bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying Project Management Practices and Principles for Public–Private Partnerships in Housing Projects: The Case of Tanzania
Authors: Kavishe Neema , Chileshe Nicholas
Published: December 2018

Despite the advocated benefits of Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs) such as alleviating the housing problems within the developing countries, the PPP implementation process is fraught with several challenges; including project management (PM) related ones. Tanzania, like many developing countries, has higher PPP projects termination rates in comparison to the global average. This suggests a lack of effective PM practices and principles integration. To bridge that knowledge gap, this study applies the theoretical lenses of innovation diffusion theory (IDT) to identify the extent of integration of PM practices and principles during the implementation of PPPs in Tanzanian housing projects. A qualitative approach comprising 10 semi-structured interviews was conducted among PPP practitioners. Directed content analysis was employed for the analysis. Based on frequency of citations, 14 PPPs sustainable PM practices and principles for PPPs implementation are identified. The three most relevant practices and principles were: official and unofficial site visits, documenting the inspections, and site meetings. Assessing the actual work done against the schedule of works was identified as the prevalent project performance of PPP. The results are expected to further nurture an improved appreciation of the best integration PM practices and principles associated with successfully implementing PPPs in housing projects.
Effects of a Travel Behaviour Change Program on Sustainable Travel
Authors: Ruiz Tomás , Arroyo Rosa , Mars Lidón , Casquero Daniel
Published: December 2018

The main objective of the present study is to analyse the effect of a Travel Behaviour Change Program (TBCP) based on health improvement actions, in relation to a potential for an increase in walking and cycling, with reference to particular groups of people defined according to sociodemographics. A TBCP consisting of three persuasion actions based on health improvements was planned and executed in Valencia (Spain). A two-wave panel survey was used to study the effects of taking part in the TBCP. The panel survey collected data related to activity-travel scheduling process before and after the execution of the TBCP. To study the influence of participating in the TBCP, respondents were separated into two groups: those directly implicated in the TBCP and those who were not involved in any action (CG), which were formed on the basis of sociodemographic similarity. We developed descriptive and explanatory analyses and predictive models, to study the effect of the TBCP with reference to particular groups of people defined according to sociodemographics. Results indicate that being involved in the TBCP affects more males than females, those who share their household and do not live with their parents during weekdays, those with lower car availability, those willing to reduce car use and students. Several implications for research and transport policy are derived from these results.
The Tragedy of Forestland Sustainability in Postcolonial Africa: Land Development, Cocoa, and Politics in Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Ongolo Symphorien , Kouamé Kouassi Sylvestre , Chérif Sadia , Giessen Lukas
Published: December 2018

Tropical countries are often blamed for not managing their natural resources sustainably. But what if overexploitation is inherent in political structures and policies—rooted in foreign colonial order—and is consistently detrimental in the contemporary use of forestlands? This article argues that post-colonial land development policies and related political interests seriously impede the sustainability of forest ecosystems in Côte d’Ivoire. Methodologically, the study builds on a historic contextualisation of forestland use policies in Sub-Saharan Africa, with Côte d’Ivoire serving as a case study. The results indicate that the increasing development of so-called rent crops clearly follows the historical dynamics of ‘land grabbing’ and a post-colonial agrarian model. This situation benefits agribusiness entrepreneurs and, more recently, sustainability standards. The study discusses the findings based on recent literature and empirical evidence. In conclusion, the post-colonial heritage and the manipulation of the related patterns by elites and policy-makers largely explains the present-day unsustainable forestland conversions in Côte d’Ivoire.
Socially Responsible Human Resource Management and Employee Perception: The Influence of Manager and Line Managers
Authors: López-Fernández Macarena , Romero-Fernández Pedro M. , Aust Ina
Published: December 2018

The aim of this article is to contribute to understanding the importance of considering the effect of employees’ perceptions of Socially Responsible Human Resource Management (SR-HRM) on employee commitment. Results, applied to different levels of the organization (HR managers, line managers and employees) show, on one hand, that there is a relationship between a SR-HRM and employee commitment, and on the other hand, that employees’ perceptions have an influence on the extent to which these relationships are developed. HR managers and line managers perceived SR-HRM in a similar way and line managers and non-managerial employees generally did too. The frequency with which line managers disagree with employees’ perceptions about socially responsible practices was low. Suggestions for HRM practice and future research are provided.
A Comparative Study on the RFS Program of Korea with the US and UK
Authors: Shin Jung-Yull , Kim Gun-Woo , Zepernick Janet S. , Kang Kyu-Young
Published: December 2018

