bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling of laser beam and powder flow interaction in laser cladding using ray-tracing
Authors: Devesse Wim , De Baere Dieter , Guillaume Patrick
Published: February 2015

Laser cladding, also known as direct metal deposition, is an additive manufacturing technique for the production of freeform metallic parts. In the laser cladding process, a high-power laser beam is directed onto the surface of a solid metallic workpiece while a jet of metallic powder is focused into the beam through a coaxial nozzle. The heating of the workpiece is governed by the laser light that is being absorbed, so that detailed simulations of the laser cladding process require an accurate knowledge of the light intensity pattern that reaches the workpiece after interaction with the powder jet. In the past, several statistical distributions have been proposed for modeling this intensity pattern. However, these require strong simplifications of the powder particle trajectories and do not take into account the complex powder flow profile that is present in practical systems. In this paper, the effect of the powder flow on the incident laser intensity is numerically studied under varying process conditions. A finite element simulation of the powder flow is performed and used to generate a set of powder particle trajectories using Monte Carlo simulation. A ray-tracing algorithm is developed to split the laser beam into multiple rays of light which get partly reflected and absorbed by the particles and the workpiece. Running the ray-tracing procedure over time allows the calculation of an averaged incident light intensity pattern as well as an averaged pattern of the energy absorbed by the particles that arrive at the workpiece. Several simulations are performed in order to study the effects of the used laser intensity pattern and the particle size distribution. The results are in good agreement with existing literature.
High-pulse repetition frequency ultrashort pulse laser processing of copper
Authors: Schille Joerg , Schneider Lutz , Lickschat Peter , Loeschner Udo , Ebert Robby , Exner Horst
Published: February 2015

This paper presents results obtained in high-pulse repetition frequency ultrashort pulse laser microprocessing of copper. In the study, a variety of ultrashort pulse laser systems supplying high average laser power were applied in order to investigate the influence of the laser parameters on copper ablation. For this, laser pulses of different wavelengths (515 nm, 1030 nm) and pulse durations, ranging between 200 fs and 10 ps, were irradiated to the sample surface by raster scanning of the laser beam. The dependencies of average laser power, pulse energy, and the pulse repetition rate on the ablation rate, the ablation efficiency, and the productivity were studied. A maximum average laser power of 31.7 W was applied in this work. The pulse repetition rate was varied in the rage between 0.2 and 19.3 MHz. Finally, the machining qualities obtained were evaluated by means of surface roughness measurements and scanning electron microscope micrograph analysis.
The Great Bustard: Past, Present and Future of a Globally Threatened Species
Authors: Alonso Juan Carlos
Published: February 2015

Great Bustards are still vulnerable to agricultural intensification, power line collision, and other human-induced landscape changes. Their world population is estimated to be between44,000 and 57,000 individuals, showing a stable demographic trend at present in the Iberian peninsula, its mainstronghold, but uncertain trends in Russia and China, and alarming declines in Iran and Morocco, where it willgo extinct if urgent protection measures are not taken immediately. Our knowledge of the behaviour and ecologyof this species has increased considerably over the last three decades, allowing us to control the major threatsand secure its conservation in an appropriately managed cereal farmland. This species became 'The Bird of the Year' in Hungary in 2014.
Fossil and Subfossil Bird Remains and Faunas from the Carpathian Basin
Authors: Kessler Jenö (Eugen)
Published: February 2015

The author summarizes the knowledge of fossil and subfossil bird life from the Carpathian Basin, of all geological ages, site by site. After a historical overview, he presents the Mesozoic, Tertiary and Quaternary bird fauna, based on a holistic reference material consisting of 196 titles indicated in the bibliography, including papers in English (64), Hungarian (50), German (46), Romanian (26), Croatian (9) and Polish (1) languages. The text is supplemented with maps of fossiliferous sites from different ages and a list from 341 paleontological and archaeological sites on species of the Carpathian Basin, respectively. The number of taxa reaches 845, including 189 extinct taxa (two orders, four families, nine genera - five ichnotaxa of which (154 species, five ichnotaxa and 10 subspecies) were described from the Carpathian Basin, primarily. Most significant records include the Mesozoic taxa (Eurolimnornis, Palaeocursornis, Elopteryx), the new Neogene songbirds species and the presence of predecessors of recent European grouses, Bustards and Corvidae species from the Pliocene and Early Pleistocene in the Carpathian Basin.
Progesterone level does not distinguish the different course of canine ovulation determined by ultrasonography
Authors: Domosławska A. , Jurczak A. , Janowski T.
Published: February 2015

