bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on Measurement of Green Productivity of Tourism in the Yangtze River Economic Zone, China
Authors: Liu Gang , Shi Pengfei , Hai Feng , Zhang Yi , Li Xingming
Published: August 2018

This paper introduces energy consumption and carbon emission into the analysis framework of the green productivity of tourism. By comparing and analyzing the two main methods used to evaluate the energy consumption and carbon emission estimations of tourism, namely, the “top-down” and “bottom-up” method, and considering the availability of data, the “bottom-up” method was adopted to evaluate the energy consumption and carbon emissions of tourism in the Yangtze River Economic Zone (YREZ). Then, using the Malmquist-Luenberger (ML) index in the super-efficiency data envelopment analysis (DEA) model, the green productivity of the tourism in 11 provinces and cities in the YREZ from 2006 to 2015 was measured. The empirical results show that: (1) The energy consumption and carbon emissions of tourism in the YREZ have increased steadily over the past 10 years, which has caused a certain degree of pollution to the environment, indicating that tourism is no longer a “smoke-free industry”; (2) there are significant provincial differences between the energy consumption and carbon emissions of tourism in the YREZ, with Shanghai always ranking first, while Guizhou and Yunnan ranks last, which represents that the tourism economic development level is positively correlated with the tourism energy consumption and carbon emissions; (3) the green productivity of tourism in the YREZ shows a fluctuating increasing trend in the past 10 years, and technological progress has become the main reason for its growth in green productivity; and (4) the green productivity of tourism in 11 provinces and cities in the YREZ can be divided into three types: Progressive type of tourism green development, stagnant type of tourism green development, and declining type of tourism green development. Consequently, different types of provinces should explore effective dependency paths based on their own conditions.
In Vivo Cytotoxicity Induced by 60 Hz Electromagnetic Fields under a High-Voltage Substation Environment
Authors: Heredia-Rojas J. Antonio , Rodríguez-De la Fuente Abraham Octavio , Gomez-Flores Ricardo , Heredia-Rodríguez Omar , Rodríguez-Flores Laura E. , Beltcheva Michaela , Castañeda-Garza Ma. Esperanza
Published: August 2018

Living beings permanently receive electromagnetic radiation, particularly from extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs), which may cause adverse health effects. In this work, we studied the in vivo cytotoxic effects of exposing BALB/c mice to 60 Hz and 8.8 µT EMFs during 72 h and 240 h in a switchyard area, using animals exposed to 60 Hz and 2.0 mT EMFs or treated with 5 mg/kg mitomycin C (MMC) as positive controls. Micronucleus (MN) frequency and male germ cell analyses were used as cytological endpoints. ELF-EMF exposure was observed to significantly (p < 0.05) increase MN frequency at all conditions tested, with the 2 mT/72 h treatment causing the highest response, as compared with untreated control. In addition, increased sperm counts were observed after switchyard area ELF-EMF exposure, as compared with untreated control. In contrast, low sperm counts were obtained for 72 h/2.0 mT-exposed animals and for MMC-treated mice (p < 0.05), without altering male germ cell morphological characteristics.
Fossil Carbon Fraction and Measuring Cycle for Sewage Sludge Waste Incineration
Authors: Kang Seongmin , Cho Changsang , Kim Ki-Hyun , Jeon Eui-chan
Published: August 2018

In this study, the fossil carbon contents of the two facilities were analyzed using 10 or more samples for each facility from June 2013 to March 2015. In addition, the optimal measurement period was calculated from the analyzed fossil carbon contents using a statistical method. As a result of the analysis, the fossil carbon contents were found to be less than 35%, indicating that the biomass content of sewage sludge was not 100%. The fossil carbon content could be representative of using yearly period measurements value. When calculating Green house gas (GHG) emissions from waste incineration, South Korea has been calculating only Non-CO2 emissions because it regarded the CO2 emitted in GHGs from sewage sludge (SS) incineration facilities as originating from biomass. However, biomass of the sewage sludge incineration facility is not 100%, so it is necessary to estimate the greenhouse gas emissions considering the fossil carbon content. Therefore, there is a need to increase the reliability of the greenhouse gas inventory by conducting further studies (such as CO2 concentration analysis) related to the calculation of CO2 emissions for the relevant facilities (sewage sludge incinerator).
Tasty or Sustainable? The Effect of Product Sensory Experience on a Sustainable New Food Product: An Application of Discrete Choice Experiments on Chianina Tinned Beef
Authors: Torquati Biancamaria , Tempesta Tiziano , Vecchiato Daniel , Venanzi Sonia
Published: August 2018