In 2016, the global environmental impact of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions was 49.3 gigatons CO2 equivalent. Worldwide, the transportation sector is responsible for 14% of GHG. Electric vehicles (EV) powered by less-polluting energy sources are one way to reduce the environmental impact of the transportation sector, but immediate transportation demands cannot be met by existing EV technology. Use of less polluting biofuel in place of petroleum-based gasoline or diesel fuel to power the existing transportation fleet is a widely accepted transitional solution, including in the Republic of Korea. The purpose of this research is to investigate approaches to biofuels in the US and the UK in order to evaluate Korea’s current energy policies related to use of biofuels and to make recommendations for strengthening Korea’s energy policy. This article addresses only policies for use of biodiesel rather than ethanol (widely used in the US) because ethanol is not used in Korea. This research shows that Korea calculates GHG using the principle that biofuel is carbon neutral, but energy policies in the US and the UK treat biofuel as not entirely carbon neutral. Korea should examine how to calculate GHG from biodiesel according to the standard set by the UK in order to work toward a more environmentally sustainable energy policy.
Sustainable Mountain Village Construction Adapted to Livelihood, Topography, and Hydrology: A Case of Dong Villages in Southeast Guizhou, China
Authors: Zhou Zhengxu , Jia Ziyu , Wang Nian , Fang Ming
Published: December 2018

A sustainable environment needs the effort and experience from both urban and rural areas. Some villages have achieved sustainability utilizing the concept of ecological stability. This paper takes the Dong villages in the Duliujiang River Basin in the Southeastern Guizhou as an example. Based on the anthropological “ethnographic text” and the morphological “village space information”, this paper analyzes the impact of the mountain rice livelihood model and different hydrological–topographic conditions on the spatial pattern of settlements, focusing on the sustainable construction wisdom. The findings are as follows: (1) Dong people’s migration follows the “River Valley–Mountain Valley–Mountain Slope” path, with maintenance of the rice livelihood model and, finally, derived from the “Mountain–Water–Forest–Paddy Field–Village” spatial pattern, the “Mountain–Water–(Pond)–Field–Forest–Village”, “Mountain–Water–Terrace–Forest–Village” settlement space patterns are formed. (2) The Dong’s settlements form a sustainable overall space. “Mountain–Water–Forest–Paddy Field” each play an ecological role and form an organic whole. Their management mechanism of utilizing limited natural resources has played an important management and supervision role. (3) The natural base of “Mountain–Water–Forest–Paddy Field–Village” is in accordance with their livelihood model and social culture, forming a unique ecosystem. It has become the basic environment for them to obtain survival sustenance, which still has prominent values today.
Application in International Market Selection for the Export of Goods: A Case Study in Vietnam
Authors: Wang Chia Nan , Le Anh Phuong
Published: December 2018

International market selection for conducting exports is based on various trade and economic factors. It is very important to understand how to efficiently trade with another country and to maintain consistency. However, such a consistency is not possible in the case of economics. Therefore, using an efficiency measure helps us to explore and benchmark a country’s exportation businesses. The main goal of this study is to develop an integrated data envelopment analysis (DEA) model to explore the most productive manner through which Vietnam exports goods to other countries. Exploring the most productive export business will help us achieve another goal of this study, which is the selection of international market efficiencies. The variables used for this analysis include the exports, total exports, import tariff, dollar exchange, and the ease of doing business. Based on the data collected from an international organization, on the 15 leading export markets in Vietnam, this study applied integrated DEA, which combines the super slack-based measure (Super SBM) and Malmquist Productivity Index (MPI) analysis to evaluate the export market efficiency. The findings show that for the selection of the export market, the three countries that were the most consistently efficient during 2014–2017 were Malaysia, Singapore, and the United States. This study indicates that the selection of international markets for developing countries should comply with low tariff rates, low exchange rates, and a higher ease of doing business in order to improve the gross domestic product (GDP) and economy of the country.
Investigating the Random Seat Boarding Method without Seat Assignments with Common Boarding Practices Using an Agent-Based Modeling
Authors: Delcea Camelia , Cotfas Liviu-Adrian , Salari Mostafa , Milne R. John
Published: December 2018

Research related to creating new and improved airplane boarding methods has seen continuous advancement, in recent years, while most of the airline companies have remained committed to the traditional boarding methods. Among the most-used boarding methods, around the world, are back-to-front and random boarding with and without assigned seats. While the other boarding methods used in practice possess strict rules for passengers’ behavior, random without assigned seats is dependent on the passengers own way of choosing the “best” seats. The aim of this paper is to meticulously model the passengers’ behavior, especially, in random boarding without assigned seats and to test its efficiency in terms of boarding time and interferences, in comparison with the other commonly-adopted methods (random boarding with assigned seats, window-middle-aisle (WilMA), back-to-front, reverse pyramid, etc.). One of the main challenges in our endeavor was the identification of the real human passengers’ way of reasoning, when selecting their seats, and creating a model in which the agents possess preferences and make decisions, as close to those decisions made by the human passengers, as possible. We model their choices based on completed questionnaires from three hundred and eighty-seven human subjects. This paper describes the resulting agent-based model and results from the simulations.
Modular Uniform Convexity of Lebesgue Spaces of Variable Integrability
Authors: Bachar Mostafa , Mendez Osvaldo , Bounkhel Messaoud
Published: December 2018

We analyze the modular geometry of the Lebesgue space with variable exponent, L p ( · ) . Our central result is that L p ( · ) possesses a modular uniform convexity property. Part of the novelty is that the property holds even in the case sup x ∈ Ω p ( x ) = ∞ . We present specific applications to fixed point theory.
Two Types of Single Valued Neutrosophic Covering Rough Sets and an Application to Decision Making
Authors: Wang Jingqian , Zhang Xiaohong
Published: December 2018

