bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cholesterol-Lowering Action of a Novel Nutraceutical Combination in Uremic Rats: Insights into the Molecular Mechanism in a Hepatoma Cell Line
Authors: Lupo Maria Giovanna , Biancorosso Noemi , Brilli Elisa , Tarantino Germano , Adorni Maria Pia , Vivian Greta , Salvalaio Marika , Dall’Acqua Stefano , Sut Stefania , Neutel Cédric , Chen Haixia , Bressan Alessandro , Faggin Elisabetta , Rattazzi Marcello , Ferri Nicola
Published: February 2020

Appropriate nutraceutical combinations may represent a valid approach to prevent vascular calcification associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). In the present study, we tested the effect of a new nutraceutical combination named RenaTris®, containing MK-7, magnesium carbonate, and Sucrosomial® Iron, on vascular calcification in uremic rats. Rats were randomly divided into three groups, i.e., control (high-phosphate diet), uremic (high-phosphate diet containing 0.5% adenine), and supplemented uremic diet (0.5% adenine, MK-7, magnesium carbonate, and Sucrosomial® Iron). After six weeks, sera and vascular calcification were examined. The uremic diet increased creatinine and phosphate levels and induced extensive vascular calcification. The uremic condition also induced a mild hypercholesterolemic condition (+52% of total cholesterol; p < 0.05). The supplemented uremic diet did not reduce creatinine, phosphate levels, or vascular calcification, however, we observed a significant hypocholesterolemic effect (−18.9% in supplemental uremic vs. uremic diet; p < 0.05). Similar to simvastatin, incubation of cultured human hepatoma cells (Huh7) with MK-7 significantly reduced cholesterol biosynthesis (−38%) and induced 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase and low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) at both mRNA and protein levels. The effect of MK-7 on LDLR was counteracted by the co-incubation with squalene. Unlike simvastatin, MK-7 reduced PCSK9 in Huh7. These results indicated that the new nutraceutical combination significantly impacts cholesterol metabolism and its supplementation may help to control mild hypercholesterolemic conditions in CKD patients.
Nanomedicine Fight against Antibacterial Resistance: An Overview of the Recent Pharmaceutical Innovations
Authors: Eleraky Nermin E. , Allam Ayat , Hassan Sahar B. , Omar Mahmoud M.
Published: February 2020

Based on the recent reports of World Health Organization, increased antibiotic resistance prevalence among bacteria represents the greatest challenge to human health. In addition, the poor solubility, stability, and side effects that lead to inefficiency of the current antibacterial therapy prompted the researchers to explore new innovative strategies to overcome such resilient microbes. Hence, novel antibiotic delivery systems are in high demand. Nanotechnology has attracted considerable interest due to their favored physicochemical properties, drug targeting efficiency, enhanced uptake, and biodistribution. The present review focuses on the recent applications of organic (liposomes, lipid-based nanoparticles, polymeric micelles, and polymeric nanoparticles), and inorganic (silver, silica, magnetic, zinc oxide (ZnO), cobalt, selenium, and cadmium) nanosystems in the domain of antibacterial delivery. We provide a concise description of the characteristics of each system that render it suitable as an antibacterial delivery agent. We also highlight the recent promising innovations used to overcome antibacterial resistance, including the use of lipid polymer nanoparticles, nonlamellar liquid crystalline nanoparticles, anti-microbial oligonucleotides, smart responsive materials, cationic peptides, and natural compounds. We further discuss the applications of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy, combination drug therapy, nano antibiotic strategy, and phage therapy, and their impact on evading antibacterial resistance. Finally, we report on the formulations that made their way towards clinical application.
Comparative Inner Morphological and Chemical Studies on Reynoutria Species in Korea
Authors: Khalil Atif Ali Khan , Akter Kazi-Marjahan , Kim Hye-Jin , Park Woo Sung , Kang Dong-Min , Koo Kyung Ah , Ahn Mi-Jeong
Published: February 2020

Reynoutria species are medicinal plants that belong to the family Polygonaceae and are widely distributed in eastern Asia, North America and Europe. Although the phylogeny and morphological and anatomical studies of some species in Korea have been previously reported, there are no discriminative anatomical and chemical data available. Therefore, anatomical characterization of the leaf, stem and root, and high performance liquid chromatography–diode array detector (HPLC–DAD) analyses were carried out to assess the differences in anatomical and chemical profiles among the Reynoutria plants in Korea, i.e., R. japonica, R. sachalinensis, R. forbesii and R. japonica for. elata. The anatomical evaluation showed discriminative characteristics, such as the shape of the stomata and the stomatal index of the lower leaf surface; the ratio of the adaxial/abaxial height, the size of the vascular bundles and the frequency of druse in the midrib, petiole, and stem; and the pericycle number in the root. For the HPLC analysis, ten compounds corresponding to each major peak were isolated from R. japonica roots and their structures were identified by comprehensive spectroscopic studies. Samples collected before the flowering season showed higher contents of these ten major compounds than those collected after the flowering season. The orthogonal projections to latent structures-discrimination analysis (OPLS-DA) with the inner morphological and HPLC quantification results, clearly discriminated these plants. These results provide anatomical parameters and HPLC profiling that can be used to distinguish the four Reynoutria plants, which supports quality control for their precise identification.
A Chitosan-Based Micellar System as Nanocarrier For the Delivery of Paclitaxel
Authors: Han Yang , Liang Na , Yan Pengfei , Kawashima Yoshiaki , Cui Fude , Sun Shaoping
Published: February 2020

