bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ring Expansion of Alkylidenecarbenes Derived from Lactams, Lactones, and Thiolactones into Strained Heterocyclic Alkynes: A Theoretical Study
Authors: Le Nguyen Nhat Thu , Just Josefine , Pankauski Jonathan M. , Rablen Paul R. , Thamattoor Dasan M.
Published: February 2019

Strained cycloalkynes are of considerable interest to theoreticians and experimentalists, and possess much synthetic value as well. Herein, a series of cyclic alkylidenecarbenes—formally obtained by replacing the carbonyl oxygen of four-, five-, and six-membered lactams, lactones, and thiolactones with a divalent carbon—were modeled at the CCSD(T)/cc-pVTZ//B3LYP/6-311+G** and CCSD(T)/cc-pVTZ//CCSD/6-311+G** levels of theory. The singlet carbenes were found to be more stable than the triplets. The strained heterocyclic alkynes formed by ring expansion of these singlet carbenes were also modeled. Interestingly, the C≡C bonds in the five-membered heterocycles, obtained from the rearrangement of β-lactam- and β-lactone-derived alkylidenecarbenes, displayed lengths intermediate between formal double and triple bonds. Furthermore, 2-(1-azacyclobutylidene)carbene was found to be nearly isoenergetic with its ring-expanded isomer, and 1-oxacyclopent-2-yne was notably higher in energy than its precursor carbene. In all other cases, the cycloalkynes were lower in energy than the corresponding carbenes. The transition states for ring-expansion were always lower for the 1,2-carbon shifts than for 1,2-nitrogen or oxygen shifts, but higher than for the 1,2-sulfur shifts. These predictions should be verifiable using carbenes bearing appropriate isotopic labels. Computed vibrational spectra for the carbenes, and their ring-expanded isomers, are presented and could be of value to matrix isolation experiments.
Inhibitory Effects of Antimicrobial Peptide JH-3 on Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium Strain CVCC541 Infection-Induced Inflammatory Cytokine Release and Apoptosis in RAW264.7 Cells
Authors: Wang Lei , Zhao Xueqin , Xia Xiaojing , Zhu Chunling , Zhang Huihui , Qin Wanhai , Xu Yanzhao , Hang Bolin , Sun Yawei , Chen Shijun , Jiang Jinqing , Zhang Gaiping , Hu Jianhe
Published: February 2019

The antibiotic resistance of Salmonella has become increasingly serious due to the increased use of antibiotics, and antimicrobial peptides have been considered as an ideal antibiotic alternative. Salmonella can induce macrophage apoptosis and thus further damage the immune system. The antimicrobial peptide JH-3 has been shown to have a satisfactory anti-Salmonella effect in previous research, but its mechanism of action remains unknown. In this study, the effects of JH-3 on macrophages infected with Salmonella Typhimurium CVCC541 were evaluated at the cellular level. The results showed that JH-3 significantly alleviated the damage to macrophages caused by S. Typhi infection, reduced the release of lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), and killed the bacteria in macrophages. In addition, JH-3 decreased the phosphorylation level of p65 and the expression and secretion of interleukin 2 (IL-2), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) by inhibiting the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) (p38) signaling pathway and alleviating the cellular inflammatory response. From confocal laser scanning microscopy and flow cytometry assays, JH-3 was observed to inhibit the release of cytochrome c in the cytoplasm; the expression of TNF-αR2, caspase-9, and caspase-8; to further weaken caspase-3 activation; and to reduce the S.-Typhi-induced apoptosis of macrophages. In summary, the mechanism by which JH-3 inhibits Salmonella infection was systematically explored at the cellular level, laying the foundation for the development and utilization of JH-3 as a therapeutic alternative to antibiotics.
Developing an Enzyme-Assisted Derivatization Method for Analysis of C27 Bile Alcohols and Acids by Electrospray Ionization-Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Abdel-Khalik Jonas , Crick Peter J. , Yutuc Eylan , Wang Yuqin , Griffiths William J.
Published: February 2019

Enzyme-assisted derivatization for sterol analysis (EADSA) is a technology designed to enhance sensitivity and specificity for sterol analysis using electrospray ionization–mass spectrometry. To date it has only been exploited on sterols with a 3β-hydroxy-5-ene or 3β-hydroxy-5α-hydrogen structure, using bacterial cholesterol oxidase enzyme to convert the 3β-hydroxy group to a 3-oxo group for subsequent derivatization with the positively charged Girard hydrazine reagents, or on substrates with a native oxo group. Here we describe an extension of the technology by substituting 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3α-HSD) for cholesterol oxidase, making the method applicable to sterols with a 3α-hydroxy-5β-hydrogen structure. The 3α-HSD enzyme works efficiently on bile alcohols and bile acids with this stereochemistry. However, as found by others, derivatization of the resultant 3-oxo group with a hydrazine reagent does not go to completion in the absence of a conjugating double bond in the sterol structure. Nevertheless, Girard P derivatives of bile alcohols and C27 acids give an intense molecular ion ([M]+) upon electrospray ionization and informative fragmentation spectra. The method shows promise for analysis of bile alcohols and 3α-hydroxy-5β-C27-acids, enhancing the range of sterols that can be analyzed at high sensitivity in sterolomic studies.
Diagnosis in a Preclinical Model of Bladder Pain Syndrome Using a Au/ZnO Nanorod-based SERS Substrate
Authors: Lee Sanghwa , Namgoong Jung-Man , Yu Hwan Yeul , Jue Miyeon , Kim Gwanho , Jeon Sangmin , Shin Dong-Myung , Choo Myung-Soo , Joo Jinmyoung , Pack Chan-Gi , Kim Jun Ki
Published: February 2019