The aim of this study was to compare progesterone concentrations in bitches during ovulation with a different course of follicular collapse as determined by ultrasonography. The study was conducted on 36 animals of different breeds, from 2 to 7 years old, and from 2 to 44 kg of body weight. Ultrasound examinations of ovaries were conducted in the peri-ovulatory period until ovulation was detected. Based on USG scans the animals were divided into two groups: group A with fast follicular collapse within 1 day, and group B with gradual follicular collapse within 2-3 days. Progesterone measurements were performed in both groups on the day when the beginning of ovulation was diagnosed by USG. Follicular collapse in group A was observed in 27.8% of animals (n=10) and in group B in 72.2% (n=26). There were no statistical differences (p<0.05) in progesterone concentrations between groups A and B (6.68 ± 0.92 ng/ml and 6.81 ± 0.57 ng/ml respectively). From 31 bred bitches (natural mating or insemination) pregnancy was confirmed in 29 females (93.5%). These results provide information about the sufficient stability of progesterone concentration during ovulation regardless of the follicular collapse speed. Ultrasonography during the peri-ovulatory period combined with progesterone measurements allows progress in ovulation management
The rabbit brachial plexus as an experimental model – anatomy and surgical approach
Authors: Reichert P. , Rutowski R. , Kiełbowicz Z. , Kuryszko J. , Kiełbowicz M. , Michalak Ł. , Bocheńska A.
Published: February 2015

The aim of our study was to analyze the anatomy and surgical approach of the rabbit brachial plexus. The research included 18 rabbits. The rabbit seems to be a good experimental model for spinal nerves injury, especially for the C5 and C6 segments. The anatomical structure of the rabbit’s brachial plexus is similar to the human brachial plexus. The structure of the rabbit C5 and C6 segments is analogous to the human structure. The spinal nerves of the C5 and C6 segments in the rabbit are wide and long enough for microsurgical procedures
Production of slime by coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) isolated from clinical and subclinical mastitis in cows
Authors: Bochniarz M. , Wawron W. , Szczubiał M.
Published: February 2015

The aim of the study was to evaluate the slime-producing ability of coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) isolated from clinical and subclinical mastitis in cows. The study was carried out on 100 isolates of CNS obtained from milk of 86 cows from farms located in the Lublin region (Poland). Slime-producing ability was observed in over half of coagulase-negative staphylococci (54.0% of isolated CNS), including 19 isolates of methicillin-resistant staphylococci (95.5% of all MRCNS). Of 22 isolates of CNS responsible for the clinical form of mastitis, 20 isolates (90.9%) produced slime: S. xylosus (7 isolates), S. haemolyticus (6 isolates), S. chromogenes (4 isolates), and S. sciuri (3 isolates), including 9 isolates of MRCNS (45.0%). The remaining 34 isolates of CNS (43.6%) with the ability to produce this exopolysaccharide were isolated from the milk of cows with subclinical form of mastitis: S. xylosus (12 isolates), S. sciuri (9 isolates), S. chromogenes (6 isolates), S. haemolyticus (3 isolates), S. warneri (3 isolates) and S. saprophyticus (1 isolate), including 10 isolates of MRCNS (12.8%).
Evaluation of methods for Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis detection in milk samples from the cattle herd showing low seroprevalence of Johne’s disease
Authors: Szteyn J. , Wiszniewska-Łaszczych A. , Smolińska A.
Published: February 2015

Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis (MAP) is the cause of chronic gastroenteritis in cattle called the Johne’s disease (JD). The disease causes significant economic losses in cattle production. MAP is also supposed to be involved in the Crohn’s disease and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in people. The detection of the cattle infection based on investigations of milk samples and evaluation of the capacity of the methods used to detect the disease was the objective of the present study. Following methods were applied for milk samples testing: detection of MAP in bacterial culture, detection of the specific IS-900 fragment of MAP in the genetic material isolated directly and detection of MAP antibodies. The results obtained were compared with the “golden standard” results, i.e. the isolation of MAP from the faeces. PQStat-the program for diagnostic reliability estimation, was used for evaluation of the sensitivity, specificity and predictive value. The method based on detection of the specific IS-900 fragment of MAP in the genetic material isolated directly from milk samples was found to possess the highest sensitivity. Detection of anti-MAP antibodies on the other hand showed the lowest sensitivity. The method of detecting anti-MAP antibodies in milk was the most specific while detection of the IS-900 fragment in the genetic material was the least specific method. These results obtained may serve as a guide to choose the most appropriate method for diagnosis of MAP infections by milk sample testing.
The influence of doxazosin, an α1-adrenergic receptor antagonist on the urinary bladder contractility in pigs
Authors: Markiewicz W. , Jasiecka A. , Barski D. , Janiuk J. , Bossowska A. , Jaroszewski J. J.
Published: February 2015

In the present study influence of doxazosin on the porcine urinary bladder contractility has been examined. Immature pigs were treated for 30 days with: a) doxazosin (n = 5) per os at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg b.w. or b) placebo (n = 5; control group). Thereafter, animals were sacrificed and urinary bladder strips from the trigone were suspended in organ baths. The tension of the smooth musce was measured before and after exposition to acetylocholine (ACh; 10-5 - 10-3 M), norepinephrine (NE; 10-9 - 10-7 M) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT; 10-7 - 10-5 M). Both the ACh and 5-HT at the highest doses significantly increased the contractility in each group, but this response was weaker in doxazosin-treated animals. NE caused relaxation in both groups, but the effect was weaker in doxazosine-treated group. The results of our study have shown that long-term administration of doxazosin caused a desensitization of the detrusor smooth muscle for in vitro applied mediators of the autonomic nervous systems.
Endometrosis – significance for horse reproduction, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and proposed therapeutic methods
Authors: Buczkowska J. , Kozdrowski R. , Nowak M. , Raś A. , Mrowiec J.
Published: February 2015

