bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expérimentation, inférence statistique et analyse causale
Authors: Lecoutre Bruno
Published: November 2018

On se situe dans le cadre de l'analyse causale de données d'expériences «randomisées » (les traitements sont affectés à chaque unité expérimentale par tirage au sort). Les apports de quelques fondateurs de l'inférence statistique sont rapidement examinés. On considère ensuite les travaux récents, et notamment ceux sur les modèles graphiques structuraux de Pearl, qui visent à unifier sous une interprétation unique un certain nombre d'approches, incluant notamment les analyses contrefactuelles, les modèles graphiques, les modèles d'équations structurelles. La plupart de ces travaux reposent sur une approche contrefactuelle (invoquant des résultats potentiels : «si un autre traitement avait été affecté à l'unité expérimentale... » de l'inférence causale. Dans un article provocateur, Dawid (2000) soutient que cette approche est essentiellement métaphysique, et pleine de tentations de faire des inférences qui ne peuvent pas être justifiées sur la base de données empiriques. Concernant plus particulièrement les modèles graphiques structuraux, la critique de Dawid est que les «variables latentes » en jeu dans de tels modèles ne sont pas de véritables variables concomitantes (variables mesurables, qui peuvent être supposées non affectées par le traitement appliqué) et qu'il n'y a alors aucun moyen, même en principe, de vérifier les suppositions («assomptions ») faites -qui affecteront néanmoins les inférences qui en découlent. Dawid qualifie en conséquence ces modèles de pseudo-déterministes et les considère comme non scientifiques. Les différents arguments et les solutions proposées sont examinés et discutés.
Inscription spatiale d'une activité cognitive collective de représentation de l'espace
Authors: Brassac Christian , Le Ber Florence
Published: November 2018

Spatial embedding of a collective cognitive activity for spatial representation. Agronomists and computer scientists work together in order to design a knowledge based system. They focus on the representation of the spatial organisation of farm territories. This representation of a certain type of space is a collaborative activity embedded within its own space ; this collaborative activity relies on an interactional story whose resources are expertises, documents, instruments and also writing supports. Based on the paradigm of the situated and distributed cognition, our approach considers that the interaction is a dynamic process that shapes linguistic, corporal, and artefactual forms. We show how the mobilisation of these resources which are cognitive, corporal, documentary and material, allows the group to achieve its work. Our analysis underlines that this work articulates four spaces : the agricultural space, the group working space, the writing space, and the numerical space which is the project's horizon.
L’utilisation des textes procéduraux : lecture, compréhension et exécution d’instructions écrites
Authors: Heurley Laurent , Ganier Franck
Published: November 2018

The Processing of Procedural Texts : Reading, Understanding and Executing Written Instructions.

This review presents the main models that have been proposed in cognitive psychology to explain how users follow the directions contained in procedural texts (instructions for use, explanatory leaflets, etc.). This review is organised in two parts. The first part briefly describes the methods used in cognitive psychology to study the process by which procedural instructions are used. The second part presents different models of the use of procedural documents and of the processing of instructions for use. At a global level, the using process (instructions reading, comprehension and execution) can be described as being organised into a series of cycles. Each cycle corresponds to the processing of a few textual segments. At a local level, following instructions can be described as a (direct or indirect) translating process of knowledge into action. This review shows that research dealing with the processing of procedural texts still requires specific modelling.
Enjeux de l’analyse des interactions pour la conception de systèmes d’aide : le cas d’un manuel-utilisateur
Authors: Grosjean Sylvie
Published: November 2018

Dans cet article, nous présentons une approche interactionniste du processus de conception collaborative d’un manuel-utilisateur. Notre objectif est de souligner les enjeux de l’analyse des interactions lors d’un processus de conception collaborative de systèmes d’aide. Nous étudions une situation de conception réunissant un développeur, un utilisateur et un rédacteur technique qui interagissent pendant une séance de travail. Nous montrons que le système d’aide à concevoir doit intégrer les résultats d’une dialectique complexe qui se noue entre l’activité de l’utilisateur et le fonctionnement du logiciel ; c'est-à-dire considérer les caractéristiques du produit dans son contexte d’usage.
Enaction, externalisme et suppléance perceptive
Authors: Lenay Charles
Published: November 2018

Pour défendre les thèses énactivistes et externalistes je propose une série d'expériences de perception prothétisée (suppléance perceptive) minimalistes. Ces situations expérimentales très simples permettent de dépasser la critique du représentationnalisme pour définir précisément, et faire fonctionner concrètement, le schème explicatif de la perception comme énaction. Localisation et reconnaissance de forme s'inscrivent dans l'espace des déplacements du point de vue relativement à l'objet perçu. L'espace de perception est l'espace d'action lui-même, et non pas un espace interne de représentation. C'est la position externaliste radicale pour laquelle l'activité cognitive et les contenus de l'expérience vécue sont à comprendre dans la dynamique sensorimotrice du couplage entre l'organisme et son environnement, et non pas comme computation de représentations internes. Cet externalisme semble être un bon cadre épistémologique et théorique pour rendre compte de l'efficacité de la cognition située. Les dispositifs et environnements techniques transforment nos possibilités d'action et donc notre expérience vécue en offrant de nouvelles capacités de perception, d'imagination, de mémorisation ou de raisonnement. De même un cadre externaliste permet un dialogue fructueux entre phénoménologie et psychophysiologie. Plutôt que de présupposer une séparation entre expérience vécue interne et objectivité externe et donc seulement chercher des corrélats neuronaux des états de conscience, pour l'externalisme cette séparation se constitue dans le cours même de l'activité concrète et donc l'espace de l'expérience vécue est co-extensif à l'espace d''action et de perception.
Métamères perceptifs et perception bistable
Authors: Mamassian Pascal
Published: November 2018

