bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Vision-Based Automated Guided Vehicle System with Marker Recognition for Indoor Use
Authors: Lee Jeisung , Hyun Chang-Ho , Park Mignon
Published: August 2013

We propose an intelligent vision-based Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) system using fiduciary markers. In this paper, we explore a low-cost, efficient vehicle guiding method using a consumer grade web camera and fiduciary markers. In the proposed method, the system uses fiduciary markers with a capital letter or triangle indicating direction in it. The markers are very easy to produce, manipulate, and maintain. The marker information is used to guide a vehicle. We use hue and saturation values in the image to extract marker candidates. When the known size fiduciary marker is detected by using a bird’s eye view and Hough transform, the positional relation between the marker and the vehicle can be calculated. To recognize the character in the marker, a distance transform is used. The probability of feature matching was calculated by using a distance transform, and a feature having high probability is selected as a captured marker. Four directional signals and 10 alphabet features are defined and used as markers. A 98.87% recognition rate was achieved in the testing phase. The experimental results with the fiduciary marker show that the proposed method is a solution for an indoor AGV system.
К вопросу о возникновении деепричастия в древнерусском языке : cогласование кратких действительных аппозитивных причастий в Синайском патерике
Authors: Pozsgai István
Published: August 2013

The Concord of the Short Active Appositional Participles in the Sinai Patericon

The aim of this work is to examine the concord of the short active appositional participles in the Sinai Patericon, a manuscript which was copied from an Old Slavic manuscript in Old Russian language area in the 11-12th centuries. The author is first concentrating on those phenomena, which can give us information about the genesis of a new part of speech, which is the adverbial participate (deepričastie). He is also showing the concord of the short active participles which are used in attributive functions and in near to apposition functions too.
L’enthymème entre la philosophie et le style dans la Rhétorique de Mixail Speranskij
Authors: Gorbounova Raïssa
Published: August 2013

Энтимема между философией и стилем

в Риторике Михаила Сперанского

Отталкиваясь от учения Аристотеля об энтимеме, автор данной статьи пытается показать на примере Риторики М. Сперанского (1792), что интерес к энтимеме в России в конце XVIII-го века связан, с одной стороны, с распространением эмпиризма, а, с другой стороны, с поиском нового стиля русского языка.
Voltaire et l’Académie des sciences de Saint-Pétersbourg
Authors: Mervaud Michel
Published: August 2013

Вольтер и Санкт-Петербургская академия наук : Корреспонденция Вольтера с Кириллом Разумовским в свете конфликта Хозе-Николая Делиля с Петербургской академией наук

В статье комментируются три письма Кирилла Разумовского к Вольтеру. Разумовский, президент Петербургской академии наук, желал, чтобы Вольтер прекратил свои отношения с астрономом Делилем. Это подразумевает, что Вольтер и Делиль были знакомы. Вольтер отрицал это знакомство. Тем не менее мы считаем, что его отношения с Делилем вполне вероятны. Мы объясняем, на чем основывается наша гипотеза. С другой стороны, мы показываем, что отношения Вольтера с Петербургской академией наук все еще мало известны.
La mort de Tolstoj « l’hérétique » dans la presse ecclésiastique russe
Authors: Niqueux Michel
Published: August 2013

The Death of Tolstoj ‘the Heretic’ in the Russian Church Press

Review of the echoes of Tolstoj’s death in five religious magazines during the 1910-1912 period:

- Cerkovnye vedomosti, the official weekly magazine of the Holy synod, which does not mention Tolstoj’s death at all.

- Cerkovnyj vestnik, the weekly magazine of the Ecclesiastical Academy of St Petersburg, which recognizes the responsability of the Church in Tolstoj’s spiritual ‘erring’.

- Kolokol and Missionerskoe obozrenie (a daily paper and monthly magazine managed by V. M. Skorcov, the responsible with missions concerning sects to the General Prosecutor of the Holy Synod) for whom the ‘great writer’ is the ‘prophet of the Judeomasonic church’.

- Missionerskij sbornik (a magazine from Riazan), with doggerels, but also serious studies (11 issues of the magazine) of «L. Tolstoj and the Russian Intelligentsia in its Pursuit of Idols». The echoes of Tolstoj’s death reflect the wide range of church magazines: from extremely reactionary to moderately reformist.
The Great Writer of All Lands
Authors: Nickell William
Published: August 2013

Un écrivain universel

La Russie face aux réactions internationales suscitées par la mort de Tolstoj

L’article est consacré à l’hommage international rendu à Tolstoj en tant que « second tsar ». Comment fut-il immortalisé dans ce rôle et comment cet intérêt étranger fut-il apprécié en Russie ? Les journaux russes comparaient les témoignages de vénération pour Tolstoj à travers le monde avec ce qui se passait en Russie, où les différentes cérémonies commémoratives furent sévèrement contrôlées et souvent interdites. Ces efforts pour limiter l’influence de Tolstoj ne firent qu’accroître sa renommée, et démontrer une fois de plus qu’il n’était pas simplement un adversaire politique dont on pouvait nier l’importance ou un hérétique que l’on pouvait neutraliser en l’excommuniant. C’était un humaniste très charismatique qui impressionnait le public non seulement par ses idées, mais également par sa personnalité. Sa mort a fait prendre conscience de son autorité et de ce que Solženicyn a appelé le «second gouvernement » de la Russie.
Échos polonais à la mort de Tolstoj
Authors: Semczuk Antoni
Published: August 2013

