bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Irrigation Performance Assessment in Table Grape Using the Reflectance-Based Crop Coefficient
Authors: Balbontín Claudio , Campos Isidro , Odi-Lara Magali , Ibacache Antonio , Calera Alfonso
Published: December 2017

In this paper, we present the results of our study on the operational application of the reflectance-based crop coefficient for assessing table grape irrigation requirements. The methodology was applied to provide irrigation advice and to assess the irrigation performance. The net irrigation water requirements (NIWR) simulated using the reflectance-based basal crop coefficient were provided to the farmer during the growing season and compared with the actual irrigation volumes applied. Two treatments were implemented in the field, increasing and reducing the irrigation doses by 25%, respectively, compared to the regular management. The experiment was carried out in a commercial orchard during three consecutive growing seasons in Northern Chile. The NIWR based on the model was approximately 900 mm per season for the orchard at tree maturity. The experimental results demonstrate that the regular irrigation applied covered only 76% of the NIWR for the whole season, and the analysis of monthly and weekly accumulated values indicates several periods of water shortage. The regular management system tended to underestimate the water requirements from October to January and overestimate the water requirements after harvest from February to April. The level of the deficit of water was quantified using such plant physiological parameters as stem water potential, vegetative development (coverage), and fruit productivity. The estimated NIWR was roughly covered in the treatment where the irrigation dose was increased, and the analyses of the crop production and fruit quality point to the relative advantage of this treatment. Finally, we conclude that the proposed approach allows the analysis of irrigation performance on the scale of commercial fields. These analytic capabilities are based on the well-demonstrated relationship of the crop evapotranspiration with the information provided by satellite images, and provide valuable information for irrigation management by identifying periods of water shortage and over-irrigation.
Analysis on Coupled Vibration of a Radially Polarized Piezoelectric Cylindrical Transducer
Authors: Xu Jie , Lin Shuyu , Ma Yan , Tang Yifan
Published: December 2017

Coupled vibration of a radially polarized piezoelectric cylindrical transducer is analyzed with the mechanical coupling coefficient method. The method has been utilized to analyze the metal cylindrical transducer and the axially polarized piezoelectric cylindrical transducer. In this method, the mechanical coupling coefficient is introduced and defined as the stress ratio in different directions. Coupled vibration of the cylindrical transducer is regarded as the interaction of the plane radial vibration of a ring and the longitudinal vibration of a tube. For the radially polarized piezoelectric cylindrical transducer, the radial and longitudinal electric admittances as functions of mechanical coupling coefficients and angular frequencies are derived, respectively. The resonance frequency equations are obtained. The dependence of resonance frequency and mechanical coupling coefficient on aspect ratio is studied. Vibrational distributions on the surfaces of the cylindrical transducer are presented with experimental measurement. On the support of experiments, this work is verified and provides a theoretical foundation for the analysis and design of the radially polarized piezoelectric cylindrical transducer.
Observing Spring and Fall Phenology in a Deciduous Forest with Aerial Drone Imagery
Authors: Klosterman Stephen , Richardson Andrew
Published: December 2017

Plant phenology is a sensitive indicator of the effects of global change on terrestrial ecosystems and controls the timing of key ecosystem functions including photosynthesis and transpiration. Aerial drone imagery and photogrammetric techniques promise to advance the study of phenology by enabling the creation of distortion-free orthomosaics of plant canopies at the landscape scale, but with branch-level image resolution. The main goal of this study is to determine the leaf life cycle events corresponding to phenological metrics derived from automated analyses based on color indices calculated from drone imagery. For an oak-dominated, temperate deciduous forest in the northeastern USA, we find that plant area index (PAI) correlates with a canopy greenness index during spring green-up, and a canopy redness index during autumn senescence. Additionally, greenness and redness metrics are significantly correlated with the timing of budburst and leaf expansion on individual trees in spring. However, we note that the specific color index for individual trees must be carefully chosen if new foliage in spring appears red, rather than green—which we observed for some oak trees. In autumn, both decreasing greenness and increasing redness correlate with leaf senescence. Maximum redness indicates the beginning of leaf fall, and the progression of leaf fall correlates with decreasing redness. We also find that cooler air temperature microclimates near a forest edge bordering a wetland advance the onset of senescence. These results demonstrate the use of drones for characterizing the organismic-level variability of phenology in a forested landscape and advance our understanding of which phenophase transitions correspond to color-based metrics derived from digital image analysis.
The Relative Age Effect, Height and Weight Characteristics among Lower and Upper Secondary School Athletes in Norway and Sweden
Authors: Sæther Stig , Peterson Tomas , Matin Vazjwar
Published: December 2017

