bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inversion of Nighttime PM2.5 Mass Concentration in Beijing Based on the VIIRS Day-Night Band
Authors: Zhao Xiaoran , Shi Hanqing , Yu Hong , Yang Pinglv
Published: October 2016

In order to monitor nighttime particular matter (PM) air quality in urban area, a back propagation neural network (BP neural network) inversion model is established, using low-light radiation data from the day/night band (DNB) of the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) aboard the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership (S-NPP) satellite. The study focuses on the moonless and cloudless nights in Beijing during March–May 2015. A test is carried out by selecting surface PM2.5 data from 12 PM2.5 automatic monitoring stations and the corresponding night city light intensity from DNB. As indicated by the results, the linear correlation coefficient (R) between the results and the corresponding measured surface PM2.5 concentration is 0.91, and the root-mean-square error (RMSE) is 14.02 μg/m3 with the average of 59.39 μg/m3. Furthermore, the BP neural network model shows better accuracy when air relative humility ranges from 40% to 80% and surface PM2.5 concentration exceeds 40 μg/m3. The study provides a superiority approach for monitoring PM2.5 air quality from space with visible light remote sensing data at night.
A Simple Picaxe Microcontroller Pulse Source for Juxtacellular Neuronal Labelling
Authors: Verberne Anthony
Published: October 2016

Juxtacellular neuronal labelling is a method which allows neurophysiologists to fill physiologically-identified neurons with small positively-charged marker molecules. Labelled neurons are identified by histochemical processing of brain sections along with immunohistochemical identification of neuropeptides, neurotransmitters, neurotransmitter transporters or biosynthetic enzymes. A microcontroller-based pulser circuit and associated BASIC software script is described for incorporation into the design of a commercially-available intracellular electrometer for use in juxtacellular neuronal labelling. Printed circuit board construction has been used for reliability and reproducibility. The current design obviates the need for a separate digital pulse source and simplifies the juxtacellular neuronal labelling procedure.
Effect of Size and Distribution of Ni Nanoparticles on γ-Al2O3 in Oleic Acid Hydrodeoxygenation to Produce n-Alkanes
Authors: Sánchez-Cárdenas Manuel , Medina-Valtierra Jorge , Kamaraj Sathish-Kumar , Medina Ramírez Rodolfo , Sánchez-Olmos Luis
Published: October 2016

To contribute to the search for an oxygen-free biodiesel from vegetable oil, a process based in the oleic acid hydrodeoxygenation over Ni/γ-Al2O3 catalysts was performed. In this work different wt % of Ni nanoparticles were prepared by wetness impregnation and tested as catalytic phases. Oleic acid was used as a model molecule for biodiesel production due to its high proportion in vegetable oils used in food and agro-industrial processes. A theoretical model to optimize yield of n-C17 was developed using size, distribution, and wt % of Ni nanoparticles (NPs) as additional factors besides operational conditions such as temperature and reaction time. These mathematical models related to response surfaces plots predict a higher yield of n-C17 when physical parameters of Ni NPs are suitable. It can be of particular interest that the model components have a high interaction with operation conditions for the n-C17 yields, with the size, distribution, and wt % of Ni NPs being the most significant. A combination of these factors statistically pointed out those conditions that create a maximum yield of alkanes; these proved to be affordable for producing biodiesel from this catalytic environmental process.
Spectroscopy, Crystal and Molecular Structures of New 4-Acylpyrazolone Dinitrophenylhydrazones
Authors: Idemudia Omoruyi , Hosten Eric
Published: October 2016

Still looking at the development of new materials with unique properties and taking advantage of the nucleophilic properties of amines to form stable azomethines, dinitrophenylhydrazine was reacted with 4-ethyl-5-methyl-2-phenyl-pyrazol-3-one and then with 4-propyl-5-methyl-2-phenyl-pyrazol-3-one to get 4-ethyl-5-methyl-2-phenyl-pyrazol-3-one dinitrophenylhydrazone (Empp-Dh) and 4-propyl-5-methyl-2-phenyl-pyrazol-3-one dinitrophenylhydrazone (Pmpp-Dh), respectively, via a simple condensation reaction in a one-pot synthesis system. Careful interpretations of results from elemental analysis, mass and NMR spectroscopy were in agreement with single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. Reported Schiff bases in their single-crystal solid state exist in imine keto tautomer form, each crystallizing in a monoclinic crystal system, with a space group of C2/c (No. 15) in Empp-Dh and P21/c (No. 14) in Pmpp-Dh. They have extensive intra- and inter-molecular hydrogen as well as C–H···π-ring interactions.
Chemical Reactions Using a Non-Equilibrium Wigner Function Approach
Authors: Álvarez-Estrada Ramón , Calvo Gabriel
Published: October 2016