Польские отклики на кончину

Л. Н. Толстого

Интерес к Толстому в Польше интенсифицировался с появлением Воскресения и с юбилеем 1908-го годa, отмеченном статьями Сенкевича, Пруса и Элизы Ожешко. На смерть писателя откликнулись все газеты и журналы. На траурной встрече в Кракове, организованной Славянским клубом, выступили в частности известный публицист Адам Шиманьский и профессор Ягеллонского университета Мариан Здзеховский. Особенно выделяются статьи трех публицистов, Тадеушa Рехневского (Вильно), Генрихa С. Каменьского (Варшава) и Казимержa Чапиньского (Краков), пытавшихся дать общую оценку творчества писателя. Три известных писателя выступили с оригинальными литературными портретами: Адам Гжимала-Седлецкий, Юзеф Вейссенгоф и поэт Болеслав Лесьмян.
Double réfraction
Authors: Pospíšil Ivo
Published: August 2013

Двойная рефлексия: феномен смерти Льва Толстого в Чехии и в Моравии

Автор статьи исследует феномен Льва Толстого в чешской культурной среде вообще и в связи с его смертью в особенности‚ пытаясь продемонстрировать‚ каким образом личность русского писателя и мыслителя отражалась в сознании чешской культурной элиты в Чехии и в Моравии – двух частях Земель Чешской Короны‚ которые отличались разной глубинной традицией‚ и как эта рефлексия может пониматься в начале XXI века. Исходя из термина А. Н. Веселовского «встречное противодвижение»‚ автор старается исследовать структуру и функции воспринимающей культурной среды‚ отличавшейся многослойностью и плюрализмом исторически сложившихся взглядов. Статья основана на материале чешских и моравских журналов с разной культурной‚ политической и религиозной ориентацией.
La mort de Tolstoj et la réception de son oeuvre dans la culture italienne (fin du XIXe - début du XXe siècles)
Authors: Garzonio Stefano
Published: August 2013

Отклики на смерть Л. Н. Толстого

в свете восприятия творчества великого писателя в итальянской культуре

конца XIX-начала ХХ века

В данной статье представлен общий обзор откликов итальянской прессы на известие о смерти Л. Н. Толстого. В ней приводятся мнения итальянских писателей, мыслителей и журналистов, отрaжающие пеструю картину широкого успеха Л. Н. Толстого и его творчества в Италии в начале ХХ века. Особое внимание уделено литературным журналам Il Marzocco и Nuova Antologia. Многочисленные споры и полемика вокруг

литературных, политических и религиозных аспектов толстовского наследия выявляют во всей полноте оригинальность итальянского восприятия творчества и философских воззрений великого писателя. Данное обстоятельство подтверждает глубокое влияние его наследия на итальянскую культуру. Особенно интересны высказывания итальянских религиозных мыслителей о толстовстве, в частности, на почве католического модернизма. Образ Толстого оказался элементом вдохнoвения для многих итальянских писателей, как в случае поэмы Джованни Пасколи Толстой.
Une greffe de l’avant-garde soviétique sur les lettres françaises
Authors: Pozner Valérie
Published: August 2013

When the Soviet Avant-Garde Influences French Literature

Tolstoj is Dead by Vladimir Pozner (1935)

Constructed like a montage, Tolstoj is Dead by Vladimir Pozner is the result of a gathering of various documents concerning the last days of the writer (dispaches, passages from newspapers, from personal diaries of his closest relatives, notes written by his doctors, office correspondence and police reports) while he is dying in the small station of Astapovo. This anti-novel is a radical experience within French literature, as it has adopted the new writing techniques recommended by the Left Front of Arts (LEF).
Symptomatic Response to Imatinib Mesylate in Cutaneous Mastocytosis Associated with Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia
Authors: Vannorsdall E.J. , Collins J.A. , Chen Q.C. , Sarai G. , Baer M.R.
Published: August 2013

Mastocytosis is an uncommon disorder defined by increased and abnormal mast cells in one or more tissues. Cutaneous mastocytosis (CM) is limited to the skin, with varying degrees of rash, pruritus, and disfigurement. Systemic mastocytosis (SM) typically involves the bone marrow, sometimes in association with other bone marrow disorders, including chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML). Mastocytosis has been associated with somatic mutations in the gene encoding the tyrosine kinase Kit, leading to identification of Kit as a therapeutic target. The Kit inhibitor imatinib mesylate is approved for aggressive SM. We present an unusual patient with disabling pruritus from telangiectasia macularis eruptiva perstans, a subtype of CM, and CMML, but with no evidence of systemic mast cell disease. She was treated with imatinib and experienced marked improvement in her pruritus. Concomitant CM and CMML have not previously been reported, and the present report is the first of successful imatinib therapy in an adult patient with CM.
The Epidemic of Human Papillomavirus and Oropharyngeal Cancer in a Canadian Population
Authors: Nichols A.C. , Palma D.A. , Dhaliwal S.S. , Tan S. , Theuer J. , Chow W. , Rajakumar C. , Um S. , Mundi N. , Berk S. , Zhou R. , Basmaji J. , Rizzo G. , Franklin J.H. , Fung K. , Kwan K. , Wehrli B. , Salvadori M.I. , Winquist E. , Ernst S. , Kuruvilla S. , Read N. , Venkatesan V. , Todorovic B. , Hammond J.A. , Koropatnick J. , Mymryk J.S. , Yoo J. , Barrett J.W.
Published: August 2013