The relative age effect (RAE) has been found among youth elite athletes within a range of sports. However, the RAE has been studied to a lesser degree among youth non-elite athletes, and even less among school pupils attending sport specialisation programmes (SSPs). The aim of the present study was to investigate RAE, height, and weight, and compare Swedish lower secondary school and Norwegian upper secondary school pupils. Study 1 includes 156 lower secondary school athletes (95 boys and 61 girls) following an SSP in Sweden, while study 2 includes 111 upper secondary school athletes (81 boys and 30 girls) from two Norwegian schools. The RAE was found in both male groups, but only in Swedish girls. Furthermore, the relationship between birth month, height, and weight was found to be non-significant. These results indicate a vital RAE effect among youth non-elite athletes attending SSPs in both lower and upper secondary schools.
Advanced Strategies for Net-Zero Energy Building: Focused on the Early Phase and Usage Phase of a Building’s Life Cycle
Authors: Oh Jeongyoon , Hong Taehoon , Kim Hakpyeong , An Jongbaek , Jeong Kwangbok , Koo Choongwan
Published: December 2017

To cope with ‘Post-2020’, each country set its national greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction target (e.g., South Korea: 37%) below its business-as-usual level by 2030. Toward this end, it is necessary to implement the net-zero energy building (nZEB) in the building sector, which accounts for more than 25% of the national GHG emissions and has a great potential to reduce GHG emissions. In this context, this study conducted a state-of-the-art review of nZEB implementation strategies in terms of passive strategies (i.e., passive sustainable design and energy-saving technique) and active strategies (i.e., renewable energy (RE) and back-up system for RE). Additionally, this study proposed the following advanced strategies for nZEB implementation according to a building’s life cycle: (i) integration and optimization of the passive and active strategies in the early phase of a building’s life cycle; (ii) real-time monitoring of the energy performance during the usage phase of a building’s life cycle. It is expected that this study can help researchers, practitioners, and policymakers understand the overall implementation strategies for realizing nZEB.
Automation of the Acorn Scarification Process as a Contribution to Sustainable Forest Management. Case Study: Common Oak
Authors: Tadeusiewicz Ryszard , Tylek Paweł , Adamczyk Florian , Kiełbasa Paweł , Jabłoński Mirosław , Pawlik Piotr , Piłat Adam , Walczyk Józef , Szczepaniak Jan , Juliszewski Tadeusz , Szaroleta Michał
Published: December 2017

The basic principle of silviculture is the rational use of natural regeneration. The acceleration and equalisation of seed germination and an increase of the field seed germination ability are affected by seed scarification, which results in the destruction or weakening of the seed cover. Acorn scarification is performed manually, in the standing position, most often in adapted work stations, whose geometry is adjusted by the staff to their own anthropometric dimensions. An added value of acorn scarification consists in the ability to visually assess the health status of the cotyledons visible on the cross-section, making it possible to infer the potential use of a seed for sowing. However, due to the scope and duration of the activities involved, manual scarification is a process that is monotonous and physically as well as psychologically tiring for its performer. Automating of this process allows for effective replacement of human labour. The results obtained from the use of the vision system designed to determine the length and orientation of acorns may be considered satisfactory. The implementation of the seed orientation detection algorithm using the Harris detector was 90% accurate. Studies and analyses have shown that the process of acorn scarification has a positive effect on the later improvement of uniformity and acceleration of seedling emergence. In the case of seeds subjected to scarification, 83% of the acorns germinated within 4 to 6 weeks after sowing.
Implications of Water Use and Water Scarcity Footprint for Sustainable Rice Cultivation
Authors: Silalertruksa Thapat , Gheewala Shabbir , Mungkung Rattanawan , Nilsalab Pariyapat , Lecksiwilai Naruetep , Sawaengsak Wanchat
Published: December 2017

Rice cultivation is a vital economic sector of many countries in Asia, including Thailand, with the well-being of people relying significantly on selling rice commodities. Water-intensive rice cultivation is facing the challenge of water scarcity. The study assessed the volumetric freshwater use and water scarcity footprint of the major and second rice cultivation systems in the Chao Phraya, Tha Chin, Mun, and Chi watersheds of Thailand. The results revealed that a wide range of freshwater use, i.e., 0.9–3.0 m3/kg of major rice and 0.9–2.3 m3/kg of second rice, and a high water use of rice was found among the watersheds in the northeastern region, like the Mun and Chi watersheds. However, the water scarcity footprint results showed that the second rice cultivation in watersheds, like in Chao Phraya and Tha Chin in the central region, need to be focused for improving the irrigation water use efficiency. The alternate wetting and drying (AWD) method was found to be a promising approach for substituting the pre-germinated seed broadcasting system to enhance the water use efficiency of second rice cultivation in the central region. Recommendations vis-à-vis the use of the water stress index as a tool for agricultural zoning policy were also discussed.
A Secure Mobility Network Authentication Scheme Ensuring User Anonymity
Authors: Chang Ya-Fen , Tai Wei-Liang , Hsu Min-How
Published: December 2017

With the rapid growth of network technologies, users are used to accessing various services with their mobile devices. To ensure security and privacy in mobility networks, proper mechanisms to authenticate the mobile user are essential. In this paper, a mobility network authentication scheme based on elliptic curve cryptography is proposed. In the proposed scheme, a mobile user can be authenticated without revealing who he is for user anonymity, and a session key is also negotiated to protect the following communications. The proposed mobility network authentication scheme is analyzed to show that it can ensure security, user anonymity, and convenience. Moreover, Burrows-Abadi-Needham logic (BAN logic) is used to deduce the completeness of the proposed authentication scheme.
A Block-Based Division Reversible Data Hiding Method in Encrypted Images
Authors: Liu Wei-Liang , Leng Hui-Shih , Huang Chuan-Kuei , Chen Dyi-Cheng
Published: December 2017