In this study, a redox-sensitive chitosan derivative with modifications by cholesterol, sulfhydryl, and mPEG (mPEG-CS(SH)-CHO) was successfully synthesized and characterized. Due to its amphiphilicity, the conjugate could spontaneously form micelles in an aqueous environment. The optimized paclitaxel (PTX)-loaded mPEG-CS(SH)-CHO micelles, with a mean diameter of 158 nm, zeta potential of +26.9 mV, drug loading of 11.7%, and entrapment efficiency of 88.3%, were successfully prepared. The results of an XRD study demonstrated that PTX was loaded in the core of the micelles in a non-crystalline state. Inspiringly, the PTX-loaded micelles possessed excellent anticancer effect but low toxicity to the body. It can be concluded that the mPEG-CS(SH)-CHO micellar system is a promising drug delivery carrier for the controlled release of PTX.
Experimental Effects of Priming on Affective Responses to Acute Exercise
Authors: Addoh Ovuokerie , Sanders Robert , Loprinzi Paul
Published: February 2020

The purpose of this study was to experimentally investigate the relationship between positive affect elicitation (using a short video clip) prior to exercise and affect during acute aerobic exercise. A counterbalanced, within-subject experimental design was used. We conducted three related experiments. In Experiment 1, 30 adults aged 18–40 years participated in a positive affect-elicitation condition (“affective priming”) and a control condition. Participation involved watching a five-minute video clip, as well as walking on a treadmill at a (self-selected) brisk pace for ten minutes. We compared affective ratings at baseline and intra-exercise for both conditions using a 2 (condition; priming versus no priming) × 2 (time; pre- versus mid-exercise) repeated measures ANOVA. In the follow-up experiments, we re-examined the relationship between affective priming and intra-exercise affect, addressing some limitations noted with Experiment 1. In Experiment 2, we compared the affect-elicitation properties of self-selected and imposed video clips. In Experiment 3, we re-investigated the potential affective benefits of priming, while including a neutral (neither positive nor negative) video during the control condition to attenuate potential demand characteristics, and a positive video-only condition to investigate possible carryover effects. Self-selected and imposed film clips showed similar affect-elicitation properties. Comparing the priming and control conditions, there were notable differences in the mean intra-exercise affective valence ratings (p = 0.07 Experiment 1, p = 0.01 Experiment 3). The mean affective activation ratings were not significantly different (p = 0.07 Experiment 1, p = 0.86 Experiment 3). Priming the affective state prior to exercise may be beneficial for enhancing intra-exercise affect.
A Security Transmission and Storage Solution about Sensing Image for Blockchain in the Internet of Things
Authors: Li Yunfa , Tu Yifei , Lu Jiawa , Wang Yunchao
Published: February 2020

With the rapid development of the Internet of Things (IoT), the number of IoT devices has increased exponentially. Therefore, we have put forward higher security requirements for the management, transmission, and storage of massive IoT data. However, during the transmission process of IoT data, security issues, such as data theft and forgery, are prone to occur. In addition, most existing data storage solutions are centralized, i.e., data are stored and maintained by a centralized server. Once the server is maliciously attacked, the security of IoT data will be greatly threatened. In view of the above-mentioned security issues, a security transmission and storage solution is proposed about sensing image for blockchain in the IoT. Firstly, this solution intelligently senses user image information, and divides these sensed data into intelligent blocks. Secondly, different blocks of data are encrypted and transmitted securely through intelligent encryption algorithms. Finally, signature verification and storage are performed through an intelligent verification algorithm. Compared with the traditional IoT data transmission and centralized storage solution, our solution combines the IoT with the blockchain, making use of the advantages of blockchain decentralization, high reliability, and low cost to transfer and store users image information securely. Security analysis proves that the solution can resist theft attacks and ensure the security of user image information during transmission and storage.
Perylene Diimide-Based Fluorescent and Colorimetric Sensors for Environmental Detection
Authors: Chen Shuai , Xue Zexu , Gao Nan , Yang Xiaomei , Zang Ling
Published: February 2020