Equine endometrosis is a multifactorial disease considered to be a one of the most important causes of equine infertility, especially in older mares. This article reviews the current knowledge of equine endometrosis: pathogenesis, diagnosis, and optional treatment. Also describes the histomorphological and immunohistochemical characterization of endometrosis as well as potential etiological factors which may influence disease progression. Unfortunately, the etiology and pathogenesis of endometrosis still remains unclear, and consequently no effective treatment has been proposed so far. Therefore future studies are needed for explanation of this disease.
Methyl paraben as a sex pheromone in canine urine – is the question still open?
Authors: Dzięcioł M. , Politowicz J. , Szumny A. , Niżański W.
Published: February 2015

The literature concerning the issue of canine sex pheromones includes reports presenting completely conflicting opinions about the chemical composition of the canine urine in the context of semiochemical communication. At present, the predominant report cited by many different authors is the article published in Science in 1979 by Goodwin at al., presenting methyl p-hydroxybenzoate (methyl paraben) as the main canine sex pheromone. While it has been proved that pure methyl paraben lacks semiochemical activity as do commercially available products containing this substance (Eau D’Estrus, Synbiotics, USA), in view of the conflicting published reports the aim of this study was to revaluate using modern techniques the presence of methyl p-hydroxybenzoate in canine urine during different phases of the ovarian cycle. Ten female dogs of different breeds were used. Urine samples from bitches collected during various stages of the ovarian cycle were examined with using the SPME and GC/MS methods. Methyl paraben was not detected in any of the samples. In conclusion, because of the lack of methyl-p-hydroxybenzoate in the samples examined, the present study confirmed negative opinions on the possibility of this substance playing a crucial role in semiochemical communication during reproduction in dogs (Canis familiaris).
A pilot validation in 10 European Union Member States of a point prevalence survey of healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial use in acute hospitals in Europe, 2011
Authors: Reilly J S , Price L , Godwin J , Cairns S , Hopkins S , Cookson B , Malcolm W , Hughes G , Lyytikaïnen O , Coignard B , Hansen S , Suetens C , National Participants in the ECDC pilot validation study Collective
Published: February 2015

Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches
How does variation in winter weather affect deer—vehicle collision rates?
Authors: Olson Daniel D. , Bissonette John A. , Cramer Patricia C. , Bunnell Kevin D. , Coster Daniel C. , Jackson Patrick J.
Published: February 2015

Understanding how deer move in relationship to roads is critical, because deer are in vehicle collisions, and collisions cause vehicle damage, as well as human injuries and fatalities. In temperate climates, mule deer Odocoileus hemionus have distinct movement patterns that affect their spatial distribution in relationship to roads. In this paper, we analyzed deer movements during two consecutive winter seasons with vastly different conditions to determine how deer—vehicle collision rates responded. We predicted that deer—vehicle collision rates would be higher when precipitation and snow depth were higher. We used meteorological data from local weather stations to describe temperature, precipitation and snow depth. We monitored deer movements with global positioning system telemetry to document distance of deer to roads, elevation use and road crossing rates. We also documented changes in deer abundance and traffic volumes, which were potentially confounding variables. We found that precipitation decreased 50% and snow depth decreased 48% between winters. In response, deer used habitats that were 16% higher in elevation and that were 213% farther from roads with high traffic volumes. Consequently, crossing rates also decreased as much as 96% on roads with high traffic volumes. Reduced crossing rates were likely responsible for much of the 75% decrease in deer—vehicle collisions that occurred during the second winter. Abundance and traffic volume also can be important factors affecting deer—vehicle collisions rates. However, it is unlikely they were the major drivers of variation in deer—vehicle collisions during our study, because traffic volumes did not change between years and deer abundance only decreased 7%. Our data suggest a mechanism by which variation in winter conditions can contribute to differences in deer—vehicle collision rates between years. These findings have significant management implications for deer—vehicle collision mitigation.
Is there a risk of seizures in “preventive” awake surgery for incidental diffuse low-grade gliomas?
Authors: de Oliveira Lima Guilherme Lucas , Duffau Hugues
Published: February 2015

OBJECT

Although a large amount of data supports resection for symptomatic diffuse low-grade glioma (LGG), the therapeutic strategy regarding incidental LGG (ILGG) is still a matter of debate. Indeed, early “preventive” surgery has recently been proposed in asymptomatic patients with LGG, after showing that the extent of resection was larger than in symptomatic patients with LGG. However, the quality of life should be preserved by avoiding both neurological deficit and epilepsy. The aim of this study was to determine the risk of seizures related to such a prophylactic surgical treatment in ILGG.

METHODS

The authors report a prospective series of 21 patients with ILGG who underwent awake surgery with a minimum follow-up of 20 months following resection. Data regarding clinicoradiological features, surgical procedures, and outcomes were collected and analyzed. In particular, the eventual occurrence and type of seizures in the intra- and postoperative periods were studied, as follows: early (< 3 months) and long-term (until last follow-up) periods.