Les métamères perceptifs et la perception bistable sont deux phénomènes clés de la perception consciente. Dans le premier cas, deux stimuli physiquement distincts sont perçus de la même manière, alors que dans le second cas, le même stimulus est perçu de deux manières distinctes. Que peuvent apporter les approches externalistes et internalistes pour expliquer ces phénomènes ?
The Report and the Command: the Case for a Relational View in the Study of Communication
Authors: Servais Véronique
Published: November 2018

The paper examines what it means to adopt a relational perspective in the study of animal and human communication. First it states that the informational view which dominates the study of animal communication leads to cut apart the biological, the cognitive and the social parts of social communication. When it comes to human nonverbal communication, it is difficult then to articulate its biological and the cultural dimensions. Following Ingold I argue that in order to go beyond the “ natural pattern vs cultural rules or meaning” conception of human nonverbal communication, we need to rely on a relational view. But what is a relational view in the study of communication ? In the final part of the paper, I suggest that social relationships are both subjective and objective entities and, drawing on an original paper by Kaufmann and Clément (2008, in press), I offer a hypothesis on how social communication could operate to objectively and subjectively organize the construction of social relationships.
Intersubjectivity, Mimetic Schemas and the Emergence of Language
Authors: Zlatev Jordan
Published: November 2018

In this article I argue that intersubjectivity constitutes an essential characteristic of the human mind. First, I explicate what this means, contrasting intersubjectivity with the more common approach to social cognition based on the concept of “ theory of mind”. Furthermore, I propose a particular version of the thesis of the primacy of the shared mind based on the notion of bodily mimesis : a capacity to use our bodies in feeling the emotions of others, understanding their intentions, and eventually understanding and expressing communicative intentions. Bodily mimesis first takes place between people (and to a lesser degree, other higher social animals like apes and dolphins) but is gradually internalized as mimetic schemas (Zlatev 2005, 2007) : preverbal concepts which possess a number of properties which can help explain the emergence of language as a conventional-normative semiotic system. In a dialectical fashion, intersubjectivity serves both as a prerequisite for its emergence, and is further developed by it, making human beings the quintessentially “ intersubjective species”. Finally, I suggest a partially novel approach to explaining autism.
Composition musicale : représentations, granularités, émergences
Authors: Vaggione Horacio
Published: November 2018

Ce texte aborde le sujet des représentations opératoires (symboles, notations, écritures) qui sous-tendent la pratique de la composition musicale, spécialement celle qui se développe actuellement avec des moyens informatiques (composition électroacoustique, composition assistée par ordinateur). Afin de situer le sujet dans une perspective plus ample, on rappelle les grandes lignes de la critique herméneutique de la représentation, ainsi que de la critique de l’algorithmique linéaire, ces deux courants de pensée coïncidant dans la nécessité d’une «incomplétude» formelle comme condition de tout engagement dans l’action (ainsi que de tout comportement «intelligent»). Une place importante est réservée au concept de réseau, ainsi qu’à celui de granularité, car ces concepts impliquent un «changement de fonction de la fonction» : une révision de la logique du fonctionnalisme à partir d’une logique de l’émergence.
Vers une nécessaire prise en compte de la complexité : Variabilité et fractalité dans la motricité rythmique
Authors: Delignières Didier , Torre Kjerstin
Published: November 2018

La variabilité du comportement des systèmes a longtemps été considérée comme relevant de fluctuations aléatoires. Un certain nombre de travaux récents ont cependant montré que cette variabilité possédait une structure temporelle caractéristique, et en particulier des corrélations fractales de type 1/f. Ce type de fluctuation est considéré comme la signature naturelle des systèmes complexes, et questionne les modèles classiquement adoptés pour rendre compte des processus étudiés. Nous donnons ici un certain nombre d’exemples dans le cadre de la motricité rythmique et envisageons les conséquences théoriques de la prise en compte de ces fluctuations de performance.
Physiologie de l'action et culture matérielle
Authors: Warnier Jean-Pierre
Published: November 2018

Physiology of action and material culture. This article summarizes an investigation on material culture conducted by the working group “ Matière à Penser” over the last fifteen years. Its concern was to contrive a suitable tool kit for the anthropological analysis of the way human beings embody specific ensembles of material objects, that differ from society to society and contribute vital elements to their diverse cultures. The tool kit includes a number of notions and theories elaborated in the course of the 20th century from Husserl and Schilder to contemporary brain studies and cognitive sciences. It makes it possible to develop new approaches to politics, religion, and other aspects of social life.
La présence de l'archive: réinventer et justifier
Authors: Bachimont Bruno
Published: November 2018

