bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving CNN-Based Texture Classification by Color Balancing
Authors: Bianco Simone , Cusano Claudio , Napoletano Paolo , Schettini Raimondo
Published: July 2017

Texture classification has a long history in computer vision. In the last decade, the strong affirmation of deep learning techniques in general, and of convolutional neural networks (CNN) in particular, has allowed for a drastic improvement in the accuracy of texture recognition systems. However, their performance may be dampened by the fact that texture images are often characterized by color distributions that are unusual with respect to those seen by the networks during their training. In this paper we will show how suitable color balancing models allow for a significant improvement in the accuracy in recognizing textures for many CNN architectures. The feasibility of our approach is demonstrated by the experimental results obtained on the RawFooT dataset, which includes texture images acquired under several different lighting conditions.
Decreasing Bio-Degradation Rate of the Hydrothermal-Synthesizing Coated Mg Alloy via Pre-Solid-Solution Treatment
Authors: Song Dan , Li Cheng , Zhang Liwen , Ma Xiaolong , Guo Guanghui , Zhang Fan , Jiang Jinghua , Ma Aibin
Published: July 2017

In this study, we report an effective approach, pre-solid solution (SS) treatment, to reduce the in-vitro bio-degradation rate of the hydrothermal-synthesizing coated Mg–2Zn–Mn–Ca–Ce alloy in Hanks’ solution. Pre-SS treatment alters the microstructure of alloys, which benefits the corrosion resistances of the substrate itself and the formed coating as well. The micro-galvanic corrosion between the secondary phase (cathode) and the α-Mg phase (anode) is relieved due to the reduction of the secondary phase. Meanwhile, coating formed on the SS-treated alloy was compacter than that on as-cast alloy, which provides better protection against initial corrosion.
Selective Laser Sintering of Nano Al2O3 Infused Polyamide
Authors: Warnakula Anthony , Singamneni Sarat
Published: July 2017

Nano Al2O3 polyamide composites are evaluated for processing by selective laser sintering. A thermal characterization of the polymer composite powders allowed us to establish the possible initial settings. Initial experiments are conducted to identify the most suitable combinations of process parameters. Based on the results of the initial trials, more promising ranges of different process parameters could be identified. The post sintering characterization showed evidence of sufficient inter-particle sintering and intra-layer coalescence. While the inter-particle coalescence gradually improved, the porosity levels slightly decreased with increasing laser power. The nano-filler particles tend to agglomerate around the beads along the solid tracks, possibly due to Van der Walls forces. The tensile stress results showed an almost linear increase with increasing nano-filler content.
On Critical States, Rupture States and Interlocking Strength of Granular Materials
Authors: Szalwinski Chris
Published: July 2017

The Mohr-Coulomb theory of strength identifies cohesion and internal friction as the two principal contributions to the shear strength of a granular material. The contribution of cohesion in over-compacted granular materials has been challenged and replacing cohesion with interlocking has been proposed. A theory of rupture strength that includes interlocking is derived herein. The physics-chemistry concept of critical state is elaborated to accommodate granular materials, based on empirical definitions established in the fields of soil mechanics and bulk solids’ flow. A surface in state space, called the critical compaction surface, separates over-compacted states from lightly compacted states. The intersection of this surface with the Mohr-Coulomb envelope forms the critical state surface for a granular material. The rupture strength of an over-compacted granular material is expressed as the sum of cohesion, internal friction and interlocking strength. Interlocking strength is the shear strength contribution due to over-compaction and vanishes at critical state. The theory allows migrations from one critical state to another. Changes in specific volume during such migrations are related to changes in mean-normal effective stress and uncoupled from changes in shearing strain. The theory is reviewed with respect to two established research programs and underlying assumptions are identified.
Do We Understand the Relationship between Affective Computing, Emotion and Context-Awareness?
Authors: Moore Philip
Published: July 2017

Historically, the utilization of context, the range and scope of context-aware systems, and the levels of computational intelligence in such systems have been very limited. While the inherent complexity is a significant factor, a principal reason for these limitations lies in the failure to incorporate the emotional component. Affective computing technologies are designed to implement innate emotional capabilities and the capability to simulate emotions and empathy; thus, intelligent context-aware systems with affective computing provide a basis upon which we may effectively enable the emotional component. Moreover, machine cognition relies upon affective computing technologies to provide a basis upon which the emotional component may be incorporated. This paper poses the question: do we understand the relationship between affective computing, emotion and context-awareness? The conclusion drawn is that while affective computing and the need for the incorporation of the emotional component is generally understood and domain-specific strategies to enable implementation have been proposed, there remain important challenges and open research questions in relation to the cognitive modelling and the effective incorporation of affective computing and the emotional component in intelligent context-aware systems.
Analytical Solution to Normal Forms of Hamiltonian Systems
Authors: Allahem Ali
Published: July 2017

The idea of the normalisation of the Hamiltonian system is to simplify the system by transforming Hamiltonian canonically to an easy system. It is under symplectic conditions that the Hamiltonian is preserved under a specific transformation—the so-called Lie transformation. In this review, we will show how to compute the normal form for the Hamiltonian, including computing the general function analytically. A clear example has been studied to illustrate the normal form theory, which can be used as a guide for arbitrary problems.
Effects of Trace Si Addition on the Microstructures and Tensile Properties of Ti-3Al-8V-6Cr-4Mo-4Zr Alloy
Authors: Ba Hongbo , Dong Limin , Zhang Zhiqiang , Lei Xiaofei
Published: July 2017