Background: Sexually transmitted infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for a significant burden of human cancers involving the cervix, anogenital tract, and oropharynx. Studies in the United States and Europe have demonstrated an alarming increase in the frequency of HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer, but the same direct evidence does not exist in Canada. Methods: Using the London Health Sciences Centre pathology database, we identified tonsillar cancers diagnosed between 1993 and 2011. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was then used on pre-treatment primary-site biopsy samples to test for DNA from the high-risk HPV types 16 and 18. The study cohort was divided into three time periods: 1993–1999, 2000–2005, and 2006–2011. Results: Of 160 tumour samples identified, 91 (57%) were positive for HPV 16. The total number of tonsillar cancers significantly increased from 1993–1999 to 2006–2011 (32 vs. 68), and the proportion of cases that were HPV-positive substantially increased (25% vs. 62%, p < 0.002). Those changes were associated with a marked improvement in 5-year overall survival (39% in 1993–1999 vs. 84% in 2006–2011, p < 0.001). When all factors were included in a multivariable model, only HPV status predicted treatment outcome. Interpretation: The present study is the first to provide direct evidence that HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer is increasing in incidence in a Canadian population. Given the long lag time between HPV infection and clinically apparent malignancy, oropharyngeal cancer will be a significant clinical problem for the foreseeable future despite vaccination efforts.
Canadian Integrative Oncology Research Priorities: Results of a Consensus-Building Process
Authors: Weeks L.C. , Seely D. , Balneaves L.G. , Boon H.S. , Leis A. , Oneschuk D. , Sagar S.M. , Verhoef M.J.
Published: August 2013

Background: In Canada, many diverse models of integrative oncology care have emerged in response to the growing number of cancer patients who combine complementary therapies with their conventional medical treatments. The increasing interest in integrative oncology emphasizes the need to engage stakeholders and to work toward consensus on research priorities and a collaborative research agenda. The Integrative Canadian Oncology Research Initiative initiated a consensus-building process to meet that need and to develop an action plan that will implement a Canadian research agenda. Methods: A two-day consensus workshop was held after completion of a Delphi survey and stakeholder interviews. Results: Five interrelated priority research areas were identified as the foundation for a Canadian research agenda: (1) Effectiveness (2) Safety (2) Resource and health services utilization (4) Knowledge translation (5) Developing integrative oncology models. Research is needed within each priority area from a range of different perspectives (for example, patient, practitioner, health system) and in a way that reflects a continuum of integration from the addition of a single complementary intervention within conventional cancer care to systemic change. Strategies to implement a Canadian integrative oncology research agenda were identified, and working groups are actively developing projects in line with those strategic areas. Of note is the intention to develop a national network for integrative oncology research and knowledge translation. Conclusions: The identified research priorities reflect the needs and perspectives of a spectrum of integrative oncology stakeholders. Ongoing stakeholder consultation, including engagement from new stakeholders, is needed to ensure appropriate uptake and implementation of a Canadian research agenda.
Pain Assessment during Conscious Sedation for Cervical Cancer High-Dose-Rate Brachytherapy
Authors: Bhanabhai H. , Samant R. , E C. , Grenier L. , Lowry S.
Published: August 2013

Background: This observational study set out to evaluate the effectiveness of conscious sedation anesthesia for pain control during high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy using a ring-and-tandem applicator system for patients with cervical cancer. Methods: At the time of initiation of the HDR cervical cancer brachytherapy program at our institution, patients received a detailed symptom assessment during the procedures. Brachytherapy was carried out using a Smit sleeve, together with a ring-and-tandem applicator. Midazolam and an opioid—hydromorphone, morphine, or fentanyl—were the main agents used to achieve conscious sedation. Results: From January 2009 to October 2010, 20 patients (median age: 45 years) underwent 57 procedures. All patients received chemoradiation with curative intent. The median duration of the procedures was 1.4 hours, and no significant cardiovascular events were noted. The total dose of intravenous midazolam used ranged from 0.5 mg to 8.5 mg (median: 2.5 mg). The total dose of intravenous morphine equivalent used ranged from 2.5 mg to 60 mg (median: 8 mg). The mean and median pain scores during the procedures were 1.4 and 1.1 respectively. Brief moments of moderate to severe incidental pain were noted at the time of certain events during the procedure—specifically during insertion of the ring-and-tandem applicator. The maximal pain score during the entire procedure ranged from 0 to 10 (median: 4.7). The period of recovery from conscious sedation was relatively brief (median discharge time: 1 hour). Conclusions: We were able to demonstrate that patients undergoing HDR brachytherapy for cervical cancer can achieve good pain control with conscious sedation.
Exercise and Nutrition Interventions in Advanced Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review
Authors: Payne C. , Larkin P.J. , McIlfatrick S. , Dunwoody L. , Gracey J.H.
Published: August 2013