The presence of archives : reinventing the past ? Do we have a faculty of memory because we store intact copies of our memories, or do we have memories because we exercise our faculty of memory by continually reactivating and reinventing new versions of our memories ? Is faithfulness to the past guaranteed by the complete integrity of the stored memories, or by the quality with which we exercize the faculty of memory ? This ancient question has gained an acute relevance at the present time in the new context brought about by digital technologies : on the one side there is a hubris of the digital which leads to conserving and stocking everything ; on the other, a way of practising computerized information where every item of content is reinvented each time it is consulted. This article comes back to the basic conditions of possibility of memory, in order to privilege a dynamical conception according to which memory is a permanent exercise where one takes hold of objects in order to interpret them as traces, thereby reinventing the past by the witness of these objects. What is at stake is the reasoned critique of this mode of reinvention.
Cultural Synaesthesia: Neuropsychological versus Anthropological Approaches to the Study of Intersensoriality
Authors: Howes David
Published: November 2018

Synesthésie culturelle : approches neuropsychologiques et anthropologiques de l’étude d’intersensorialité.

Les théories neuropsychologiques de la synesthésie abordent le phénomène d’intersensorialité (entendre des couleurs, voir des sons, et toute forme de stimulation intersensorielle) comme une rare anomalie génétique conduisant à un «excès d’interconnexions » du cerveau. De leur côté, les théories anthropologiques de la synesthésie voient dans cette dernière le produit d’un conditionnement social et d’une inflexion culturelle. Il est en effet démontrable qu’aussi bien la nature des connexions intersensorielles que la signification de la synesthésie varient d’une culture à l’autre. Par exemple, certaines cultures privilégient les odeurs que l’on entend, d’autres les sons colorés ; certaines cultures promeuvent l’intégration des sens, d’autres la séparation des sens. On soutient que les théories neuropsychologiques de la synesthésie doivent être radicalement repensées à la lumière des travaux anthropologiques qui montrent l’historicité et la spécificité culturelle des variations d’intersensorialité.
Le concept d'expression chez Karl Bühler
Authors: Friedrich Janette
Published: November 2018

Karl Bühler's Concept of Expression.

The article deals with some central claims developed by Karl Bühler in his book, Ausdruckstheorie (1933). These claims are interesting as concerns the ongoing debates about the concept of expression, currently at work in the fields of psychology and language sciences. It is shown that Bühler renounces to define expression through the exclusive notion of what would be the revelation of an interiority. While asserting that «expression is a parabola for action » , Bühler examines the refined and shaded description, by J. J. Engel, of theatrical performance in its very essence : thus is put into the light a specific feature of expression, the bodily orientations of actors towards present. The general claim is that Bühler «localizes » a certain kind of expressive phenomena within bodily movements directed towards the world, as regards human beings and animals. In this way is sketched out the possibility for escaping psychologism (or anthropomorphism) which would be otherwise unavoidable in the development of a theory of action.
L’intelligence des traces
Authors: Merzeau Louise
Published: November 2018

Comprendre la traçabilité numérique, c’est d’abord mesurer l’impact des procédures de personnalisation, qui modifient les protocoles de publication et inversent la priorité entre les types et les singularités. Dans cet environnement, l’utilisateur aménage ses espaces plus qu’il ne produit des contenus inédits. Automatiquement générées par la moindre de ses activités, les traces qu’il dépose sont pour la plupart non intentionnelles. Traitées comme symptômes, elles le dépossèdent du sens de ses agissements. Traitées comme données quantitatives, elles se détachent et le désagrègent dans le jeu des calculs algorithmiques. Ainsi indexé, l’individu-data se retrouve dans un monde sans oubli, où tout est documenté. La réappropriation va consister à transformer cette logique du stockage en écriture mémorielle. Cela suppose que soit d’abord restauré un droit de désactiver les traces afin de les soustraire aux effets de la décontextualisation. Doivent ensuite se développer des pratiques d’adoption, par lesquelles les utilisateurs transforment les traces déposées en traces récoltées. Afin de ne pas se laisser enfermé dans sa propre traçabilité, l’individu doit enfin recourir à la médiation de collectifs mémoriels pour donner aux traces une dimension documentaire ou patrimoniale. Développer cette compétence numérique revient à anticiper sa traçabilité au lieu de la subir : faire trace, pour substituer à l’identité le plein exercice d’une présence.
Vers des traces numériques comme objets informatiques de premier niveau : une approche par les traces modélisées
Authors: Champin Pierre-Antoine , Mille Alain , Prié Yannick
Published: November 2018

Towards Digital Traces as First Class Digital Objects : an Approach Based on Modeled Traces.