A three-dimensional model of binary chemical reactions is studied. We consider an ab initio quantum two-particle system subjected to an attractive interaction potential and to a heat bath at thermal equilibrium at absolute temperature T > 0 . Under the sole action of the attraction potential, the two particles can either be bound or unbound to each other. While at T = 0 , there is no transition between both states, such a transition is possible when T > 0 (due to the heat bath) and plays a key role as k B T approaches the magnitude of the attractive potential. We focus on a quantum regime, typical of chemical reactions, such that: (a) the thermal wavelength is shorter than the range of the attractive potential (lower limit on T) and (b) ( 3 / 2 ) k B T does not exceed the magnitude of the attractive potential (upper limit on T). In this regime, we extend several methods previously applied to analyze the time duration of DNA thermal denaturation. The two-particle system is then described by a non-equilibrium Wigner function. Under Assumptions (a) and (b), and for sufficiently long times, defined by a characteristic time scale D that is subsequently estimated, the general dissipationless non-equilibrium equation for the Wigner function is approximated by a Smoluchowski-like equation displaying dissipation and quantum effects. A comparison with the standard chemical kinetic equations is made. The time τ required for the two particles to transition from the bound state to unbound configurations is studied by means of the mean first passage time formalism. An approximate formula for τ, in terms of D and exhibiting the Arrhenius exponential factor, is obtained. Recombination processes are also briefly studied within our framework and compared with previous well-known methods.
From Tools in Symplectic and Poisson Geometry to J.-M. Souriau’s Theories of Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics
Authors: Marle Charles-Michel
Published: October 2016

I present in this paper some tools in symplectic and Poisson geometry in view of their applications in geometric mechanics and mathematical physics. After a short discussion of the Lagrangian an Hamiltonian formalisms, including the use of symmetry groups, and a presentation of the Tulczyjew’s isomorphisms (which explain some aspects of the relations between these formalisms), I explain the concept of manifold of motions of a mechanical system and its use, due to J.-M. Souriau, in statistical mechanics and thermodynamics. The generalization of the notion of thermodynamic equilibrium in which the one-dimensional group of time translations is replaced by a multi-dimensional, maybe non-commutative Lie group, is fully discussed and examples of applications in physics are given.
AgPi: Agents on Raspberry Pi
Authors: Semwal Tushar , Nair Shivashankar
Published: October 2016

The Raspberry Pi and its variants have brought with them an aura of change in the world of embedded systems. With their impressive computation and communication capabilities and low footprint, these devices have thrown open the possibility of realizing a network of things in a very cost-effective manner. While such networks offer good solutions to prominent issues, they are indeed a long way from being smart or intelligent. Most of the currently available implementations of such a network of devices involve a centralized cloud-based server that contributes to making the necessary intelligent decisions, leaving these devices fairly underutilized. Though this paradigm provides for an easy and rapid solution, they have limited scalability, are less robust and at times prove to be expensive. In this paper, we introduce the concept of Agents on Raspberry Pi (AgPi) as a cyber solution to enhance the smartness and flexibility of such embedded networks of physical devices in a decentralized manner. The use of a Multi-Agent System (MAS) running on Raspberry Pis aids agents, both static and mobile, to govern the various activities within the network. Agents can act autonomously or on behalf of a human user and can collaborate, learn, adapt and act, thus contributing to embedded intelligence. This paper describes how Tartarus, a multi-agent platform, embedded on Raspberry Pis that constitute a network, can bring the best out of the system. To reveal the versatility of the concept of AgPi, an application for a Location-Aware and Tracking Service (LATS) is presented. The results obtained from a comparison of data transfer cost between the conventional cloud-based approach with AgPi have also been included.
Spatial and Temporal Traffic Variation in Core Networks: Impact on Energy Saving and Devices Lifetime
Authors: Idzikowski Filip , Pfeuffer Frank , Werner Axel , Chiaraviglio Luca
Published: October 2016

We assess the impact of traffic variations on energy consumption and devices lifetime in a core network. Specifically, we first define a model to control the spatial as well as the temporal variations of traffic. We generate different sets of traffic matrices by adopting our model, which are then used as input to an energy-aware algorithm, with the aim of finding the set of Line Cards (LCs) in Sleep Mode (SM) for each traffic matrix. Given this output, we are able to compute different evaluation metrics, including: the total energy consumption, the normalized lifetime as a consequence of activation/deactivation of network devices, and the total network profitability (i.e., the monetary gain/loss for the operator). Our results show that the temporal variation of traffic affects the LCs energy consumption, but has a limited impact on their lifetime. Moreover, the spatial variation of traffic is no obstacle for energy saving. Eventually, the frequency of the power cycles, introduced by the energy-aware algorithm, is particularly important for the lifetime of LCs. Finally, we show that positive total profitability is achieved in most of the considered cases.
Comparison of Wind Energy Generation Using the Maximum Entropy Principle and the Weibull Distribution Function
Authors: Shoaib Muhammad , Siddiqui Imran , Rehman Shafiqur , Rehman Saif , Khan Shamim , Lashin Aref
Published: October 2016

Proper knowledge of the wind characteristics of a site is of fundamental importance in estimating wind energy output from a selected wind turbine. The present paper focuses on assessing the suitability and accuracy of the fitted distribution function to the measured wind speed data for Baburband site in Sindh Pakistan. Comparison is made between the wind power densities obtained using the fitted functions based on Maximum Entropy Principle (MEP) and Weibull distribution. In case of MEP-based function a system of (N+1) non-linear equations containing (N+1) Lagrange multipliers is defined as probability density function. The maximum entropy probability density functions is calculated for 3–9 low order moments obtained from measured wind speed data. The annual actual wind power density (PA) is found to be 309.25 W/m2 while the Weibull based wind power density (PW) is 297.25 W/m2. The MEP-based density for orders 5, 7, 8 and 9 (PE) is 309.21 W/m2, whereas for order 6 it is 309.43 W/m2. To validate the MEP-based function, the results are compared with the Weibull function and the measured data. Kolmogorov–Smirnov test is performed between the cdf of the measured wind data and the fitted distribution function (Q95 = 0.01457 > Q = 10−4). The test confirms the suitability of MEP-based function for modeling measured wind speed data and for the estimation of wind energy output from a wind turbine. R2 test is also performed giving analogous behavior of the fitted MEP-based pdf to the actual wind speed data (R2 ~ 0.9). The annual energy extracted using the chosen wind turbine based on Weibull function is PW = 2.54 GWh and that obtained using MEP-based function is PE = 2.57–2.67 GWh depending on the order of moments.
Measuring Beach Profiles along a Low-Wave Energy Microtidal Coast, West-Central Florida, USA
Authors: Cheng Jun , Wang Ping , Guo Qiandong
Published: October 2016