In this systematic review, we sought to evaluate the effect of physical activity or nutrition interventions (or both) in adults with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: A systematic search for relevant clinical trials was conducted in 6 electronic databases, by hand searching, and by contacting key investigators. No limits were placed on study language. Information about recruitment rates, protocol adherence, patient-reported and clinical outcome measures, and study conclusions was extracted. Methodologic quality and risk of bias in each study was assessed using validated tools. Main Results: Six papers detailing five studies involving 203 participants met the inclusion criteria. Two of the studies were single-cohort physical activity studies (54 participants), and three were controlled nutrition studies (149 participants). All were conducted in an outpatient setting. None of the included studies combined physical activity with nutrition interventions. Conclusions: Our systematic review suggests that exercise and nutrition interventions are not harmful and may have beneficial effects on unintentional weight loss, physical strength, and functional performance in patients with advanced NSCLC. However, the observed improvements must be interpreted with caution, because findings were not consistent across the included studies. Moreover, the included studies were small and at significant risk of bias. More research is required to ascertain the optimal physical activity and nutrition interventions in advanced inoperable NSCLC. Specifically, the potential benefits of combining physical activity with nutrition counselling have yet to be adequately explored in this population.
Isolated Late Metastasis from Testicular Seminoma Presenting as a Parotid Gland Mass: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Künzel J. , Agaimy A. , Krause S.W. , Vieth M. , Alexiou C.
Published: August 2013

Parotid metastases from non–head-and-neck cancers are rare and may represent a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. A late metastasis to the parotid gland from a seminoma is an unusual manifestation of disease. A 45-year-old man with a history of testicular seminoma 5 years earlier presented with a rapidly progressing parotid mass. Ultrasonography and computed tomography showed a space-occupying lesion at the angle of the right jaw. The mass was infiltrating into the parotid gland and into the parapharyngeal space. A primary parotid neoplasm was suspected, and panendoscopy combined with open biopsy was performed. Histology examination confirmed a seminoma metastatic to the parotid gland, and comparison with the primary tumour showed identical histology. The patient received chemotherapy for recurrent seminoma in accordance with the PEI (cisplatin, etoposide, ifosfamide) protocol. After 4 courses of chemotherapy, salvage radical parotidectomy with removal of all suspicious residual tumour tissue was performed. This case illustrates the difficulties that may be encountered in the differential diagnosis of parotid gland masses and underlines the necessity for a detailed clinical history and for strong interdisciplinary collaboration between oncologists and pathologists to correctly diagnose cases with such unusual presentations.
Organotellurium-mediated living radical polymerization under photoirradiation by a low-intensity light-emitting diode
Authors: Nakamura Yasuyuki , Yamago Shigeru
Published: August 2013

A low-intensity (6 W) light-emitting diode (LED) effectively activated an organotellurium chain transfer agent and the dormant species, promoting well-controlled radical polymerization. The use of the LED provided many advantages over the previously reported high-intensity Hg lamp, including high energy efficiency during the polymerization, and easy availability of the low-cost light source. Structurally well-defined poly(methyl methacrylate), poly(methyl acrylate), and polystyrene, with narrow molecular weight distributions, were synthesized under LED irradiation with or without a neutral density filter.
Mesurer les discriminations selon l'apparence : une analyse des contrôles d'identité à Paris
Authors: Jobard Fabien , Lévy René , Lamberth John , Névanen Sophie
Published: August 2013

Résumé L’enquête menée par le Cesdip et l’OSI ( Enquête CI ) visait à vérifier si la pratique des contrôles d’identité par la police parisienne était empreinte de profilage ethnique (ou racial) et à en fournir, le cas échéant, une estimation chiffrée. Cet article en présente les principaux résultats. L’enquête a été effectuée dans cinq sites parisiens entre octobre 2007 et mai 2008. Elle a consisté à décrire la population présente dans ces lieux, puis à y observer discrètement les contrôles d’identité pratiqués et leurs cibles, afin de mesurer l’écart entre la population présente et la population objet des contrôles. L’analyse a porté sur six variables descriptives (sexe, âge, origine apparente, habillement, présence/absence de bagages, lieu) ainsi que sur leurs interactions. Les résultats révèlent une situation où se cumulent une discrimination directe basée sur l’apparence et une discrimination indirecte fondée sur un ensemble de caractéristiques qui, sans posséder en elles-mêmes un caractère ethnique ou racial, sont cependant distribuées de telle sorte qu’en fondant sur elles la décision de contrôler les individus concernés, on aboutit à des disparités entre les différents groupes.
De la sexualité au couple
Authors: Bozon Michel , Rault Wilfried
Published: August 2013