Perylene tetracarboxylic diimide (PDI) and its derivatives exhibit excellent thermal, chemical and optical stability, strong electron affinity, strong visible-light absorption and unique fluorescence on/off features. The combination of these features makes PDIs ideal molecular frameworks for development in a broad range of sensors for detecting environmental pollutants such as heavy metal ions (e.g., Cu2+, Cd2+, Hg2+, Pd2+, etc.), inorganic anions (e.g., F−, ClO4−, PO4−, etc.), as well as poisonous organic compounds such as nitriles, amines, nitroaromatics, benzene homologues, etc. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the recent advance in research and development of PDI-based fluorescent sensors, as well as related colorimetric and multi-mode sensor systems, for environmental detection in aqueous, organic or mixed solutions. The molecular design of PDIs and structural optimization of the sensor system (regarding both sensitivity and selectivity) in response to varying analytes are discussed in detail. At the end, a perspective summary is provided covering both the key challenges and potential solutions for the future development of PDI-based optical sensors.
Slovak Criminal Justice and the Philosophy of Its Privatization: An Appropriate Solution of Problems of Slovak Justice in the 21st Century?
Authors: Šramel Bystrík , Machyniak Ján , Guťan Dušan
Published: February 2020

The authors of the paper deal with the philosophy of the privatization of elements of criminal justice, which in the last decades influenced the development of criminal justice in European countries, including the Slovak Republic. The philosophy of privatization in relation to criminal justice represents a wider acceptance of the individual interests of the subjects of criminal procedure. It is the strengthening of powers of the parties to the proceedings and at the same time the entrusting of criminal dispute solution to their own hands. Therefore, the aim of the paper is to examine the expanding philosophy of privatization of the Slovak criminal justice system (the so-called negotiating procedure, a.k.a. plea bargain agreement) which, with the aim of facilitating and simplifying the resolution of a criminal case, has brought the possibility of negotiating with the State the conditions for admitting the guilt of the accused, in exchange for imposing a less severe punishment. However, the aim of the paper is not only to examine the current legal regulation of this expanding phenomenon but also to show its seamy sides and to present comprehensible and reasonable legal opinion relating to its suitability. In the paper, the authors, therefore, deal with the question of whether the philosophy of privatizing the criminal justice is in compliance with the traditional values of the continental legal system. At the same time, they try to answer whether the philosophy of the so-called negotiated justice is not contrary to the fundamental principles of criminal justice. In the paper, the authors also ask questions like: Can the punishment be subject to negotiating? Is it justified on the ground of the society’s morality and fundamental values of the legal system if the State negotiates with the perpetrators of crime the conditions of their confession and the length of the punishment? Does the negotiated punishment fulfill its basic functions (preventative, repressive, protective, moral condemnation by society)?
Co-Creating Value in Sustainable and Alternative Food Networks: The Case of Community Supported Agriculture in New Zealand
Authors: Savarese Mariarosaria , Chamberlain Kerry , Graffigna Guendalina
Published: February 2020

Background: Over recent decades, society has been facing different social, political, and economic challenges that are changing classical consumption dynamics towards more sustainable practices, mostly in the field of food consumption. In particular, alternative food networks are enabling new food consumption models inspired by principles of participation and sustainability. The aim of this study was to explore how community supported agriculture farms create value for sustainability practices from both farmer and consumer perspectives in order to find new levers to engage consumers towards pursuing better food consumption models. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted following focused ethnography principles. Results: The results show that community supported agriculture is a complex concept based on the active participation of consumers as carers of economic, social, and environmental values. These values are all strongly connected, and together contribute to create an ecosystem where sustainable food practices can be promoted through a “learning by doing” process. Conclusions: This research offers new ways to re-connect and collaborate with consumers in the era of sustainable food consumption.
Critical Temperature Prediction of Superconductors Based on Atomic Vectors and Deep Learning
Authors: Li Shaobo , Dan Yabo , Li Xiang , Hu Tiantian , Dong Rongzhi , Cao Zhuo , Hu Jianjun
Published: February 2020

In this paper, a hybrid neural network (HNN) that combines a convolutional neural network (CNN) and long short-term memory neural network (LSTM) is proposed to extract the high-level characteristics of materials for critical temperature (Tc) prediction of superconductors. Firstly, by obtaining 73,452 inorganic compounds from the Materials Project (MP) database and building an atomic environment matrix, we obtained a vector representation (atomic vector) of 87 atoms by singular value decomposition (SVD) of the atomic environment matrix. Then, the obtained atom vector was used to implement the coded representation of the superconductors in the order of the atoms in the chemical formula of the superconductor. The experimental results of the HNN model trained with 12,413 superconductors were compared with three benchmark neural network algorithms and multiple machine learning algorithms using two commonly used material characterization methods. The experimental results show that the HNN method proposed in this paper can effectively extract the characteristic relationships between the atoms of superconductors, and it has high accuracy in predicting the Tc.
Perception of Urban Green Areas Associated with Sociodemographic Affiliation, Structural Elements, and Acceptance Stripes
Authors: Zobec Marco , Betz Oliver , Unterweger Philipp Andreas
Published: February 2020