Monitoring storm-induced dramatic beach morphology changes and long-term beach evolution provides crucial data for coastal management. Beach-profile measurement using total station has been conducted along the coast of west-central Florida over the last decade. This paper reviews several case studies of beach morphology changes based on total-station survey along this coast. The advantage of flexible and low-cost total-station surveys is discussed in comparison to LIDAR (light detection and ranging) method. In an attempt to introduce total-station survey from a practical prospective, measurement of cross-shore beach profile in various scenarios are discussed, including: (1) establishing a beach profile line with known instrument and benchmark locations; (2) surveying multiple beach profiles with one instrument setup; (3) implementation of coordinate rotation to convert local system to real-earth system. Total-station survey is a highly effective and accurate method in documenting beach profile changes along low-energy coasts.
Two Mechanisms: The Role of Social Capital and Industrial Pollution Exposure in Explaining Racial Disparities in Self-Rated Health
Authors: Ard Kerry , Colen Cynthia , Becerra Marisol , Velez Thelma
Published: October 2016

This study provides an empirical test of two mechanisms (social capital and exposure to air pollution) that are theorized to mediate the effect of neighborhood on health and contribute to racial disparities in health outcomes. To this end, we utilize the Social Capital Benchmark Study, a national survey of individuals nested within communities in the United States, to estimate how multiple dimensions of social capital and exposure to air pollution, explain racial disparities in self-rated health. Our main findings show that when controlling for individual-confounders, and nesting within communities, our indicator of cognitive bridging, generalized trust, decreases the gap in self-rated health between African Americans and Whites by 84%, and the gap between Hispanics and Whites by 54%. Our other indicator of cognitive social capital, cognitive linking as represented by engagement in politics, decreases the gap in health between Hispanics and Whites by 32%, but has little impact on African Americans. We also assessed whether the gap in health was explained by respondents’ estimated exposure to toxicity-weighted air pollutants from large industrial facilities over the previous year. Our results show that accounting for exposure to these toxins has no effect on the racial gap in self-rated health in these data. This paper contributes to the neighborhood effects literature by examining the impact that estimated annual industrial air pollution, and multiple measures of social capital, have on explaining the racial gap in health in a sample of individuals nested within communities across the United States.
A Proteogenomic Approach to Understanding MYC Function in Metastatic Medulloblastoma Tumors
Authors: Staal Jerome , Pei Yanxin , Rood Brian
Published: October 2016

Brain tumors are the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children, and medulloblastoma is the most prevalent malignant childhood/pediatric brain tumor. Providing effective treatment for these cancers, with minimal damage to the still-developing brain, remains one of the greatest challenges faced by clinicians. Understanding the diverse events driving tumor formation, maintenance, progression, and recurrence is necessary for identifying novel targeted therapeutics and improving survival of patients with this disease. Genomic copy number alteration data, together with clinical studies, identifies c-MYC amplification as an important risk factor associated with the most aggressive forms of medulloblastoma with marked metastatic potential. Yet despite this, very little is known regarding the impact of such genomic abnormalities upon the functional biology of the tumor cell. We discuss here how recent advances in quantitative proteomic techniques are now providing new insights into the functional biology of these aggressive tumors, as illustrated by the use of proteomics to bridge the gap between the genotype and phenotype in the case of c-MYC-amplified/associated medulloblastoma. These integrated proteogenomic approaches now provide a new platform for understanding cancer biology by providing a functional context to frame genomic abnormalities.
Looking Backward, Looking Forward: The Long, Torturous Struggle with Mosquitoes
Authors: Patterson Gordon
Published: October 2016

The American anti-mosquito movement grew out of the discovery of the role of mosquitoes in transferring pathogens and public concern about pest and nuisance mosquitoes in the late 1800s. In the 20th century, organized mosquito control in the United States passed through three eras: mechanical, chemical, and integrated mosquito control. Mosquito control in the 21st century faces the challenge of emerging pathogens, invasive mosquito species, and balancing concerns about the environment with effective control strategies.
Hedgehog Signaling in Prostate Development, Regeneration and Cancer
Authors: Bushman Wade
Published: October 2016

The prostate is a developmental model system study of prostate growth regulation. Historically the research focus was on androgen regulation of development and growth and instructive interactions between the mesenchyme and epithelium. The study of Hh signaling in prostate development revealed important roles in ductal morphogenesis and in epithelial growth regulation that appear to be recapitulated in prostate cancer. This overview of Hh signaling in the prostate will address the well-described role of paracrine signaling prostate development as well as new evidence suggesting a role for autocrine signaling, the role of Hh signaling in prostate regeneration and reiterative activities in prostate cancer.
Parameters Optimization of a Hydraulic Buffer System for Belt Arrestor in Downward Belt Conveyors
Authors: Yin Wenjun , Yang Yinwei , Wang Zhanyu , Xu Jing
Published: October 2016