The microstructural evolution and tensile properties of Ti-3Al-8V-6Cr-4Mo-4Zr titanium alloys with various Si contents were investigated. The results revealed that the addition of trace Si and the presence of Zr induced the formation of (TiZr)6Si3 silicides, in the size range from 100 nm to 300 nm. The fine silicide precipitates refined β grains. The tensile strength increased about 40 MPa due to precipitation strengthening and grain refinement, and the ductility of the two alloys was similar. The tensile fracture mode of the alloys was dimple ductile fracture.
Pharmacokinetic Study of Biotransformation Products from an Anxiolytic Fraction of Tilia americana
Authors: Juárez Ramírez Virgilio , Jiménez-Beltrán María , Zamilpa Alejandro , Herrera-Ruiz Maribel , Abarca-Vargas Rodolfo , Lombardo-Earl Galia , Tortoriello Jaime , Jiménez-Ferrer Enrique
Published: July 2017

An anxiolytic fraction of Tilia americana standardized in tiliroside, rutin, quercitrin, quercetin glucoside, and kaempferol was obtained. After oral administration of the fraction, the above-mentioned flavonoids were not detected in plasma over 24 h. However, meta and para hydroxyphenylacetic acid and dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (m-HPAA, p-HPAA and DOPAC) were monitored. These are the biotransformation compounds of the aglycones of kaempferol and quercetin; these aglycones are products of the other flavonoids present in the anxiolytic fraction. The analytical methods (HPLC) for flavonoids and the related compounds (m-HPAA, p-HPAA and DOPAC) were validated, determining the parameters of accuracy, precision, specificity or selectivity, limit of detection, quantification range, and robustness. The pharmacokinetic assay was performed with ICR mice strains, which were given 200 mg/kg of the standardized active fraction. The results of validation of the analytical methods were obtained, allowing it to be established in a validated way that no flavonoids present in the anxiolytic fraction of T. americana were detected in plasma. However, detection and follow up was possible for the serum levels of m-HPAA, p-HPAA, and DOPAC. The three compounds follow a two-compartment model with very similar parameters between m-HPAA and p-HPAA, some being different from the ones characterized in the pharmacokinetics of DOPAC.
Characterisation and Evaluation of Trimesic Acid Derivatives as Disulphide Cross-Linked Polymers for Potential Colon Targeted Drug Delivery
Authors: Mat Yusuf Siti , Ng Yoke , Ayub Asila , Ngalim Siti , Lim Vuanghao
Published: July 2017

Discovery and use of biocompatible polymers offers great promise in the pharmaceutical field, particularly in drug delivery systems. Disulphide bonds, which commonly occur in peptides and proteins and have been used as drug-glutathione conjugates, are reductively cleaved in the colon. The intrinsic stability of a disulphide relative to thiol groups is determined by the redox potential of the environment. The objective of this study was to synthesise a trimesic acid-based disulphide cross-linked polymer that could potentially be used for targeted delivery to the colon. The monomer was synthesised by an amide coupling reaction between trimesic acid and (triphenylmethyl) thioethylamine using a two-step synthesis method. The s-trityl group was removed using a cocktail of trifluoroacetic acid and triethylsilane to expose the thiols in preparation for further polymerisation. The resulting polymers (P10, P15, P21, P25, and P51, generated using different molar ratios) were reduced after 1.5 h of reduction time. Scanning electron microscopy images of the polymers showed spherical, loose, or tight patterns depending on the molar ratio of polymerisation. These polymers also exhibited efficient dissolution under various gastrointestinal conditions. Of the five polymers tested, P10 and P15 appeared to be promising drug delivery vehicles for poorly soluble drugs, due to the hydrophobic nature of the polymers.
Properties of Soy Protein Isolate Biopolymer Film Modified by Graphene
Authors: Han Yufei , Li Kuang , Chen Hui , Li Jianzhang
Published: July 2017

This study applied a facile and green approach to synthesize a stable graphene aqueous dispersion, and the graphene aqueous dispersion was employed to modify the renewable, compatible and biodegradable soy-protein-isolated (SPI) films to enhance their thermal stability, mechanical properties and water resistance. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) images confirmed the monolayer structure of graphene. The hydrogen bonds and π–π interactions between graphene and the SPI molecules were showed with the attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR FT-IR) spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). As expected, compared to the pure SPI film, the tensile strength (TS) of the film with 74% graphene increased by 27.22% and the total soluble matter (TSM) of the film with 93% graphene decreased by 11.30%.
Optimization of Detection Accuracy of Closed-Loop Optical Voltage Sensors Based on Pockels Effect
Authors: Deng Wei , Li Hui , Zhang Chunxi , Wang Pengjie
Published: July 2017