Résumé Vingt-cinq ans après l’enquête Formation des couples (Ined, 1984), cet article analyse, à partir d’une exploitation de l’enquête Contexte de la sexualité en France (CSF) réalisée par l’Inserm et l’Ined en 2005-2006 auprès de 12 364 personnes, les transformations des scènes de rencontre dans un contexte caractérisé par la massification scolaire, le développement de nouveaux modes de communication et l’allongement de la période de sexualité préconjugale. Parmi les transformations contemporaines de la sexualité figure notamment le fait que le premier partenaire correspond de moins en moins au premier conjoint. Afin d’étudier les spécificités de ces deux types de rencontre, sont étudiés en miroir le lieu de découverte du premier partenaire sexuel et celui du premier conjoint, entendu ici comme la première personne avec laquelle l’enquêté.e a vécu en couple. Alors que la distribution des lieux de rencontre du premier partenaire varie selon le sexe (plus souvent le lieu d’études pour les hommes que pour les femmes), ce n’est pas le cas pour les lieux de rencontre du premier conjoint. L’article examine ensuite les types de parcours d’un lieu à l’autre et montre qu’ils varient selon les caractéristiques sociales des individus et suivant leur sexe. Des éléments de stratégie dans le choix des lieux sont présents dans les parcours des femmes, ainsi que des individus plus diplômés en général.
L'évolution démographique récente en France : une mortalité relativement faible aux grands âges
Authors: Prioux France , Barbieri Magali
Published: August 2013

La France compte 65,3 millions d’habitants au 1 er janvier 2012, dont 1,9 million dans les départements d’outre-mer. La pyramide des âges est un peu plus jeune que celle de l’ensemble de l’Union européenne. L’augmentation de la population se poursuit au même rythme, surtout par l’accroissement naturel. Les immigrés originaires d’Afrique installés en France sont désormais plus nombreux que ceux qui proviennent d’Europe. La fécondité est presque stable en 2011 (2,01 enfants par femme) mais la descendance finale des générations 1971-1972 atteint son minimum historique en France métropolitaine (1,99 enfant par femme). Malgré tout, c’est encore l’une des plus élevés en Europe. Les avortements sont stables et les taux n’augmentent plus chez les plus jeunes. Les mariages sont en baisse et les divorces se sont stabilisés (46,2 divorces pour 100 mariages en 2011). Les risques de divorcer diminuent avec l’âge, mais ont beaucoup augmenté avant 70 ans au cours de la dernière décennie. L’espérance de vie à la naissance (78,4 ans pour les hommes, 85,0 pour les femmes) continue à augmenter au même rythme, principalement grâce aux progrès réalisés aux grands âges. Par rapport aux autres pays européens, la France a la plus faible mortalité au-delà de 65 ans ; elle est moins bien classée pour le niveau de mortalité prématurée.
Évolution des situations familiales à travers les recensements français de 1962 à 2009
Authors: Toulemon Laurent
Published: August 2013

Les recensements permettent de compter la population et d’en décrire les principales caractéristiques à tous les niveaux géographiques. Grâce à la mise à disposition des données des recensements français, de 1962 à 2006 par le programme IPUMS-I de l’Université du Minnesota, et de 2006 à 2009 sur le site Internet de l’Insee, on peut décrire l’évolution des situations familiales depuis cinquante ans de manière très précise. La proportion d’« enfants » a diminué avec la baisse de la fécondité et le vieillissement de la population. Les autres changements majeurs (augmentation de la part des personnes vivant seules ou en famille monoparentale, raréfaction des situations de corésidence avec des enfants adultes ou des proches) se déclinent de façon différente selon le sexe et l’âge. Les disparités entre groupes sociaux (repérés par la profession, le niveau de diplôme ou le lieu de résidence) et leurs évolutions sont elles aussi souvent fonction du sexe et de l’âge. Le passage à des enquêtes annuelles de recensement offre de nouvelles possibilités d’exploitation des données annuelles, au moins à l’échelle nationale ou régionale, bien que le recensement soit conçu comme le regroupement de cinq vagues annuelles.
La durée de vie la plus commune des adultes au XVIII e siècle : l'expérience des Canadiens-français
Authors: Ouellette Nadine , Robine Jean-Marie , Bourbeau Robert , Desjardins Bertrand
Published: August 2013

Au cours des dix dernières années, l’âge modal au décès a pris une place prépondérante au sein des études sur la longévité humaine, notamment parce qu’il renseigne sur la durée de vie la plus commune des adultes, sans être influencé par les conditions de mortalité aux jeunes âges. On connait peu le niveau et l’évolution de l’âge modal au décès des adultes dans les populations du passé. Le Registre de la population du Québec ancien constitue une source de données historiques reconnue pour sa fiabilité, et apporte un nouvel éclairage sur la longévité des adultes au xviii e siècle. Les données utilisées, détaillées par sexe et année d’âge, couvrent la période 1740-1799. Afin d’estimer l’âge modal au décès, cette étude utilise une approche de lissage non paramétrique novatrice reposant sur les P-splines reconnue pour sa souplesse et son efficacité. L’analyse révèle que l’âge le plus commun au décès parmi les adultes canadiens-français a augmenté au cours de la période : il est passé d’environ 73 ans à près de 76 ans chez les femmes, et d’environ 71 ans à plus de 74 ans chez les hommes. Les conditions de vie particulières de la population canadienne-française à cette époque pourraient expliquer cet accroissement considérable.
Réalisation et évolution des intentions de fécondité dans quatre pays européens
Authors: Kapitány Balázs , Spéder Zsolt , Festy Patrick
Published: August 2013