Hydraulic buffer systems play a significant role in energy absorption and improving belt arrest reliability in downward belt conveyors. In order give hydraulic buffer systems more preferable buffer properties, a parameters optimization method based on a reference model is proposed. Firstly, the working principle of a hydraulic buffer system for a belt arrestor is provided. Secondly, the mathematical model of the system is built and a reference model of buffer chamber pressure is constructed utilizing a second-order system. Furthermore, a genetic algorithm is introduced to optimize the system parameters. Finally, some simulation examples are carried out on the Simulink software. The simulation results show that the pressure peak in buffer process can drop down and that pressure fluctuation in buffer end processes decrease substantially after optimization. The parameters optimization method for hydraulic buffer systems is applicable to different structure parameters of the buffer cylinder.
Three New Cytotoxic Polyhydroxysteroidal Glycosides from Starfish Craspidaster hesperus
Authors: Kang Jun-Xia , Kang Yong-Feng , Han Hua
Published: October 2016

Three new polyhydroxysteroidal glycosides, hesperuside A (1), B (2), and C (3), as well as a known novaeguinoside A (4), were isolated from the ethanol extract of starfish Craspidaster hesperus collected from the South China Sea. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic methods and chemical evidence. The compounds 1–3 present unprecedented carbohydrate chain 3-O-methyl-β-d-galactopyranose, which differ from each other in the side chains. These compounds exhibited cytotoxicity against human tumor cells BEL-7402, MOLT-4, and A-549 in vitro.
20(S)-Protopanaxadiol Phospholipid Complex: Process Optimization, Characterization, In Vitro Dissolution and Molecular Docking Studies
Authors: Pu Yiqiong , Zhang Xitong , Zhang Qi , Wang Bing , Chen Yuxi , Zang Chuanqi , Wang Yuqin , Dong Tina , Zhang Tong
Published: October 2016

20(S)-Protopanaxadiol (PPD), a bioactive compound extracted from ginseng, possesses cardioprotective, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antiestrogenic, anticancer and anxiolytic effects. However, the clinical application of PPD is limited by its weak aqueous solubility. In this study, we optimized an efficient method of preparing its phospholipid complex (PPD-PLC) using a central composite design and response surface analysis. The prepared PPD-PLC was characterized by differential scanning calorimetric, powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance analyses associated with molecular docking calculation. The equilibrium solubility of PPD-PLC in water and n-octanol increased 6.53- and 1.53-times, respectively. Afterwards, using PPD-PLC as the intermediate, the PPD-PLC-loaded dry suspension (PPD-PLC-SU) was prepared with our previous method. In vitro evaluations were conducted on PPD-PLC and PPD-PLC-SU, including dissolution behaviors and stability properties under different conditions. Results of in vitro dissolution behavior revealed the improved dissolution extents and rates of PPD-PLC and PPD-PLC-SU (p < 0.05). Results of the formulation stability investigation also exposed the better stability of PPD-PLC-SU compared with free PPD. Therefore, phospholipid complex technology is a useful formulation strategy for BCS II drugs, as it could effectively improve their hydrophilicity and lipophilicity.
Copolymers Based on 1,3-Bis(carbazol-9-yl)benzene and Three 3,4-Ethylenedioxythiophene Derivatives as Potential Anodically Coloring Copolymers in High-Contrast Electrochromic Devices
Authors: Kuo Chung-Wen , Wu Teng-Lu , Lin Yuan-Chung , Chang Jeng-Kuei , Chen Ho-Rei , Wu Tzi-Yi
Published: October 2016

In this study, copolymers based on 1,3-bis(carbazol-9-yl)benzene (BCz) and three 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene derivatives (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT), 3,4-(2,2-dimethylpropylenedioxy)thiophene (ProDOT-Me2), and 3,4-ethylenedithiathiophene (EDTT)) were electrochemically synthesized and their electrochemical and electrochromic properties were characterized. The anodic copolymer P(BCz-co-ProDOT) with BCz/ProDOT-Me2 = 1/1 feed molar ratio showed high optical contrast (ΔT%) and coloring efficiency (η), measured as 52.5% and 153.5 cm2∙C−1 at 748 nm, respectively. Electrochromic devices (ECDs) based on P(BCz-co-EDOT), P(BCz-co-ProDOT), and P(BCz-co-EDTT) as anodic polymer layers, and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrene sulfonic acid) (PEDOT-PSS) as cathodic polymer layer were fabricated. P(BCz-co-ProDOT)/triple-layer PEDOT-PSS ECD showed three different colors (light yellow, yellowish-blue, and dark blue) at different applied potentials. In addition, the highest optical contrast (ΔT%) of P(BCz-co-ProDOT)/triple-layer PEDOT-PSS ECD was found to be 41% at 642 nm and the coloration efficiency was calculated to be 416.5 cm2∙C−1 at 642 nm. All ECDs showed satisfactory optical memories and electrochemical cyclic stability.
Routing Topologies of Wireless Sensor Networks for Health Monitoring of a Cultural Heritage Site
Authors: Aparicio Sofía , Martínez-Garrido María , Ranz Javier , Fort Rafael , Izquierdo Miguel
Published: October 2016