The influence of optical parameters on the performance of closed-loop optical voltage sensors (OVSs) based on Pockels effect is analyzed and a control algorithm is proposed to suppress the nonlinearity caused by the unideal parameters of optical devices for optimizing the detection precision of OVSs. First, a quantified model of the feedback phase demonstrates how the optical parameters of optical devices (including light source, polarizer, 45° fusion point, Faraday rotator and half-wave plate) result in the nonlinearity of closed-loop OVSs. Then, the parameter indexes of different optical devices are put forward to instruct the manufacturing process of the optical system. Furthermore, a closed-loop control algorithm is investigated to improve the measurement accuracy of nonlinear OVSs considering the unideal parameters. The experiment results indicate that additional bias caused by undesirable optical parameters is obviously decreased so that the measurement accuracy of OVSs satisfies the demand of IEC60044-3 for 0.1 level measurement accuracy, which verifies the effectiveness and correctness of the methods for suppressing the impact of unideal optical parameters on OVSs.
Understanding Child Outcomes within a Multiple Risk Model: Examining Parental Incarceration
Authors: Hyppolite Melody
Published: July 2017

The risks in children’s lives often co-occur and overlap in time. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of parental incarceration within a multiple risk model that allows for the control of other prominent risk factors in a child’s life. The impact of four primary parental risk factors (parental mental illness, parental substance use, parental mental illness, and poverty) on seven child outcomes (school failure, criminal behaviors, being arrested, behavioral difficulties, emotional difficulties, alcohol use, and drug use) was examined. The study utilizes a statistical analysis that is rarely seen in social work research and helps the researcher to better understand the individual contributions of various risk factors. The accumulation of multiple risk factors in a child’s life was found to significantly increase the likelihood that several negative outcomes would occur. The research, however, suggests further that this is an over simplification of the phenomenon and that specific risk factors are more likely to contribute to specific child outcomes.
Development of a method for the synthesis of 2,4,5-trisubstituted oxazoles composed of carboxylic acid, amino acid, and boronic acid
Authors: Yamada Kohei , Kamimura Naoto , Kunishima Munetaka
Published: July 2017

A novel method for the synthesis of trisubstituted oxazoles via a one-pot oxazole synthesis/Suzuki–Miyaura coupling sequence has been developed. One-pot formation of 5-(triazinyloxy)oxazoles using carboxylic acids, amino acids and a dehydrative condensing reagent, DMT-MM, followed by Ni-catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura coupling with boronic acids provided the corresponding 2,4,5-trisubstituted oxazoles in good yields.
On the Eccentricity of Proxima b
Authors: Brown Robert A.
Published: July 2017

We apply Monte Carlo projection to the radial-velocity data set that Anglada-Escudé et al. use for the discovery of Proxima b. They find an upper limit to the orbital eccentricity of ε < 0.35. To investigate the eccentricity issue further, we calculate a suite of mono- and bi-variate densities of ε. After discarding apparent artifacts at ε ≈ 0 and ε ≈ 1, we find that ε seems to have a tri-modal sampling distribution—three chimeras or types of orbit compatible with the RV data set. The three modes (peaks) in the density of ε are located at ε = {0.25, 0.75, 0.95}, with relative weights {0.79, 0.10, 0.11}. Future RV observations will clarify which of the three chimeras represents the true eccentricity of Proxima b. The most likely estimate is ε
est = 0.25, and our lower limit is ε
l lim = 0.025. Our strategic, long-term goal is to elevate the orbital analyses of exoplanets to meet the challenges of sometimes complex probability density distributions.
Calibrating the Planck Cluster Mass Scale with Cluster Velocity Dispersions
Authors: Amodeo Stefania , Mei Simona , Stanford Spencer A. , Bartlett James G. , Melin Jean-Baptiste , Lawrence Charles R. , Chary Ranga-Ram , Shim Hyunjin , Marleau Francine , Stern Daniel
Published: July 2017

We measure the Planck cluster mass bias using dynamical mass measurements based on velocity dispersions of a subsample of 17 Planck-detected clusters. The velocity dispersions were calculated using redshifts determined from spectra that were obtained at the Gemini observatory with the GMOS multi-object spectrograph. We correct our estimates for effects due to finite aperture, Eddington bias, and correlated scatter between velocity dispersion and the Planck mass proxy. The result for the mass bias parameter,

, depends on the value of the galaxy velocity bias,

, adopted from simulations:

. Using a velocity bias of

from Munari et al., we obtain

, i.e., an error of 17% on the mass bias measurement with 17 clusters. This mass bias value is consistent with most previous weak-lensing determinations. It lies within

of the value that is needed to reconcile the Planck cluster counts with the Planck primary cosmic microwave background constraints. We emphasize that uncertainty in the velocity bias severely hampers the precision of the measurements of the mass bias using velocity dispersions. On the other hand, when we fix the Planck mass bias using the constraints from Penna–Lima et al., based on weak-lensing measurements, we obtain a positive velocity bias of

at

.
Role of Surface Chemistry in Grain Adhesion and Dissipation during Collisions of Silica Nanograins
Authors: Quadery Abrar H. , Doan Baochi D. , Tucker William C. , Dove Adrienne R. , Schelling Patrick K.
Published: July 2017

The accretion of dust grains to form larger objects, including planetesimals, is a central problem in planetary science. It is generally thought that weak van der Waals interactions play a role in accretion at small scales where gravitational attraction is negligible. However, it is likely that in many instances, chemical reactions also play an important role, and the particular chemical environment on the surface could determine the outcomes of dust grain collisions. Using atomic-scale simulations of collisional aggregation of nanometer-sized silica (SiO2) grains, we demonstrate that surface hydroxylation can act to weaken adhesive forces and reduce the ability of mineral grains to dissipate kinetic energy during collisions. The results suggest that surface passivation of dangling bonds, which generally is quite complete in an Earth environment, should tend to render mineral grains less likely to adhere during collisions. It is shown that during collisions, interactions scale with interparticle distance in a manner consistent with the formation of strong chemical bonds. Finally, it is demonstrated that in the case of collisions of nanometer-scale grains with no angular momentum, adhesion can occur even for relative velocities of several kilometers per second. These results have significant implications for early planet formation processes, potentially expanding the range of collision velocities over which larger dust grains can form.
Extreme Radio Flares and Associated X-Ray Variability from Young Stellar Objects in the Orion Nebula Cluster
Authors: Forbrich Jan , Reid Mark J. , Menten Karl M. , Rivilla Victor M. , Wolk Scott J. , Rau Urvashi , Chandler Claire J.
Published: July 2017