Due to the increased digital media on the Internet, data security and privacy protection issue have attracted the attention of data communication. Data hiding has become a topic of considerable importance. Nowadays, a new challenge consists of reversible data hiding in the encrypted image because of the correlations of local pixels that are destroyed in an encrypted image; it is difficult to embed secret messages in encrypted images using the difference of neighboring pixels. In this paper, the proposed method uses a block-based division mask and a new encrypted method based on the logistic map and an additive homomorphism to embed data in an encrypted image by histogram shifting technique. Our experimental results show that the proposed method achieves a higher payload than other works and is more immune to attack upon the cryptosystem.
A Regional Water Optimal Allocation Model Based on the Cobb-Douglas Production Function under Multiple Uncertainties
Authors: Zhang Fan , Tan Qian , Zhang Chenglong , Guo Shanshan , Guo Ping
Published: December 2017

To optimize the water distribution of three industries based on the water demand prediction under multiple uncertainties, a fuzzy credibility-constrained interval two-stage stochastic programming (FCITSP) model base on the Cobb-Douglas production (CD) function was developed. The CD-FCITSP model integrated fuzzy credibility-constrained programming (FCP), an interval two-stage stochastic programming (ITSP) method and CD function. The developed model could deal with uncertainties with interval, random, and fuzzy features, reflect tradeoffs between different water use sectors, and provide water managers in arid regions with sustainable and reasonable water-allocation schemes under different credibility scenarios of local policies. Moreover, the relationships between economic benefits and water consumption were taken into consideration via the Cobb-Douglas production function. The developed model was applied to support the optimal allocation of limited water resources in Minqin County, northwest China. The obtained solution demonstrated that the developed method could help local water managers to effectively allocate limited water under multiple uncertainties and different credibility scenarios. In addition, water use efficiency could be promoted and the emissions of major pollutants could be reduced. The developed method could be extended to water management practices in other arid regions.
Participation Versus Nonparticipation in a Charity Running Event
Authors: Mirehie Mona , Buning Richard J. , Gibson Heather J.
Published: December 2017

Hosting sport events to raise money for charitable causes has become pervasive, yet we know little about why individuals choose to participate or not. This study examined the differences between participants and nonparticipants of a hallmark small-scale charity running event. Data were
collected via an online survey containing measures of charity event participation frequency, enduring involvement, negotiation efficacy, family support, running participation patterns, and demographics. Nonparticipants were also asked about event-related participation constraints. The sample
was comprised of N = 322 event participants and N = 112 nonparticipants (committed runners). A one-way ANOVA demonstrated no statistically significant differences between the two independent samples with respect to the variables of interest. Nonparticipants indicated relatively
low constraints to event participation. The most commonly reported constraints solicited in an open-ended question format were injuries and participation in an alternative event. Findings revealed that event participants and nonparticipants are very similar in terms of their running participation
patterns. However, definite nonnegotiable constraints or preplanned involvement with other events inhibited participation in the studied event. Over time, this can result in either the expansion or contraction of their involvement in the running event. By illuminating nonnegotiable constraints,
this study may help event organizers improve planning and management towards event sustainability.
The Effects of Trade Show Environments on Visitors
Authors: Wong Jehn-Yih , Li Tzu-Hui , Chen Annie , Peng Norman
Published: December 2017

Tourism trade shows that are open to the public as well as to buyers and sellers are an emerging channel for the promotion of products to potential tourists. However, few studies have explored the influence of environmental stimuli on nonbusiness visitors' emotions. Moreover, the moderating
effect of visitors' expectations remains understudied in the context of trade show management. To address this issue, this study reports on research derived from 611 respondents at a Taiwanese tourism trade show through a modified Mehrabian–Russell model. Structural equation modeling
of the data shows that positive emotions positively influence behavioral intentions, but negative emotions do not negatively influence behavioral intentions. Among the three stimuli (i.e., information rate, service staff quality, and atmospherics), only information rate and service staff quality
positively affect positive emotions and negatively affect negative emotions. The results show that visitors with high and low trade show visit expectations react differently to environmental stimuli at trade shows.
The Attractiveness of Australian Events to Chinese Visitors and Barriers to Attendance
Authors: Fredline Liz , Jin Xin
Published: December 2017

This article explores the attractiveness of Australian events to Chinese visitors. The Chinese have become the most important inbound market for Australia and this trend is likely to continue in the near future. Traditionally, Chinese visitors have been interested in sightseeing, but
they are becoming more sophisticated in their travel behaviors and are seeking more active experiences. This exploratory study investigated whether Chinese visitors are attracted to events, what types of events they are likely to be interested in, and what factors impede their attendance at
events based on data collected from Chinese tourists by travel agents in Guandong province. It was found that some Chinese tourists are interested in events, particularly festivals and cultural events, as well as certain hallmark sporting events. It was also found that interest in events appears
to increase with travel experience, which bodes well for Australian events in the future as the Chinese travel market continues to mature. The findings will contribute a further cultural dimension to the event literature and help inform marketing and operations for individual events organizers
and destination marketing associations.
Predicting Intention to Volunteer for Mega-Sport Events in China: The Case of Universiade Event Volunteers
Authors: Jiang Kai , Potwarka Luke R. , Xiao Honggen
Published: December 2017