To evaluate the feasibility of ZnO nanorod-based surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) diagnostics for disease models, particularly for interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS), ZnO-based SERS sensing chips were developed and applied to an animal disease model. ZnO nanorods were grown to form nano-sized porous structures and coated with gold to facilitate size-selective biomarker detection. Raman spectra were acquired on a surface enhanced Raman substrate from the urine in a rat model of IC/BPS and analyzed using a statistical analysis method called principal component analysis (PCA). The nanorods grown after the ZnO seed deposition were 30 to 50 nm in diameter and 500 to 600 nm in length. A volume of gold corresponding to a thin film thickness of 100 nm was deposited on the grown nanorod structure. Raman spectroscopic signals were measured in the scattered region for nanometer biomarker detection to indicate IC/BPS. The Raman peaks for the control group and IC/BPS group are observed at 641, 683, 723, 873, 1002, 1030, and 1355 cm−1, which corresponded to various bonding types and compounds. The PCA results are plotted in 2D and 3D. The Raman signals and statistical analyses obtained from the nano-sized biomarkers of intractable inflammatory diseases demonstrate the possibility of an early diagnosis.
Polypyrrole Nanowires with Ordered Large Mesopores: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications in Supercapacitor and Lithium/Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Yin Fuxing , Ren Jun , Wu Guoyan , Zhang Chengwei , Zhang Yongguang
Published: February 2019

In this work, we report the preparation of polypyrrole nanowires with ordered large mesopores (OMPW) by a simple chemical polymerization method from dual templates synthesized by self-assembling silica nanospheres in porous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membrane channels. The obtained OMPW showed a large surface area (231.5 m2 g−1), high aspect ratio, and interconnected large mesopores (~23 nm). The OMPW was tested as a supercapacitor electrode and showed a specific capacitance of 453 F g−1 at 0.25 A g−1. A sulfur/OMPW (S/OMPW) cathode was fabricated via a simple solution method and a heat-treatment process for lithium/sulfur batteries (LSBs). The S/OMPW composite delivered a large discharge capacity reaching 1601 mAh g−1 at the initial cycle, retaining 1014 mAh g−1 at the 100th cycle at 0.1 C. The great electrochemical performances of the OMPW capacitor electrode and S/OMPW composite were attributed to the large specific surface areas and interconnected mesopores that could supply more active sites for the electrochemical reaction and facilitate mass transfer.
Bats and Viruses: Emergence of Novel Lyssaviruses and Association of Bats with Viral Zoonoses in the EU
Authors: Shipley Rebecca , Wright Edward , Selden David , Wu Guanghui , Aegerter James , Fooks Anthony R , Banyard Ashley C
Published: February 2019

Bats in the EU have been associated with several zoonotic viral pathogens of significance to both human and animal health. Virus discovery continues to expand the existing understating of virus classification, and the increased interest in bats globally as reservoirs or carriers of zoonotic agents has fuelled the continued detection and characterisation of new lyssaviruses and other viral zoonoses. Although the transmission of lyssaviruses from bat species to humans or terrestrial species appears rare, interest in these viruses remains, through their ability to cause the invariably fatal encephalitis—rabies. The association of bats with other viral zoonoses is also of great interest. Much of the EU is free of terrestrial rabies, but several bat species harbor lyssaviruses that remain a risk to human and animal health. Whilst the rabies virus is the main cause of rabies globally, novel related viruses continue to be discovered, predominantly in bat populations, that are of interest purely through their classification within the lyssavirus genus alongside the rabies virus. Although the rabies virus is principally transmitted from the bite of infected dogs, these related lyssaviruses are primarily transmitted to humans and terrestrial carnivores by bats. Even though reports of zoonotic viruses from bats within the EU are rare, to protect human and animal health, it is important characterise novel bat viruses for several reasons, namely: (i) to investigate the mechanisms for the maintenance, potential routes of transmission, and resulting clinical signs, if any, in their natural hosts; (ii) to investigate the ability of existing vaccines, where available, to protect against these viruses; (iii) to evaluate the potential for spill over and onward transmission of viral pathogens in novel terrestrial hosts. This review is an update on the current situation regarding zoonotic virus discovery within bats in the EU, and provides details of potential future mechanisms to control the threat from these deadly pathogens.
Design Parameters of Hot-Water Drilling Systems
Authors: Liu Gang , Talalay Pavel , Wang Rusheng , Yang Yang , Hong Jialin , Gong Da , Liu An , Fan Dayou
Published: February 2019

Currently, hot-water drill systems are actively used to observe ocean cavities under ice shelves, detect the effects of climate change on glaciers, retrieve sub-ice seabed samples, study the internal ice structure with video imaging, log temperatures, measure deformations within ice, determine basal sliding velocity, provide clean access to subglacial lakes, and many other scientific applications. The main parameters of hot-water drilling systems in any configuration are flow rate, delivery pressure, and temperature of the delivered water. The controlled outcome variables are the diameter of the drilled borehole, rate of penetration, power and fuel consumption for ice melting, and refreezing rate of the borehole. The independent variables while drilling are the current/target depth and the temperature of the ice. The paper aims to present a design procedure for hot-water drilling parameters that are necessary to choose appropriate equipment and tools at the planning stage.
Isotopes in Hydrology and Hydrogeology
Authors: Barbieri Maurizio
Published: February 2019