Young stellar objects are known to exhibit strong radio variability on timescales of weeks to months, and a few reports have documented extreme radio flares with at least an order of magnitude change in flux density on timescales of hours to days. However, there have been few constraints on the occurrence rate of such radio flares or on the correlation with pre-main sequence X-ray flares, although such correlations are known for the Sun and nearby active stars. Here we report simultaneous deep VLA radio and Chandra X-ray observations of the Orion Nebula Cluster, targeting hundreds of sources to look for the occurrence rate of extreme radio variability and potential correlation with the most extreme X-ray variability. We identify 13 radio sources with extreme radio variability, with some showing an order of magnitude change in flux density in less than 30 minutes. All of these sources show X-ray emission and variability, but we find clear correlations with extreme radio flaring only on timescales <1 hr. Strong X-ray variability does not predict the extreme radio sources and vice versa. Radio flares thus provide us with a new perspective on high-energy processes in YSOs and the irradiation of their protoplanetary disks. Finally, our results highlight implications for interferometric imaging of sources violating the constant-sky assumption.
Galaxy Protoclusters as Drivers of Cosmic Star Formation History in the First 2 Gyr
Authors: Chiang Yi-Kuan , Overzier Roderik A. , Gebhardt Karl , Henriques Bruno
Published: July 2017

Present-day clusters are massive halos containing mostly quiescent galaxies, while distant protoclusters are extended structures containing numerous star-forming galaxies. We investigate the implications of this fundamental change in a cosmological context using a set of N-body simulations and semi-analytic models. We find that the fraction of the cosmic volume occupied by all (proto)clusters increases by nearly three orders of magnitude from z = 0 to z = 7. We show that (proto)cluster galaxies are an important and even dominant population at high redshift, as their expected contribution to the cosmic star formation rate density rises (from 1% at z = 0) to 20% at z = 2 and 50% at z = 10. Protoclusters thus provide a significant fraction of the cosmic ionizing photons, and may have been crucial in driving the timing and topology of cosmic reionization. Internally, the average history of cluster formation can be described by three distinct phases: at z ∼ 10–5, galaxy growth in protoclusters proceeded in an inside-out manner, with centrally dominant halos that are among the most active regions in the universe; at z ∼ 5–1.5, rapid star formation occurred within the entire 10–20 Mpc structures, forming most of their present-day stellar mass; at z ≲ 1.5, violent gravitational collapse drove these stellar contents into single cluster halos, largely erasing the details of cluster galaxy formation due to relaxation and virialization. Our results motivate observations of distant protoclusters in order to understand the rapid, extended stellar growth during cosmic noon, and their connection to reionization during cosmic dawn.
The Fate of Neutron Star Binary Mergers
Authors: Piro Anthony L. , Giacomazzo Bruno , Perna Rosalba
Published: July 2017

Following merger, a neutron star (NS) binary can produce roughly one of three different outcomes: (1) a stable NS, (2) a black hole (BH), or (3) a supramassive, rotationally supported NS, which then collapses to a BH following angular momentum losses. Which of these fates occur and in what proportion has important implications for the electromagnetic transient associated with the mergers and the expected gravitational wave (GW) signatures, which in turn depend on the high density equation of state (EOS). Here we combine relativistic calculations of NS masses using realistic EOSs with Monte Carlo population synthesis based on the mass distribution of NS binaries in our Galaxy to predict the distribution of fates expected. For many EOSs, a significant fraction of the remnants are NSs or supramassive NSs. This lends support to scenarios in which a quickly spinning, highly magnetized NS may be powering an electromagnetic transient. This also indicates that it will be important for future GW observatories to focus on high frequencies to study the post-merger GW emission. Even in cases where individual GW events are too low in signal to noise to study the post merger signature in detail, the statistics of how many mergers produce NSs versus BHs can be compared with our work to constrain the EOS. To match short gamma-ray-burst (SGRB) X-ray afterglow statistics, we find that the stiffest EOSs are ruled out. Furthermore, many popular EOSs require a significant fraction of ∼60%–70% of SGRBs to be from NS–BH mergers rather than just binary NSs.
Neutron Star–Black Hole Coalescence Rate Inferred from Macronova Observations
Authors: Li Xiang , Hu Yi-Ming , Jin Zhi-Ping , Fan Yi-Zhong , Wei Da-Ming
Published: July 2017

Neutron star–black hole (NS–BH) coalescences are widely believed to be promising gravitational-wave sources in the era of advanced detectors of LIGO/Virgo, but the rate of this population is highly uncertain due to the lack of direct detection of such binaries. There is growing evidence for the connection between the observed three luminous macronova (also known as kilonova) events and NS–BH mergers. In this work, we propose, for the first time based on such a link, a fiducial lower limit of NS–BH coalescence rate density