Every computer-mediated activity leaves digital traces that are potentially usable as knowledge, for that activity or future activities. The approach proposed in this paper aims at actually using that knowledge in so-called trace-based computer systems. This approach consists in a priori modeling traces, and capturing their various possible interpretations in reproducible transformations. We propose a general meta-model for modeled-trace-based systems, and illustrate its deployment in two applications. Finally, we discuss the challenges raised by the design of such systems, especially in its taking into account the traced human activity, hence its multidisciplinary nature.
Interaction, coordination, languaging : la matrice opérationnelle-relationnelle du langage
Authors: Raimondi Vincenzo
Published: November 2018

Afin de comprendre la nature socio-interactionnelle de l’activité langagière et des praxis culturelles dans lesquelles elle est strictement imbriquée, il est nécessaire d’expliciter les conditions constitutives des phénomènes qui ont trait au langage à partir de leur matrice opérationnellerelationnelle. S’inscrivant en faux contre les démarches cognitivistes qui proposent des modèles mentalistes inadéquats à leurs ambitions explicatives, l’approche présentée permet de rendre compte du phénomène linguistique grâce à la notion de languaging et à la catégorie analytique de «coordination consensuelle récursive » . À partir des travaux de Maturana et dans le cadre d’une perspective épistémologique «bio-logique » , nous nous attachons à révéler les caractéristiques saillantes de cette approche et à développer ses implications.
Form and Relation. Materialism on an Uncanny Stage
Authors: Hui Yuk
Published: November 2018

This article seeks a materialism that is largely ignored in current philosophical discussion, which originates from speculation on the materiality of forms. Following the critique of Simondon and Heidegger, this article rejects hylomorphism which gives substantiality to forms rather than matter ; at the same time, this proposition also wants to distinguish itself from the current proposals of a return to matter, such as the vibrant matter of Jane Bennett or the principle of factuality of Quentin Meillassoux, by outlining a genealogy of the material conditions for the individuation of forms. The article endeavours to understand the evolution of the concept of form in different stages of technological development : crafts, machines, technological systems exemplified by the web. The article suggests that the materiality of form is not only thinkable, but also necessary for the development of a speculative metaphysics and critical theory of machines.
Deflating Autonomy: Human Interactivity in the Emerging Social World
Authors: Cowley Stephen J. , Gahrn-Andersen Rasmus
Published: November 2018

Modérer l’autonomie : l’interactivité humaine dans un monde social émergeant. Cet article présente une critique de certaines tentatives énactivistes récentes qui cherchent à surmonter le hiatus épistémologique entre l’individuel et le social (c’est-à-dire à combler l’écart entre le macro-et le micro). La thèse centrale de l’article est qu’une vision démesurément enflé de «l’autonomie » ne peut qu’induire en erreur. L’examen de deux contributions fait apparaître que le modèle de Varela est emprunt de solipsisme méthodologique. Ce modèle conduit De Jaegher & Di Paolo (2007) à attribuer une connaissance sociale à des perturbations – à savoir, des contingences dont la logique émerge de la clôture organisationnelle d’un individu. Par ailleurs, il mène Steiner & Stewart (2009) à affirmer que les prédispositions d’un monde organisationnellement clos incitent les individus à «recevoir » des normes partagées. Selon notre perspective déflationniste, au contraire, ni la clôture organisationnelle ni la création de sens participative ne s’appliquent à l’essentiel de la cognition humaine. Au lieu de cela, nous invoquons un processus développemental basé sur l’auto-entretien récursif qui est à l’oeuvre dans tous les systèmes organisme/ environnement (y compris chez les bactéries). Les humains s’en différencient dans la mesure où les jeunes enfants découvrent des manières d’utiliser avec savoir-faire leur expérience phénoménale : ils apprennent à formuler des prédicats à propos de leur expérience vécue. En tant qu’observateurs, ils connectent les ressources impersonnelles de la culture (artefacts, institutions, langues, etc.) à une constante activité sociale et environnementale. Ce type proprement humain d’hétéronomie relie les processus sociaux à des systèmes agent/ environnement qui sous-tendent – et sont sous-tendus par – des modes de vie historiquement définis. Loin d’être organisationnellement close, les sujets humains dépendent de l’usage d’incitations sensorimotrices pour relier le phénoménal à l’impersonnel et pour ouvrir sur une réalité partiellement partagée, et partiellement vécue.
Demain, le temps des automates et le temps de la désautomatisation
Authors: Stiegler Bernard
Published: November 2018

Ce texte résume le contenu d’une conférence présentée dans le cadre d’un séminaire de l’Espace Marx en janvier 2014 qui avait pour titre «De quoi demain sera-t-il fait ? » Nous remercions vivement Guy Carassus, de l’Espace Marx, qui nous a gracieusement envoyé la transcription intégrale de cette conférence, et qui nous a donné l’autorisation de publier ce texte dans intellectica. Le travail d’édition de la version intégrale a été réalisé en grande partie par Véronique Havelange, avec la contribution conséquente de Bernard Stiegler.
Biomimetic surface structures in steel fabricated with femtosecond laser pulses: influence of laser rescanning on morphology and wettability
Authors: Florian Baron Camilo , Mimidis Alexandros , Puerto Daniel , Skoulas Evangelos , Stratakis Emmanuel , Solis Javier , Siegel Jan
Published: November 2018

The replication of complex structures found in nature represents an enormous challenge even for advanced fabrication techniques, such as laser processing. For certain applications, not only the surface topography needs to be mimicked, but often also a specific function of the structure. An alternative approach to laser direct writing of complex structures is the generation of laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS), which is based on directed self-organization of the material and allows fabrication of specific micro- and nanostructures over extended areas. In this work, we exploit this approach to fabricate complex biomimetic structures on the surface of steel 1.7131 formed upon irradiation with high repetition rate femtosecond laser pulses. In particular, the fabricated structures show similarities to the skin of certain reptiles and integument of insects. Different irradiation parameters are investigated to produce the desired structures, including laser repetition rate and laser fluence, paying special attention to the influence of the number of times the same area is rescanned with the laser. The latter parameter is identified to be crucial for controlling the morphology and size of specific structures. As an example for the functionality of the structures, we have chosen the surface wettability and studied its dependence on the laser processing parameters. Contact angle measurements of water drops placed on the surface reveal that a wide range of angles can be accessed by selecting the appropriate irradiation parameters, highlighting also here the prominent role of the number of scans.
An Ultra Metal-poor Star Near the Hydrogen-burning Limit*
Authors: Schlaufman Kevin C. , Thompson Ian B. , Casey Andrew R.
Published: November 2018