The extensification (opposite of intensification) of urban public green spaces offers great potential for conservation. One major issue for the long-term success of such a measure is, however, its acceptance by the urban population. This contribution presents the results of an image-based online questionnaire that we set to elucidate the role of sociodemographic affiliations regarding the perception of urban green areas. We also asked whether acceptability can be increased by the presence of additional structural elements (sculptures, benches) and “acceptance stripes”, i.e., stripes regularly mowed only at the margins of a natural green space. Regarding structural elements, 40- to 60-year-olds consistently rejected intensely maintained lawns and perceived a lawn as positive only in combination with a sculpture. A regularly mowed acceptance stripe resulted in a positive perception of natural meadows by people with an affinity for city life, classified based on their actual place of residence and/or their social dimension including aspects such as sense of place, familiarity, profession, and interests. Thus, decision-making processes of policy makers must be evaluated together with the urban population and should be assessed multidimensionally, i.e., by considering various criteria (e.g., ecological, social, and aesthetic aspects) in order to meet the requirements of residents and achieve an increase in biodiversity.
Hydraulic Optimization of Double Chamber Surge Tank Using NSGA-II
Authors: Dhakal Resham , Zhou Jianxu , Palikhe Sunit , Bhattarai Khem Prasad
Published: February 2020

A surge tank effectively reduces water hammer but experiences water level oscillations during transient processes. A double chamber surge tank is used in high head plants with appreciable variations in reservoir water levels to limit the maximum amplitudes of oscillation by increasing the volume of the surge tank near the extremes of oscillation. Thus, the volume of the chambers and the design of an orifice are the most important factors for controlling the water level oscillations in a double chamber surge tank. Further, maximum/minimum water level in the surge tank and damping of surge waves have conflicting behaviors. Hence, a robust optimization method is required to find the optimum volume of chambers and the diameter of the orifice of the double chamber surge tank. In this paper, the maximum upsurge, the maximum downsurge, and the damping of surge waves are considered as the objective functions for optimization. The worst condition of upsurge and downsurge is determined through 1-D numerical simulation of the hydropower system by using method of characteristics (MOC). Moreover, the sensitivity of dimensions of a double chamber surge tank is studied to find their impact on objective functions; finally, the optimum dimensions of the double chamber surge tank are found using non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II) to control the water level oscillations in the surge tank under transient processes. The volume of the optimized double chamber surge tank is only 44.53% of the total volume of the simple surge tank, and it serves as an effective limiter of maximum amplitudes of oscillations. This study substantiates how an optimized double chamber surge tank can be used in high head plants with appreciable variations in reservoir water levels.
Comprehensive Drought Assessment Using a Modified Composite Drought index: A Case Study in Hubei Province, China
Authors: Chen Si , Zhong Wushuang , Pan Shihan , Xie Qijiao , Kim Tae-Woong
Published: February 2020

Under the background of global climate change, accurate monitoring and comprehensive assessment of droughts are of great practical significance to sustain agricultural development. Considering multiple causes and the complexity of the occurrence of drought, this paper employs multiple input variables, i.e., precipitation, temperature, evaporation, and surface water content to construct a modified composite drought index (MCDI) using a series of mathematical calculation methods. The derived MCDI was calculated as a multivariate drought index to measure the drought conditions and verify its accuracy in Hubei Province in China. Compared with the existing multivariate drought index, i.e., meteorological drought composite index (CI), there was a high level of correlation in monitoring drought events in Hubei Province. Moreover, according to the drought historical record, the significant drought processes monitored by the MCDI were consistent with actual drought conditions. Furthermore, temporal and spatial analysis of drought in Hubei Province was performed based on the monitoring results of the MCDI. This paper generalizes the development of the MCDI as a new method for comprehensive assessments of regional drought.
Eneias a nordeste de Cartago: a poesia latina traduzida para o cordel
Authors: Paifer Cairolli Fábio
Published: February 2020

O presente artigo discute a possibilidade de acomodar a tradução de hexâmetros datílicos a redondilhas maiores como forma de lidar com as características formais do metro latino, particularmente a cesura. Serão revistos alguns tratamentos que esse metro tem recebido na versão da poesia clássica para o português e serão apresentados os critérios com os quais sugerimos as redondilhas maiores como formato possível para a tradução dos hexâmetros. Em seguida, apresenta-se o resultado da aplicação desse modelo de tradução a passagens do canto I da Eneida, em que não somente a redondilha maior é o metro escolhido, mas também se recorre a septilhas, estrofes de sete versos, no estilo adotado pela literatura de cordel. Finalmente serão apontados os ganhos percebidos com a adoção dessa estrutura.
Impact des nouvelles techniques de télécommunications sur la structure des échanges extérieurs
Authors: Lefebvre Olivier
Published: February 2020

Les échanges internationaux se font dans un cadre structuré. Ce cadre est en évolution à cause des nouvelles techniques de télécommunications, permettant organisation (informatisation des bourses et marchés à terme) et services nouveaux. Ce texte fera le point de cette question d'actualité (ouverture des négociations du GATT : General Agreement on Traffic and Trade).
L'étude de la demande des nouveaux services : comportements des usagers non professionnels du Minitel
Authors: Stern Daniel , Tan Suy Ho , Jambu Michel
Published: February 2020

This paper describes results of a sample survey on the Teletel service consumers. This survey is managed by the Direction Générale des Télécommunications, France, with the object to describe the demand for this service.