This paper provides a performance evaluation of tree and mesh routing topologies of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) in a cultural heritage site. The historical site selected was San Juan Bautista church in Talamanca de Jarama (Madrid, Spain). We report the preliminary analysis required to study the effects of heating in this historical location using WSNs to monitor the temperature and humidity conditions during periods of weeks. To test which routing topology was better for this kind of application, the WSNs were first deployed on the upper floor of the CAEND institute in Arganda del Rey simulating the church deployment, but in the former scenario there was no direct line of sight between the WSN elements. Two parameters were selected to evaluate the performance of the routing topologies of WSNs: the percentage of received messages and the lifetime of the wireless sensor network. To analyze in more detail which topology gave the best performance, other communication parameters were also measured. The tree topology used was the collection tree protocol and the mesh topology was the XMESH provided by MEMSIC (Andover, MA, USA). For the scenarios presented in this paper, it can be concluded that the tree topology lost fewer messages than the mesh topology.
Predicting Gilthead Sea Bream (Sparus aurata) Freshness by a Novel Combined Technique of 3D Imaging and SW-NIR Spectral Analysis
Authors: Ivorra Eugenio , Verdu Samuel , Sánchez Antonio , Grau Raúl , Barat José
Published: October 2016

A technique that combines the spatial resolution of a 3D structured-light (SL) imaging system with the spectral analysis of a hyperspectral short-wave near infrared system was developed for freshness predictions of gilthead sea bream on the first storage days (Days 0–6). This novel approach allows the hyperspectral analysis of very specific fish areas, which provides more information for freshness estimations. The SL system obtains a 3D reconstruction of fish, and an automatic method locates gilthead’s pupils and irises. Once these regions are positioned, the hyperspectral camera acquires spectral information and a multivariate statistical study is done. The best region is the pupil with an R2 of 0.92 and an RMSE of 0.651 for predictions. We conclude that the combination of 3D technology with the hyperspectral analysis offers plenty of potential and is a very promising technique to non destructively predict gilthead freshness.
Chemically Roughened Solid Silver: A Simple, Robust and Broadband SERS Substrate
Authors: Wijesuriya Shavini , Burugapalli Krishna , Mackay Ruth , Ajaezi Godwin , Balachandran Wamadeva
Published: October 2016

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrates manufactured using complex nano-patterning techniques have become the norm. However, their cost of manufacture makes them unaffordable to incorporate into most biosensors. The technique shown in this paper is low-cost, reliable and highly sensitive. Chemical etching of solid Ag metal was used to produce simple, yet robust SERS substrates with broadband characteristics. Etching with ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH) and nitric acid (HNO3) helped obtain roughened Ag SERS substrates. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and interferometry were used to visualize and quantify surface roughness. Flattened Ag wires had inherent, but non-uniform roughness having peaks and valleys in the microscale. NH4OH treatment removed dirt and smoothened the surface, while HNO3 treatment produced a flake-like morphology with visibly more surface roughness features on Ag metal. SERS efficacy was tested using 4-methylbenzenethiol (MBT). The best SERS enhancement for 1 mM MBT was observed for Ag metal etched for 30 s in NH4OH followed by 10 s in HNO3. Further, MBT could be quantified with detection limits of 1 pM and 100 µM, respectively, using 514 nm and 1064 nm Raman spectrometers. Thus, a rapid and less energy intensive method for producing solid Ag SERS substrate and its efficacy in analyte sensing was demonstrated.
Pike River Mine Disaster: Systems-Engineering and Organisational Contributions
Authors: Pons Dirk
Published: October 2016

The Pike River mine (PRM), an underground coal mine in New Zealand (NZ), exploded in 2010. This paper analyses the causes of the disaster, with a particular focus on the systems engineering and organisational contributions. Poor systems-engineering contributed via poorly designed ventilation, use of power-electronics underground, and placement of the main ventilation fan underground. Management rushed prematurely into production even though the technology development in the mine was incomplete. Investment in non-productive infrastructure was deprioritised resulting in inadequate ventilation, and the lack of a viable second emergency egress. The risk assessments were deficient, incomplete, or not actioned. Warnings and feedback from staff were ignored. Risk arises as a consequence of the complex interactions between the components of the sociotechnical system. Organisations will need to strengthen the integrity of their risk management processes at engineering, management, and board levels. The systems engineering perspective shows the interacting causality between the engineering challenges (ventilation, mining method, electrical power), project deliverables, management priorities, organisational culture, and workers’ behaviour. Use of the barrier method provides a new way to examine the risk-management strategies of the mine. The breakdowns in organisational safety management systems are explicitly identified.
Analyzing Economic Effects with Energy Mix Changes: A Hybrid CGE Model Approach
Authors: Yun Taesik , Cho Gyeong , Kim Jang-Yeop
Published: October 2016