This study aims to contribute to the existing literature by verifying whether the degree of liking of a new food product influences people’s preferences and willingness to pay from a discrete choice experiment when dealing with sustainable food products. To this purpose, we considered the case study of the introduction into the Italian market of a new food product: tinned Chianina meat. Among the attributes considered for this new product, two in particular were related to sustainability: organic breeding and the preservation of a traditional rural landscape. Half of the respondents underwent a sensory test before taking part in the hypothetical market (discrete choice experiment), while the remaining were administered the tests in reverse order. Tasting the product before the discrete choice experiment did not produce different willingness to pay (WTP) parameters as estimated by a taste factor interaction. However, separating the respondents into those who liked or disliked the product in the tasting condition revealed differences in willingness to pay results. The preferences are different for more than 50% of the attributes considered, and the magnitude of this difference is quite relevant. The WTP for one well known and certified sustainability related attribute—organic breeding—was not affected by the liking, while, for the other—the preservation of a traditional rural landscape—the effect of liking decreases the WTP. As a consequence, we suggest that tasting and liking studies should be routinely coupled with discrete choice studies when analyzing the introduction of new food products, especially when considering sustainable attributes in the experimental design. In the case of organic products where the expectations about taste are higher, neglecting to consider their sensory perception, along with the other discrete choice experiment attributes, could seriously undermine their long lasting success on the market.
Bringing the Community Back: A Case Study of the Post-Earthquake Heritage Restoration in Kathmandu Valley
Authors: Lekakis Stelios , Shakya Shobhit , Kostakis Vasilis
Published: August 2018

Heritage preservation is a resource-intensive activity nested among other processes in the public administration, related to identity building and touristic product enhancement. Strategies and schemata associated with heritage preservation sprang in the western world after WWII and they have been adapted, in the form of ‘heritage management’, in various contexts with questionable effectiveness regarding sustainability. Our paper discusses the case of the post-earthquake cultural, social and political landscape of the World Heritage Site of Kathmandu valley in Nepal. By reviewing the bibliography and drawing upon various case studies of post-earthquake heritage restoration, we focus on the traditional ways of managing human and cultural resources in the area as related to the modern national heritage management mechanism. We also examine how traditional practices, re-interpreted into a modern context, can point towards inclusive and sustainable forms of collaboration based on the commons. We shed light on the elements of an emerging management system that could protect the vulnerable monuments through community participation, adapted to the challenging realities of the Nepalese heritage and its stakeholders.
Some Novel Bayesian Model Combination Schemes: An Application to Commodities Prices
Authors: Drachal Krzysztof
Published: August 2018

Forecasting commodities prices on vividly changing markets is a hard problem to tackle. However, being able to determine important price predictors in a time-varying setting is crucial for sustainability initiatives. For example, the 2000s commodities boom gave rise to questioning whether commodities markets become over-financialized. In case of agricultural commodities, it was questioned if the speculative pressures increase food prices. Recently, some newly proposed Bayesian model combination scheme has been proposed, i.e., Dynamic Model Averaging (DMA). This method has already been applied with success in certain markets. It joins together uncertainty about the model and explanatory variables and a time-varying parameters approach. It can also capture structural breaks and respond to market disturbances. Secondly, it can deal with numerous explanatory variables in a data-rich environment. Similarly, like Bayesian Model Averaging (BMA), Dynamic Model Averaging (DMA), Dynamic Model Selection (DMS) and Median Probability Model (MED) start from Time-Varying Parameters’ (TVP) regressions. All of these methods were applied to 69 spot commodities prices. The period between Dec 1983 and Oct 2017 was analysed. In approximately 80% of cases, according to the Diebold–Mariano test, DMA produced statistically significant more accurate forecast than benchmark forecasts (like the naive method or ARIMA). Moreover, amongst all the considered model types, DMA was in 22% of cases the most accurate one (significantly). MED was most often minimising the forecast errors (28%). However, in the text, it is clarified that this was due to some specific initial parameters setting. The second “best” model type was MED, meaning that, in the case of model selection, relying on the highest posterior probability is not always preferable.
Accumulation and Biotransformation of Dinophysis Toxins by the Surf Clam Mesodesma donacium
Authors: Blanco Juan , Álvarez Gonzalo , Rengel José , Díaz Rosario , Mariño Carmen , Martín Helena , Uribe Eduardo
Published: August 2018