In this paper, to combine single valued neutrosophic sets (SVNSs) with covering-based rough sets, we propose two types of single valued neutrosophic (SVN) covering rough set models. Furthermore, a corresponding application to the problem of decision making is presented. Firstly, the notion of SVN β -covering approximation space is proposed, and some concepts and properties in it are investigated. Secondly, based on SVN β -covering approximation spaces, two types of SVN covering rough set models are proposed. Then, some properties and the matrix representations of the newly defined SVN covering approximation operators are investigated. Finally, we propose a novel method to decision making (DM) problems based on one of the SVN covering rough set models. Moreover, the proposed DM method is compared with other methods in an example.
FlexMonitor: A Flexible Monitoring Framework in SDN
Authors: Wang Binfeng , Su Jinshu
Published: December 2018

Efficient network monitoring is an important basis work for network management. Generally, many management applications require accurate and timely statistics about network states at different aggregation levels at low cost, such as malicious traffic detection, traffic engineering, etc. Moreover, the network environment to be monitored is constantly changing and expanding, including not only the data center for cloud computing but also the Internet of Things (IoT) for smart urban sensing, which requires the intensive study of more fine-grained network monitoring. As is well known, the development of efficient network monitoring approaches greatly relies on a flexible monitoring framework. Software defined network (SDN) can provide dramatic advantages for network management by separating the control plane and data plane. Therefore, it is a good choice to design a flexible monitoring framework based on the advantages of SDN. However, most research works only take advantage of the centralized control feature in SDN, which leads to limited improvement in the flexibility of the monitoring framework. This paper proposes a flexible monitoring framework named FlexMonitor, which can realize greater flexibility based on not only the centralized control feature, but also the high programmability in the controller and the limited programmability in the openflow switches in SDN. There are two key parts in FlexMonitor, namely the monitoring strategy deployment part and the monitoring data collection part, which can enrich the deployment methods of monitoring strategies and increase the kinds of monitoring data sources, respectively. Based on the NetMagic platform, this monitoring framework was implemented and evaluated through realizing a distributed denial of service (DDoS) detection approach. The experimental results show that the proposed DDoS detection approach has a better detection performance compared with other related approaches as well as indirectly show that FlexMonitor can flexibly support a variety of efficient monitoring approaches.
A Smart System for Low-Light Image Enhancement with Color Constancy and Detail Manipulation in Complex Light Environments
Authors: Rahman Ziaur , Aamir Muhammad , Pu Yi-Fei , Ullah Farhan , Dai Qiang
Published: December 2018

Images are an important medium to represent meaningful information. It may be difficult for computer vision techniques and humans to extract valuable information from images with low illumination. Currently, the enhancement of low-quality images is a challenging task in the domain of image processing and computer graphics. Although there are many algorithms for image enhancement, the existing techniques often produce defective results with respect to the portions of the image with intense or normal illumination, and such techniques also inevitably degrade certain visual artifacts of the image. The model use for image enhancement must perform the following tasks: preserving details, improving contrast, color correction, and noise suppression. In this paper, we have proposed a framework based on a camera response and weighted least squares strategies. First, the image exposure is adjusted using brightness transformation to obtain the correct model for the camera response, and an illumination estimation approach is used to extract a ratio map. Then, the proposed model adjusts every pixel according to the calculated exposure map and Retinex theory. Additionally, a dehazing algorithm is used to remove haze and improve the contrast of the image. The color constancy parameters set the true color for images of low to average quality. Finally, a details enhancement approach preserves the naturalness and extracts more details to enhance the visual quality of the image. The experimental evidence and a comparison with several, recent state-of-the-art algorithms demonstrated that our designed framework is effective and can efficiently enhance low-light images.
F(R,G) Cosmology through Noether Symmetry Approach
Authors: Camci Ugur
Published: December 2018

The F ( R , G ) theory of gravity, where R is the Ricci scalar and G is the Gauss-Bonnet invariant, is studied in the context of existence the Noether symmetries. The Noether symmetries of the point-like Lagrangian of F ( R , G ) gravity for the spatially flat Friedmann-Lemaitre-Robertson-Walker cosmological model is investigated. With the help of several explicit forms of the F ( R , G ) function it is shown how the construction of a cosmological solution is carried out via the classical Noether symmetry approach that includes a functional boundary term. After choosing the form of the F ( R , G ) function such as the case ( i ) : F ( R , G ) = f 0 R n + g 0 G m and the case ( i i ) : F ( R , G ) = f 0 R n G m , where n and m are real numbers, we explicitly compute the Noether symmetries in the vacuum and the non-vacuum cases if symmetries exist. The first integrals for the obtained Noether symmetries allow to find out exact solutions for the cosmological scale factor in the cases (i) and (ii). We find several new specific cosmological scale factors in the presence of the first integrals. It is shown that the existence of the Noether symmetries with a functional boundary term is a criterion to select some suitable forms of F ( R , G ) . In the non-vacuum case, we also obtain some extra Noether symmetries admitting the equation of state parameters w ≡ p / ρ such as w = − 1 , − 2 / 3 , 0 , 1 etc.
An Updated Constraint on Variations of the Fine-Structure Constant Using Wavelengths of Fe II Absorption Line Multiplets
Authors: Le T. D.
Published: December 2018