We evaluate the micro and macro-economic effects with the hybrid mixed complementary approach we design to take account of these unique features of the Korean electricity industry. The features we consider are not only the electricity itself but also the Korean electricity market mechanism. Unlike typical commodities, the electricity has unique features. As well known, the electricity supply is not easy to meet an instant hike of rump sum demand of electricity in a smooth and timely manner, since the quantity of power generating is fixed at specific time with the limited capacities. On top of that, we add the Korean electricity market mechanism that the selling price through the Korea Power Exchange (KPX) is unitary, although the marginal production cost of each generating technology. From the modeling point of view, we segment the Korean electricity industry into nine generating technologies such as six conventional and three renewable technologies. In addition, we construct the specifically defined 40-by-40 SAM table to include electricity generating sectors by different resources. With these assumptions, four scenarios for policy simulation are designed according to the supply share reduction of the nuclear power generation. The research result shows micro and macro-economic indices are negatively impacted especially in cases that the share of nuclear power is lower than that of basis case.
Analysis of Applications to Improve the Energy Savings in Residential Buildings Based on Systemic Quality Model
Authors: Fonseca i Casas Antoni , Fonseca i Casas Pau , Casanovas Josep
Published: October 2016

Creating a definition of the features and the architecture of a new Energy Management Software (EMS) is complex because different professionals will be involved in creating that definition and in using the tool. To simplify this definition and aid in the eventual selection of an existing EMS to fit a specific need, a set of metrics that considers the primary issues and drawbacks of the EMS is decisive. This study proposes a set of metrics to evaluate and compare EMS applications. Using these metrics will allow professionals to highlight the tendencies and detect the drawbacks of current EMS applications and to eventually develop new EMS applications based on the results of the analysis. This study presents a list of the applications to be examined and describes the primary issues to be considered in the development of a new application. This study follows the Systemic Quality Model (SQMO), which has been used as a starting point to develop new EMS, but can also be used to select an existing EMS that fits the goals of a company. Using this type of analysis, we were able to detect the primary features desired in an EMS software. These features are numerically scaled, allowing professionals to select the most appropriate EMS that fits for their purposes. This allows the development of EMS utilizing an iterative and user-centric approach. We can apply this methodology to guide the development of future EMS and to define the priorities that are desired in this type of software.
Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. Sucrine) Growth Performance in Complemented Aquaponic Solution Outperforms Hydroponics
Authors: Delaide Boris , Goddek Simon , Gott James , Soyeurt Hélène , Jijakli M.
Published: October 2016

Plant growth performance is optimized under hydroponic conditions. The comparison between aquaponics and hydroponics has attracted considerable attention recently, particularly regarding plant yield. However, previous research has not focused on the potential of using aquaponic solution complemented with mineral elements to commercial hydroponic levels in order to increase yield. For this purpose, lettuce plants were put into AeroFlo installations and exposed to hydroponic (HP), aquaponic (AP), or complemented aquaponic (CAP) solutions. The principal finding of this research was that AP and HP treatments exhibited similar (p > 0.05) plant growth, whereas the shoot weight of the CAP treatment showed a significant (p < 0.05) growth rate increase of 39% on average compared to the HP and AP treatments. Additionally, the root weight was similar (p > 0.05) in AP and CAP treatments, and both were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that observed in the HP treatment. The results highlight the beneficial effect of recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) water on plant growth. The findings represent a further step toward developing decoupled aquaponic systems (i.e., two- or multi-loops) that have the potential to establish a more productive alternative to hydroponic systems. Microorganisms and dissolved organic matter are suspected to play an important role in RAS water for promoting plant roots and shoots growth.
Nouveaux documents sur les essais de frappe de sapèques au Vietnam
Authors: Thierry François
Published: October 2016

En Extrême-Orient, la disparition des systèmes monétaires locaux traditionnels s’accompagne aussi d’un changement dans les techniques de production des signes monétaires. Durant la seconde moitié du xixe siècle, que ce soit en Chine, au Japon ou au Vietnam, on tend à abandonner la fonte des monnaies au profit de la frappe. Des tentatives et des essais sont faits en Asie et en Europe, soit à la demande des autorités, soit à l’instigation des puissances occidentales. Nous étudions ici plusieurs types monétaires inconnus pour certains et quasiment inconnus pour d’autres, frappés pour le Vietnam, probablement à la fin du XIXe siècle par les Français. Les différences typologiques de ces documents présentés montrent que les essais proviennent de fabricants différents et que divers processus techniques ont été expérimentés.
New distribution records of the savanna specialist fungus-farming ant Cyatta Sosa-Calvo et al. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Myrmicinae)
Authors: Oliveira Aline , Feitosa Rodrigo , Vasconcelos Heraldo , Maravalhas Jonas
Published: October 2016

The fungus-farming ant genus Cyatta (Formicidae: Myrmicinae) is represented by a single species, C. abscondita Sosa-Calvo et al., known from a few localities in Brazil (in the states of Ceará, Minas Gerais, São Paulo and the Distrito Federal), and a single locality in the Misiones province, Argentina. Cyatta is known to occur predominantly in savanna habitats and occasionally in the transition zones between the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado.