The structure, status, and processes of the groundwater system, which can only be acquired through scientific research efforts, are critical aspects of water resource management. Isotope hydrology and hydrogeology is a genuinely interdisciplinary science. It developed from the application of methods evolved in physics (analytical techniques) to problems of Earth and the environmental sciences since around the 1950s. In this regard, starting from hydrogeochemical data, stable and radioactive isotope data provide essential tools in support of water resource management. The inventory of stable isotopes, which has significant implications for water resources management, has grown in recent years. Methodologies based on the use of isotopes in a full spectrum of hydrological problems encountered in water resource assessment, development, and management activities are already scientifically established and are an integral part of many water resource investigations and environmental studies. The driving force behind this Special Issue was the need to point the hydrological and water resource management societies in the direction of up-to-date research and best practices.
Evaluation of Water Governance Processes Required to Transition towards Water Sensitive Urban Design—An Indicator Assessment Approach for the City of Cape Town
Authors: Madonsela Boipelo , Koop Stef , van Leeuwen Kees , Carden Kirsty
Published: February 2019

In the face of water related risks resulting from climate change and rapid urbanization, water resources in South African cities have increasingly come under pressure. Following the most recent drought period (2015–2018), local authorities such as the City of Cape Town are being tasked with restructuring policy to include climate change adaptation strategies to adapt more adequately and proactively to these new challenges. This paper describes an evaluation of the water governance processes required to implement Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) in Cape Town—with a specific focus on the barriers to, and opportunities for, those processes related to wastewater treatment, flood risk and the pressing issue of water scarcity. The City Blueprint Approach (CBA) was selected as the indicator assessment approach for this task. The CBA is a set of diagnostic tools comprising the Trends and Pressures Framework, the City Blueprint Framework and the Governance Capacity Framework. This was applied to Cape Town based on in-depth interviews and publicly available information. The analysis revealed that smart monitoring, community knowledge and experimentation with alternative water management technologies are important when considering uncertainties and complexities in the governance of urban water challenges. We conclude that there is potential for Cape Town to transition to a water sensitive city through learning from this experimentation and by implementing WSUD strategies that address water scarcity following the shifts in governance caused by the 2015–2018 drought.
Sub-wavelength waveguide properties of 1D and surface-functionalized SnO2 nanostructures of various morphologies
Authors: Bonu Venkataramana , Sahu Binaya Kumar , Das Arindam , Amirthapandian Sankarakumar , Dhara Sandip , Barshilia Harish C
Published: February 2019

One-dimensional (1D) SnO2 sub-wavelength waveguides are a critical contribution to advanced optoelectronics. Further understanding of the surface defects and role of morphology in 1D SnO2 nanowires can help to better utilize these nanostructures more efficiently. For this purpose, three different nanowires (NWs), namely belts, cylindrical- and square-shaped structures were grown using SnO2 quantum dots as a precursor material. The growth process of these NWs is discussed. The nanobelts were observed to grow up to 3 mm in length. Morphological and structural studies of the nanostructures were also carried out. All NWs showed waveguide behavior with visible photoluminescence (PL) upon excitation with a 325 nm laser. This behavior was also demonstrated in tapered and surface-functionalized SnO2 NWs. While the tapered waveguide can allow for easy focusing of light, the simple surface chemistry offers selective light propagation by tuning the luminescence. Defect-related PL in NWs is studied using temperature-dependent measurements and a band diagram is proposed.
ANALYSIS AND FORECAST OF THE DYNAMICS OF PASSENGER TRANSPORTATION BY PUBLIC LAND TRANSPORT
Authors: Butkevičius Jonas , Mazūra Mindaugas , Ivankovas Valdas , Mazūra Skirmantas
Published: February 2019

In the presented paper the dynamics of passenger haulage by public transport is considered and a forecast is made.

In Lithuania the total volume of passenger transportation by public land transport considerably decreased in the period from 1992 to 2001. In fact, the number of passengers carried by these transport facilities decreased by 3.1 times. The most considerable decrease was found on the local (suburban) bus routes and on international railway routes ‐ by 5.6 and by 5 times, respectively. Long‐distance transportation by bus which decreased only by 1.6 times was the least affected. The paper aims to identify major causes of transportation decrease common to road and railway transport (i.e. considerable growth of tariffs, fast growth of the number of personal motor cars, wear of transport facilities, lack of comfort, low prestige of public transport, etc.). The emphasis is placed on making a forecast of passenger traffic by using a multiple regression. The calculations show that the national income is the most reliable parameter for making forecasts of land transport development compared to a number of others, including national income, a gross national product, average monthly payment, household income and expenditures, national wealth, the index of production and users’ cost, and the variation of consumer goods and services. The forecasts show that passenger haulage by public transport will reach 575 m by 2010, while by 2015 it will grow up to 893 m. This means that transportation will increase by 1,6 times and 2,3 times, respectively, compared to passenger haulage in 2001. However, passenger transportation in 2015 will not achieve the volume found in 2001.