, where

is the typical half-opening angle of the GRB ejecta. After marginalizing over distributions of black hole masses and spins, we find a rate density

, depending upon the equation of state (EoS) of NS material and the properties of the NS–BH system. With the O1 non-observation by advanced LIGO, we show a preference for NS–BH systems with a stiffer NS EoS and a larger contribution from low-mass/high-spin BHs. Our estimate predicts the first detection of an NS–BH system can be as early as the late O2 run or the early O3 run. We expect that future multi-messenger observations can much better constrain NS–BH systems’ properties.
Sortir de l’impasse
Authors: Alba de Luna Mariana
Published: July 2017

Sœur d’une personne autiste, l’auteure, psychologue et psychanalyste, oppose l’importance du respect de la singularité des personnes autistes à l’oppression de la norme. Il s’agit pour une sœur, un frère, de sortir des effets de sidération ou de fascination pour ne tomber ni dans le rejet ni dans l’autisme à deux. Les personnes autistes sont des êtres de langage dont la subjectivité doit être prise en compte. Le débat devrait s’orienter vers un accueil meilleur et plus large d’institutions en mesure de répondre à ces besoins, comme il en existe déjà.
Mon fils autiste
Authors: Rollux Françoise
Published: July 2017

En cette période troublée où, dans le domaine de l’autisme, le mot même de psychanalyse ne peut être prononcé, la mère d’un jeune adulte autiste se risque à évoquer les bienfaits de la prise en charge psychanalytique de son enfant. Elle raconte son parcours, son analyse et la difficulté rencontrée par tout parent pour se séparer de son enfant handicapé. Elle démontre qu’il ne suffit pas d’éduquer et encore moins de rééduquer, mais qu’une prise en charge thérapeutique de type analytique est indispensable et bénéfique pour accueillir les émotions et les expressions d’une personne autiste, afin qu’elle se construise avec sa personnalité singulière et non comme un sujet plus robotisé que normalisé.
L’Inconscient tactile, ou les échos de la chair dans l’image
Authors: Blanchet Avril
Published: July 2017

À la jonction de l’esthétique et de la psychanalyse, l’auteur tente d’illustrer comment l’image peut contribuer au dévelop­pement d’une pensée articulée qui prend acte de l’épaisseur charnelle qui la constitue. Elle montre comment elle est conduite à postuler l’existence d’un Inconscient tactile . Au cœur de l’efficacité de l’image, psychique ou artistique, il serait comme le socle à partir duquel l’homme peut s’orienter dans son environnement physique et social. Cette zone de contact qu’est l’inconscient tactile apparaît comme le foyer de certaines exigences créatrices. La matière plastique de l’image serait apte à ranimer la trace concrète et matérielle de la tactilité logée au creux de l’inconscient, l’expérience de l’art visuel y trouvant sa résonance.
Articuler dynamiques agricoles et action publique locale en péri-urbain : quelles dimensions en jeu ?
Authors: Ruault Claire , Vitry Chloé
Published: July 2017

La mise à contribution du monde agricole dans la définition de politiques en faveur de l’agriculture est loin d’aller de soi, dès lors qu’il s’agit non seulement de s’accorder sur des grands objectifs, mais aussi de définir comment les traduire en actions. À partir d’une étude de cas en territoire périurbain cet article montre que les difficultés de mise en place d’une coopération entre agriculteurs et élus locaux peuvent s’expliquer en croisant trois axes d’analyse : l’éclatement du monde professionnel agricole et la difficulté qui en résulte à se constituer en interlocuteur professionnel collectif des élus, les visions de ces derniers sur l’agriculture et le rôle qu’ils considèrent pouvoir jouer en matière de politique agricole, et enfin le mode de relations entre ces deux mondes qui, dans le cas étudié, rend difficile un débat approfondi ancré sur les réalités agricoles locales et une production partagée de connaissances pour l’action.
Comment le TTIP s’articulerait-il avec le droit de l’OMC ?
Authors: Culot Henri
Published: July 2017

Cet article examine la manière dont le TTIP, s’il entrait en vigueur, interagirait avec les règles de l’OMC. Une première section se focalise sur les relations entre les États-Unis et l’Union européenne. Elle examine en particulier les clauses du TTIP qui régissent ses relations avec certaines des règles de l’OMC. Cinq catégories sont proposées, selon l’objectif que ces clauses poursuivent. Cette section traite ensuite des interactions entre les mécanismes de règlement des différends, en décrivant comment le TTIP réglemente le choix de la juridiction saisie et comment il s’inspire de règles ou de problématiques débattues à l’OMC. La seconde section envisage la question du point de vue des États tiers au TTIP, et en particulier les États qui ont conclu un accord commercial avec les États-Unis et/ou l’Union européenne.
Le fardeau de preuve : constat prima facie d’un décalage entre théorie et pratique, et de la nécessité d’une théorie de la preuve à l’OMC
Authors: Dufour Geneviève , Ouellet Richard
Published: July 2017