A new stringent limit relating to the variation of the fine-structure constant ( α = e 2 4 π ε 0 ℏ c ) has been extracted from Ritz wavelengths of 27 quasi_stellar object (QSO) absorption spectra lines of Fe II. The calculation was combined with laboratory wavelengths and QSO spectra to obtain the result Δ α / α = ( 0.027 ± 0.832 ) × 10 − 6 . This result suggests how dedicated astrophysical estimations can improve these limits in the future and can also constrain space_time variations.
Vacuum Constraints for Realistic Strongly Coupled Heterotic M-Theories
Authors: Ovrut Burt A.
Published: December 2018

The compactification from the 11-dimensional Horava-Witten orbifold to 5-dimensional heterotic M-theory on a Schoen Calabi-Yau threefold is reviewed, as is the specific S U ( 4 ) vector bundle leading to the “heterotic standard model” in the observable sector. A generic formalism for a consistent hidden sector gauge bundle, within the context of strongly coupled heterotic M-theory, is presented. Anomaly cancellation and the associated bulk space 5-branes are discussed in this context. The further compactification to a 4-dimensional effective field theory on a linearized BPS double domain wall is then presented to order κ 11 4 / 3 . Specifically, the generic constraints required for anomaly cancellation and by the linearized domain wall solution, restrictions imposed by the vanishing of the D-terms and, finally, the constraints imposed by the necessity for positive, perturbative squared gauge couplings to this order are presented in detail.
Coagulotoxic Cobras: Clinical Implications of Strong Anticoagulant Actions of African Spitting Naja Venoms That Are Not Neutralised by Antivenom but Are by LY315920 (Varespladib)
Authors: Bittenbinder Mátyás , Zdenek Christina , Op den Brouw Bianca , Youngman Nicholas , Dobson James , Naude Arno , Vonk Freek , Fry Bryan
Published: December 2018

Snakebite is a global tropical disease that has long had huge implications for human health and well-being. Despite its long-standing medical importance, it has been the most neglected of tropical diseases. Reflective of this is that many aspects of the pathology have been underinvestigated. Snakebite by species in the Elapidae family is typically characterised by neurotoxic effects that result in flaccid paralysis. Thus, while clinically significant disturbances to the coagulation cascade have been reported, the bulk of the research to date has focused upon neurotoxins. In order to fill the knowledge gap regarding the coagulotoxic effects of elapid snake venoms, we screened 30 African and Asian venoms across eight genera using in vitro anticoagulant assays to determine the relative inhibition of the coagulation function of thrombin and the inhibition of the formation of the prothrombinase complex through competitive binding to a nonenzymatic site on Factor Xa (FXa), thereby preventing FXa from binding to Factor Va (FVa). It was revealed that African spitting cobras were the only species that were potent inhibitors of either clotting factor, but with Factor Xa inhibited at 12 times the levels of thrombin inhibition. This is consistent with at least one death on record due to hemorrhage following African spitting cobra envenomation. To determine the efficacy of antivenom in neutralising the anticoagulant venom effects, for the African spitting cobras we repeated the same 8-point dilution series with the addition of antivenom and observed the shift in the area under the curve, which revealed that the antivenom performed extremely poorly against the coagulotoxic venom effects of all species. However, additional tests with the phospholipase A2 inhibitor LY315920 (trade name: varespladib) demonstrated a powerful neutralisation action against the coagulotoxic actions of the African spitting cobra venoms. Our research has important implications for the clinical treatment of cobra snakebites and also sheds light on the molecular mechanisms involved in coagulotoxicity within Naja. As the most coagulotoxic species are also those that produce characteristic extreme local tissue damage, future research should investigate potential synergistic actions between anticoagulant toxins and cytotoxins.
Improvement of the Culture Medium for the Dichlorvos-Ammonia (DV-AM) Method to Selectively Detect Aflatoxigenic Fungi in Soil
Authors: Yabe Kimiko , Ozaki Haruna , Maruyama Takuya , Hayashi Keisuke , Matto Yuki , Ishizaka Marika , Makita Takeru , Noma Syun-ya , Fujiwara Kousuke , Kushiro Masayo
Published: December 2018

The dichlorvos-ammonia (DV-AM) method is a simple but sensitive visual method for detecting aflatoxigenic fungi. Here we sought to develop a selective medium that is appropriate for the growth of aflatoxigenic fungi among soil mycoflora. We examined the effects of different concentrations of carbon sources (sucrose and glucose) and detergents (deoxycholate (DOC), Triton X-100, and Tween 80) on microorganisms in soils, using agar medium supplemented with chloramphenicol. The results demonstrated that 5–10% sucrose concentrations and 0.1–0.15% DOC concentrations were appropriate for the selective detection of aflatoxigenic fungi in soil. We also identified the optimal constituents of the medium on which the normal rapid growth of Rhizopus sp. was completely inhibited. By using the new medium along with the DV-AM method, we succeeded in the isolation of aflatoxigenic fungi from non-agricultural fields in Fukui city, Japan. The fungi were identified as Aspergillus nomius based on their calmodulin gene sequences. These results indicate that the new medium will be useful in practice for the detection of aflatoxigenic fungi in soil samples including those from non-agricultural environments.
A Wake-Up Call: We Need Phage Therapy Now
Authors: Moelling Karin , Broecker Felix , Willy Christian
Published: December 2018