It is unknown whether or not low-mass stars can form at low metallicity. While theoretical simulations of Population III (Pop III) star formation show that protostellar disks can fragment, it is impossible for those simulations to discern if those fragments survive as low-mass stars. We report the discovery of a low-mass star on a circular orbit with orbital period P = 34.757 ± 0.010 days in the ultra metal-poor (UMP) single-lined spectroscopic binary system 2MASS J18082002–5104378. The secondary star 2MASS J18082002–5104378 B has a mass

M

2

=

0.14

−
0.01

+
0.06

M

⊙

, placing it near the hydrogen-burning limit for its composition. The 2MASS J18082002–5104378 system is on a thin disk orbit as well, making it the most metal-poor thin disk star system by a considerable margin. The discovery of 2MASS J18082002–5104378 B confirms the existence of low-mass UMP stars and its short orbital period shows that fragmentation in metal-poor protostellar disks can lead to the formation and survival of low-mass stars. We use scaling relations for the typical fragment mass and migration time along with published models of protostellar disks around both UMP and primordial composition stars to explore the formation of low-mass Pop III stars via disk fragmentation. We find evidence that the survival of low-mass secondaries around solar-mass UMP primaries implies the survival of solar-mass secondaries around Pop III primaries with masses

10

M

⊙

≲

M

*

≲
100

M

⊙

. If true, this inference suggests that solar-mass Pop III stars formed via disk fragmentation could survive to the present day.
A Long Hard-X-Ray Look at the Dual Active Galactic Nuclei of M51 with NuSTAR
Authors: Brightman M. , Baloković M. , Koss M. , Alexander D. M. , Annuar A. , Earnshaw H. , Gandhi P. , Harrison F. A. , Hornschemeier A. E. , Lehmer B. , Powell M. C. , Ptak A. , Rangelov B. , Roberts T. P. , Stern D. , Walton D. J. , Zezas A.
Published: November 2018

We present a broadband X-ray spectral analysis of the M51 system, including the dual active galactic nuclei (AGNs) and several off-nuclear point sources. Using a deep observation by NuSTAR, new high-resolution coverage of M51b by Chandra, and the latest X-ray torus models, we measure the intrinsic X-ray luminosities of the AGNs in these galaxies. The AGN of M51a is found to be Compton-thick, and both AGNs have very low accretion rates (

). The latter is surprising considering that the galaxies of M51 are in the process of merging, which is generally predicted to enhance nuclear activity. We find that the covering factor of the obscuring material in M51a is 0.26 ± 0.03, consistent with the local AGN obscured fraction at

erg s−1. The substantial obscuring column does not support theories that the torus, presumed responsible for the obscuration, disappears at these low accretion luminosities. However, the obscuration may have resulted from the gas infall driven by the merger rather than the accretion process. We report on several extranuclear sources with

erg s−1 and find that a spectral turnover is present below 10 keV in most such sources, in line with recent results on ultraluminous X-ray sources.
Extreme Circumgalactic H i and C iii Absorption around the Most Massive, Quenched Galaxies
Authors: Smailagić Marijana , Prochaska Jason Xavier , Burchett Joseph , Zhu Guangtun , Ménard Brice
Published: November 2018

Luminous red galaxies (LRGs) are the most massive galaxies at z ∼ 0.5 and, by selection, have negligible star formation (SF). These objects have halo masses between those of L
* galaxies, whose circumgalactic media (CGMs) are observed to have large masses of cold gas, and clusters of galaxies, which primarily contain hot gas. Here, we report detections of strong and extended metal (C iii 977) and H i lines in the CGM of two LRGs. The C iii lines have equivalent widths (EWs) of ∼1.8 and ∼1.2 Å, and velocity spreads of ∼796 and ∼1245

, exceeding all such measurements from local ∼L
* galaxies (maximal C iii EWs ∼1 Å). The data demonstrate that a subset of halos hosting very massive, quenched galaxies contain significant complexes of cold gas. Possible scenarios to explain our observations include that the LRGs’ CGMs originate from past activity (e.g., SF or active galactic nuclei driven outflows) or from the CGMs of galaxies in overlapping subhalos. We favor the latter scenario, in which the properties of the CGMs are more tightly linked to the underlying dark matter halo than properties of the targeted galaxies (e.g., SF).
The Variable Relativistic Outflow of IRAS 13224–3809
Authors: Chartas George , Canas Manuel H.
Published: November 2018