RESULTS

There were no intraoperative seizures in this series. During the early postoperative period, the authors observed only a single episode of partial seizures in a patient with no antiepileptic drug (AED) prophylaxis—all other patients were given antiepileptic treatment following resection. The AEDs were discontinued in all cases, with a mean delay of 8 months after surgery (range 3–24 months). No patient had permanent neurological deficits. All 21 patients returned to an active familial, social, and professional life (working full time in all cases). Total or even “supratotal” resection (the latter meaning that a margin around the tumor visible on FLAIR-weighted MRI was removed) was achieved in 14 cases (67%). In 7 patients (33%) subtotal resection was performed, with a mean residual tumor volume of 1.5 ml (range 1–7 ml). No oncological treatment was administered in the postsurgical period. The mean follow-up after surgery was 49 months (range 20–181 months). Only 2 patients had seizures during the long-term follow-up. Indeed, due to tumor progression after incomplete resection, seizures occurred in 2 cases, 39 and 78 months postsurgery, leading to administration of AEDs and adjuvant treatment. So far, all patients are still alive and enjoy a normal life.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of inducing seizures is very low in ILGG, and it does not represent an argument against early surgery. These data strongly support the proposal of a screening policy for LGG that will evolve toward a preventive treatment in a more systematic manner.
Research on Shaft Subsynchronous Oscillation Characteristics of Parallel Generators and SSDC Application in Mitigating SSO of Multi-Generators
Authors: Wang Shen , Xu Zheng
Published: February 2015

Subsynchronous oscillation (SSO) of generators caused by high voltage direct current (HVDC) systems can be solved by applying supplemental subsynchronous damping controller (SSDC). SSDC application in mitigating SSO of single-generator systems has been studied intensively. This paper focuses on SSDC application in mitigating SSO of multi-generator systems. The phase relationship of the speed signals of the generators under their common mechanical natural frequencies is a key consideration in SSDC design. The paper studies in detail the phase relationship of the speed signals of two generators in parallel under their shared mechanical natural frequency, revealing regardless of whether the two generators are identical or not, there always exists a common-mode and an anti-mode under their common natural frequency, and the phase relationship of the speed signals of the generators depends on the extent to which the anti-mode is stimulated. The paper further demonstrates that to guarantee the effectiveness of SSDC, the anti-phase mode component of its input signal should be eliminated. Based on the above analysis, the paper introduces the design process of SSDC for multi-generator systems and verifies its effectiveness through simulation in Power Systems Computer Aided Design/Electromagnetic Transients including Direct Current (PSCAD/EMTDC).
A Path Forward for Low Carbon Power from Biomass
Authors: Cuellar Amanda , Herzog Howard
Published: February 2015

The two major pathways for energy utilization from biomass are conversion to a liquid fuel (i.e., biofuels) or conversion to electricity (i.e., biopower). In the United States (US), biomass policy has focused on biofuels. However, this paper will investigate three options for biopower: low co-firing (co-firing scenarios refer to combusting a given percentage of biomass with coal) (5%–10% biomass), medium co-firing (15%–20% biomass), and dedicated biomass firing (100% biomass). We analyze the economic and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions impact of each of these options, with and without CO2 capture and storage (CCS). Our analysis shows that in the absence of land use change emissions, all biomass co-combustion scenarios result in a decrease in GHG emissions over coal generation alone. The two biggest barriers to biopower are concerns about carbon neutrality of biomass fuels and the high cost compared to today’s electricity prices. This paper recommends two policy actions. First, the need to define sustainability criteria and initiate a certification process so that biomass providers have a fixed set of guidelines to determine whether their feedstocks qualify as renewable energy sources. Second, the need for a consistent, predictable policy that provides the economic incentives to make biopower economically attractive.
A 20-Year Overview of Quercus robur L. Mortality and Crown Conditions in Slovenia
Authors: Čater Matjaž
Published: February 2015

Pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) forests in Slovenia are experiencing widespread mortality. Changes in lowlands are reflected in decline of complete forest complexes, high mortality, uneven stand structure and associated forest regeneration problems. Prediction of the present-tree response in disturbed forest ecosystems may significantly contribute to better guideline policies for the silvicultural and forest management practice in the changing environment in both stressed and stabile forest ecosystems. Data from annual crown condition surveys for the 1995–2014 period from four permanent plots have been compared with parameters from hemispherical photo analysis and hydrometeorological data. Good agreement has been confirmed between crown defoliation and total openness; all parameters from the hemispherical photo analysis, which were corrected for winter period values, also indicated a better agreement. Mortality rate and crown defoliation correlated well with extreme drought events in 2003 and 2013. Pattern of agreement among compared parameters was different for the plots Krakovski gozd, Dobrava and some other plots. Mortality is influenced by the average air temperatures much more than by precipitation and groundwater table oscillations.
Roles of Ubiquitination and SUMOylation on Prostate Cancer: Mechanisms and Clinical Implications
Authors: Chen Zhenbang , Lu Wenfu
Published: February 2015