The rise of multidrug-resistant bacteria has resulted in an increased interest in phage therapy, which historically preceded antibiotic treatment against bacterial infections. To date, there have been no reports of serious adverse events caused by phages. They have been successfully used to cure human diseases in Eastern Europe for many decades. More recently, clinical trials and case reports for a variety of indications have shown promising results. However, major hurdles to the introduction of phage therapy in the Western world are the regulatory and legal frameworks. Present regulations may take a decade or longer to be fulfilled. It is of urgent need to speed up the availability of phage therapy.
Signaling of Macrophage Inflammatory Protein (MIP)-3β Facilitates Dengue Virus-Induced Microglial Cell Migration
Authors: Jhan Ming-Kai , Shen Ting-Jing , Tseng Po-Chun , Wang Yung-Ting , Lin Chiou-Feng
Published: December 2018

The infection by dengue virus (DENV) of microglia causes cell activation and migration via a mechanism involving viral entry, RNA release, and Toll-like receptor 3 signaling. In this study, we demonstrated that secreted chemotactic factors present in microglial conditioned medium (MCM) facilitated cell motility in the murine BV2 microglial cells. The pharmacological disruption of lipid rafts/caveolae reduced DENV- and ultraviolet (UV)-inactivated MCM-induced microglial cell migration. An antibody-based cytokine/chemokine array showed an increase in macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-3β in MCM produced using DENV-infected cells. The pharmacological inhibition of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) retarded UV-MCM-induced microglial cell migration. These results demonstrate that secreted MIP-3β and its effect on the JNK signaling pathways mediates DENV-induced BV2 microglial cell migration.
Cytokine Networks Dysregulation during HTLV-1 Infection and Associated Diseases
Authors: Futsch Nicolas , Prates Gabriela , Mahieux Renaud , Casseb Jorge , Dutartre Hélène
Published: December 2018

Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is the causative agent of a neural chronic inflammation, called HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) and of a malignant lymphoproliferation, called the adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL). The mechanisms through which the HTLV-1 induces these diseases are still unclear, but they might rely on immune alterations. HAM/TSP is associated with an impaired production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, such as IFN-γ, TNF-α, CXCL9, or CXCL10. ATLL is associated with high levels of IL-10 and TGF-β. These immunosuppressive cytokines could promote a protumoral micro-environment. Moreover, HTLV-1 infection impairs the IFN-I production and signaling, and favors the IL-2, IL-4, and IL-6 expression. This contributes both to immune escape and to infected cells proliferation. Here, we review the landscape of cytokine dysregulations induced by HTLV-1 infection and the role of these cytokines in the HTLV-1-associated diseases progression.
A System Based-Approach to Examine Cytokine Response in Poxvirus-Infected Macrophages
Authors: Wong Pui-San , Sutejo Richard , Chen Hui , Ng Sock-Hoon , Sugrue Richard J. , Tan Boon-Huan
Published: December 2018

The poxviruses are large, linear, double-stranded DNA viruses about 130 to 230 kbp, that have an animal origin and evolved to infect a wide host range. Variola virus (VARV), the causative agent of smallpox, is a poxvirus that infects only humans, but other poxviruses such as monkey poxvirus and cowpox virus (CPXV) have crossed over from animals to infect humans. Therefore understanding the biology of poxviruses can devise antiviral strategies to prevent these human infections. In this study we used a system-based approach to examine the host responses to three orthopoxviruses, CPXV, vaccinia virus (VACV), and ectromelia virus (ECTV) in the murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cell line. Overall, we observed a significant down-regulation of gene expressions for pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and related receptors. There were also common and virus-specific changes in the immune-regulated gene expressions for each poxvirus-infected RAW cells. Collectively our results showed that the murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cell line is a suitable cell-based model system to study poxvirus host response.
A Participatory Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis to Tackle a Complex Environmental Problem Involving Cultural Water Heritage and Nature
Authors: Chen Otto , Han Dawei
Published: December 2018