The discovery of an ultrafast outflow has been reported in the z = 0.0658 narrow-line Seyfert galaxy IRAS 13224−3809. The ultrafast outflow was first inferred through the detection of highly blueshifted absorption lines and then confirmed with a principal component analysis. Two of the reported properties of this outflow differed from those typically detected in other AGNs with ultrafast outflows. First, the outflow velocity was found not to vary with v = 0.236c ± 0.006c. Second, the equivalent width of the highly blueshifted absorption line was reported to be anticorrelated with the 3–10 keV flux of this source. We present a reanalysis of the XMM-Newton observations of IRAS 13224−3809 considering the influence of background. We also undertook a different analysis approach in combining the spectra and investigated the change of the properties of the outflow as a function of 3–10 keV flux and time. We confirm the presence of an ultrafast outflow in IRAS 13224−3809; however, we find that the background spectra used in the Parker et al. analyses dominate the source spectra for energies near the blueshifted iron lines. By reducing the source extraction regions to improve the signal-to-noise ratio, we discover larger than previously reported outflow velocities and find that the outflow velocity varies from ∼0.2c to ∼0.3c and increases with 3–10 keV flux. The previously reported anticorrelation between equivalent width of the iron line and 3–10 keV flux disappears when the background spectra are reduced by optimizing the source extraction regions.
Unraveling the Infrared Transient VVV-WIT-06: The Case for the Origin as a Classical Nova*
Authors: Banerjee D. P. K. , Hsiao E. Y. , Diamond T. , Galbany L. , Morrell N. , Minniti D. , Kuncarayakti H. , Mattila S. , Harmanen J.
Published: November 2018

The enigmatic near-infrared transient VVV-WIT-06 underwent a large-amplitude eruption of unclear origin in 2013 July. Based on its light curve properties and late-time post-outburst spectra, various possibilities have been proposed in the literature for the origin of the object, namely a Type I supernova, a classical nova (CN), or a violent stellar merger event. We show that, of these possibilities, an origin in a CN outburst convincingly explains the observed properties of VVV-WIT-06. We estimate that the absolute K-band magnitude of the nova at maximum was M
k = −8.2 ± 0.5, its distance d = 13.35 ± 2.18 kpc, and the extinction A
v = 15.0 ± 0.55 mag.
New records of dragonflies (Odonata) in Zambia
Authors: Bernard Rafał , Daraż Bogusław
Published: November 2018

Zoogeographically important data on the occurrence of 22 dragonfly species in Zambia are presented, including at least seven species for the first time recorded or unambiguously confirmed in the country. They filled gaps in the previously known distribution ranges and showed that some of them reach further, especially to the south, but also west or north. Zoogeographical considerations are completed with some remarks on species’ morphological traits and habitat selection and activity.
Chroma+, a new automontage method of image background selection for Insects and other structurally complex objects
Authors: Jakubec Pavel , Novák Martin , Qubaiová Jarin
Published: November 2018

Obtaining taxonomic-grade images is a vital part of probably every present-day morphological study of insects, even though the task itself is perceived as a “necessary evil” due to high investment of both time and effort to produce representable images. Cleaning the background and making it appear as a solid color of known properties is probably one of the most time-demanding tasks. Several techniques have been developed to reduce the time requirement; the most convenient and cost-effective one presumably being the chroma isolation. This method uses a green background that can be isolated and conveniently replaced with another picture or solid color, as used in the film industry. However, the main drawback of this technique is spilling of color onto the object, which is unavoidable and can be corrected only by sacrificing the true color of the object to some extent. Our improved Chroma+ method is based on classical chroma isolation workflow and helps to overcome this problem by taking an additional image of the object with a neutral color background and applying a selection obtained from the chroma-isolated picture on it. This technique is, in terms of the resulting image quality, superior to classical chroma isolation, while the time difference between these two methods is negligible. Furthermore, it does not require any additional equipment (hardware or software), thus being accessible to both employed taxonomists, low budget laboratories, and enthusiasts.
Cnestus quadrispinosus, a new species of xyleborine ambrosia beetle from Thailand and Borneo (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Scolytinae, Xyleborini)
Authors: Sittichaya Wisut , Beaver Roger A.
Published: November 2018

A new species, Cnestusquadrispinosus, is described from Thailand, Brunei Darussalam, and East Malaysia (Sabah). It is compared to three related species of Cnestus which lack a mycangial tuft of hairs on the pronotum, and have an impressed elytral declivity.
ANKLE FUSION: A RETROSPECTIVE REVIEW
Authors: Aaron Alan D
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACT

The results of ankle fusion were reviewed in 26 patients who underwent 32 arthrodesis procedures. Posttraumatic degenerative arthritis was the most common indication for fusion (54%). Crossed cancellous screws were the primary method employed (43%), with an external fixator being used in 22% of cases. The overall union rate was 81%, with both crossed cancellous screws and external fixation attaining the best results (86%). Nonunion and infection were the most frequent complications. Progression of subtalar arthritis was demonstrated in 29% of patients postoperatively. Seventy-eight percent of patients graded extremity appearance as excellent or good, with the majority being able to return to work.
Quantitative Assessment of the Choriocapillaris in Patients With Retinitis Pigmentosa and in Healthy Individuals Using OCT Angiography
Authors: Guduru Abhilash , Al-Sheikh Mayss , Gupta Arushi , Ali Hasnat , Jalali Subhadra , Chhablani Jay
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To characterize the choriocapillaris (CC) vasculature in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and healthy controls using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

The CC of patients with RP and controls was analyzed using OCTA. Areas of no-flow, termed flow voids (FVs), were denoted in both. Comparisons between groups were done using Wilcox tests and generalized estimating equations.