The data of the considered forecast were used developing the strategies of national road and railway transport development.
DYNAMICS OF PNEUMATIC AND HYDRAULIC TRANSPORT TECHNOLOGICAL EQUIPMENT
Authors: Bogdevičius Marijonas , Matuliauskas Arvydas , Mištinas Vygantas , Spruogis Bronislovas , Suslavičius Vladimiras
Published: February 2019

In the article the classification of inpipe robots is presented, their advantages and imperfections are reviewed. The schemes of the construction of the wall press walking inpipe robot with a pneumatic drive and an inpipe robot with a vibratory pneumatic drive are given. The analysis of the identification method of leaks occurring due to damages of the linear part of the main oil pipelines is carried out. The momentum and continuity equations of viscous compressible fluid in a pressure pipeline are presented. Differential equations of fluid movement in the oil pipeline are solved by the method of characteristics. Variation diagrams of pressure and velocity of fluid in a leaking oil pipeline are presented. The impulsive extinguishing systems are presented.
ROTARY MOTION TRANSMISSION AND STABILIZATION DEVICES
Authors: Bogdevičius Marijonas , Jurevičius Jurgis , Spruogis Bronislovas
Published: February 2019

To connect rotors, to transmit and stabilize rotation motion a new class of rotary motion transmission and stabilization devices (RMTSD) was developed. They include the rings which deform axialy, radially and at an angle the radial segments, etc. with joined concentrated inertial, dissipative and elastic elements. RMTSD design schemes are copyrighted and covered by the patents of the USA, England and Germany.

The classification of RMTSD development is performed according to the following characteristic features: dynamic characteristics, kind of elastically creeping elements, peculiarities of design elements, fastening, materials, etc. The classification presented gives the possibility to develop lots of constructions of new RMTSD of this type.
THE MODELLING OF THE LOGISTICAL NETWORK OF ON‐LINE GROUPED GOODS
Authors: Jaržemskis Andrius
Published: February 2019

The article investigates functional interrelations between the carriage of on‐line grouped goods and the structure of the logistical network. In order to forecast the flows of on‐line grouped goods the indirect model has been chosen which enables us to evaluate two important aspects: the first one is the evaluation of the structure of the goods origins in terms of trading regions as well as the other factors determining the formation of flows of goods. The second one is concerned with the structure of the transport network. A technological tool which helps to optimize the carriage of grouped goods is the process of planning on‐line grouped goods carriage routing in accordance with the indirect forecast of demand and supply of goods market.
DETERMINING OF VEHICLE CAPACITY BASED ON A LOT SIZE OF GOODS
Authors: Limba Rimantas , Fadina Olga
Published: February 2019

The size of lots of goods, vehicle type and capacity as well as the method of transportation should be properly matched. The coordination of these key parameters could reduce freight transportation costs. This can also help to save time. The proper choice of the type of a vehicle to carry the particular cargo could reduce the wear of transport facility and ensure freight safety on the road. The above measures would result in saving of resources.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL USING ROAD BUMPS
Authors: Salau Tajudeen Abiola Ogunniyi , Adeyefa Adebayo Oludele Oludele , Oke Sunday Ayoola
Published: February 2019

Road bumps play a crucial role in enforcing speed limits, thereby preventing overspeeding of vehicles. It significantly contributes to the overall road safety objective through the prevention of accidents that lead to deaths of pedestrians and damage of vehicles. Despite the importance of road bumps, very little research has been done to investigate into their design. While documentation exists on quantitative descriptions of road bumps, they offer little guidance to decision making. This work presents a unique approach to solving road bumps design problems. The results of our study reveal three important road bumps variables that influence the control of vehicle speeds. The key variables are bump height, bump width, and effective distance between two consecutive road bumps. Since vehicle speed control is the ultimate aim of this study the relationship between vehicle speed and other variables earlier mentioned is established. Vehicle speed is defined as the product of frequency at which a vehicle is moving over road bumps and the sum of effective distance between two consecutive road bumps. In the determination of bump height we assume a conical shaped curve for analysis as a matter of research strategy. Based on this, two stages of motion were analysed. The first concerns the motion over the bump itself while the second relates to the motion between two consecutive road bumps. Fourier series was then used to formulate a holistic equation that combines these two stages. We used trigonometric functions to model the behaviour of the first stage while with the second stage giving a functional value of zero since no changes in height are observed. We carried out vibration analysis to determine the effect of road bumps on a vehicular system. Arising from this a model component is referred to as an isolation factor. This offers guidance to the safe frequency at which vehicles could travel over road bumps. The work appears to contribute to knowledge in road bump research through the development of a novel approach to the control of vehicle speeds. Significant research progress could be made if engineering and academic communities at large appreciate our viewpoints. With this work it is apparent that varying of the assumptions made in terms of bump shape may produce high proliferation of beneficial research studies. Although this work may reveal a new way of investigation into road bump research, no claim is made for the work comprehensiveness. We expect experts to challenge some of our thoughts and ideas presented in this work.
THE DETERMINATION OF THE ENDOGENOUS MARKET PENETRATION AND COMPLIANCE RATE OF ADVANCED TRAVELER INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Authors: Li Shu Guang
Published: February 2019