Dans quelle mesure les intentions d’avoir un enfant dans un intervalle de temps donné sont-elles réalisées ? Cet article compare quatre pays européens de taille moyenne qui représentent différents régimes de fécondité : les Pays-Bas et la Suisse à l’Ouest, la Hongrie et la Bulgarie à l’Est. En utilisant les données harmonisées de quatre enquêtes de panel effectuées en deux vagues entre 2000 et 2007, on peut construire une typologie des intentions de fécondité et de leurs issues (réalisation, ajournement ou abandon), notamment par l’utilisation des régressions logistiques multinomiales. L’âge est un facteur universel de succès ou d’échec dans la réalisation des intentions : à partir de 35 ans, l’ajournement et l’abandon deviennent fréquents, abandon qui s’accroît généralement avec l’âge. Dans les pays postcommunistes, les jeunes n’ajournent pas leur projet autant que les femmes trentenaires. Les personnes sans enfant ajournent et les parents de plusieurs enfants abandonnent davantage leurs intentions, mais certains pays s’écartent de ce schéma : en Bulgarie, les parents d’un enfant ajournent leurs projets ; en Suisse, les couples sans enfant les abandonnent. Les personnes instruites planifient généralement leur fécondité avec davantage de précision, en particulier lorsqu’on compare les réalisations effectives et les abandons. Les résultats sont différents en Hongrie, où les femmes en emploi et les hommes au chômage sont nettement surreprésentés parmi ceux qui abandonnent leurs projets.
Principles of Modeling in Information Communication Systems and Networks
Authors: Sheluhin Oleg I. , Atayero Aderemi A.
Published: August 2013

The authors present in this entry chapter the basic rubrics of models, modeling, and simulation, an understanding of which is indispensible for the comprehension of subsequent chapters of this text on the all-important topic of modeling and simulation in Information Communication Systems and Networks (ICSN). A good example is the case of analyzing simulation results of traffic models as a tool for investigating network behavioral pattarns as it affects the transmitted content (Atayero, et al., 2013). The various classifications of models are discussed, for example classification based on the degree of semblance to the original object (i.e. isomorphism). Various fundamental terminologies without the knowledge of which the concepts and models and modeling cannot be properly understood are explained. Model stuctures are highlighted and discussed. The methodological basis of formalizing complex system structures is presented. The concept of componential approach to modeling is presented and the necessary stages of mathematical model formation are examined and explained. The chapter concludes with a presentation of the concept of simulation vis-à-vis information communication systems and networks.
TCP/IP Protocol-Based Model for Increasing the Efficiency of Data Transfer in Computer Networks
Authors: John S.N. , Anoprienko A.A. , Ndujiuba C.U.
Published: August 2013

This chapter provides solutions for increasing the efficiency of data transfer in modern computer network applications and computing network environments based on the TCP/IP protocol suite. In this work, an imitation model and simulation was used as the basic method in the research. A simulation model was developed for designing and analyzing the computer networks based on TCP/IP protocols suite which fully allows the exact features in realizing the protocols and their impact on increasing the efficiency of data transfer in local and corporate networks. The method of increasing efficiency in the performance of computer networks was offered, based on the TCP/IP protocols by perfection of the modes of data transfer in them. This allows an increased efficient usage of computer networks and network applications without additional expenditure on infrastructure of the network. Practically, the results obtained from this research enable significant increase in the performance efficiency of data transfer in the computer networks environment. An example is the “Donetsk National Technical University” network.
Modeling Maintenance Productivity Measurement
Authors: Bolu Christian A.
Published: August 2013

Modeling and simulation of industrial information communication systems and networks is one of the major concerns of productivity engineers for the establishment of productivity standards in virtually all functional areas of an industrial organization. Maintenance function is one of such areas that have always engaged the attention of engineering productivity practitioners. However, one of the basic problems is the difficulty in setting up integrated but easy and practical measurement schemes. Even where the measures are set up, the approaches to measurement sometimes are conflicting. Therefore the need for an integrated approach to optimize the basket of parameters measured remains. In this chapter the author attempts to identify approaches in integrated and systematic maintenance productivity measurement and create models for optimising total productivity in maintenance systems. Visual yardstick, utility, queuing systems and simulations approaches for measurement of maintenance productivity are all discussed with a particular focus on markov chain approach for stochastic breakdowns in repairable systems.. The chapter also shows how understanding the impact of plant failure and repair/service distributions assists in providing measures for maintenance productivity using discrete event system simulation.
Performance Analysis of Multi-Antenna Relay Networks over Nakagami-m Fading Channel
Authors: Soleimani-Nasab E. , Kalantari A. , Ardebilipour M.
Published: August 2013

In this chapter, the authors present the performance of multi-antenna selective combining decode-and-forward (SC-DF) relay networks over independent and identically distributed (i.i.d) Nakagami-m fading channels. The outage probability, moment generation function, symbol error probability and average channel capacity are derived in closed-form using the Signal-to-Noise-Ratio (SNR) statistical characteristics. After that, the authors formulate the outage probability problem, optimize it with an approximated problem, and then solve it analytically. Finally, for comparison with analytical formulas, the authors perform some Monte-Carlo simulations.
A Generic Method for the Reliable Calculation of Large-Scale Fading in an Obstacle-Dense Propagation Environment
Authors: Chrysikos Theofilos , Kotsopoulos Stavros , Babulak Eduard
Published: August 2013