The initiation and progression of human prostate cancer are highly associated with aberrant dysregulations of tumor suppressors and proto-oncogenes. Despite that deletions and mutations of tumor suppressors and aberrant elevations of oncogenes at the genetic level are reported to cause cancers, emerging evidence has revealed that cancer progression is largely regulated by posttranslational modifications (PTMs) and epigenetic alterations. PTMs play critical roles in gene regulation, cellular functions, tissue development, diseases, malignant progression and drug resistance. Recent discoveries demonstrate that ubiquitination and SUMOylation are complicated but highly-regulated PTMs, and make essential contributions to diseases and cancers by regulation of key factors and signaling pathways. Ubiquitination and SUMOylation pathways can be differentially modulated under various stimuli or stresses in order to produce the sustained oncogenic potentials. In this review, we discuss some new insights about molecular mechanisms on ubiquitination and SUMOylation, their associations with diseases, oncogenic impact on prostate cancer (PCa) and clinical implications for PCa treatment.
Salacinol and Related Analogs: New Leads for Type 2 Diabetes Therapeutic Candidates from the Thai Traditional Natural Medicine Salacia chinensis
Authors: Morikawa Toshio , Akaki Junji , Ninomiya Kiyofumi , Kinouchi Eri , Tanabe Genzoh , Pongpiriyadacha Yutana , Yoshikawa Masayuki , Muraoka Osamu
Published: February 2015

The antidiabetic effect of a hot water extract of stems of Salacia chinensis (SCE) was evaluated in vivo in KK-Ay mice, a typical type 2 diabetes mellitus mice model. Administration of CE-2 dietary feed containing 0.25 and/or 0.50% of SCE for three weeks to KK-Ay mice significantly suppressed the elevation of both blood glucose and HbA1c levels without significant changes in body weight or food intake. Glucose tolerance was improved by administration to KK-Ay mice for 27 days of AIN93M purified dietary feed containing 0.12% of SCE. No suppressive effect with respect to HbA1c level was observed when AIN93M/Glc dietary feed in which all digestible glucides were replaced with glucose was administered with SCE. Thus, α-glucosidase inhibitory activity approved as the mechanism of action of the antidiabetic effect of SCE by in vitro investigation was reconfirmed also in in vivo studies. Evaluation of the α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of the active constituents, salacinol (1), kotalanol (3), and neokotalanol (4), by employing human α-glucosidases revealed that these compounds inhibited them as potently (IC50 = 3.9–4.9 μM for maltase) as they inhibited rat small intestinal α-glucosidase. The principal sulfonium constituents (1–4) were highly stable in an artificial gastric juice. In addition, 1–4 were hardly absorbed from the intestine in an experiment using the in situ rat ligated intestinal loop model. The results indicate that these sulfoniums are promising leads for a new type of anti-diabetic agents.
Effect of Gliadin on Permeability of Intestinal Biopsy Explants from Celiac Disease Patients and Patients with Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity
Authors: Hollon Justin , Puppa Elaine , Greenwald Bruce , Goldberg Eric , Guerrerio Anthony , Fasano Alessio
Published: February 2015

Background: Intestinal exposure to gliadin leads to zonulin upregulation and consequent disassembly of intercellular tight junctions and increased intestinal permeability. We aimed to study response to gliadin exposure, in terms of barrier function and cytokine secretion, using intestinal biopsies obtained from four groups: celiac patients with active disease (ACD), celiac patients in remission (RCD), non-celiac patients with gluten sensitivity (GS) and non-celiac controls (NC). Methods: Ex-vivo human duodenal biopsies were mounted in microsnapwells and luminally incubated with either gliadin or media alone. Changes in transepithelial electrical resistance were monitored over 120 min. Media was subsequently collected and cytokines quantified. Results: Intestinal explants from all groups (ACD (n = 6), RCD (n = 6), GS (n = 6), and NC (n = 5)) demonstrated a greater increase in permeability when exposed to gliadin vs. media alone. The increase in permeability in the ACD group was greater than in the RCD and NC groups. There was a greater increase in permeability in the GS group compared to the RCD group. There was no difference in permeability between the ACD and GS groups, between the RCD and NC groups, or between the NC and GS groups. IL-10 was significantly greater in the media of the NC group compared to the RCD and GS groups. Conclusions: Increased intestinal permeability after gliadin exposure occurs in all individuals. Following gliadin exposure, both patients with gluten sensitivity and those with active celiac disease demonstrate a greater increase in intestinal permeability than celiacs in disease remission. A higher concentration of IL-10 was measured in the media exposed to control explants compared to celiac disease in remission or gluten sensitivity.
Sensor4PRI: A Sensor Platform for the Protection of Railway Infrastructures
Authors: Cañete Eduardo , Chen Jaime , Díaz Manuel , Llopis Luis , Rubio Bartolomé
Published: February 2015

Wireless Sensor Networks constitute pervasive and distributed computing systems and are potentially one of the most important technologies of this century. They have been specifically identified as a good candidate to become an integral part of the protection of critical infrastructures. In this paper we focus on railway infrastructure protection and we present the details of a sensor platform designed to be integrated into a slab track system in order to carry out both installation and maintenance monitoring activities. In the installation phase, the platform helps operators to install the slab tracks in the right position. In the maintenance phase, the platform collects information about the structural health and behavior of the infrastructure when a train travels along it and relays the readings to a base station. The base station uses trains as data mules to upload the information to the internet. The use of a train as a data mule is especially suitable for collecting information from remote or inaccessible places which do not have a direct connection to the internet and require less network infrastructure. The overall aim of the system is to deploy a permanent economically viable monitoring system to improve the safety of railway infrastructures.
Retail Services and Pricing Decisions in a Closed-Loop Supply Chain with Remanufacturing
Authors: Zhang Zhen-Zheng , Wang Zong-Jun , Liu Li-Wen
Published: February 2015