We consider a specific ATIS which objective is to reduce drivers’ travel cost uncertainty with recurrent network congestion through the provision of traffic information. Most of the studies premise of the use of a static model for an essentially dynamic problem. We propose a multi‐user stochastic dynamic route and departure time model for modeling interactions among travelers. We propose a nested‐logit model for the determination of the market penetration and compliance rate of ATIS. The upper level is for market penetration; the lower level is for compliance rate. Then an iterative algorithm is proposed for the determination of the endogenous market penetration and compliance rate of ATIS and the equilibrium network flow pattern. Finally, the model and algorithm are tested in a simple network.
THE ASPECTS OF POSSIBILITY TO APPLY ALTERNATIVE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEMS
Authors: Naginevičius Vytenis , Lendraitis Vitas
Published: February 2019

In the report the short review of the constructional peculiarities of electro‐magnetic fuel injectors is discussed. The alternative mechanism constructions operated by vibrations and their operation principles are described. The mathematical model of the system is created. The motion existence conditions as well as stable and unstable moving element positions in the system are analyzed. The vibration excitation schemes in the standing wave mode and changing the tube fastening modes in the system are reviewed. The perspectives of new construction development and application are defined.
THE ANALOGY METHOD FOR THE DESCRIPTION OF EXTERNAL CHARACTERISTIC OF INNER COMBUSTION ENGINES
Authors: Stonys Agnius , Sapragonas Jonas , Mockus Saulius
Published: February 2019

The original data for the evaluation of vehicle motion dynamics is external characteristic of its engine, which consists of three parameters: torque, power and specific fuel consumption. It is very important to have the dependences of these characteristics on revs for various engine load cases, creating a vehicle model under real motion conditions. Load cases are defined by a load coefficient. Car‐makers usually don't declare full engine external characteristics, which overtake all load coefficient variation interval. The purpose of this article is to research, how to get full description of engine torque function without its full data. The analogy method, which is used in polymers and composites mechanics, was employed for the description of a torque function. The method is based on the creation of summarized characteristic, making horizontal and vertical shifts of torque dependences. From the curve it is possible to get a proper characteristic at a chosen load coefficient.
INVESTIGATION OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF PROBABILISTIC LOW CYCLE FATIGUE DESIGN CURVES AT STRAIN CYCLING
Authors: Bazaras Žilvinas
Published: February 2019

Probabilistic methods are based on the use of statistical data about mechanical characteristics and lifetime at cyclic loading of a material. In this investigation statistical low cycle fatigue tests were carried out and mechanical characteristics of three materials (steel of grades 15X2MFA and 45 and aluminium alloy D16T1), representing all possible variations of cyclic properties (fatigue, quasi ‐ static and intermediate mode of fracture) were determined experimentally. Based on the obtained data the analysis of design curves of equal fracture probability for steels 15X2MFA and 45 and aluminium alloy D16T1 at strain low cycle loading was performed and the design curves were compared with the experimental ones.
ANALYSIS OF THE POSSIBILITIES OF BUILDING THE RAILWAY RAIL BALTICA IN LITHUANIA
Authors: Jonaitis Jonas , Butkevičius Jonas
Published: February 2019

The article deals with the objectives and possibilities of building the railway Rail Baltica through the Lithuanian territory, covers the alternatives of the choice of routes. In Lithuania's national transport policy the connection with Central and Western Europe by a direct, efficient and high‐quality railway link has high priority. A significant chain of building a new chain is a bypass of Kaunas, therefore the alternatives of a bypass around Kaunas are being analysed. The article also presents the choice of location and types of stations, an alternative version of the route. The location of the stations was studied together with all other aspects of the new line (alignment parameters, travelling time, environmental impact and investment cost). It is recommended to considerably analyse possibilities to build the Rail Baltica route through Vilnius with a possible branch‐line to Kaunas. Building of the route Rail Baltica is a technically complicated project, thus a focus is laid upon technical decisions.
ACCIDENTAL EXPLOSIONS ON THE RAILWAY: SIMULATION‐BASED PREDICTION OF DAMAGE TO NEARBY BUILDINGS
Authors: Vaidogas Egidijus R.
Published: February 2019

A procedure for estimating potential damage to buildings induced by accidental explosions on the railway is developed. By the damage failures of nearby structures due to actions generated by the accidental explosions are meant. This damage is measured in terms of probabilities of potential failures caused by explosions. The estimation of the damage probabilities is based on stochastic simulation of railway accidents involving an explosion. The proposed simulation‐based procedure quantifies epistemic (state‐of‐knowledge) uncertainties in the damage probabilities. These uncertainties are expressed in terms of Bayesian prior and posterior distributions. The foundation of the procedure is a computer intensive method known as the Bayesian bootstrap. It is used for approximating the posterior distributions of damage probabilities. The application of the Bayesian bootstrap makes the proposed procedure highly automatic and convenient for assessing structures subjected to the hazard of the accidental actions. In addition, it can be used for specifying safe distances between the railway and nearby buildings. Structures of these buildings can be designed for tolerable probabilities of failures induced by accidental explosions.
The Distance and Motion of the Maffei Group
Authors: Anand Gagandeep S. , Tully R. Brent , Rizzi Luca , Karachentsev Igor D.
Published: February 2019