The new records reported here significantly expand the previously known distribution of Cyatta abscondita and provide further support for the intimate relation between this species and the savannas of South America. We report the first occurrence of the genus in southern Brazil (Paraná state) and the westernmost occurrence (Bolivia) of Cyatta abscondita, which extend its distribution approximately 1450 km to the west. Finally, we discuss the importance of mapping inconspicuous species in order to develop strategies for protecting endangered areas and to increase our understanding of the evolutionary history of organisms and biomes.
Yémen : des partis politiques toujours pertinents ?
Authors: Bonnefoy Laurent
Published: October 2016

Depuis l’unification de 1990, le Yémen a été marqué par un champ partidaire dynamique et divers, donnant naissance à une formule politique originale. La phase de transition qui a suivi le soulèvement révolutionnaire de 2011 et la chute du Président Saleh a eu un effet ambivalent sur la place et le rôle des partis politiques. Elle a été marquée par une surprenante stabilité du paysage puis par une relégation apparente des formations politiques institutionnalisées, en particulier du parti al-Islah, branche yéménite des Frères musulmans. Ce processus s’est indéniablement produit au bénéfice d’acteurs armés : la rébellion houthiste, le mouvement sudiste et les jihadistes. La guerre qui a débuté en mars 2015, marquée notamment par l’implication saoudienne, semble avoir approfondi une telle dynamique de marginalisation des partis. Pourtant ce processus n’est encore une fois pas univoque. À la lumière du cas yéménite, l’objet de cet article est d’interroger le devenir et la résilience des partis dans un contexte marqué par la faillite des transitions institutionnelles, la violence et le maintien des structures autoritaires.
L’espace politique kurde dans le conflit syrien : intégration régionale et polarisation partisane
Authors: Benhaim Yohanan , Quesnay Arthur
Published: October 2016

Historiquement déterminé par des dynamiques régionales et structuré par des logiques étatiques, l’espace politique kurde est profondément affecté par les conflits que connaissent aujourd’hui la Syrie et l’Irak. Tandis que la guerre remet en cause la souveraineté des États, elle bénéficie largement à deux partis kurdes, le PDK et le PKK, qui tentent d’imposer leur propre modèle partisan. Cette contribution analyse deux stratégies partisanes d’intégration régionale, qui, appuyées sur des cultures institutionnelles et des pratiques politiques opposées, accroissent la polarisation au sein de l’espace politique kurde.
« Qui fait parti trahit » : la lente émergence d’une Libye politique après la révolution
Authors: Trabelsi Seif Eddine
Published: October 2016

Seif Eddine Trabelsi décrit la difficile constitution d’une opposition politique et militaire sous Kadhafi, depuis les années 1980 jusqu’à son renversement en 2011. Il revient ensuite sur les conditions d’une formation étatique prise entre un élan révolutionnaire et une dynamique de guerre civile.
Les libéraux face à la libéralisation du marché politique : le Wafd au défi de la concurrence
Authors: Steuer Clément
Published: October 2016

Représentant de la famille libérale, le Wafd est le plus ancien parti d’Égypte. Au cours des dernières années, alors que le système partisan égyptien a connu deux transformations brutales, passant d’hégémonique (1977- 2010) à bipartite (2011-2013), avant de devenir fragmenté (2015), la position du Wafd au sein de ce système s’est elle aussi modifiée. Principal parti de l’opposition légale face au PND dans les années 2000, il est devenu en 2011 le principal parti de l’opposition séculière face aux Frères musulmans et aux salafistes, mais n’est aujourd’hui que le troisième parti représenté dans un Parlement dominé par les députés indépendants. De fait, le Wafd n’a que très partiellement profité de l’importante croissance dont a bénéficié dans son ensemble le segment libéral du marché politique. Cette sous-performance s’explique par l’apparition de nouveaux concurrents, mais aussi par l’ambiguïté de sa stratégie, qui a brouillé son identité et indisposé une partie de l’électorat libéral.
Palestine, l’héritage oublié de Michel Rocard
Authors: Ravenel Bernard
Published: October 2016

Michel Rocard s’est éteint en juillet 2016 après une vie politique des plus fécondes. Cet homme aux multiples engagements n’a pas déserté la question de Palestine si importante dans les relations internationales. Bernard Ravenel qui a côtoyé Michel Rocard revient ici sur cet engagement.
Créer et identifier son périmètre informationnel : une approche de la gestion communautaire appliquée à l’agenda 21 vitrollais
Authors: Déprez Paul
Published: October 2016

Par une analyse de la typologie des intervenants territoriaux, l’auteur propose ici une approche de la gestion communautaire, dit aussi «  community management  » qui consiste à repérer le cercle des « agents-facilitateurs » (Alloing et Deschamps, 2011 ; Alloing et Fayon, 2012, Alloing, 2012, 2013) sur lequel la collectivité territoriale doit s’appuyer pour «  capter » et dynamiser l’information qu’elle génère. Il s’agit ainsi de démontrer qu’en amont des missions qui lui sont attribuées, le gestionnaire de communauté, dit aussi «  community manager  » (CM) se doit d’accompagner les acteurs d’un projet dans leur connexion au numérique.
Culture managériale versus culture en action : les dimensions régulatrices des dynamiques culturelles dans les organisations
Authors: Maas Elise
Published: October 2016

Dans cet article, nous reviendrons sur la notion de culture organisationnelle. Pour nous, deux formes de culture semblent cohabiter dans les organisations. La « culture managériale », concept professionnel issu d’un paradigme structuraliste, est perçue par le management et les consultants comme déterministe. Utilisée dans un objectif fonctionnaliste comme un outil au service de la performance de l’organisation, elle sera assimilée à une régulation de contrôle. La « culture en action », approche scientifique socio-constructiviste de la culture, est le résultat de l’expérience et des actions collectives. Dynamique, inconsciente, symbolique et régulatrice, elle se construit et se déconstruit via les interactions des acteurs de l’organisation. Elle sera positionnée comme à l’origine de la régulation autonome. Ainsi, afin de mieux comprendre la formation, l’évolution, mais aussi les rencontres des différentes dynamiques culturelles en œuvre dans les organisations, nous observerons les interactions entre ces cultures, culture managériale et culture en action, et les règles formelles, règles de contrôle et règles autonomes, qui structurent l’agir dans l’organisation (Reynaud, 1988, 1993 ; de Terssac, 2003). Nous tenterons de positionner ces cultures, managériale et en action comme à l’origine du travail d’organisation.
Les médiations dans le processus de thérapie familiale psychanalytique
Authors: Joubert Christiane , Ruffiot Marine , Durastante Richard
Published: October 2016