Environmental and social responsibilities have led many manufacturers to used products recovery. Meanwhile, many manufacturers nowadays sell products via indirect retailer channels and direct Internet channels. This paper models a dual-channel closed-loop supply chain to improve the sustainability of products. We apply the two-stage optimization technique and the Nash game to examine the impacts of the retail services and the degree of customer loyalty to the retail channel on the pricing of players in a centralized and a decentralized dual-channel supply chain. Our results show that the retail services have a great impact on the manufacturer and the retailer’s pricing strategies. We also compare the differences of pricing strategies between a centralized and a decentralized dual-channel supply chain and suggest the optimal retail services and pricing decisions for the players in the supply chain.
Lost in Transition or Geared for the S-Curve? An Analysis of Flemish Transition Trajectories with a Focus on Energy Use and Buildings
Authors: Vandevyvere Han , Nevens Frank
Published: February 2015

In recent years, many cities have adopted action plans to become climate neutral in the coming decades. Hereby, a strong motivational factor has been the goal to realize a win-win situation in the long term: climate neutrality and sustainable functioning are not only beneficial for the environment, but are equally beneficial for society and for the economy if well-integrated trajectories are adopted. Nevertheless, as actors across the fields start to implement these plans, many practical obstacles have arisen. These barriers are typical of a systemic transition: dominant practices are characterized by path dependencies, vast institutional frameworks and vested interests that are hard to break through. At the same time, relevant initiatives typically show some elements of uncertainty and a long term return, factors that make it difficult to attract financial investments. The present article addresses the state of the art for current transition experiments in the region of Flanders, Belgium, focusing on actions related to energy and buildings in cities. A brief overview of the state of affairs in several cities and provinces is presented, and some important opportunities and bottlenecks are identified. The resultant findings are tested against the framework of transition theory and related literature on the subject. Subsequently, a set of possible strategies to overcome the above mentioned barriers is formulated. These strategies focus on effectively mobilizing actors and investments.
Analyzing Responsible Corporate Identity in the Hospitality Sector: A Case Study
Authors: Martínez Patricia , Del Bosque Ignacio Rodríguez
Published: February 2015

As companies are often criticized for failing to deliver on corporate responsibility, in this article we analyze corporate responsibility in the identity of firms in the hospitality industry employing qualitative research based on an illustrative case study. This article analyzes associations
between corporate identity, corporate social responsibility, and corporate communication, using the case of Meliá Hotels International—one of the leading hotel companies. Our results reveal a failure to communicate values of corporate responsibility and socially responsible attributes
through visual identity and external formal communications. We reveal the way in which companies may fail to gain a competitive advantage on positive aspects of their corporate identity.
Drama in the Snowfield: Audience Reaction to a Fatal Tourist Incident
Authors: Iivari Pekka
Published: February 2015

This article examines public reactions to a tourism safety incident by employing a drama theory approach. A discussion forum launched by a fatal dog sleigh accident serves as a platform for the chat group selected here as a case audience generating instantaneous reactions to the incident.
The results suggest that interaudience communication constituted the incident as a drama and, as its subset, a tragedy with discernible episodes through an internal sense-making process. The audience interacted with each of the members in varying intensity, depending on changing individual
interests. Explanation of the behavior of the audience can be derived from a drama theory approach. The existence of emotions, episodes, climax, and action in the audience's dynamic provide evidence for the explanation power of drama theory in tourism safety incident communication in chat
groups. The article offers a cross-disciplinary approach contributing to interpretation of postincident communication in social media in the case of a tourism safety incident.
Convoitises et conflits entre ressources pastorales et extractives au Nord-Niger
Authors: Afane Abdoulkader , Gagnol Laurent
Published: February 2015

Cet article évoque les difficultés qu’ont les pasteurs nomades à perpétuer leurs conditions d’existence face aux multiples contraintes auxquelles ils sont confrontés (climatiques, politiques, économiques). Outre les problèmes d’insécurité, de cloisonnement et d’accaparement des terres pastorales, ils subissent les impacts de l’exploitation minière par des sociétés internationales, notamment de l’uranium dans l’Eghazer, qui fonctionnent selon des logiques extraterritoriales. Aux impacts sanitaires et environnementaux s’ajoutent la confiscation de terrains de parcours ainsi que les entraves mises à la circulation des troupeaux, et ce malgré les droits fonciers et malgré la reconnaissance de la mobilité des pasteurs nomades dans la législation nationale.
Représentations sociales de la violence envers les enfants
Authors: Pascoal Sandra , Poeschl Gabrielle
Published: February 2015

Résumé Cette étude, réalisée au Portugal, analyse les représentations de la violence envers les enfants de divers groupes sociaux, des adultes et des enfants, appartenant aux deux groupes sexuels, et résidant dans deux zones contrastées de la ville de Porto. Les résultats suggèrent que les enfants montrent une grande homogénéité dans leurs opinions et que leurs représentations diffèrent largement des représentations des adultes. Par ailleurs, le lieu de résidence module les représentations des adultes, notamment par rapport à l’évaluation du degré de violence de certains actes et à la perception des facteurs à l’origine de la violence familiale. Les deux groupes sexuels ne semblent pas avoir des opinions très différentes, sauf à propos du rôle de certains comportements dans le processus éducatif.
Effet du pouvoir social sur l'utilisation de dimensions expressives dans la définition du soi
Authors: Bègue Laurent
Published: February 2015