The survey was made on a 1787 persons sample. The questions, over seventy, belong to following domains :

-connections frequency and time-used

-most used services

-reasons to connect, or not to connect

-satisfaction

We show how to use multivariate methods, as correspondence analysis, for processing this survey. This allows to highlight sociological and geographical factors, linked particularly to the type of used services.
Télématique et développement touristique : le serveur "étoile" dans le Nord Pas-de-Calais
Authors: Dewailly Jean-Michel , Scol Jean
Published: February 2020

Depuis 1985, le Conseil Régional Nord-Pas-de-Calais a mis en place et perfectionné un système télématique public d'information touristique et de réservation d'hébergements et d'activités touristiques, appelé "Etoile". Fondé d'abord sur le Minitel, mais aussi depuis 1989 sur des bornes télématiques accessibles 24 heures sur 24, ce service connaît un bon succès auprès du public et en arrive maintenant au vidéo-disque. Son intérêt pour la clientèle est certain, mais il souffre d'un coût assez élevé et encore d'un manque de motivation des professionnels pour actualiser les données qui les concernent. En revanche, il s'ouvre à des espaces touristiques frontaliers (Kent, Flandre belge).
Les aires de relations dans le massif jurassien
Authors: Gillon Pascal
Published: February 2020

L'analyse des flux téléphoniques du réseau urbain franc-comtois en direction de la Suisse permet de cerner quatre zones de relations distinctes dans la zone frontalière, où se développent de fortes interactions. Ces zones sont définies principalement par l'influence combinée du relief et des structures socio-économiques.

Ainsi grâce à l'analyse du trafic téléphonique international d’une région frontalière, on peut prévoir les relations qui se tissent entre les villes, à condition de travailler à une échelle fine.

Dans notre cas, ces observations ont été confirmées avec une grande précision par d'autres données, telles que les migrations des travailleurs frontaliers et l'aire de chalandise de grandes surfaces.
Program for a commission of the IGU on geographical study of Communication Networks and Telecommunications
Authors: Bakis Henry
Published: February 2020

Statement of Objectives for the proposed IGU Commission :

— Integrate telecommunications topics into the work of other IGU commissions in the field of human geography .

— Undertake the study of themes that are not treated elsewhere within the IGU.

— Study the specific role of the means of telecommunications in -intercontinental relations -initial phases of development

-the differentiation of space Appendix : proposed membership
Telephone flows on the provincial and national level. An exemple from Argentina
Authors: Lesko Andrés P.
Published: February 2020

The aim of the present study is to analyze the structure defined by operator-connected (manual) telephone calls on two different levels in Argentina. On the provincial level the purpose is to identify by graph analysis the main nodes defined by the flows and the spatial structure of the contacts within the urban system of Tucuman, a province in northwestern Argentina. On the national level, the study concentrates firstly on the total outgoing flows from Tucuman. Afterwards, the structure of these flows is compared with that of four other provinces. Two of these provinces, Salta and Santiago del Estero, are located in the Northwest Region like Tucuman, while the other two, Mendoza and San Juan, are located in the Cuyo Region in western Argentina. The results show that both on the provincial and the national level the flows are strongly concentrated to the main centers. On the national level the structure of telephone calls shows that there is a lack of contacts between different regions. This structure is similar to the one defined by the traffic on the road and railway networks .
L'impact des nouvelles technologies de la communication et de l'information sur l'organisation spatiale des entreprises
Authors: Verlaque Christian
Published: February 2020

Les techniques d’information et de communication ont considérablement évolué dans la dernière décennie. Mais c’est davantage par leur impact sur la productivité des firmes, et donc sur leur croissance ou leur disparition, qu’elles interviennent dans l’organisation de l’espace, que par la répartition géographique des équipements de télécommunications, bien que les nouveaux produits puissent susciter pour un temps un espace hétérogène et donc sélectif pour la localisation des activités.
Design and Implementation of a Multimedia GIS Interface to Assess Regional and Local Development
Authors: Seguí Pons Joana María , Blat Gimeno Josep , Ruiz Maurici
Published: February 2020