The aim of this chapter is to summarize and present recent findings in the field of wireless channel modeling that provide a new method for the reliable calculation of the statistical parameters of large-scale variations of the average received signal (shadow fading). This algorithm is theoretically based on a path loss estimation model that incorporates losses due to walls and floors. This has been confirmed to be the most precise mathematical tool for average signal strength prediction for various frequencies of interest and propagation environments. The total path loss is estimated as a sum of two independent attenuation processes: free space loss and losses due to obstacles. This solution allows for a direct and reliable calculation of the deviation of the fluctuations of the average received signal in an obstacle-dense environment.
Modeling of Quantum Key Distribution System for Secure Information Transfer
Authors: Rumyantsev K. E. , Golubchikov D. M.
Published: August 2013

This chapter is an analysis of commercial quantum key distribution systems. Upon analysis, the generalized structure of QKDS with phase coding of a photon state is presented. The structure includes modules that immediately participate in the task of distribution and processing of quantum states. Phases of key sequence productions are studied. Expressions that allow the estimation of physical characteristics of optoelectronic components, as well as information processing algorithms impact to rate of key sequence production, are formed. Information security infrastructure can be utilized, for instance, to formulate requirements to maximize tolerable error level in quantum channel with a given rate of key sequence production.
Neural Network Control of a Laboratory Magnetic Levitator
Authors: Katende J. , Mustapha M.
Published: August 2013

Magnetic levitation (maglev) systems are nowadays employed in applications ranging from non-contact bearings and vibration isolation of sensitive machinery to high-speed passenger trains. In this chapter a mathematical model of a laboratory maglev system was derived using the Lagrangian approach. A linear pole-placement controller was designed on the basis of specifications on peak overshoot and settling time. A 3-layer feed-forward Artificial Neural Network (ANN) controller comprising 3-input nodes, a 5-neuron hidden layer, and 1-neuron output layer was trained using the linear state feedback controller with a random reference signal. Simulations to investigate the robustness of the ANN control scheme with respect to parameter variations, reference step input magnitude variations, and sinusoidal input tracking were carried out using SIMULINK. The obtained simulation results show that the ANN controller is robust with respect to good positioning accuracy.
Asymmetric Equilibrium Adjustment between Employment and Economic Growth in Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: N’Guessan Coffie Francis José
Published: August 2013

In this chapter, the author investigate the possibility of asymmetry in the relationship between employment in the modern private sector and economic growth as measured by real Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The analysis is based on a threshold cointegration model. The use of a momentum threshold autoregressive model led to the rejection of the hypothesis of no cointegration, implying that the cointegration relationship between employment and real GDP is asymmetric. The error correction model developed thereafter suggests that in the short-run, when employment is above its long-term trend, the disequilibrium is adjusted via a decreasing of real GDP. However, it seems like adjustment does not occur when employment is below its equilibrium value. This indicates that restrictive macroeconomic policies that affect the labor market can lead to a persistent employment crisis in the modern private sector.
Inflation and Economic Performance in the CFA Franc Zone
Authors: Fiodendji Komlan , Kamgnia Bernadette Dia , Tanimoune Nasser Ary
Published: August 2013

This chapter examines the relationship between inflation and economic performance in the CFA franc zone over the period 1991-2009 and studies the mechanism through which inflation affects long-term economic growth. Using a threshold model, the evidence strongly supports the view that the relationship between inflation and economic growth is nonlinear with a unique threshold. The most striking difference between West Africa Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) zone and Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) zone is that the coefficients of inflation are all significantly negative for all inflation regimes, while for WAEMU zone, the coefficient of inflation is positive for the low and high inflation regimes. Further investigation suggests that for the WAEMU countries, but not for the CEMAC countries, the level of investment is the channel through which inflation nonlinearly affects economic growth. One of the main contributions of this chapter is to enable the policymakers, specifically central bankers in each zone, to concentrate on those policies that keep the target of inflation, which may be helpful for the achievement of sustainable economic growth. Low inflation is also helpful for minimizing the uncertainties in the financial market, which in turn boost the investment in the country.
A New Keynesian Phillips Curve for South Africa
Authors: Burger Rulof , du Plessis Stan
Published: August 2013

In South Africa, as elsewhere, economists have not reached an agreed upon model for the Phillips curve, despite its importance for understanding the process of inflation and its relevance for policy makers. It has been a particular challenge to identify the role of aggregate economic activity in the inflationary process in the South African literature, since the breakdown of a reasonably traditional Phillips curve, which had existed until the early seventies. A comparatively new model of the Phillips curve, often called the New Keynesian Phillips Curve (NKPC), has recently received considerable interest and support from monetary economists. The South African literature is exceptional in that these models have not yet been applied locally, despite their close association with forward looking and rules-based monetary policy regimes such as the inflation-targeting regime of the South African Reserve Bank. This chapter takes a first step towards introducing the NKPC in the South African debate, by estimating standard, hybrid, and open economy versions of the model and comparing the results with the international literature as well as South African precedents. The authors find encouraging, though tentative, evidence that research along these lines might help to identify the impact of aggregate economic activity in the domestic process of inflation.
Sources of Income Inequality in Nigeria
Authors: Oyekale A. S. , Adeoti A. I. , Oyekale T. O.
Published: August 2013