Le système de règlement des différends de l’Organisation mondiale du commerce est connu pour son efficacité et sa prévisibilité. Plus souvent que n’importe quelle autre instance en droit international public, l’Organe de règlement des différends de l’OMC doit administrer la preuve factuelle amenée par ses Membres plaignants ou défendeurs. En théorie, le droit de la preuve appliqué dans le cadre du système de règlement des différends de l’OMC répond aux règles d’administration de la preuve que l’on trouve dans d’autres régimes juridiques bien établis. Pourtant, une analyse attentive de la jurisprudence OMC révèle que les notions de présomption, de preuve prima facie et, plus généralement, d’attribution et d’appréciation des fardeaux de présentation et de persuasion sont appliqués par les groupes spéciaux et l’Organe d’appel avec inconstance. Une théorie de la preuve en droit de l’OMC est nécessaire.
Mechanical performance assessment of half warm recycled asphalt mixes containing up to 100 % RAP
Authors: Lizárraga J. M. , Jiménez del Barco-Carrión A. , Ramírez A. , Díaz P. , Moreno-Navarro F. , Rubio M. C.
Published: July 2017

The use of Half Warm Mixes with high Reclaimed Asphalt content (HWMRA) has the potential to generate significant environmental advantages such as the reduction in consumption of natural resources and the emission of gases into the atmosphere. This paper therefore focuses on demonstrating the viability of using these types of mixes in wearing courses. For this purpose, an HWMRA with 70 % and 100 % Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) and emulsion were designed in the laboratory. The performance of the mixes was then assessed and compared with that of conventional Hot Mix Asphalt. In a second stage, the mixes were manufactured in-plant, and laid and compacted in an Accelerated Pavement Test track. The cores were then extracted and tested for stiffness modulus and resistance to fatigue. The results from the tests conducted with both the laboratory specimens and the cores showed that the performance of HWMRA is comparable to that of HMA. These findings encourage greater confidence in promoting the use of these types of sustainable asphalt mixes.
Impact of celebrity endorsement on consumer buying behaviour in beauty soap industry (With special reference to the consumers in North Central Province in Sri Lanka)
Authors: Madhusanka J. D. T.
Published: July 2017

All of us are consumers. We consume various product and services to fulfil our daily requirements and every time we have to decide what we buy, how we buy, where and when we buy. There are a large number of factors, which influence consumer buying behaviour. But today the firms and marketers are using celebrity endorsement as a major marketing strategy to affect the consumer buying behaviour. Researcher has been taken celebrity endorsement, attractiveness, expertise and the trust worth to measure whether those factors affect for the consumer buying behaviour or not. Hence the purpose of this research is to study the impact of celebrity endorsement on consumers buying behaviour. Furthermore, this study focuses on examining the perception of consumers about celebrity endorsements, examining the celebrity attributes likely to influence consumer purchase intentions and finally the impact of celebrity endorsements on their Consumer Buying Behaviour. The researcher has identified that there is a huge effect on celebrity endorsement towards the consumer buying behaviour while celebrity trustworthiness, expertise and attractiveness has a positive impact on consumer buying behaviour. Today most of the marketers use celebrity endorsement as a strategy to promote their bands therefore, through this research the researcher’s scope is to understand the consumers mind set towards the FMCG sector due to celebrity endorsement.
Modulation of Roquin Function in Myeloid Cells Reduces Mycobacterium tuberculosis–Induced Inflammation
Authors: Nagalingam Gayathri , Vinuesa Carola G. , Britton Warwick J. , Saunders Bernadette M.
Published: July 2017

Damaging inflammation is a hallmark of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, and understanding how this is regulated is important for the development of new therapies to limit excessive inflammation. The E3 ubiquitin ligase, Roquin, is involved in immune regulation; however, its role in immunity to M. tuberculosis is unknown. To address this, we infected mice with a point mutation in Roquin1/Rc3h1 (sanroque). Aerosol-infected sanroque mice showed enhanced control of M. tuberculosis infection associated with delayed bacterial dissemination and upregulated TNF production in the lungs after 2 wk. However, this early control of infection was not maintained, and by 8 wk postinfection sanroque mice demonstrated an increased bacterial burden and dysregulated inflammation in the lungs. As the inflammation in the lungs of the sanroque mice could have been influenced by emerging autoimmune conditions that are characteristic of the mice aging, the function of Roquin was examined in immune cell subsets in the absence of autoimmune complications. M. bovis bacillus Calmette–Guérin-primed sanroque T cells transferred into Rag1−/− mice provided equivalent protection in the spleen and liver. Interestingly, the transfer of mycobacteria-specific (P25 CD4+ TCR transgenic) wild-type spleen cells into sanroque.Rag1−/− mice actually led to enhanced protection with reduced bacterial load, decreased chemokine expression, and reduced inflammation in the lungs compared with transfers into Rag1−/− mice expressing intact Roquin. These studies suggest that modulation of Roquin in myeloid cells may reduce both inflammation and bacterial growth during the chronic phase of M. tuberculosis infection.
ORMDL3 Facilitates the Survival of Splenic B Cells via an ATF6α–Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress–Beclin1 Autophagy Regulatory Pathway
Authors: Dang Jie , Bian Xianli , Ma Xiaochun , Li Jiangxia , Long Feng , Shan Shan , Yuan Qianqian , Xin Qian , Li Yan , Gao Fei , Gong Yaoqin , Liu Qiji
Published: July 2017