The possibilities offered by the multimedia technology for interfaces designing in Geographic Information System and for the improving of Man-Computer interaction are analyzed in this article. To such an end, we present hereby two applications developed by the Universitt de les Illes Baleas in this field during last year. Flight of fancy : The Balearic' (FoF) and TarcBit' (PB), both produced in CD-ROM. FoF is the result of a project financed by the E.U. IMPACT2 Program in the multimedia and GIS fields. It is a prototype aimed towards the evaluation of enviromental impact in Mallorca at different levels. "PB" is an application focused to provide the planning teams which took part in the Developing Projects Contest with territorial information about the location of the future technologic Park of the Balearic Islands.
The Use of Information and Communication Technology in Small Swedish Enterprises
Authors: Magnusson Karin
Published: February 2020

The purpose of this study is to highlight the use of ICT (Information and Communication Technology) in small Swedish enterprises (1-30 employees) located at different places in Sweden. The results are based on personal interviews with representatives of the enterprises and information collected about the communication flows of the enterprises. The survey comprised different means of communication : telephone, facsimile (fax), mail, e-mail, EDI (Electronic Data Interchange), video conference and business trips. The telephone (including the cellular telephone) was found to be the major form of communication in the small enterprises. Mail and fax also played a role along with personal contacts. The maintaining of social contact with clients and suppliers appears to be very important. The choice of communication media is dependent on the type of information to be transmitted, who the receiver is and in what phase the contact is taken. The transmission of information differs depending on the lines of business and the geographical spread of the contacts. Communication in the manufacturing business takes place within geographically limited areas where face-to-face contacts and the telephone are of great importance. A commonly used form of communication in international contacts is the fax in combination with the telephone. The number of contacts in non-manufacturing enterprises is greater than in manufacturing enterprises, and also mainly— locally based. The developments in the field of telecommunications, for example the cellular telephone and the service functions of the AXE-switchboard, favour people working in small enterprises ; they can be more easily reached and their flexibility increases.
Les enjeux de la téléactivité. Enseignements de la mission interministérielle effectuée par M. Thierry Breton
Authors: Lasisz Jacques
Published: February 2020

Monsieur LASISZ a organisé sa présentation en trois parties : une première partie a présenté une dizaine d’événements récents qui sont autant de coups de boutoir face à l’organisation actuelle de la société ou de l’entreprise. Il a ensuite montré quels sont les impacts de ces coups de boutoir sur l’organisation de l’entreprise. Il a enfin essayé d’établir un certain nombre de chiffres prospectifs sur ces impacts chiffres notamment établis dans de cadre de la mission Breton.
Areas of delayed development and Mediterranean countries. The south of Italy: case-study to define new intervention strategies
Authors: Fedele Carmela , Mazzeo Giuseppe
Published: February 2020

The Mediterranean basin can be considered an unitary geographical area in which are present strong links among the countries that take place, even though high social and economic differences can be noticed. Such different realities can be lead back to three different typology of areas in relation to their level of development : developed areas, areas of delayed development and underdeveloped areas.

In this context, the South of Italy, as area of delayed development, represents a territorial intermediate system with a trend of growth addressed toward a more elevated development. In consideration of this trend of growth the South of Italy represents an interesting case-study as “hinge” area among the developed areas of Continental Europe and the underdeveloped areas of the Mediterranean basin.

The paper shows this trend of growth, that is taking place through the development of the telecommunication networks, the diffusion of advanced services, the establishment of new relation networks among the subject within the area and at the exterior.

The paper is aimed to define interventions strategies in order to modify and to develop the role of the South of Italy in the Mediterranean context. The individuation of such strategies can be traslated in more general directions of intervention for other areas of delayed development or underdeveloped.
Telecommunications as an instrument of change for a region in transformation : the case of Liguria
Authors: Espana Rios Inmaculada
Published: February 2020

The currant process of technological development, toghether with the gradual Liberation and the globalization of telecommunications opens a new chapter for the sector in Liguria that deeans an in depth revision of the effects of the lack of regulation on telecommunications, the new circumstances provided by the liberation of the market and the partial privatization of the services..

the purpose of this paper is not to include the complex scene that is described for telecommunications in Liguria but to present itself ss a starting point for a debate by wich the strategic role assumed by telecommunications will by settled within the current process of development end transformation wich the region has experienced.
Modeling the choice of telecommuting 2 : a case of the preferred impossible alternative
Authors: Mokhtarian Patricia L. , Salomon Ilan
Published: February 2020

A conceptual model of the choice to telecommute was advanced in an earlier paper (Mokhtarian and Salomon, 1994). In this paper, we present empirical data from a non-representative sample of 628 City of San Diego employees on key variables and relationships in that model. The relationships among possibility, preference, and choice are examined. A key finding is the existence of a large group of people (57 % of the sample) for whom telecommuting is a Preferred Impossible Alternative. Dichotomous and continuous constraints are distinguished, and three dichotomous constraints are defined. Lack of awareness is active for 4%, job unsuitability for 44% , and manager disapproval for 51 % of the sample. For 68% of the sample, at least one of these constraints is active. Even among those for whom none of the dichotomous constraints is in force, most people do not choose telecommuting due to the presence of active continuous constraints. For only 11% of the entire sample, telecommuting is possible, preferred, and chosen. The potential impacts of self-selection bias are estimated, and sampling bias is qualitatively assessed. This analysis provides a crude but useful estimate of the potential of telecommuting in the population, and more specifically, the relative share of potential telecommuters who are prevented by key dichotomous constraints from choosing that option.
Technopolisation and metropolisation in Western Europe. Technological transfers and regional environment
Authors: Dezert Bernard
Published: February 2020

In the regions of Western Europe, the capital cities, transactional poles, play a certain role in the development policies of new technologies and innovations. The technopolis or technoparks or scientific parks have been multiplied to favour research and development.