Résumé La présente recherche examine l’effet du pouvoir social individuel sur l’utilisation d’auto-descripteurs relevant de la dimension expressive du soi (Bem, 1974). Cent sujets féminins séparés selon leur niveau socioéconomique auxquels on fournissait soit un diagnostic de faible pouvoir social soit de fort pouvoir social après qu’elles eurent participé à une série de tests censés mesurer le pouvoir social individuel devaient ensuite se décrire à partir de traits extraits du BSRI (Bem, 1974) mesurant leur expressivité et leur adhésion à une orientation instrumentale. Conformément à notre première hypothèse, les sujets dont le pouvoir social induit était faible se décrivaient par un niveau d’expressivité plus élevé, tandis que leur niveau d’instrumentalité n’était pas affecté par l’induction expérimentale. Contrairement à notre hypothèse 2, les sujets de niveau économique faible n’obtenaient pas un score plus élevé d’expressivité. Une analyse complémentaire des sous-dimensions de l’expressivité permettait cependant d’observer une interaction entre les facteurs à l’une des dimensions, suggérant que les sujets de bas niveau socio-économique étaient sensibles à l’induction expérimentale du pouvoir social dans le sens attendu, tandis que l’auto-description des sujets de niveau socioéconomique élevé n’était pas affectée par l’induction.
Le prénom : un élément de l'identité participant à l'évaluation de soi et d'autrui
Authors: Gueguen Nicolas , Dufourcq-Brana Maya , Pascual Alexandre
Published: February 2015

Résumé L’étude de l’incidence exercée par les prénoms appartient à la recherche en psychologie. Après plus d’un demi-siècle d’investigations scientifiques, il est maintenant établi que cet élément de l’identité a une incidence psychologique et qu’il exerce une influence sur la nature des interactions sociales que nous entretenons avec autrui. Un nombre important de travaux, menés essentiellement dans les pays anglo-saxons, atteste que le prénom affecte l’estime de soi et d’autres facteurs intrinsèques de l’individu. Ces travaux montrent également que le prénom constitue un élément participant au jugement et à l’évaluation que nous nous faisons des autres ainsi qu’aux comportements que nous adopterons à leur égard. L’objectif de la revue de littérature que nous présentons sur ce thème est de présenter, pour la première fois aux chercheurs français, une synthèse des travaux menés sur la psychologie sociale des prénoms.
Représentations du mineur, de ses droits et du risque psychosocial
Authors: Petrillo Giovanna , Donizzetti Anna Rosa
Published: February 2015

Résumé Cette étude porte sur les représentations des droits et du risque psychosocial des mineurs dans une population de jeunes et d’adultes. L’enquête a été effectuée par le biais d’une méthodologie à la fois quantitative et qualitative. Elle montre que l’on peut mieux interpréter les représentations des droits des mineurs si l’on tient compte de la diversification des profils typiques du mineur. Ceux-ci sont caractérisés chez les plus jeunes par une vision mythique de l’enfance et par une anticipation du mal-être de l’adolescence et du risque évolutif. Ce dernier point est particulièrement vrai chez les adultes ayant des fonctions éducatives. Les articulations représentationnelles ne semblent dépendre uniquement des principes organisateurs tels que la responsabilité et l’idée de justice, mais également de l’implication personnelle des sujets dans leurs relations quotidienne avec les mineurs en fonction de leur phase évolutive et de leurs propres interprétations de rôle.
La réception de George Herbert Mead en psychologie sociale francophone : réflexions sur un paradoxe
Authors: Brassac Christian
Published: February 2015

Résumé George Herbert Mead est reconnu comme étant le fondateur de la psychologie sociale. Un examen de la réception de ses travaux montre cependant qu’ils sont peu exploités dans cette discipline en francophonie. On peut avancer deux raisons à cela : la première est la difficulté d’accès à l’ensemble de ses publications et la complexité de la teneur des ouvrages parus sous son nom d’auteur. La seconde, plus fondamentale, tient au fait que l’étude de l’interaction sociale comme processus, donnée pour fondatrice par l’auteur, n’est pas un thème central dans les recherches conduites en psychologie sociale ; recherches qui ont de plus, totalement occulté une catégorie d’analyse qu’il tient pour centrale, la « chose physique ». Nous proposerons quelques interrogations relatives à cette sous-lecture de l’édifice théorique de son fondateur par la communauté des psychologues sociaux francophones.
Rôle du niveau de connaissance dans le processus de structuration d'une représentation sociale
Authors: Salesses Lucile
Published: February 2015

Résumé L’approche structurale édifiée dans le prolongement des travaux d’Abric s’intéresse à des représentations constituées. O r, lorsqu’il s’agit de rendre compte de la représentation sociale d’un objet relativement récent, il nous paraît utile de poser le problème de la genèse de sa représentation. L’objet principal de cette recherche consiste à étudier le processus de structuration d’une représentation sociale, celle d’Internet pour le groupe social des artisans à partir de l’hypothèse que la représentation d’Internet s’élabore selon un processus progressif directement lié au niveau de connaissance dont disposent les sujets à propos de l’objet. Les résultats valident l’existence d’une organisation représentationnelle et d’une évolution spécifique au sein de celle-ci préexistante à la structure, c’est-à-dire à la représentation constituée.
Identité sociale et émotions intergroupes
Authors: Devos Thierry
Published: February 2015

