Published: January 2016

This paper presents a mixed research developed at the Pontifical University of Salamanca with students of intermediate level of English. It examines the effectiveness of the application of interactive and collaborative resources to improve reading and writing in English. Based on the overall evaluation of the blended course, most students believe that online glossary, online questionnaire, wiki and forum are good tools to improve their written skills. They are strongly aware of the necessity of improving these skills, and consider that the activities designed through these technological tools have allowed them to foster effective written communication in a variety of situations. Students also emphasize the potential of collaborative tools to communicate and develop collaborative learning. However, some students consider that there is a lack of privacy and fluency in communication, and believe that interactions are impersonal and disorganized, so they have had problems to do the activities and communicate suitably.
Ethical Hacking in Information Security Curricula
Authors: Trabelsi Zouheir , McCoey Margaret
Published: January 2016

Teaching offensive security (ethical hacking) is becoming a necessary component of information security curricula with a goal of developing better security professionals. The offensive security components extend curricula beyond system defense strategies. This paper identifies and discusses the learning outcomes achieved as a result of hands-on lab exercises which focus on attacking systems. The paper includes the ethical implications associated with including such labs. The discussion is informed by analyses of log data on student malicious activities, and student survey results. The examination of student behavior after acquiring these skills demonstrates that there is potentially a high risk of inappropriate and illegal behavior associated with this type learning. While acknowledging these risks and problems, the paper recommends that curricula should opt for a teaching approach that offers students both offensive and defensive hands-on lab exercises in conjunction with lecture material. The authors propose steps to minimize the risk of inappropriate behavior and reduce institutional liability.
The Importance of Outreach Programs to Unblock the Pipeline and Broaden Diversity in ICT Education
Authors: Lang Catherine , Craig Annemieke , Egan MaryAnne
Published: January 2016

There is a need for outreach programs to attract a diverse range of students to the computing discipline. The lack of qualified computing graduates to fill the growing number of computing vacancies is of concern to government and industry and there are few female students entering the computing pipeline at high school level. This paper presents three outreach programs that have the underlying assumption that students need to be reminded about the creativity and potential of computing so that it remains on the radar of their future career options. Each program instigated social and cultural change through a paradigm shift where girls moved from being ICT consumers to ICT creators. By exposing students to a wide variety of ICT activities and careers during secondary schooling, they were more likely to consider studying information systems, computer science or any other computing course at the university level. Results are presented showing student attitudinal changes as well as observed increases in enrolments at secondary school and university courses.
Youths' Economic and Regulatory Traits in Water Resources Management as a Precursor for Good Water Governance
Authors: Gatt Kevin
Published: January 2016

Good water governance needs to ensure, amongst others, the sustainability of water resources. Sustainability needs to be secured by optimising economic and social goals whilst safeguarding the rights of future generations. In developing a water governance framework it is imperative to understand the perceptions of society in order to determine which portions of the framework are acceptable and those which will require more effort to overcome current perceptions. In safeguarding the resource for its enjoyment by future generations it is worth understanding, even at this stage, youth perceptions in the light that they will be the leaders of tomorrow and the core of society. To this effect a national survey was undertaken and 13 statements demonstrate statistical significance amongst youths. These are analysed with a view towards better understanding the perception of youths towards the economic aspect of water.
Warranty as an Effective Strategy for Remanufactured Product
Authors: Liao Bifeng , Li Bangyi
Published: January 2016

Consumers cannot fully evaluate the product quality before purchase. To reduce consumer risk, some manufacturers offer consumer warranty. Up to now, there are many studies investigating this role, but they seldom consider from the perspective of consumer utility. Consumers view remanufactured products as being of lower quality and are less willing to pay for them. It is important to incorporate the manufacturer's service and consumer heterogeneity in the model. Those employed in the remanufacturing industry are advised to increase the level of warranty associated with their remanufacturing products in order to command higher prices for their products in the marketplace. This paper firstly considers consumer utility, then develops three marketing settings to examine the impact of warranty services, and finally compares the optimal prices and profits among them. The results show that the manufacturer's warranty policy can enhance profit, and the profit is highest when both new and remanufactured products provided differentiated warranty.
A Usability Score for Mobile Phone Applications Based on Heuristics
Authors: Gresse von Wangenheim Christiane , Witt Talita A. , Borgatto Adriano Ferreti , Nunes Juliane Vargas , Lacerda Thaisa Cardoso , Krone Caroline , Souza Laís de Oliveira
Published: January 2016

Mobile phones are becoming the most widespread personal consumer device. Yet, offering mobile access anywhere, anytime for anybody poses new challenges to usability. So far there is little research on how to customize usability heuristics to the specific characteristics of mobile phone applications. Therefore, this article presents a set of tailored usability heuristics based on a systematic literature review. In order to facilitate the usage of these heuristics, the authors design and validate a measurement instrument (checklist) and scale. The checklist has been validated through an empirical study in which the results of 247 heuristic evaluations have been statistically analyzed using Item Response Theory. Based on the results, the measurement items have been calibrated and a standardized measurement scale has been constructed. The results can be used to measure usability of mobile phone applications from early on in the design process, and, thus, facilitate evaluations in a cost-effective way.
From Mundane to Smart
Authors: Vyas Dhaval , Kröner Alexander , Nijholt Anton
Published: January 2016

In addition to functional and technological features, the role of augmented objects should also be seen in terms of how effectively they fit into the everyday practices of users and how they enhance users' experiences. In this article, the authors introduce a low-tech, internet-of-things technology called CAM (Cooperative Artefact Memory) that is used as a collaborative tool in design studio environments. CAM works as an object memory technology and allows industrial and product designers to collaboratively store relevant information onto their physical design objects, such as sketches, collages, storyboards, and physical mock-ups in the form of messages, annotations and external web links. In the context of this study, CAM serves as an important probing device to understand designers' interaction and experiences with augmented design objects, in their natural environment. The authors carried out a small-scale field trial of CAM in an academic design studio, over three student design projects. In this article, they discuss the findings of their field trial and show how CAM was used by the participants, how it was integrated into the design process and how it was appropriated for different purposes. The authors also found that CAM supported coordination and awareness within the design teams, yet its serendipitous and asynchronous nature facilitated creative and playful interactions between team members. In general, the results show how CAM transformed mundane design objects into “smart” objects that made the creative and playful side of cooperative design visible.
Cutting Speed in Nano-Cutting as MD Modelling Parameter
Authors: Karkalos Nikolaos E. , Markopoulos Angelos P. , Manolakos Dimitrios E.
Published: January 2016

In order to manufacture parts with dimensions of nanometres, high–technology equipment is required. There is a demand to study nano-metric cutting mechanisms and phenomena appearing in this level. However, experiments are difficult to be realized, so computational methods are employed. Nano-scale cutting involves workpiece deformation in only a few atomic layers from the workpiece surface; at this scale the continuum theory cannot be used, so methods like finite elements are not sufficient. Molecular Dynamics is a method increasingly used for the simulation of nano-cutting. However, the computational cost required is quite high. In an effort to reduce the time of the analysis, high or extremely high cutting speeds are used in the models. In this paper an analysis is presented where cutting speed is studied and its influence on the chip morphology and workpiece surface is investigated, for nano-cutting modelling of Cu with diamond tools. The results indicate that cutting speed influences the outcome of the analysis and more attention should be paid to the selection of this parameter.