But all national and regional cities have well to be mark representation in organising a~ promotional urban planning and festivities and will be a continuous shop-window of its realisation. Technopolisation has been a partnership between local municipalities, builders , universities and research workers.The old manufacturing cities and metropolitan areas well provided in training and research centres fit well for a new technological cycle.

The proximity or distance of metropolis plays a role on employment conversion . But it's success requires a good working climate where workers make little claims. This requirement is unfair to the employment basins of preceding cycle with a strong tradition of workers' solidarity ; and gives preference to new towns over old cities.

The role of local environment is not negligible. The taking into account of mentalities is very important, as well as that of access to banking facilities in the regional capital and to all communications. Accordingly, it is necessary to take a global view of the environment to succeed in a lasting technopolisation.
Telecommunications and economic development. The role of local access networks in economic integration
Authors: Berlage Michael
Published: February 2020

Telecommunications is a vital prerequisite for economic development in the countries of Eastern and Central Europe. So far, investment has concentrated on the international and trunk networks, whereas investment in the local networks, the most expensive part of the telecommunications infrastructure, is lagging behind Local networks are necessary for local development and the integration of the regions into the changing national economies as well as the integration into the world economy and the reorientation of external trade.

Some Eastern European countries are trying out new models for the development of local networks. They are often based on country-specific initiatives from the local or regional level. Their role as a model for other Eastern European countries is discussed with regard to their risks and chances . Taking the existing financial constraints for telecommunications operators into account, an innovative regulatory policy , such as it can be observed in many countries of the region is necessary in Eastern Europe despite or even because of the problems of the lack of "institutional capital". One of the main benefits in the regulatory strategies to be realised is the close link between regional economic initiatives and the investment into telecommunications.
Digital cities : public policies and the development of the intelligent metropolis
Authors: Corey Kenneth E. , Wilson Mark I.
Published: February 2020

Analysis of information technology often is divided into two spheres that tend not to overlap, the engineering oriented application of hardware, and the social impact of new technology.

In contrast, cities represent concentrations of many social, economic, and political spheres that constantly overlap. The opportunities offered by information technology for exchange, interaction, and development bring together engineering and social forces. Thus, the benefits of new information technology also demand their successful integration into urban society. Merging complex technologies into complex social and economic environments is a challenge faced by many cities and metropolitan areas as they plan for the next millennium. The transition from analog to digital is an engineering challenge, and the digital city is an even greater social and policy challenge.

This paper addresses the rationale and structure of public policy designed to introduce and incorporate information technology into exciting and new cities. In particular, public policy initiatives in Southeast Asia and the U.S. are presented. The paper includes discussion of the information technology and telecommunication policies of Singapore, including the city-state’s technology corridors concept, and other urban and regionalization development strategies in Malaysia and the U.S.
Réseaux français de tramway et réseaux commerciaux. L’étude du cas de Montpellier et son futur tramway et les expériences de Nantes, Strasbourg et Grenoble
Authors: Prédali Frédérique
Published: February 2020

L'arrivée du tramway va entraîner à Montpellier d'importants bouleversements des flux de circulation (piétonniers ou motorisés). Ces bouleversements auront un impact certain sur la fréquentation commerciale ainsi que sur les localisations d'activités. D'après les expériences des autres villes ayant adopté un tramway moderne, il ressort nombre d'enseignements qui montrent qu'hors du tracé tramway, d'autres enjeux se situent au niveau des possibilités d'accès en voiture au centre ville, et de stationnement. Ces enjeux ont une importance capitale pour la survie de certaines activités et, par là même, pour le maintien d'une certaine vitalité du centre ville.
Shifting boundaries : territories, networks and cities
Authors: Ezechieli Carlo
Published: February 2020