Résumé La théorie des émotions intergroupes (TEI) permet de rendre compte des réactions émotionnelles envers des hors-groupes qui découlent de dynamiques identitaires. Ce cadre théorique repose sur l’idée qu’à partir du moment où une appartenance sociale devient saillante, la perception de situations se rapportant à cette identité sociale va susciter des émotions sociales. Selon leur perception du contexte intergroupe, les individus vont ressentir des émotions spécifiques, qui vont à leur tour déclencher des tendances à l’action particulières ou promouvoir certains comportements. Dans cet article, nous présentons une série d’études testant et confirmant certaines prédictions basées sur la TEI. Nous nous focalisons sur les réactions émergeant dans des situations de conflits symboliques ou matériels et suite à des décisions conçues comme injustes. Dans l’ensemble, les résultats de ces études mettent en évidence des liens entre colère et affrontement d’une part, et peur et évitement d’autre part.
« Ce poste n'est pas fait pour moi ! » : l'impact de la norme de genre et de la culture organisationnelle sur la mobilité professionnelle ascendante
Authors: Casini Annalisa , Sanchez-Mazas Margarita
Published: February 2015

Résumé Deux études testent l’hypothèse générale selon laquelle la sous-représentation des femmes aux niveaux supérieurs de la hiérarchie sociale (un phénomène souvent appelé « plafond de verre », Sanchez-Mazas et Casini, 2005) pourrait résulter des discordances existant entre les normes de genre endossées par les individus (i.e. féminine vs. masculine) et les normes sous-tendant la culture des organisations. La culture organisationnelle, opérationnalisée en termes de « vocation de l’entreprise » (relationnelle vs. instrumentale) (étude 1 ; n = 153) ou de « style de management » (relationnel vs. instrumental) (étude 2 ; n = 78), a été croisée, respectivement, avec les « sexe » des participant(e)s et l’adhésion à la « norme de genre » (féminine vs. masculine) pour étudier la propension des répondant(e)s à s’investir dans un poste de manager. Les résultats suggèrent l’existence d’une telle incompatibilité normative et de son impact potentiel sur les stratégies de mobilité ascendante. La perspective développée ici s’inscrit dans une réflexion sur les déterminants historiques et psychosociaux de l’asymétrie du masculin et du féminin dans leurs rapports au pouvoir.
Domination masculine et identité de genre
Authors: Chatard Armand , Guimond Serge , Lorenzi-Cioldi Fabio , Désert Michel
Published: February 2015

Résumé Les asymétries de statut entre les hommes et les femmes semblent se maintenir même dans les sociétés les plus égalitaires, ce qui suggère à certains auteurs qu’une prédisposition à fondement sociobiologique pourrait amener les hommes à être plus attirés par le pouvoir et la dominance intergroupes (hypothèse d’invariance, Sidanius et Pratto, 1999). Une étude conduite dans quatre pays (France, Belgique, Suisse et Tunisie ; N = 711) montre que les hommes obtiennent des scores d’orientation vers la dominance sociale ( sdo ) plus importants que les femmes. Toutefois, infirmant l’idée qu’une telle invariance est ancrée dans la biologie, les résultats montrent que l’identité de genre, un construit social et multi-contextualisé, médiatise l’effet du sexe biologique sur les scores de sdo dans les quatre pays.
Asymétries de la fonction explicative des représentations intergroupes hommes/femmes
Authors: Vinet Élise , Moliner Pascal
Published: February 2015

Résumé Dans cette recherche, menée sur 324 sujets en 3 phases, on s’intéresse aux représentations de genre endogroupe et exogroupe d’étudiants de premier cycle en faculté de lettres. Les résultats suggèrent une plus grande homogénéité perçue de la cible féminine, i.e., de l’endogroupe des femmes et de l’exogroupe des hommes. Ils suggèrent en outre que ces représentations de la cible féminine ont une fonction explicative nettement plus marquée que les représentations de la cible masculine, i.e., de l’endogroupe des hommes et de l’exogroupe des femmes. Ces résultats sont discutés au regard de la notion d’attribution sociale et de la fonction explicative des stéréotypes.
Buts sociaux et relations entre pairs au début de l'adolescence
Authors: Kindelberger Cécile , Mallet Pascal
Published: February 2015

Résumé Cette recherche visait à identifier les principaux buts sociaux des adolescents dans les interactions entre pairs, les variations de ces buts selon le sexe et leurs rapports avec deux types de variables sociométriques : la popularité et la réputation entre pairs. 335 jeunes adolescents ont répondu à un questionnaire évaluant buts sociaux, popularité et réputation. Sur la base d’une analyse factorielle exploratoire trois échelles de buts sociaux ont été construites : maîtrise, union et retrait. La maîtrise et le retrait sont plus élevés chez les garçons, au contraire de l’union. La popularité, les réputations d’être agressif et d’être isolé varient selon le niveau de ces buts sociaux.