It has recently been suggested that the nearby galaxies Maffei 1 and 2 are farther in distance than previously thought, such that they no longer are members of the same galaxy group as IC 342. We reanalyze near-infrared photometry from the Hubble Space Telescope, and find a distance to Maffei 2 of 5.73 ± 0.40 Mpc. With this distance, the Maffei Group lies 2.5 Mpc behind the IC 342 Group and has a peculiar velocity toward the Local Group of −128 ± 33 km s−1. The negative peculiar velocities of both of these distinct galaxy groups are likely the manifestation of void expansion from the direction of Perseus-Pisces.
Crater Density Predictions for New Horizons Flyby Target 2014 MU69
Authors: Greenstreet Sarah , Gladman Brett , McKinnon William B. , Kavelaars J. J. , Singer Kelsi N.
Published: February 2019

In preparation for the 2019 January 1 encounter between the New Horizons spacecraft and the Kuiper Belt object 2014 MU69, we provide estimates of the expected impact crater surface density on the Kuiper Belt object. Using the observed crater fields on Charon and Pluto down to the resolution limit of the 2015 New Horizons flyby of those bodies and estimates of the orbital distribution of the crater-forming projectiles, we calculate the number of craters per unit area formed as a function of the time a surface on 2014 MU69 has been exposed to bombardment. We find that if the shallow crater size distribution from roughly 1–15 km exhibited on Pluto and Charon is indeed due to the sizes of Kuiper Belt projectiles, 2014 MU69 should exhibit a surface that is only lightly cratered below 1 km scale, despite being bombarded for ∼4 billion years. Its surface should therefore be more clearly indicative of its accretionary environment. In addition, this object may be the first observed for which the majority of the bombardment is from exogenic projectiles moving at less than or near the speed of sound in the target materials, implying morphologies more akin to secondary craters elsewhere in the solar system. Lastly, if the shallow Kuiper Belt size distribution implied from the Pluto and Charon imaging is confirmed at 2014 MU69, then we conclude that this size distribution is a preserved relic of its state ≃4.5 Gyr ago and provides a direct constraint on the planetesimal formation process itself.
Dacar Cas/Somali Red Aloe: a new species of Aloe (Asphodelaceae) from Somaliland
Authors: Barkworth Mary E. , Awale Ahmed Ibrahim , Gelle Faisal Jama
Published: February 2019

A new species of Aloe (Asphodelaceae) is described from Somaliland. It differs from other species in forming large clumps and in having sap that is initially yellow but quickly turns bright red and then dark red or reddish-brown, paniculate red-flowered inflorescences and uniformly coloured leaves with red teeth. Its recognition raises the number of species known from the combined area of Somaliland and Somalia s.s. from 31 to 36. A map portraying species density of Aloe by country, as that genus is now interpreted, shows that Aloe has its highest density on islands in the Indian Ocean but that, within Africa, the greatest density is in countries along the eastern highlands. The data also reinforce the importance of field botanists in determining a country’s known plant diversity.
La m-Santé comme vecteur de santé maternelle en Afrique subsaharienne : une revue critique des arguments
Authors: Boidin Bruno , Voyer Marion
Published: February 2019

Cet article propose une revue de littérature critique des initiatives de m-Santé appliquées à l’Afrique subsaharienne pour esquisser des perspectives relatives à la santé des femmes et à la santé maternelle en milieu rural. La première section présente une synthèse des arguments portés par les partisans d’une montée en puissance de la m-Santé dans les initiatives internationales. La deuxième section propose de discuter ces arguments. La thèse selon laquelle la m-santé serait un facteur favorable à la santé maternelle dans les milieux défavorisés doit être sérieusement relativisée. Sa principale faiblesse est de nécessiter des prérequis qui font encore largement défaut aux pays pauvres. Parmi ces prérequis figurent en particulier l’amélioration substantielle des services de santé de base et l’implication de la puissance publique comme véritable coordinateur de la politique de santé. Si ces conditions ne sont pas réunies, la promotion de la m-santé pourrait renforcer la fragmentation des systèmes de santé au détriment des plus pauvres.
Afrique sub-saharienne et hépatite C : défis et perspectives de la mise en œuvre opérationnelle d’outils diagnostiques innovants
Authors: Duchesne Léa , Duchesne Victor
Published: February 2019

Avec l’avènement de nouveaux traitements efficaces chez plus de 90% des patients, l’élimination de l’hépatite C chronique est devenue envisageable. Dans les pays en développement, le manque chronique d’infrastructures de diagnostic représente une barrière à leur distribution. La mise au point d’un test virémique utilisable en contexte décentralisé apparait comme un point crucial de la lutte contre l’hépatite C. De nombreuses innovations, reposant sur le principe d’innovations frugales, pourraient permettre de développer un tel test. Malgré leur potentiel, seule une infime partie de ces technologies ont été jusqu’à présent rendues disponibles sur le marché. Les difficultés inhérentes au processus d’innovation dans les pays en développement ainsi que le manque de collaboration entre domaines de recherche, tant au moment de la conception des prototypes (industrialisation, intégration des retours d’expériences) qu’à celui de sa mise sur le marché (homologation, distribution, viabilité), viennent renforcer la difficile mise en place opérationnelle de ces outils diagnostiques innovants.
Couverture sanitaire universelle et parcours de soins au Maroc
Authors: Heikel Jaâfar , Chafai Amal
Published: February 2019