Attracting and retaining a loyal base of volunteers is critical to the success of mega-sport events (MSEs). The purpose of this study was to examine the antecedents of MSE volunteering in a Chinese context. Drawing upon self-determination theory, the study establishes a valid structural
equation model of antecedents of Chinese volunteers' satisfaction and their intention to volunteer in future MSEs. The XXVI Summer Universiade provides a case-specific context. After a pilot study to validate questionnaire items, location-based convenience sampling was employed to collect
data from Universiade volunteers. A total of 1,015 questionnaires were completed and analyzed. Results from the covariance-based structural equation modeling analysis showed that all of the three exogenous factors—external attractiveness, altruism, and intrinsic motivation—emerged
as significant predictors of volunteer satisfaction. In turn, volunteers' perceived level of satisfaction predicted future MSE volunteer intention. Our findings reveal unique differences between Chinese sport event volunteers and their Western counterparts. Implications for event planning
and volunteer program design are discussed.
Residents' Perceptions of Convention Centers: A Distance Decay Analysis
Authors: Li Shina , Cang Shuang , Thomas Rhodri , Hyun Seong Duk
Published: December 2017

Public investment in convention centers represents a relatively common approach to stimulating economic development in many large cities throughout the world. The rationale is that metropolitan authorities can thereby attract business tourists and promote positive (business friendly)
images of their locality. Although the economic dimension of such spending has received some attention, especially by consultants, there has been little theorizing or empirical research that has examined residents' perceptions of such development. This is in sharp contrast to examinations
of resident perceptions of leisure tourism, which has witnessed extensive academic interest. This article analyzes residents' perceptions of the Busan Exhibition and Convention Centre in South Korea. Distance decay theories, geographic decay, and cognitive decay are used to inform the analysis.
The findings indicate that increasing residents' engagement with, and knowledge of, convention centers is likely to engender positive perceptions of their impacts. It is suggested that urban policymakers in many parts of the world could learn from this study and should take residents' perceptions
into account when financing and managing convention centers.
Pre- and Postevaluation of Residents' Participation and Support of the 2012 London Olympics
Authors: Pappas Nikolaos
Published: December 2017

Even if the participation of locals is limited in mega-event decision making, their support is crucial to the event's success. Using Social Exchange Theory, the study examines the extent to which community participation and perceived impacts affect residents' support of mega-events. Implementing a structural model, the examination is based on the combination of two pieces of research undertaken before and after the London Olympics. Findings confirm the importance of perceived benefits and costs in community support. They also reveal the increase in positive perceptions after the event, the strengthening of community participation willingness and residents' support, and provide an understanding of the role of perceived success in perspective formulation. Moreover, the study uses an explanatory model for the visualization of the findings.
Memorable Experiences in Customer–Customer Interactions (CCIs) at Conferences
Authors: Wei Wei , Miao Li
Published: December 2017

Memorable experiences influence consumers' behavioral intentions and determine a business's ability to generate revenue. Provided that conference experience is by and large driven by attendees' engagement in customer–customer interactions (CCIs), this study is to identify what defines memorable CCI experiences at conferences. The authors conducted 26 in-depth in-person interviews with past association conference attendees. Data analysis reveals attendees' peak experiences in CCIs, comprisingemotion-laden CCIs,sparks in CCIs, andsurprises in CCIs. The results also demonstrate memorable deviant behaviors displayed by three types ofAttendee Bin CCIs, as well as other interpersonal factors that lead to negative, memorable CCIs, includingsocial exclusion,interpersonal stress, andinterpersonal conflict. The findings of this study challenge the conventional label of conferences merely as a social phenomenon and highlight the emotional and psychological meaningmaking processes that take place at conferences. Theoretical contributions and managerial implications of the findings are discussed.
Patterning of supported gold monolayers via chemical lift-off lithography
Authors: Slaughter Liane S , Cheung Kevin M , Kaappa Sami , Cao Huan H , Yang Qing , Young Thomas D , Serino Andrew C , Malola Sami , Olson Jana M , Link Stephan , Häkkinen Hannu , Andrews Anne M , Weiss Paul S
Published: December 2017