The genetic association of orosomucoid-like 3 (ORMDL3) with an array of immunoinflammatory disorders has been recently unraveled in multiple ethnic groups, and functional exploration has received attention of the particular relevance of this gene in endoplasmic reticulum stress, lipid metabolism, and inflammatory response. In this study, we demonstrated the upregulation of ORMDL3 in both patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and lupus mice compared with controls. By establishing ORMDL3 knockout mice (Ormdl3−/−), we showed that silencing Ormdl3 in vivo significantly decreased the proportions of mature B lymphocytes and transitional 2B cells in spleen and B1a cells from abdominal cavity perfusion fluid, the secretion of IgG and IgM, and the expression of Baff. Additionally, knockdown of Ormdl3 augmented the apoptosis of total splenic cells and splenic CD19+ B cells but did not affect B cell proliferation and cell cycle. Subsequently, we in vitro and in vivo demonstrated that ORMDL3 potentially mediates the autophagy via the ATF 6–Beclin1 autophagy pathway, and it facilitates the survival of splenic B cells via promoting autophagy and suppressing apoptosis. Taken together, we uncovered a role of ORMDL3 in fine-tuning B cell development and survival, besides highlighting a potential mechanism by which ORMDL3 regulates autophagy via ATF6 pathway.
The Small Rho GTPase TC10 Modulates B Cell Immune Responses
Authors: Burbage Marianne , Keppler Selina J. , Montaner Beatriz , Mattila Pieta K. , Batista Facundo D.
Published: July 2017

Rho family GTPases regulate diverse cellular events, such as cell motility, polarity, and vesicle traffic. Although a wealth of data exists on the canonical Rho GTPases RhoA, Rac1, and Cdc42, several other family members remain poorly studied. In B cells, we recently demonstrated a critical role for Cdc42 in plasma cell differentiation. In this study, we focus on a close homolog of Cdc42, TC10 (also known as RhoQ), and investigate its physiological role in B cells. By generating a TC10-deficient mouse model, we show that despite reduced total B cell numbers, B cell development in these mice occurs normally through distinct developmental stages. Upon immunization, IgM levels were reduced and, upon viral infection, germinal center responses were defective in TC10-deficient mice. BCR signaling was mildly affected, whereas cell migration remained normal in TC10-deficient B cells. Furthermore, by generating a TC10/Cdc42 double knockout mouse model, we found that TC10 can compensate for the lack of Cdc42 in TLR-induced cell activation and proliferation, so the two proteins play partly redundant roles. Taken together, by combining in vivo and in vitro analysis using TC10-deficient mice, we define the poorly studied Rho GTPase TC10 as an immunomodulatory molecule playing a role in physiological B cell responses.
The Development of Steady-State Activation Hubs between Adult LTi ILC3s and Primed Macrophages in Small Intestine
Authors: Savage Adam K. , Liang Hong-Erh , Locksley Richard M.
Published: July 2017

Group 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3s) are important for intestinal health, particularly in controlling inflammation in response to epithelial dysregulation, but their role during homeostasis remains less well understood. We generated IL-22 reporter mice to assess production of this key cytokine by ILC3s in the small intestine during development and under basal conditions. Although IL-22 is produced by a variety of lymphocyte populations, constitutively high IL-22 expression was limited to lymphoid-tissue inducer (LTi) cells residing in lymph node–like structures in the gut called solitary intestinal lymphoid tissues (SILT). Constitutive IL-22 expression was dependent on the microbiota and MyD88 signaling, appeared upon weaning, and was present across the spectrum of SILT, including in cryptopatches. Activated SILT LTi cells colocalized with a rare subpopulation of activated macrophages constitutively positive for IL-12/23 p40 and capable of activating neonatal LTi cells in response to TLR stimulus. Thus, weaning leads to the organization of innate immune activation hubs at SILT that mature and are continuously sustained by signals from the microbiota. This functional and anatomic organization constitutes a significant portion of the steady-state IL-23/IL-22 axis.
Annual scientific meeting May 9 2016
Authors: V.V. A.A.
Published: July 2017

not available
The pedagogy of Jesus in the parable of the Good Samaritan: A diacognitive analysis
Authors: Rule Peter N.
Published: July 2017

Jesus of Nazareth, like Socrates, left nothing behind written by himself. Yet, the records of his teaching indicate a rich interest in dialogic pedagogy, reflected in his use of the parable, primarily an oral genre, as a dialogic provocation. Working at the interface of pedagogy, theology and philosophy, this article explores the parable of the Good Samaritan from the perspective of dialogic pedagogy. It employs an analytical approach termed diacognition, developed from the notions of dialogue, position and cognition, to analyse the moves within the parable and the teaching situation in which it is located. The article explores how Jesus engages the dialogue of and around the parable to position and reposition his interlocutor, provoking a re-cognition of what it means to love one’s neighbour. It concludes by reflecting on the implications of this analysis for the relation of meaning to knowing and doing.
Teachers’ perceptions on the design and use of an outdoor learning environment for sensory and motor stimulation
Authors: Nel Anca , Joubert Ina , Hartell Cycil
Published: July 2017

This qualitative study makes recommendations to help teachers understand how an outdoor learning environment could be designed and used to enrich perceptual development through sensory and motor stimulation for the Grade R learner. This was done by establishing design principles that create better teaching and learning environments from the perspective of Grade R educators in the South African context. Three purposively selected case studies (preschools) enabled the collection of data using collection methods such as photos, video clips, interviews and observations. Content analysis was conducted and four themes emerged: contradictory perspectives on outdoor learning environments, outdoor play is valuable, creating the ideal outdoor learning environment and increased deficiency of sensory and motor development among Grade R learners. Findings of the study aid educators and other professionals to create a valuable outdoor learning environment for sensory and motor stimulation of Grade R learners.
Progress towards the 2020 targets for HIV diagnosis and antiretroviral treatment in South Africa
Authors: Johnson Leigh F. , Dorrington Rob E. , Moolla Haroon
Published: July 2017