La mise en place en 2005 d’une couverture sanitaire universelle (CSU) au Maroc avec une composante assurance maladie obligatoire (AMO) pour les salariés et un régime d’assurance maladie pour les économiquement démunis (RAMED), devait améliorer l’accessibilité aux services de santé et réduire les iniquités pour 85% de la population marocaine. Douze ans plus tard, plusieurs indicateurs ont montré des effets inattendus. Afin de connaitre le parcours de santé et le rôle de la CSU, nous avons mené une étude qualitative sous forme de 34 groupes de discussions (GD) pour mieux appréhender le vécu, les perceptions et les attentes de la population vis à vis des services de santé. Les résultats ont montré que le parcours de soins était déterminé par deux critères majeurs à savoir la chronicité de la maladie et le type de couverture médicale. Par ailleurs et hormis ces deux critères, le milieu de résidence, l’offre de soins, la qualité de service pourrait expliquer certains comportements de santé.
Le paludisme des enfants de moins de cinq ans à Yaoundé (Cameroun) : déterminants environnementaux et socioéconomiques
Authors: Mendo Elvire , Bilong Nguidjol Jacques
Published: February 2019

Le paludisme reste un défi majeur en Afrique subsaharienne. Il y constitue la première cause de morbidité et de mortalité infantile dans la plupart des pays, malgré les nombreux efforts consentis au niveau mondial et par les gouvernements des pays concernés. Nous nous interrogeons dans cet article sur les déterminants et les enjeux de la vulnérabilité des enfants de moins de cinq ans à Yaoundé. Une enquête de terrain et un modèle Probit sont utilisés. Les résultats de cette étude mettent en particulier en exergue des facteurs environnementaux et socioéconomiques ayant un impact significatif : le sexe du chef de ménage (moindre vulnérabilité des familles gérées par une femme), le nombre d’enfants de zéro à cinq ans dans le ménage (vulnérabilité accrue pour les ménages ayant beaucoup d’enfants), le niveau d’éducation du chef de ménage (positivement corrélé à une baisse de vulnérabilité) et l’insalubrité du milieu de résidence. Par ailleurs, on constate qu’une utilisation importante de moustiquaires par la plupart des ménages n’empêche pas une forte occurrence de cette maladie chez les enfants. A l’issue de ces résultats, il semble judicieux d’envisager une amélioration de l’environnement de vie et de l’éducation des ménages à l’utilisation des moyens préventifs contre cette maladie, tels que les moustiquaires imprégnées. Il convient également de s’interroger sur la meilleure façon de protéger les enfants en dehors des heures de sommeil et sur l’éventualité d’un accès gratuit à ces moyens de prévention pour toute la population vulnérable.
Sida et vie religieuse au Malawi : repenser l’influence de la dynamique démographique sur les comportements culturels
Authors: Trinitapoli Jenny , Richou Camille
Published: February 2019

Cet article examine les relations réciproques qu’entretiennent la religion et les dynamiques démographiques au Malawi dans un contexte d’épidémie de sida, entre 2001 et 2006. À partir de données inédites sur des chefs religieux et des femmes laïques du Malawi rural, l’analyse montre que les prescriptions religieuses ont été influencées par l’épidémie. Cela se traduit par la prise en compte explicite d’informations relatives au sida dans les prescriptions religieuses en matière de sexualité et de constitution de la famille. Plus surprenant, en revanche, les prescriptions chrétiennes et musulmanes en matière de mariage et de divorce abordent également l’un des dilemmes fondamentaux posés par le sida : le choix entre la stratégie de prévention consistant à quitter un conjoint qui risque d’infecter le/la partenaire et l’obligation maritale, sociale et religieuse de prendre soin des malades. Une doctrine rendant acceptable le divorce, appelée « fenêtre d’opportunité », traduit un effort pour combiner ces objectifs parfois incompatibles que sont la protection des individus vis-à-vis du VIH, la prévention de la propagation de la maladie au sein de la communauté, le maintien de la cohésion sociale et l’extension du contrôle religieux. Mettre en regard la doctrine religieuse avec une crise démographique permet de montrer pourquoi et comment les perceptions locales des phénomènes démographiques peuvent avoir un profond impact culturel.
Les atteintes commises par des ministres de l’Église : que dit le droit de l’Église catholique ?
Authors: Boudet Emmanuel
Published: February 2019

L’Église, face aux atteintes sur mineurs commises par des clercs, ne peut pas cacher que ses procédures et son droit n’ont pas fonctionné. Elle doit penser de manière nouvelle. Pour punir ces actes, le droit pénal canonique seul est parfaitement inadéquat face au scandale que représente la pédophilie cléricale : le recours à la justice des États ne peut plus être remis en question. Cependant, la partie pénale propre à l’Église ne doit pas être abandonnée quand il s’agit de retirer du corps clérical ceux qui ont commis des actes totalement incompatibles avec la poursuite d’un ministère, spécialement pour des actes pédophiles. À côté du ministère de miséricorde, la nécessité d’une réponse pénale canonique perdure afin de redire ce qui est juste et de défendre les victimes de manière publique.
Effet de l’ouverture d’un lycée sur l’orientation des élèves à la fin du collège
Authors: Garrouste Manon , Zaiem Meryam
Published: February 2019