The supported monolayer of Au that accompanies alkanethiolate molecules removed by polymer stamps during chemical lift-off lithography is a scarcely studied hybrid material. We show that these Au–alkanethiolate layers on poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) are transparent, functional, hybrid interfaces that can be patterned over nanometer, micrometer, and millimeter length scales. Unlike other ultrathin Au films and nanoparticles, lifted-off Au–alkanethiolate thin films lack a measurable optical signature. We therefore devised fabrication, characterization, and simulation strategies by which to interrogate the nanoscale structure, chemical functionality, stoichiometry, and spectral signature of the supported Au–thiolate layers. The patterning of these layers laterally encodes their functionality, as demonstrated by a fluorescence-based approach that relies on dye-labeled complementary DNA hybridization. Supported thin Au films can be patterned via features on PDMS stamps (controlled contact), using patterned Au substrates prior to lift-off (e.g., selective wet etching), or by patterning alkanethiols on Au substrates to be reactive in selected regions but not others (controlled reactivity). In all cases, the regions containing Au–alkanethiolate layers have a sub-nanometer apparent height, which was found to be consistent with molecular dynamics simulations that predicted the removal of no more than 1.5 Au atoms per thiol, thus presenting a monolayer-like structure.
A Spectroscopic Search for AGN Activity in the Reionization Era
Authors: Laporte Nicolas , Nakajima Kimihiko , Ellis Richard S. , Zitrin Adi , Stark Daniel P. , Mainali Ramesh , Roberts-Borsani G. W.
Published: December 2017

The ubiquity of Lyman alpha (Lyα) emission in a sample of four bright [O iii]-strong star-forming galaxies with redshifts above seven has led to the suggestion that such luminous sources represent a distinct population compared with their fainter, more numerous counterparts. The presence of Lyα emission within the reionization era could indicate that these sources created early ionized bubbles due to their unusually strong radiation, possibly because of the presence of active galactic nuclei. To test this hypothesis, we secured long integration spectra with XSHOOTER on the VLT for three

sources selected to have similar luminosities and prominent excess fluxes in the IRAC 3.6 or 4.5 μm band, usually attributed to strong [O iii] emission. We secured additional spectroscopy for one of these galaxies at z = 7.15 using MOSFIRE at the Keck telescope. For the most well-studied source in our sample with the strongest IRAC excess, we detect significant nebular emission from He ii and N v indicative of a non-thermal source. For the other two sources at z = 6.81 and z = 6.85, for which no previous optical/near-infrared spectroscopy was available, Lyα is seen in one and C iii] emission in the other. Although based on a modest sample, our results further support the hypothesis that the phenomenon of intense [O iii] emission is associated preferentially with sources lying in early ionized bubbles. However, even though one of our sources at z = 7.15 suggests the presence of non-thermal radiation, such ionized bubbles may not uniquely arise in this manner. We discuss the unique advantages of extending such challenging diagnostic studies with JWST.
General Physical Properties of CGRaBS Blazars
Authors: Paliya Vaidehi S. , Marcotulli L. , Ajello M. , Joshi M. , Sahayanathan S. , Rao A. R. , Hartmann D.
Published: December 2017

We present the results of a multi-frequency, time-averaged analysis of blazars included in the Candidate Gamma-ray Blazar Survey catalog. Our sample consists of 324 γ-ray detected (γ-ray loud) and 191 γ-ray undetected (γ-ray quiet) blazars; we consider all the data up to 2016 April 1. We find that both the γ-ray loud and γ-ray quiet blazar populations occupy similar regions in the WISE color–color diagram, and γ-ray loud sources are brighter in the radio and X-ray bands. A simple one-zone synchrotron inverse-Compton emission model is applied to derive the physical properties of both populations. We find that the central black hole mass and accretion disk luminosity (

L

disk

) computed from the modeling of the optical-UV emission with a Shakura–Sunyaev disk reasonably matches that estimated from the optical spectroscopic emission-line information. A significantly larger Doppler boosting in the γ-ray loud blazars is noted, and their jets are more radiatively efficient. On the other hand, the γ-ray quiet objects are more MeV-peaked and thus could be potential targets for next-generation MeV missions. Our results confirm earlier findings about the accretion-jet connection in blazars; however, many of the γ-ray quiet blazars tend to deviate from the recent claim that the jet power exceeds

L

disk

in blazars. A broadband study, considering a larger set of γ-ray quiet objects and also including BL Lacs, will be needed to confirm/reject this hypothesis as well as to verify the evolution of the powerful high-redshift blazars into their low-power nearby counterparts.
2FGL J0846.0+2820: A New Neutron Star Binary with a Giant Secondary and Variable γ-Ray Emission
Authors: Swihart Samuel J. , Strader Jay , Johnson Tyrel J. , Cheung C. C. , Sand David , Chomiuk Laura , Wasserman Asher , Larsen Søren , Brodie Jean P. , Simonian Gregory V. , Tremou Evangelia , Shishkovsky Laura , Reichart Daniel E. , Haislip Joshua
Published: December 2017

We present optical photometric and spectroscopic observations of the likely stellar counterpart to the unassociated Fermi Large Area Telescope (LAT) γ-ray source 2FGL J0846.0+2820, selected for study based on positional coincidences of optical variables with unassociated LAT sources. Using optical spectroscopy from the SOAR telescope, we have identified a late-G giant in an eccentric (e = 0.06) 8.133-day orbit with an invisible primary. Modeling the spectroscopy and photometry together led us to infer a heavy neutron star primary of

and a partially stripped giant secondary of

. Hα emission is observed in some of the spectra, perhaps consistent with the presence of a faint accretion disk. We find that the γ-ray flux of 2FGL J0846.0+2820 dropped substantially in mid-2009, accompanied by an increased variation in the optical brightness, and since then, it has not been detected by Fermi. The long period and giant secondary are reminiscent of the γ-ray bright binary 1FGL J1417.7–4407, which hosts a millisecond pulsar (MSP) apparently in the final stages of the pulsar recycling process. The discovery of 2FGL J0846.0+2820 suggests the identification of a new subclass of MSP binaries that are the likely progenitors of typical field MSPs.
Homologous Circular-ribbon Flares Driven by Twisted Flux Emergence
Authors: Xu Z. , Yang K. , Guo Y. , Zhao J. , Zhao Z. J. , Kashapova L.
Published: December 2017