Multiple criteria decision analysis (MCDA) methods have shown advantages in supporting decision-making with problems that confront conflicting objectives. However, current applications to complex environmental problems featuring the dynamic social sphere, particularly problems involving cultural heritage and nature, have yet to substantially reflect this. The dynamic social sphere reflects the demand for scenario forecasting in decision-making support. This knowledge gap has not been addressed sufficiently in MCDA research. A participatory MCDA method is hence proposed as a merger with Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) as the scenario forecasting. The MCDA is then carried out to tackle a complex environmental problem caused by traditional food production in a historic town, Daxi in Taiwan. The result reveals a remarkable willingness to support this issue of a historically significant industry causing detriment to environment (with WTP estimate of 128,700,000 USD from the public) and suggests a plan that applies multiple policy instruments rather than following a potentially adverse polluter-pays principle. This manifests the authors’ argument that recognition of heritage significance has dramatically affected selection of policy instruments and provides a critical recommendation to the local government which has struggled to find solutions. The proposed MCDA also highlights its participatory aspect for addressing issues involving cultural heritage, supported by several key steps, in particular the intervention-impact value tree building, the scenario forecasting and the sensitivity analysis.
Numerical Analysis on Hydraulic Characteristics of U-shaped Channel of Various Trapezoidal Cross-Sections
Authors: Hu Ruichang , Zhang Jianmin
Published: December 2018

Curved channel with trapezoidal cross-section is approximate to the common form in nature fluvial networks and its hydraulic characteristics are considerably complex and variable. Combined with volume of fluid (VOF) method, renormalization group (RNG) k-ε turbulence model was employed to numerically investigate the flow properties in the U-shaped channel with various trapezoidal cross-sections. Analyses were performed from the aspects of the water surface transverse slope in bend apex (WTS-BA), longitudinal velocity, secondary flow, shear stress and turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) under several scenarios, specifically, four types of radius-to-width ratio and seven types of slope coefficient with a constant aspect ratio. The calculated results suggested that the maximums of shear stress and TKE in the bend were observed in the convex bank and the maximal intensities of secondary flow were observed within the range of 60 to 75 degrees for various varieties. As the radius-to-width ratio increased, the maximums of shear stress, TKE and WTS-BA decreased; but increased with increasing slope coefficients. The intensity of secondary flow decreased as slope coefficients increased and the angle of maximum intensity of secondary flow moved to the upstream for the increasing radius-to-width ratios. In addition, a new equation concerning the vertical distribution of longitudinal velocity in trapezoidal cross-sectioned channel was presented.
Au sujet des armes avec damas soudé en Europe
Authors: Ypey Jaap
Published: December 2018

Les Celtes ont peut-être été à l'origine, en Europe, de la fabrication des armes avec damas soudé et celles-ci ont eu ensuite un très grand succès et une vaste diffusion. A partir d'un principe simple, les forgerons ont, selon leur degré d'habileté, multiplié les modes de fabrication et sans cesse perfectionné la technique de façon à fournir des produits de plus en plus raffinés. L'étude de ces objets a entraîné la mise en œuvre conjointe de procédés scientifiques éprouvés (radiographie, analyses métallographiques, chimiques, etc.) mais leurs résultats ne sont pas suffisants pour reconstituer les modes de fabrication, et le manque d'expérience de beaucoup d'auteurs en matière de travail du fer les a souvent amenés à des conclusions inexactes. A l'aide de cas précis, cet article met en évidence différents exemples de méthodes utilisées et leurs résultats et, surtout, montre comment on parvient à résoudre un grand nombre de problèmes technologiques par l'expérimentation pratique, dans la forge.
Co-intercalated layered double hydroxides as thermal and photo-oxidation stabilizers for polypropylene
Authors: Zhang Qian , Gu Qiyu , Leroux Fabrice , Tang Pinggui , Li Dianqing , Feng Yongjun
Published: December 2018

An elegant and efficient approach consisting in the co-intercalation of stabilizing molecular anions is described here. The thermal stabilizer calcium diethyl bis[[[3,5-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-hydroxyphenyl]methyl]phosphonate] (Irganox 1425, MP-Ca) and a photo-oxidation stabilizer (hindered amine light stabilizer, HALS) are co-intercalated into the interlayer regions of layered double hydroxides (LDH) in a one-step coprecipitation. These hybrid organic–inorganic materials are successively dispersed in polypropylene to form HnMn′-Ca2Al/PP composite films (with H = HALS and M = MP) through a solvent casting method. The corresponding crystalline structure, chemical composition, morphology as well as the resistance against thermal aging and photo-oxidation are carefully investigated by various techniques. The results show that the powdered HnMn′-Ca2Al-LDHs hybrid materials have a much higher thermal stability than MP-Ca and HALS before intercalation. In addition, the HnMn′-Ca2Al/PP composites exhibit a higher overall resistance against thermal degradation and photo-oxidation compared to LDHs intercalated with only HALS or MP. This underlines the benefit of the co-intercalation. The co-intercalated LDH materials pave a new way in designing and fabricating high-performance multifunctional additives for polymers.
The Robustness of Asteroseismic Estimates of Global Stellar Parameters to Surface Term Corrections
Authors: Basu Sarbani , Kinnane Archer
Published: December 2018