Cette étude analyse l’effet de l’ouverture d’un nouveau lycée sur le parcours scolaire des élèves à la fin du premier cycle de l’enseignement secondaire. Nous utilisons les ouvertures de nouveaux lycées pour illustrer la contrainte que l’offre scolaire locale exerce sur les décisions individuelles de scolarisation. Notre échantillon de travail couvre l’ensemble des élèves scolarisés en classe de troisième des années 2007-2008 à 2010-2011 en France. Notre stratégie d’estimation (les différences de différences généralisées) utilise la variation dans le temps et dans l’espace des ouvertures de lycées pour estimer l’effet causal d’une augmentation de l’offre locale sur l’orientation des élèves à la fin de la troisième. Nous trouvons que l’ouverture d’un nouveau lycée augmente la probabilité pour les élèves du collège le plus proche de continuer leur scolarité dans le second cycle de secondaire. Cette augmentation est due à la voie professionnelle. Par ailleurs, les effets sont portés par les élèves les plus fragiles scolairement.
Quels effets de la retraite sur la santé ?
Authors: L’Haridon Olivier , Messe Pierre-Jean , Wolff François-Charles
Published: February 2019

Cet article s’intéresse à l’effet du passage à la retraite sur la santé. Sur la base d’une double analyse de la littérature théorique et empirique, nous tentons d’identifier les principaux canaux par lesquels le passage à la retraite peut exercer une influence sur l’état de santé. Sur le plan théorique, nous montrons dans quelle mesure les individus ont intérêt à investir ou désinvestir dans leur santé au cours du cycle de vie et dans quelle mesure le passage à la retraite influence l’évolution de ce capital santé. Une analyse de la littérature empirique internationale souligne la difficulté de mesurer l’impact de la retraite sur la santé, notamment du fait de biais dans la mesure des états de santé et de l’existence d’une possible causalité inverse. À l’aide des enquêtes Emploi sur la période 2013-2016, nous illustrons la difficulté d’identifier un impact causal de la retraite sur la santé des individus. Nos résultats mettent néanmoins en évidence un effet positif du passage à la retraite sur l’état de santé auto-déclaré.
Inégalités face à la mort et au risque de dépendance
Authors: Lefèbvre Mathieu , Perelman Sergio , Schoenmaeckers Jérôme
Published: February 2019

Nous utilisons les données de l’enquête SHARE afin d’estimer la relation entre le statut socio-économique, la mortalité et le risque de dépendance chez les européens de 50 ans et plus. Après avoir confirmé que les probabilités subjectives de survie telles que déclarées dans l’enquête sont de bons prédicteurs des probabilités de survie réelle, nous estimons l’effet de la richesse du ménage sur ces probabilités subjectives de survie. Les résultats montrent que les individus les plus riches ont une plus grande probabilité de survie et ceci quelle que soit la méthode d’estimation utilisée (MCO ou VI). La force de cette relation diverge selon les pays et nous observons que dans les pays les plus bismarckiens, la richesse explique davantage la survie que dans les pays beveridgiens. Enfin, nous montrons également que les individus les moins riches sont ceux qui ont une plus grande probabilité de devenir dépendant mais également ceux qui connaissent des périodes de dépendance les plus longues. Nos résultats identifient donc une triple peine liée au niveau de vie, résumée par le constat que les plus pauvres vivent moins longtemps, sont plus dépendants et ce, pour une plus longue période.
Les enjeux du patrimoine et de sa transmission dans nos sociétés vieillissantes
Authors: Masson André
Published: February 2019

Nos sociétés développées sont confrontées depuis l’orée des années 1980 à un processus de « patrimonialisation » à la fois inédit, massif et particulièrement dommageable pour la croissance économique, l’égalité des chances et l’équilibre des rapports entre générations. Ce processus se traduit par un poids croissant et inégal du patrimoine par rapport au revenu, mais aussi par une « crispation patrimoniale » des seniors, détenteurs d’une masse inerte de patrimoine peu risqué, un « retour » de l’héritage, reçu cependant de plus en plus tard, et des jeunes ménages fortement contraints dans leurs projets patrimoniaux. Le recul de la mortalité aux âges élevés n’a pas créé seul ce processus, lié par ailleurs au ralentissement de la croissance et aux transformations du capital, mais en a considérablement amplifié les effets. Remédier à une telle situation patrimoniale n’apparaît pas une chose facile, comme le suggèrent quelques exemples de réformes sociales et fiscales possibles. L’analyse conduit à mettre en avant deux propositions couplées : i) une cotisation sociale sur le 3 ème âge (retraités) qui contribuerait à financer les besoins du 4 ème âge par une couverture inclusive et obligatoire de la perte d’autonomie ; ii) le programme Taxfinh (Tax family inheritances), qui propose, d’une part, l’augmentation du taux et de la progressivité de l’impôt sur les seuls héritages familiaux pour les 10 à 15 % de familles les plus fortunées, et, d’autre part, d’offrir en contrepartie des moyens accrus d’éviter cette surtaxe successorale, facilitant aussi bien la donation (à la famille, aux œuvres ou du patrimoine professionnel), la consommation du patrimoine (immobilier), ou encore l’investissement productif à long terme de l’épargne des seniors. Ce programme répondrait à la fois aux défis redoutables soulevés par une situation patrimoniale néfaste et à l’impopularité actuelle des droits de succession standard.