Income inequality and poverty in Nigeria are closely related. This chapter analyzes the contributions of income sources and socio-economic factors to income inequality, and estimates the contributions of income redistribution and growth to poverty reduction. Household survey data obtained from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) are used. Results show that in 2004, income inequality was higher in rural than in urban areas. Wage and non-farm income made the largest contributions to urban income inequality, while agricultural and wage incomes contributed most to rural inequality. Household size, urbanization, and education significantly increased income inequality, while age, paid/salaried jobs, and non-farm enterprises decreased it (p<0.05). Between 1998 and 2004, income redistribution reduced poverty but income growth increased it. The authors therefore recommend that welfare enhancing programs that benefit the poor should be identified and that better economic opportunities should be created for those in rural areas.
Demand for Health Care in Kenya
Authors: Muriithi Moses K. , Mwabu Germano
Published: August 2013

Although studies on health care demand have previously been conducted in Kenya and elsewhere in Africa, it has hitherto not been shown how health seeking behavior conditional on illness is affected by information on health care quality and by quality variation conditional on that information. This study develops and tests the hypothesis that the information available on service quality at a health facility significantly affects demand for health care, and therefore, parameter estimates that ignore information available to patients about service quality might be biased. The authors highlight the need for public provision of such information. They also draw attention to a potential limitation of demand analysis in the design and implementation of health care financing policies.
Application of Quantitative Methods in Natural Resource Management in Africa
Authors: Ayuk Elias T. , Fonta William M. , Kouame Euphrasie B.
Published: August 2013

Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)’s natural resource base constitutes the sub-continent’s greatest asset. These Natural Resources (NRs), both renewable and non-renewable, are the backbone of the continent as they play very critical functions in the livelihood strategies of the people. There are a wide range of questions and issues concerning the proper management of these NRs. One of the issues relates to the economics of resource preservation, which includes questions associated with the quantifiable benefits of resource preservation, the environmental costs and benefits of Soil and Water Conservation (SWC) strategies, the economic impact of land use changes, and valuation of ecosystem goods and services. The other issue concerns the ecosystem and economic system interaction. Particular themes of interest are the co-management of natural resources, trans-boundary natural resource management, and the management of resources to reconcile revenue generation, social development, and environmental services of natural resources. This chapter reviews the literature on quantitative approaches that have been undertaken to enhance the understanding of selected Natural Resource Management (NRM) problems on the continent. The review suggests that a wide range of quantitative approaches have been applied in the context of the African resource economics literature, but this review also identifies some specific areas that have received little attention.
Natural Resources and Welfare
Authors: Dunn Leslie , Dunn Robert
Published: August 2013

This chapter examines the link between natural resource intensity and welfare for U.S. states from 1980 through 2009. Previous literature has examined the relationship between resource abundance and economic growth and, ultimately, the existence of a resource curse. The vast majority of these studies have utilized international data sets and focused strictly on economic growth. This chapter utilizes a sub-national data set of U.S. states and focuses on the impact of resources on welfare and development as measured by seven indicators. The findings show a negative relationship between natural resource intensity and welfare. After disaggregating resources into point or diffuse sources, it is found that point resources are likely to be more detrimental to welfare. Two prominent transmission channels of the resource curse, education and rent seeking, are examined and are found to have significant relationships with resource intensity. Finally, Seemingly Unrelated Regression (SUR) estimation is used to explicitly identify the direct and indirect effects of resources on welfare.
3D Reconstruction Using Multiple View Stereo and a Brief Introduction to Kinect
Authors: Bhowmick Brojeshwar
Published: August 2013

This chapter deals with the methodology of 3D reconstruction, both sparse and dense. The basic properties of the projective geometry and the camera models are introduced to understand the preliminaries about the subject. A more detail can be found in the book (Hartley & Zisserman, 2000). The sparse reconstruction deals with reconstructing 3D points for few image points. There are gaps in the reconstructed 3D points. Dense reconstruction tries to fill up gaps and make the density of the reconstruction higher. Estimation of correspondences is an integral part of multiview reconstruction and the author will discuss the point correspondences among images here. Finally the author will introduce the Microsoft Kinect, a divice which directly capture 3D information in realtime, and will show how to enhance the Kinect point cloud using vision framework.
Computer Vision Based Technique for Surface Defect Detection of Apples
Authors: Prabhakar C. J. , Mohana S. H.
Published: August 2013

The automatic inspection of quality in fruits is becoming of paramount importance in order to decrease production costs and increase quality standards. Computer vision techniques are used in fruit industry for fruit grading, sorting, and defect detection. In this chapter, we review recent approaches for automatic inspection of quality in fruits using computer vision techniques. Particularly, we focus on the review of advances in computer vision techniques for automatic inspection of quality of apples based on surface defects. Finally, we present our approach to estimate the defects on the surface of an apple using grow-cut and multi-threshold based segmentation technique. The experimental results show that our method effectively estimates the defects on the surface of apples significantly more effectively than color based segmentation technique.