In this paper, we report two homologous circular-ribbon flares associated with two filament eruptions. They were well observed by the New Vacuum Solar Telescope and the Solar Dynamics Observatory on 2014 March 5. Prior to the flare, two small-scale filaments enclosed by a circular pre-flare brightening lie along the circular polarity inversion line around the parasitic polarity, which has shown a continuous rotation since its first appearance. Two filaments eventually erupt in sequence associated with two homologous circular-ribbon flares and display an apparent writhing signature. Supplemented by the nonlinear force-free field extrapolation and the magnetic field squashing factor investigation, the following are revealed. (1) This event involves the emergence of magnetic flux ropes into a pre-existing polarity area, which yields the formation of a 3D null-point topology in the corona. (2) Continuous input of the free energy in the form of a flux rope from beneath the photosphere may drive a breakout-type reconnection occurring high in the corona, supported by the pre-flare brightening. (3) This initiation reconnection could release the constraint on the flux rope and trigger the MHD instability to first make filament F1 lose equilibrium. The subsequent more violent magnetic reconnection with the overlying flux is driven during the filament rising. In return, the eruption of filament F2 is further facilitated by the reduction of the magnetic tension force above. These two processes form a positive feedback to each other to cause the energetic mass eruption and flare.
The Combined Ultraviolet, Optical, and Near-infrared Light Curves of the Kilonova Associated with the Binary Neutron Star Merger GW170817: Unified Data Set, Analytic Models, and Physical Implications
Authors: Villar V. A. , Guillochon J. , Berger E. , Metzger B. D. , Cowperthwaite P. S. , Nicholl M. , Alexander K. D. , Blanchard P. K. , Chornock R. , Eftekhari T. , Fong W. , Margutti R. , Williams P. K. G.
Published: December 2017

We present the first effort to aggregate, homogenize, and uniformly model the combined ultraviolet, optical, and near-infrared data set for the electromagnetic counterpart of the binary neutron star merger GW170817. By assembling all of the available data from 18 different papers and 46 different instruments, we are able to identify and mitigate systematic offsets between individual data sets and to identify clear outlying measurements, with the resulting pruned and adjusted data set offering an opportunity to expand the study of the kilonova. The unified data set includes 647 individual flux measurements, spanning 0.45–29.4 days post-merger, and thus has greater constraining power for physical models than any single data set. We test a number of semi-analytical models and find that the data are well modeled with a three-component kilonova model: a “blue” lanthanide-poor component (

cm2 g−1) with

and

an intermediate opacity “purple” component (

cm2 g−1) with

and

and a “red” lanthanide-rich component (

cm2 g−1) with

and

. We further explore the possibility of ejecta asymmetry and its impact on the estimated parameters. From the inferred parameters we draw conclusions about the physical mechanisms responsible for the various ejecta components, the properties of the neutron stars, and, combined with an up-to-date merger rate, the implications for r-process enrichment via this channel. To facilitate future studies of this keystone event we make the unified data set and our modeling code public.
The Peculiar Physics of GRB 170817A and Their Implications for Short GRBs
Authors: Bégué D. , Burgess J. Michael , Greiner J.
Published: December 2017

The unexpected nearby gamma-ray burst (GRB) GRB 170817A associated with the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory binary neutron star merger event GW170817 presents a challenge to the current understanding of the emission physics of short GRBs. The event’s low luminosity but similar peak energy compared to standard short GRBs are difficult to explain with current models, challenging our understanding of the GRB emission process. Emission models invoking synchrotron radiation from electrons accelerated in shocks and photospheric emission are particularly challenging explanations for this burst.
La proximité au cœur des synergies éco-industrielles dunkerquoises
Authors: Beaurain Christophe , Maillefert Muriel , Lenoir Varlet Delphine
Published: December 2017

L’écologie industrielle vise à mettre en valeur un fonctionnement circulaire de l’économie, pour économiser des matières premières et de l’énergie (synergies de substitution) et mutualiser des services entre entreprises (synergies de mutualisation). Le travail propose dans un premier temps une mise à jour de l’analyse des synergies éco-industrielles sur le territoire dunkerquois. L’analyse de deux cas de synergies de substitution sur le territoire dunkerquois, réalisée à partir d’entretiens avec différents acteurs productifs du territoire, montre qu’une variable commune, l’interdépendance (économique, technique et décisionnelle), structure la relation entre les différents acteurs. La gouvernance des démarches d’écologie industrielle se partage entre gouvernance opérationnelle, d’ordre routinier, fondée sur la confiance et dans laquelle le contrat est un garde-fou, et gouvernance politique, mobilisée pour arbitrer des conflits majeurs entre les parties et qui nécessite l’intervention d’un acteur-tiers légitime. Nous montrons que ces deux formes de gouvernance s’appuient sur le jeu des différentes formes de proximité entre acteurs participant aux démarches d’écologie industrielle.
La diplomatie du Saint-Siège
Authors: Joubert Bruno
Published: December 2017