RESULTS:

Fifty-four patients were included. There was a significant difference in spherical equivalent (
P
< .001). The number of FV was 55.5 ± 20.1 in the RP eyes versus 30.7 ± 16.3 in the controls (
P
< .001). The average FV area was 0.33 ± 0.12 mm
2
in the RP eyes and 0.18 ± 0.10 mm
2
in the controls (
P
< .001).

CONCLUSIONS:

There are significantly more FV in patients with RP than in healthy subjects, suggesting it is vital to understanding pathophysiology of RP. Further studies should be done to determine if the compromised CC is a result or cause of RP.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2018;49:e122–e128.]
Comparison of Two Modified Sutureless Techniques of Scleral Fixation of Intraocular Lens
Authors: Kelkar Aditya , Kelkar Jai , Kothari Akshay , Mehta Hetal , Chitale Sampada , Fogla Rajesh , Kelkar Shreekant
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To compare the visual outcome and complications of two different sutureless scleral-fixated intraocular lens (IOL) implantation techniques, that is, intrascleral IOL fixation technique and modified Yamane's technique of scleral fixation of IOL.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Patients who underwent scleral fixation of IOL (SFIOL) from June 2015 to February 2017 with more than 6 months of follow-up were examined retrospectively. Improvement in visual acuity (VA), intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements, endothelial cell count, central macular thickness (CMT), and intraoperative/postoperative complications were compared at 6 months follow-up.

RESULTS:

Seventy eyes were analyzed. The mean follow-up was 10.5 months ± 1.5 months. The final visual outcomes in both groups, modified intrascleral IOL fixation technique (Group A, n = 30) and modified Yamane's technique (Group B, n = 40), were comparable. The indications for surgery were aphakia (n = 15), subluxated/dislocated cataract (n = 31), and dislocated/subluxated IOL (n = 24). The majority of the eyes (92%) improved to VA 0.3 logMAR units or better. The uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), endothelial cell density, and CMT at the 6-month follow-up were comparable in both groups. Postoperatively, transient IOP rise occurred in 18 eyes, retinal detachment in one eye, vitreous hemorrhage in one eye, cystoid macular edema in two eyes, and mild IOL decentration in two eyes.

CONCLUSION:

Both techniques have favorable visual outcomes; however, modified 27-gauge needle-assisted Yamane's technique is technically superior because of its transconjunctival approach and less surgical time, and its needle-assisted approach for haptic externalization prevents haptic damage during externalization.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2018;49:e129–e134.]
Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography of an Amalric Choroidal Infarction in a Rare Presentation of Giant Cell Arteritis With Bilateral Corneal Edema
Authors: Tran Ann Q. , Yannuzzi Nicolas A. , Motulsky Elie H. , Zhou Xiao Yi , Galor Anat , Dubovy Sander R. , Rosenfeld Philip J. , Lam Byron L.
Published: November 2018

A 73-year-old woman with 2 weeks of progressive painless vision loss was found to have bilateral corneal edema, jaw claudication, and temporal headache. Multimodal imaging revealed an Amalric choroidal infarct in the left eye visualized by widefield indocyanine green angiography and swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA). Prompt intravenous corticosteroid treatment resulted in 20/20 vision, and giant cell arteritis (GCA) was confirmed by a temporal artery biopsy. The case underscores the use of widefield SS-OCTA as a non-invasive test to aid in the diagnosis of GCA, as well as bilateral cornea edema as a rare presentation of GCA.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2018;49:e157–e160.]
Enhanced Depth Imaging Optical Coherence Tomography of Posterior Globe Rupture
Authors: Armstrong Grayson W. , Rahmani Safa , Grob Seanna , Yonekawa Yoshihiro
Published: November 2018

Occult globe rupture is a rare but potentially devastating result of eye trauma. The authors present a case of a woman who sustained blunt trauma to the right eye resulting in a peripapillary circumferential posterior globe rupture. Clinically, the eye maintained good vision and normal intraocular pressure with a clear media, though subretinal fluid and retinal hemorrhage were present overlying the scleral defect. Enhanced depth imaging spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (EDI SD-OCT) revealed a sharp step-off of the sclera, choroid, and Bruch's membrane/retinal pigment epithelium, with overlying intact and contiguous inner retina, corresponding to a posterior globe rupture. Following conservative management, the subretinal fluid resolved and visual acuity improved to 20/20 over a month period, whereas the posterior globe step-off remained stable. This case demonstrates the potential for occult open globe injuries with preserved visual function in cases of blunt ocular trauma, and the first to document EDI SD-OCT findings of a posterior globe rupture. Multimodal imaging may help in the evaluation and diagnosis of suspected posterior segment globe rupture.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2018;49:e171–e172.]
The transition metal to ligand bonding nature: A quantum chemical study of π-allyl-ruthenacycle molecule
Authors: Vektarienė Aušra
Published: November 2018