Surf clams, Mesodesma donacium, were shown to accumulate toxins from Dinophysis acuminata blooms. Only pectenotoxin 2 (PTX2) and some of its derivatives were found, and no toxins from the okadaic acid group were detected. PTX2 seems to be transformed to PTX2 seco-acid (PTX2sa), which was found in concentrations more than ten-fold those of PTX2. The seco-acid was transformed to acyl-derivatives by esterification with different fatty acids. The estimated amount of these derivatives in the mollusks was much higher than that of PTX2. Most esters were originated by even carbon chain fatty acids, but some originated by odd carbon number were also found in noticeable concentrations. Some peaks of toxin in the bivalves did not coincide with those of Dinophysis abundance, suggesting that there were large differences in toxin content per cell among the populations that developed throughout the year. The observed depuration (from the digestive gland) was fast (more than 0.2 day−1), and was faster for PTX2 than for PTX2sa, which in turn was faster than that of esters of PTX2sa. PTX2 and PTX2sa were distributed nearly equally between the digestive gland and the remaining tissues, but less than 5% of the palmytoyl-esters were found outside the digestive gland.
Distribution Analysis of Twelve Mycotoxins in Corn and Corn-Derived Products by LC-MS/MS to Evaluate the Carry-Over Ratio during Wet-Milling
Authors: Park Juhee , Kim Dong-Ho , Moon Ji-Young , An Jin-Ah , Kim Young-Woo , Chung Soo-Hyun , Lee Chan
Published: August 2018

This study investigated the distribution of twelve mycotoxins (aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2; ochratoxin A; fumonisins B1 and B2; deoxynivalenol; nivalenol; zearalenone; T-2 toxin; and HT-2 toxin) in corn and corn by-products (corn bran, cornstarch, corn gluten, corn gluten feed, corn germ, light steep water, and corn steep liquor) produced by wet-milling in Korea. Fifty-two samples were collected from three factories producing cornstarch and other corn by-products. The samples were pretreated on an immunoaffinity column (IAC), and then the levels of the 12 mycotoxins were analyzed simultaneously by liquid chromatography-coupled triple-quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Fusarium mycotoxins were mainly found in raw corn and corn gluten feed samples. Other mycotoxins—such as aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, and HT-2 toxin—were detected in tiny amounts below the limit of quantification (LOQ) in cornstarch, corn germ, and corn bran. Ochratoxin A and nivalenol were mainly carried over into cornstarch. Aflatoxin B1, deoxynivalenol, T-2 toxin, HT-2 toxin, and the fumonisins were concentrated in corn gluten feed. Zearalenone was evenly distributed in all corn by-products except cornstarch during the milling process.
Unravelling the Links between Phage Adsorption and Successful Infection in Clostridium difficile
Authors: Thanki Anisha Mahendra , Taylor-Joyce Grace , Dowah Ahmed , Yakubu Nale Janet , Malik Danish , Rebecca Jane Clokie Martha
Published: August 2018