La diplomatie du Saint-Siège reste un objet mal identifié. Au service d’une entité internationale souveraine mais religieuse, elle est d’abord une diplomatie ecclésiale qui ne s’engage dans les affaires temporelles internationales qu’au nom du « bien commun », en défendant des principes tels que le refus de la guerre ou la défense des droits humains. Tout en suivant cette ligne directrice, la diplomatie de François tente, avec un élan renouvelé, d’endiguer les dérives de la mondialisation, de faire progresser le dialogue avec l’orthodoxie ou l’islam et de contribuer à la paix.
Le pape évêque de Rome
Authors: Basdevant-Gaudemet Brigitte
Published: December 2017

De l’Antiquité à nos jours, le pape est évêque de Rome . La signification de l’expression a pu changer, reflétant les évolutions que connut l’autorité du successeur de Pierre à la tête du collège des évêques et renvoyant en conséquence à un pouvoir ordinaire, plénier et universel. Les premier et second conciles du Vatican se situent dans des contextes ecclésiologiques bien distincts.
El emprendedor, su proyecto y sus limitantes desde un enfoque dinámico y cognitivo: reflexiones de una intervención en campo
Authors: Ramirez Juan Morua
Published: December 2017

Après une intervention sur le terrain avec un groupe d’entrepreneurs, nous avons noté que les phénomènes dynamiques, régulièrement non-linaires, causent des modifications à leurs projets ; ces phénomènes sont liés aux éléments hétérogènes à gérer et à l’incertitude propre de ce genre de projets et en même temps, nous avons observé que les entrepreneurs en action n’ont pas pu avoir un projet clair ou leur projet original a été rapidement abandonné en agissant au fur et à mesure que les problèmes arrivaient. Cette communication a l’intention d’offrir une réflexion autour des faits observés sur le terrain, spécifiquement sur le projet entrepreneurial et ses limitateurs. Inscrits dans une approche cognitive de l’entrepreneuriat et d’une approche sur la dynamique des systèmes, nous proposons un cadre de réflexion utile pour anticiper l’émergence des limiteurs de la performance dans les projets entrepreneuriaux.
L’autopraxéographie, une méthode pour participer à la compréhension de la complexité de l’entrepreneuriat
Authors: Albert Marie-Noëlle
Published: December 2017

L’entrepreneuriat est un domaine complexe. L’autopraxéographie est une méthode à la première personne qui peut permettre d’explorer des éléments de cette complexité. Cet article vise à expliquer les spécificités de cette méthode et à en montrer des exemples d’utilisation pour participer à la compréhension de l’entrepreneuriat. Pour ce faire, il commence par présenter la complexité pour aborder l’entrepreneuriat, par la suite il explique l’autopraxéographie. Ce faisant, il expose un panorama des méthodes à la première personne, le paradigme épistémologique constructiviste pragmatique (PECP), les spécificités, le processus et les limites inhérentes à ce type de méthodes. Enfin, cet article propose de se référer à plusieurs exemples d’articles ou communications ayant utilisé cette méthode en vue d’explorer certains éléments liés à la complexité entrepreneuriale.
Commissioner Selection and Deregulation of US Gas Utilities
Authors: Hlásny Vladimír
Published: December 2017

Le présent article se propose d’évaluer le rôle des motifs de réélection des commissaires de la fonction publique d’État dans la déréglementation du marché américain de la distribution de gaz au cours des vingt dernières années. Ces motifs de réélection peuvent affecter le choix des commissaires quant à la date et au type de régime règlementaire – restructuration de la vente au détail, plafonnement des prix ou réglementation progressive – à adopter pour déréglementer certains services publics. Le système de sélection des commissaires, le calendrier des élections et la composition des commissions sont évalués comme des facteurs politiques. Il ressort que la fréquence des élections est positivement liée au risque de déréglementation, bien qu’avec des délais différents. Dans les périodes d’élections, le risque de plafonnement des prix augmente immédiatement, tandis que celui des restructurations augmente dans les années qui suivent. Les élections favorisent un plafonnement des prix, tandis que les nominations par l’État favorisent la restructuration. Les commissions à tendance démocrates favorisent le plafonnement des prix au détriment de la restructuration.
Altered Marginal Zone B Cell Selection in the Absence of IκBNS
Authors: Ádori Monika , Pedersen Gabriel K. , Ádori Csaba , Erikson Elina , Khoenkhoen Sharesta , Stark Julian M. , Choi Jin Huk , Dosenovic Pia , Karlsson Mikael C. I. , Beutler Bruce , Karlsson Hedestam Gunilla B.
Published: December 2017