Understanding of the transition metal (TM) to ligand (L) bonding nature is important for characterization of experimental observations. One of the methods to explain the TM to L interactions is the Dewar–Chatt–Duncanson (DCD) model. However, in most applications the validity of the DCD model is based on assumptions in order to explain trends in vibrational spectroscopy or other physical properties of TM complexes. In this paper the computational methodology for treatment of the π-allyl-ruthenacycle complex based on the density functional theory, restricted Hartree–Fock method, natural bond orbital and charge decomposition analysis is reported. It is shown how the DCD model emerges from the presented calculation scheme and how it relates with the physical properties and stability of this complex. It is important to note that in this work the determination of the DCD model operation is based on the defined computational procedure, not postulated beforehand. The calculated geometry parameters, vibrational frequencies and electron density arrangement for the π-allyl-ruthenacycle complex are in good agreement with the experiment and support the DCD model.
Minimization of shielding effectiveness of energy saving windows in WiFi frequency range
Authors: Bilotas Evaldas , Ragulis Paulius , Kancleris Žilvinas
Published: November 2018

We investigated the dependence of shielding effectiveness of energy saving double-glazed windows on their longitudinal dimensions (thickness of metalized and uncoated glass panes and the gap between them) both experimentally and theoretically. It was shown that by changing the longitudinal dimension of the window the minimum of shielding effectiveness could be shifted to the desirable frequency range. Applying this approach to the WiFi frequency range we demonstrated that shielding effectiveness can be decreased by 7–9 dB for the 2.4 GHz WiFi connection and by 14–17 dB for the 5 GHz connection in comparison with that of an ordinary energy saving double-glazed window. Theoretical considerations have been confirmed by experimental investigation of the dependence of shielding effectiveness on the gap between glass panes.
Region dependent 13C, 15N, 18O isotope ratios in the cow milk
Authors: Garbaras Andrius , Skipitytė Raminta , Meliaschenia Aleksey , Senchenko Tatiana , Smoliak Tatiana , Ivanko Maria , Šapolaitė Justina , Ežerinskis Žilvinas , Remeikis Vidmantas
Published: November 2018

We present measurements of stable carbon, nitrogen and oxygen isotope ratio values in cow milk, forage and drinking water collected in Belarus. Milk, water and forage were sampled in Brest, Gomel, Grodno, Minsk and Mogilev regions during summer and winter seasons. δ13C and δ15N values in dried milk samples ranged from –30.2 to – 20.0‰ and from +3.63 to +5.66‰, respectively. The lowest δ13C values were obtained in the Mogilev region in summer. δ18O values in drinking water were quite constant (δ18O = +9.83±0.63‰), but the δ18O pattern in milk water changed across the regions.
The Case of Australian Reluctance With the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative
Authors: Chung Mona , Mascitelli Bruno
Published: November 2018

The One Belt One Road initiative is a global strategy proposed by President Xi in 2013. It was referred to as the new silk road approach which includes a land-based and ocean-based routes. The BRI, were it to reach its milestones, would be a landscape changing plan of the world and not just for China. As Australia's number one trading partner, China plays an important role for Australia especially for its economy. However, there has been a poor and lacking understanding of this strategy since 2013. The chapter highlights the importance of the strategy and the approach by the Australian politicians. Fearing being left behind, Australia politicians begin to pay attention to the strategy and especially any related plans which may or may not include Australia. The aim of this chapter is to ascertain and explain why Australia has adopted a cool and almost negative approach towards the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). With further exploration of the Australia-China trade relationship, the chapter raised the question of the importance of China to Australia.
Mergers and Acquisition by Indian Firms
Authors: Bhattacharyya Som Sekhar
Published: November 2018

Mergers and acquisition (M&A) has been a dominant form of firm growth strategy and a very potent tool of securing strategic growth in business landscape. However, M&As have generally been attributed with a significant amount of failure and value destruction. The author in this exploratory research undertook 24 in-depth interviews using a semi-structured open-ended questionnaire with M&A experts to understand the reasons for value creation and destruction in Indian M&A context. The data was content analyzed for thematic analysis. The results indicated in the Indian context, M&A initiatives provided quick market growth, access to strategic resources, and such benefits. While M&A failures occurred because of the lack of understanding on decision criteria regarding whether to from SA or do a M&A, strategic clarity, cultural insensitivity, lack of due diligence, and poor M&A post management capabilities.
An Empirical Note on Comparative Perceptions of Indian Patients and Physicians in Direct-to-Consumer Promotion of Pharmaceutical Products
Authors: Pandey Jaya Rani , Jha Ajeya , Mukherjee Samrat Kumar , Saha Saibal Kumar
Published: November 2018

Direct promotion of pharmaceutical products to patients is not legal in India. Internet healthcare websites, however, have rendered this law moot. Patients today increasingly flock to websites to find health-related information. With the help of a survey involving 400 patients and 200 physicians, this chapter attempts to identify the differences in the perception of physicians and patients. The results indicate that major differences exist in the beliefs held by physicians and patients vis-à-vis merits and demerits of DTC-promotion through health-related websites. As patients and physicians operate as a team while health-solutions are made available to the patients, such major differences in their beliefs regarding the merits and demerits of DTC-promotion may result in emergence of fault lines in their relationship. An exploratory factor analysis has been conducted to confirm if the underlying variables measure the latent factors or not. Regression model has been developed to measure the impact of information perception on patient-physician relationship.