La psychanalyse de famille et de couple prend en compte le corporel pulsionnel, les ressentis, le sensoriel, les comportements, dans le champ transféro-contretransférentiel et intertransférentiel. Dans la rencontre intersubjective, patients et thérapeutes sont dans la co-émotionalité. La médiation, fréquemment utilisée en séance familiale ou de couple, vise à mobiliser dans l’ici et maintenant des affects, des sensations, pour aller vers l’émotion partagée. Elle permet de passer de l’indicible, innommable, impensable, à la figuration, l’imaginaire, puis à l’ordre symbolique grâce au récit.
Au cœur du don, la dette ? Étude exploratoire autour de la motivation des mères porteuses
Authors: Jadoul Manon , Gustin Marie-Laure , Colman Sarah , Autin Candice , Duret Isabelle
Published: October 2016

La gestation pour autrui ( gpa ) est une des méthodes de procréation médicalement assistée qui pose aujourd’hui le plus question. En effet, sa légitimité est discutée tant elle bouscule toutes les représentations classiques de la famille et la parentalité. Afin de mieux comprendre ce phénomène, l’étude reprise dans cet article s’est penchée sur la motivation des mères porteuses à offrir leurs services à un couple souhaitant avoir un enfant en recourant à la gpa . Quatre femmes ont été rencontrées à qui il a été proposé de raconter la manière dont elles ont vécu cette « expérience ». La méthodologie est qualitative et comprend un entretien semi-structuré complété par deux génogrammes. Seront présentés dans cet article les principaux résultats concernant la motivation de la mère porteuse. Deux aspects ont particulièrement retenu l’attention : leur haut niveau d’empathie et la présence d’une dette au fondement de la motivation des mères porteuses.
Nouvelles réflexions sur le lieu des Sans-État
Authors: Agier Michel
Published: October 2016

Il s’est passé dans le camp-bidonville de Calais en quelques mois des phénomènes, certes minimalistes mais bien réels, d’aménagement de l’espace, de socialisation, d’échanges avec les habitants et de politisation des occupants, qu’on retrouve en général dans les camps contemporains, mais qui ont eu lieu ici en accéléré. L’exemple de Calais permet de nouvelles réflexions sur le lieu des Sans-État aujourd’hui, sur l’édification d’un nouveau monde dans le monde, peuplé par eux et par ceux qui les accompagnent ou les visitent.
Petit traité de navigation dans la langue migratoire
Authors: Bernardot Marc
Published: October 2016

La métaphore liquide s’est imposée au XIX e  siècle pour décrire et représenter les mouvements migratoires. Elle conduit à les traiter de manière déshumanisante en termes de canalisation, d’endiguement ou de filtrage. En Chine également, les migrants ruraux sont évoqués comme des vagues d’illégaux flottants. Les images de l’exode des Syriens l’été 2015 mettent en scène naufrages, pluies torrentielles, flaques et quête de l’eau dans les camps. De même, la vision des camps de Calais, puis Grande Synthe, dans la boue, transforme les réfugiés en victimes indifférenciées. Maniée par les migrants la métaphore de l’eau peut-elle se retourner positivement ?
Les Britanniques à Calais
Authors: Trépanier Madeleine
Published: October 2016

Comment fonctionnent ceux qu’on appelle les Anglais dans le camp de Calais ? Les volontaires internationaux ont remplacé peu à peu les touristes dans l’animation de la ville, à partir de 2013 ; à partir de fin 2015, la mobilisation est plus forte mais toujours peu organisée. La préoccupation est de rendre le camp plus habitable, de construire avec les migrants des lieux de vie pour les femmes et les enfants, pour les repas, pour le théâtre, pour la bibliothèque. Ces hauts lieux seront épargnés de la destruction par la justice. Mais cette nouvelle urbanité n’est pas exempte de rapports de pouvoir. L’aide britannique se restructure à partir du Hangar, hors du camp, pour pratiquer l’aide sur un mode quasi-industriel par son efficacité. Les volontaires deviennent plus distants des migrants, et leur vie se déroule plutôt hors du camp. Français et Britanniques se rejoignent cependant dans le traitement des mineurs isolés et le conseil juridique.
Le site de la Linière à Grande Synthe
Authors: Hanappe Cyrille
Published: October 2016

Le lieu de vie construit par les migrants à Grande Synthe est en cœur d’agglomération ; les exilés peuvent bénéficier des services de la ville et de nombreux services ont été installés par les associations. Il ne s’agit pas réellement d’un camp. Cette initiative s’inscrit dans le projet d’autonomie des villes par rapport aux États. Du point de vue architectural il s’agit d’un lieu ouvert capable de s’adapter aux arrivées et départs de population, capable de voir se développer des activités productives. C’est un quartier d’accueil et d’intégration.