Marginal zone (MZ) B cells reside in the splenic MZ and play important roles in T cell–independent humoral immune responses against blood-borne pathogens. IκBNS-deficient bumble mice exhibit a severe reduction in the MZ B compartment but regain an MZ B population with age and, thus, represent a valuable model to examine the biology of MZ B cells. In this article, we characterized the MZ B cell defect in further detail and investigated the nature of the B cells that appear in the MZ of aged bumble mice. Flow cytometry analysis of the splenic transitional B cell subsets demonstrated that MZ B cell development was blocked at the transitional-1 to transitional-2–MZ precursor stage in the absence of functional IκBNS. Immunohistochemical analysis of spleen sections from wild-type and bumble mice revealed no alteration in the cellular MZ microenvironment, and analysis of bone marrow chimeras indicated that the MZ B cell development defect in bumble mice was B cell intrinsic. Further, we demonstrate that the B cells that repopulate the MZ in aged bumble mice were distinct from age-matched wild-type MZ B cells. Specifically, the expression of surface markers characteristic for MZ B cells was altered and the L chain Igλ+ repertoire was reduced in bumble mice. Finally, plasma cell differentiation of sorted LPS-stimulated MZ B cells was impaired, and aged bumble mice were unable to respond to NP-Ficoll immunization. These results demonstrate that IκBNS is required for an intact MZ B cell compartment in C57BL/6 mice.
Corrosive Injuries of the Upper Gastrointestinal Tract
Authors: Meena Babu Lal , Narayan Kumar Shwetanshu , Goyal Gopal , Sultania Surendar , Nijhawan Sandeep
Published: December 2017

Corrosive injury of the upper gastrointestinal tract is a worldwide clinical problem, mostly occurring in children. Alkaline agents produce deeper injuries whereas acidic agents produce superficial injuries usually. Hoarseness, stridor, and respiratory distress indicate airway injury. Dysphagia, odynophagia, and drooling of saliva suggest esophageal injury whereas abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting are indicative of stomach injury. X-rays should be done to rule out perforation. Endoscopy is usually recommended in the first 12–48 h although it is safe up to 96 h after caustic ingestion. Endoscopy should be performed with caution and gentle insufflation. Initial management includes getting intravenous access and replacement of fluids. Hyperemia and superficial ulcerations have excellent recovery while deeper injuries require total parenteral nutrition or feeding jejunostomy. Patients suspected of perforation should be subjected to laparotomy. Common complications after corrosive injury are esophageal stricture, gastric outlet obstruction, and development of esophageal and gastric carcinoma.
Small noise spectral gap asymptotics for a large system of nonlinear diffusions
Authors: Di Gesù Giacomo , Le Peutrec Dorian
Published: December 2017

We study the

L^2

spectral gap of a large system of strongly coupled diffusions on unbounded state space and subject to a double-well potential. This system can be seen as a spatially discrete approximation of the stochastic Allen–Cahn equation on the one-dimensional torus. We prove upper and lower bounds for the leading term of the spectral gap in the small temperature regime with uniform control in the system size. The upper bound is given by an Eyring–Kramers-type formula. The lower bound is proven to hold also for the logarithmic Sobolev constant. We establish a sufficient condition for the asymptotic optimality of the upper bound and show that this condition is fullled under suitable assumptions on the growth of the system size. Our results can be reformulated in terms of a semiclassical Witten Laplacian in large dimension.
On sums of eigenvalues of elliptic operators on manifolds
Authors: El Soufi Ahmad , Harrell II Evans M. , Ilias Saïd , Stubbe Joachim
Published: December 2017

We use the averaged variational principle introduced in a recent article on graph spectra [10] to obtain upper bounds for sums of eigenvalues of several partial differential operators of interest in geometric analysis, which are analogues of Kröger’s bound for Neumann spectra of Laplacians on Euclidean domains [15]. Among the operators we consider are the Laplace–Beltrami operator on compact subdomains of manifolds. These estimates become more explicit and asymptotically sharp when the manifold is conformal to homogeneous spaces (here extending a result of Strichartz [26] with a simplied proof). In addition we obtain results for the Witten Laplacian on the same sorts of domains and for Schrödinger operators with confining potentials on infinite Euclidean domains. Our bounds have the sharp asymptotic form expected from the Weyl law or classical phase-space analysis. Similarly sharp bounds for the trace of the heat kernel follow as corollaries.
Fredholm consistency of upper-triangular operator matrices
Authors: Cvetković-Ilić Dragana S.
Published: December 2017

In this paper, for given operators

A\in\mathcal B(\mathcal H)

and

B\in\mathcal B(\mathcal K)

, we characterize the set of all

C\in\mathcal B(\mathcal K,\mathcal H)

such that the operator matrix

M_C= \left[ {\begin{array}{cc} A & C \\ 0 & B \\ \end{array} } \right]

is Fredholm consistent. We completely describe the sets

\bigcap_{C\in \mathcal B(\mathcal K,\mathcal H)}\sigma_{\mathrm{FC}}(M_C)

and

\bigcup_{C\in \mathcal B(\mathcal K,\mathcal H)}\sigma_{\mathrm{FC}}(M_C)

. Also, we prove that

\bigcap_{C\in \mathcal B(\mathcal K,\mathcal H)}\sigma_{\mathrm{FC}}(M_C)=\sigma_{\mathrm{FC}}(M_0)

.