Background: The UNAIDS targets for 2020 are to achieve a 90% rate of diagnosis in HIVpositive individuals, to provide antiretroviral treatment (ART) to 90% of HIV-diagnosed individuals and to achieve virological suppression in 90% of ART patients.Objectives: To assess South Africa’s progress towards the 2020 targets and variations in performance by province.Methods: A mathematical model was fitted to HIV data for each of South Africa’s provinces, and for the country as a whole. Numbers of HIV tests performed in each province were estimated from routine data over the 2002–2015 period, and numbers of patients receiving ART in each province were estimated by fitting models to reported public and private ART enrolment statistics.Results: By the middle of 2015, 85.5% (95% CI: 84.5% – 86.5%) of HIV-positive South African adults had been diagnosed, with little variation between provinces. However, only 56.9% (95% CI: 55.3% – 58.7%) of HIV-diagnosed adults were on ART, with this proportion varying between 50.8% in North West and 72.7% in Northern Cape. In addition, 78.4% of adults on ART were virally suppressed, with rates ranging from 69.7% in Limpopo to 85.9% in Western Cape. Overall, 3.39 million (95% CI: 3.26–3.52 million) South Africans were on ART by mid- 2015, equivalent to 48.6% (95% CI: 46.0% – 51.2%) of the HIV-positive population. ART coverage varied between 43.0% in Gauteng and 63.0% in Northern Cape.Conclusion: Although South Africa is well on its way to reaching the 90% HIV diagnosis target, most provinces face challenges in reaching the remaining two 90% targets.
Knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and experience of palliative care amongst South African physiotherapists
Authors: Morrow Brenda M. , Barnard Charlotte , Luhlaza Zimkhitha , Naidoo Kelisha , Pitt Sarah
Published: July 2017

Background: Palliative care encompasses holistic management of patients and families facing life-threatening and life-limiting conditions. There is currently little known about South African physiotherapists’ palliative care knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, experience and training needs.Objectives: To describe the amount and adequacy of palliative care training received by South African physiotherapists, and their interest, knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and experiences of palliative care.Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive survey study of a convenience sample of physiotherapists, using an adapted Physical Therapy in Palliative Care-Knowledge, Attitudes, Beliefs and Experiences Scale (PTiPC-KABE Scale). Likert scale scores were converted to continuous data for analysis, presented as median (IQR). Seven universities were contacted to determine undergraduate palliative care curriculum content.Results: A total of 303 participants (8.4% response rate) completed the questionnaire, and 289 responses were included (5.35% margin of error with 95% CI). Participants had 16 (6–27) years of experience, with 85.5% in private practice. About 66.7% and 79% of participants reported not receiving any training at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, respectively, with more than 80% expressing that training was inadequate at both levels. Universities (n = 4/7; 57.1%) reported a maximum 3 hours undergraduate palliative care training. Seventy-nine percent of respondents had clinical experience in providing palliative care; however ‘knowledge’ was the lowest scoring domain (56.3% (43.8%–62.5%). The ‘beliefs’ domain scored highest at 82.6% (69.6%–91.3%).Conclusion: Many South African physiotherapists manage patients requiring palliative care, despite inadequate training and limited knowledge in this field. More under- and postgraduate learning opportunities should be made available for physiotherapists in the area of palliative care.
Stable ergodicity and accessibility for certain partially hyperbolic diffeomorphisms with bidimensional center leaves
Authors: Horita Vanderlei , Sambarino Martin
Published: July 2017

We consider classes of partially hyperbolic diffeomorphism

f:M\to M

with splitting

TM=E^s\oplus E^c\oplus E^u

and

\dim E^c=2

. These classes include for instance (perturbations of) the product of Anosov and conservative surface diffeomorphisms, skew products of surface diffeomorphisms over Anosov, partially hyperbolic symplectomorphisms on manifolds of dimension four with bidimensional center foliation whose center leaves are all compact. We prove that accessibility holds in these classes for

C^1

open and

C^r

dense subsets and moreover they are stably ergodic.
A generalization of the Oort conjecture
Authors: Obus Andrew
Published: July 2017

The Oort conjecture (now a theorem of Obus–Wewers and Pop) states that if

k

is an algebraically closed field of characteristic

p

, then any cyclic branched cover of smooth projective

k

-curves lifts to characteristic zero. This is equivalent to the local Oort conjecture, which states that all cyclic extensions of

k[[t]]

lift to characteristic zero. We generalize the local Oort conjecture to the case of Galois extensions with cyclic

p

-Sylow subgroups, reduce the conjecture to a pure characteristic

p

statement, and prove it in several cases. In particular, we show that

D_9

is a so-called
local Oort group
.
О задаче Коши для квазилинейного уравнения первого порядка в классе почти периодических функций Безиковича
Authors: Panov Evgeny Yur'evich
Published: July 2017

Установлено существование и единственность обобщенного энтропийного решения задачи Коши для многомерного неоднородного квазилинейного уравнения первого порядка в классе почти периодических функций Безиковича.
Библиография: 12 названий.