Oscillation frequencies of even the best stellar models differ from those of the stars they represent, and the difference is predominantly a function of frequency. This difference is caused by limitations of modeling the near-surface layers of a star. This frequency-dependent frequency error, usually referred to as the “surface term” can result in erroneous interpretation of the oscillation frequencies unless treated properly. Several techniques have been developed to minimize the effect of the surface term; it is either subtracted out, or frequency combinations insensitive to the surface terms are used, or the asteroseismic phase ϵ is used to determine a match between models and stars. In this paper we show that no matter what technique is used to account for the surface term, as long as the physics of the models is the same, the global parameters of a star—mass, radius, and age—obtained from frequency analyses are robust. This implies that even though we cannot model the internal structure of stars perfectly, we can have confidence in all results that use stellar global properties obtained through the analysis of stellar oscillation frequencies.
Magnetic Helicity from Multipolar Regions on the Solar Surface
Authors: Bourdin Philippe-A. , Brandenburg Axel
Published: December 2018

The emergence of dipolar magnetic features on the solar surface is an idealization. Most of the magnetic flux emergence occurs in complex multipolar regions. Here, we show that the surface pattern of magnetic structures alone can reveal the sign of the underlying magnetic helicity in the nearly force-free coronal regions above. The sign of the magnetic helicity can be predicted to good accuracy by considering the three-dimensional position vectors of three spots on the sphere ordered by their relative strengths at the surface and compute from them the skew product. This product, which is a pseudoscalar, is shown to be a good proxy for the sign of the coronal magnetic helicity.
The Large Early Galaxy Astrophysics Census (LEGA-C) Data Release 2: Dynamical and Stellar Population Properties of z ≲ 1 Galaxies in the COSMOS Field
Authors: Straatman Caroline M. S. , Wel Arjen van der , Bezanson Rachel , Pacifici Camilla , Gallazzi Anna , Wu Po-Feng , Noeske Kai , Barišić Ivana , Bell Eric F. , Brammer Gabriel B. , Calhau João , Chauke Priscilla , Franx Marijn , Houdt Josha van , Labbé Ivo , Maseda Michael V. , Muñoz-Mateos Juan C. , Muzzin Adam , Sande Jesse van de , Sobral David , Spilker Justin S.
Published: December 2018

We present the second data release of the Large Early Galaxy Astrophysics Census (LEGA-C), an ESO 130−night public spectroscopic survey conducted with VIMOS on the Very Large Telescope. We release 1988 spectra with typical continuum S/N ≃ 20 Å−1 of galaxies at 0.6 ≲ z ≲ 1.0, each observed for ∼20 hr and fully reduced with a custom-built pipeline. We also release a catalog with spectroscopic redshifts, emission-line fluxes, Lick/IDS indices, and observed stellar and gas velocity dispersions that are spatially integrated quantities, including both rotational motions and genuine dispersion. To illustrate the new parameter space in the intermediate-redshift regime probed by LEGA-C, we explore relationships between dynamical and stellar population properties. The star-forming galaxies typically have observed stellar velocity dispersions of ∼150 km s−1 and strong Hδ absorption (Hδ
A ∼ 5 Å), while passive galaxies have higher observed stellar velocity dispersions (∼200 km s−1) and weak Hδ absorption (Hδ
A ∼ 0 Å). Strong [O III]5007/Hβ ratios tend to occur mostly for galaxies with weak Hδ
A or galaxies with higher observed velocity dispersion. Beyond these broad trends, we find a diversity of possible combinations of rest-frame colors, absorption-line strengths, and emission-line detections, illustrating the utility of spectroscopic measurements to more accurately understand galaxy evolution. By making the spectra and value-added catalogs publicly available we encourage the community to take advantage of this very substantial investment in telescope time provided by ESO.
Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey: Advancing the Military Dimension of the Trilateral Partnership
Authors: Garibov Azad
Published: December 2018

Le développement et la consolidation de la coopération énergétique entre l’Azerbaïdjan, la Géorgie et la Turquie (AGT) au cours des années 1990 et 2000 ont marqué le début d’une coopération trilatérale qui, depuis lors, s’est transformée en un partenariat stratégique dans divers domaines entre les trois pays. Le partenariat trilatéral a commencé s’institutionnaliser au début des années 2010 sous la forme de réunions annuelles des dirigeants et des ministres des Affaires étrangères des pays participants. Si, au départ, la coopération était principalement axée sur la préparation militaire pour protéger l’infrastructure de transport d’énergie dans les cas d’urgence, elle s’est progressivement élargie à d’autres domaines. Le document examine les éléments clés de la raison d’être du partenariat de défense trilatéral Azerbaïdjan-Géorgie-Turquie, les obstacles existants et les opportunités qui s’offrent à l’avenir. Il propose d’autres mesures envisageables visant à tirer parti des possibilités offertes par le partenariat trilatéral.
A New Start for the EU Central Asia Policy in 2021? Current State, Developments and Perspectives for the Revision of the EU Central Asia Strategy
Authors: Böttger Katrin , Plottka Julian
Published: December 2018

En 2017, le Conseil de l’UE a invité la Commission européenne et le Haut Représentant à élaborer une nouvelle stratégie pour les relations de l’Union avec l’Asie centrale. Le présent document constitue une contribution au débat sur la nouvelle stratégie. Il récapitule l’évolution des objectifs stratégiques de l’UE dans sa politique à l’égard de l’Asie centrale, résume l’examen stratégique de 2015 et recommande que la nouvelle stratégie soit axée sur trois aspects. Il lui faut: (1) trouver un équilibre entre une approche bilatérale et une approche régionale; (2) adapter la politique de l’UE vis-à-vis de l’Asie centrale sur la base d’un “pragmatisme de principe”; et (3) réduire le nombre de ses priorités.
Uzbekistan’s Transformation from an “Old” to an “Upgraded” Autocracy
Authors: Schiek Sebastian
Published: December 2018