Information Technologies and increasingly advanced infrastructural connections compress space and time, reshape territorial patterns and challenge boundaries. The traditional physical limits of cities and territories become meaningless, blurred by the networks that keep the “global village” together. The overcoming of the boundary walls of cities in the nineteenth century, the fall of the Berlin wall and the recent opening of international frontiers in Europe could be understood as steps toward the achievement of an ideal society without walls other than the minimum limits necessary for shelter and privacy. Yet, even while markets are establishing systems of planetary interdependence and metropolitan regions get more and more directly related to a global dimension, there appears to be a paradoxical tendency toward the reinforcement of local boundaries. In crime-ridden American neighborhoods buildings tend to be fortified like military bases. In gated communities the protection of privileged circles through the erection of physical boundaries is marketed as an attractive amenity. Primary urban facilities like large urban hospitals, universities and shopping malls, establish simulations of “public” venues within physically bounded and access-controlled environments. The “network society” establishes new paradigms of territorial occupation and control. The former boundaries are fragmented, removed and shifted to the edges of new citadels that become nodes absorbed into a fluid and globally extended system of connections. The glassy ramparts of corporate buildings, the brick and stone bastions of the temples of consumption, the aristocratic and exclusive stockades of gated com¬ munities, represent the new hard-edge boundaries of cities. Focusing on the establishment of large urban enclaves and on the systems of relationship they form with their surroundings, the paper considers the impact of Information Technologies and the rise of the contemporary “network culture” on the territorial structure of urban fields.
Do socio-territorial configurations in Africa favour the insertion of new information and communication technologies ?
Authors: Chéneau-Loquay Annie
Published: February 2020

In Africa, formal and informal activities are interlinked and the duality between urban areas, connected up to modem networks and rural areas which are completely remote, depending on local energy, on man and his environmentis is a fundamental obstacle to development. Is this global context an asset, or a handicap for the establishment of NICT ? While the liberalization of economies would seem to favour new technologies, the dematerialisation of wireless technology may be of particular advantage in Africa. Cellular phones first developed in those countries which were poorly structured and inefficiently controlled by the State, such as Zaire and in about fifteen countries internet service activities are growing at a rate never before seen on this continent for any other economic activity. But freed as they are from the physical limitations of territory boundaries, will these technologies not accentuate even further the tendency for spatial and social duality, the question of how regulations relating to new technology will impact on socio-spatial equity is here a fundamental issue.
Users’ needs and expectations as an impetus for setting electronic networks on a local level
Authors: Lenz Barbara
Published: February 2020

The article deals with the first phase of a project supported by the European Commission that shall help to find socially and culturally adapted methods for implementing local electronic networks. The main ambition was to replace the common “technological push” by a “social pull”. By a comparative research including four small towns in Spain, France and Germany it could be shown how local economic, social, cultural and geographic structures influences expectations or even needs that people express in the face of new information and communication technologies (NICT). As being very distinct from one another the Spanish and the German case of Amedo and Weinstadt are presented in more detail.
De nouveaux mondes à explorer, visiter et utiliser : l’espace des réseaux électroniques / Exploring , Touring and Using new Continents : the Spaces of Electronic Networks
Authors: Bakis Henry
Published: February 2020

Il s’agit de présenter une série de dossiers traitant de l’espace des réseaux électroniques.
Mobilité de quartier, mobilité de ville ? Les déplacements quotidiens des pauvres à Ouagadougou et Bamako
Authors: Diaz Olvera Lourdes , Plat Didier , Pochet Pascal
Published: February 2020

Neighborhood or city mobility ? The daily mobility of the poor in Ouagadougou and Bamako.

High rates of demographic growth, plus weak and irregular incomes are the main characteristics of urban populations in sub-Saharan Africa. The spatial development resulting from this situation has been rather uncontrolled and a double phenomenon has appeared, on the one hand, a high increase of population density in some zones and on the other hand a rapid and anarchical extension of urban space. Using data collected from two household surveys carried out in Bamako and Ouagadougou, the aim of this article is to analyse the daily mobility of the mostly disadvantaged urban populations by focusing on the localisation of urban spaces they go to. A typology of these poor populations reveals strongly differentiated behaviours, distinguishing old and young, men and women, central zone dwellers and peripheral area dwellers. To accomplish their different daily activities some must travel all through the city while others are confined within the area close to their home. Thus, the improvement of transport services does not have the same impact on the various groups of poor urban dwellers.
The German Study Group : Geography of Telecommunications and Communications - History, Activities, Aims
Authors: Gräf Peter , Hottes Karlheinz
Published: February 2020

Die deuschsprachige Arbeitsgruppe "Géographie der Telekommunikation und Kommunikation" , 1984 von Prof. Hottes (Univ. Bochum) gegründet und seit 1995 von Prof. Gràf (RWTH Aachen) fortgefuhrt, stellt eine Brücke zwischen Forschung an Hochschulen und angewandter Umsetzung in solchen Dienstleistungsberufen dar, in der zunehmend Wirtschaftsgeographen als interdisziplinàr ausgebildete Spezialisten tàtig sind. Der Bericht gibt einen Überblick zum Werdegang, zu den Aktivitàten und Zielen dieser Arbeitsgruppe, die in enger Verbindung zu den jeweiligen IGU Kommissionen steht. Im Anhang findet sich eine Übersicht zu Publikationen, die von Mitgliedern der Arbeitsgruppe veroffentlicht wurden.