Depuis l’entrée en fonction de Shavkat Mirziyoyev à l’automne 2016, l’Ouzbékistan est sans aucun doute entré dans une phase de profond changement. Pour les observateurs occidentaux en particulier, de nombreux éléments de la réforme sont susceptibles de s’inscrire dans un processus de démocratisation: réforme du marché, réforme rationnelle et juridique, responsabilisation, et participation. Toutefois, l’auteur fait valoir que ces politiques appartiennent également à la boîte à outils très ordinaire des « authoritarian upgraders. » L’expression « authoritarian upgrading » désignant un processus de modernisation ou de transformation par lequel des régimes autocratiques s’adaptent à la mondialisation. Dans cet article, on analyse les orientations, les limites et les enjeux du processus de réforme en Ouzbékistan.
Uzbekistan’s Long Way to the World Trade Organization
Authors: Normatov Jamshid
Published: December 2018

L’Ouzbékistan négocie son adhésion à l’OMC depuis 1994. Ce processus ne progressait pas, car les réformes initiales de libéralisation ont par la suite été remplacées par des politiques protectionnistes dans le commerce extérieur. En 2016, le changement de leadership en Ouzbékistan a ravivé les espoirs d’une évolution positive dans le cadre de l’adhésion à l’OMC. Le président Mirziyoyev a annoncé des réformes économiques et politiques globales pour moderniser le pays. Toutefois, les réformes économiques risquent de se heurter à la résistance de groupes d’intérêts qui profitent du soutien du gouvernement ainsi que du protectionnisme. En tenant compte des différentes perspectives envisageables, cet article affirme que l’adhésion à l’OMC est une étape essentielle pour que le gouvernement ouzbek soit en mesure de procéder aux réformes et de construire une économie de marché solide.
From the Soviet System to Bologna: A Critical Analysis of Doctoral Education Reforms in Kazakhstan
Authors: Tazabek Sholpan
Published: December 2018

Le présent article procède à une analyse critique des réformes de l’enseignement doctoral au Kazakhstan selon une perspective historique et contextuelle. L’accent est mis sur l’explication du changement radical opéré dans la politique éducative, passant du cadre soviétique vers des normes inspirées du processus de Bologne. Tandis que les décideurs politiques adoptent les principes du Processus de Bologne dans les universités, doctorants et jeunes chercheurs sont confrontés à différents défis. Outre les obstacles structurels et procéduraux liés à l’application du Processus de Bologne dans le pays, le défi majeur réside dans la dichotomie entre les partisans de l’héritage soviétique et les adhérents aux standards européens, en lien avec les questions de qualité, de responsabilité et de transparence. En raison des pièges que pose l’application du Processus de Bologne au Kazakhstan, cet article débouche sur une série de recommandations politiques visant à améliorer la formation doctorale, conformément à la rhétorique de Bologne.
La question irlandaise, enjeu majeur du Brexit
Authors: Considère-Charon Marie-Claire
Published: December 2018

Le Royaume-Uni n’a qu’une seule frontière terrestre : celle qui le sépare de la République d’Irlande. L’intégration de ces deux États dans l’Union européenne a rendu cette frontière quasiment virtuelle. Les échanges entre l’Ulster et la République d’Irlande sont nombreux et variés. Le rétablissement d’une séparation physique entre ces deux entités est un véritable casse-tête qui risque d’avoir nombre de conséquences négatives. À ce stade, la « question irlandaise » est encore loin d’être réglée.
Peut-il y avoir une démocratie européenne ?
Authors: Bechtel Marie-Françoise
Published: December 2018

Le déficit démocratique de l’Union européenne dénonce un double manque : celui d’une réelle séparation des pouvoirs et celui d’un peuple européen. Un renforcement des pouvoirs du Conseil des ministres pourrait favoriser une « démocratie au second degré ». Le véritable changement serait d’aller vers une Europe confédérale. Mais le choix de cette option serait inséparable du refus de la subordination européenne : un choix partagé par peu d’États membres, indépendamment de la volonté des peuples.
Djihadisme : une bataille gagnée, mais la lutte doit continuer
Authors: El Difraoui Abdelasiem
Published: December 2018

Le proto-État construit par Daech en zone syro-irakienne s’est effondré. L’organisation terroriste n’a pas pour autant disparu et les groupes liés à Al-Qaïda restent eux aussi très actifs. Le djihadisme est une menace mondiale qui touche le monde arabe mais aussi, au-delà, l’Afrique subsaharienne et l’Asie. L’Europe est aujourd’hui mieux placée que les États-Unis pour devenir le fer de lance de la lutte contre cette menace qui nécessite de s’attaquer aux causes profondes du djihadisme.