Bacteriophage (phage) therapy is a promising alternative to antibiotics for the treatment of bacterial pathogens, including Clostridium difficile. However, as for many species, in C. difficile the physical interactions between phages and bacterial cells have not been studied in detail. The initial interaction, known as phage adsorption, is initiated by the reversible attachment of phage tail fibers to bacterial cell surface receptors followed by an irreversible binding step. Therefore binding can dictate which strains are infected by the phage. In this study, we investigated the adsorption rates and irreversible binding of three C. difficile myoviruses: CDHM1, CDHM3 and CDHM6 to ten strains that represent ten prevalent C. difficile ribotypes, regardless of their ability to infect. CDHM1 and CDHM3 phage particles adsorbed by ~75% to some strains that they infected. The infection dynamics for CDHM6 are less clear and ~30% of the phage particles bound to all strains, irrespective of whether a successful infection was established. The data highlighted adsorption is phage-host specific. However, it was consistently observed that irreversible binding had to be above 80% for successful infection, which was also noted for another two C. difficile myoviruses. Furthermore, to understand if there is a relationship between infection, adsorption and phage tail fibers, the putative tail fiber protein sequences of CDHM1, CDHM3 and CDHM6 were compared. The putative tail fiber protein sequence of CDHM1 shares 45% homology at the amino acid level to CDHM3 and CDHM6, which are identical to each other. However, CDHM3 and CDHM6 display differences in adsorption, which highlights that there is no obvious relationship between putative tail fiber sequence and adsorption. The importance of adsorption and binding to successful infection is often overlooked, and this study provides useful insights into host-pathogen interactions within this phage-pathogen system.
Empirical, Dimensional and Inspectional Analysis in the Design of Bottom Intake Racks
Authors: García Juan T. , Castillo Luis G. , Carrillo José M. , Haro Patricia L.
Published: August 2018

Flow over bottom racks is highly turbulent, three-dimensional and spatially varied. The design of bottom intake systems has mainly been studied in the laboratory. The comparison of existing experimental studies shows large deviations in the definition of design parameters such as wetted rack length. Each experimental study is limited to a single bar type or to a low range of void ratios, which makes it difficult to generalize the observed data. A combination of empirical, dimensional and inspectional analysis is presented as a useful tool to reduce the number of variables with influence in the design parameters, such as the wetted rack length or the mean discharge coefficient. This work includes a broad experimental campaign in which wetted rack length and mean discharge coefficient are characterized using five different bottom racks with different void ratios (area between bars divided by total area). T-shaped flat and circular bars are considered as well as five different longitudinal slopes. Empirical and inspectional analyses have allowed us to verify, in two different ways, the relation between wetted rack length and incoming flow through potential functions. The influence of the viscous forces has been studied as a function of the incoming flow. Similar results may be obtained when analysing the Froude number at the beginning of the rack, depending on the wetted rack length. A new formulation for calculating the mean discharge coefficient and wetted rack length is proposed.
Simple and Low-Cost Procedure for Monthly and Yearly Streamflow Forecasts during the Current Hydrological Year
Authors: Delgado-Ramos Fernando , Hervás-Gámez Carmen
Published: August 2018

Accurately forecasting streamflow values is essential to achieve an efficient, integrated water resources management strategy and to provide consistent support to water decision-makers. We present a simple, low-cost, and robust approach for forecasting monthly and yearly streamflows during the current hydrological year, which is applicable to headwater catchments. The procedure innovatively combines the use of well-known regression analysis techniques, the two-parameter Gamma continuous cumulative probability distribution function and the Monte Carlo method. Several model performance statistics metrics (including the Coefficient of Determination R2; the Root-Mean-Square Error RMSE; the Mean Absolute Error MAE; the Index of Agreement IOA; the Mean Absolute Percent Error MAPE; the Coefficient of Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency NSE; and the Inclusion Coefficient IC) were used and the results showed good levels of accuracy (improving as the number of observed months increases). The model forecast outputs are the mean monthly and yearly streamflows along with the 10th and 90th percentiles. The methodology has been successfully applied to two headwater reservoirs within the Guadalquivir River Basin in southern Spain, achieving an accuracy of 92% and 80% in March 2017. These risk-based predictions are of great value, especially before the intensive irrigation campaign starts in the middle of the hydrological year, when Water Authorities have to ensure that the right decision is made on how to best allocate the available water volume between the different water users and environmental needs.
Storm Water Management and Flood Control in Sponge City Construction of Beijing
Authors: Zhang Shuhan , Li Yongkun , Ma Meihong , Song Ting , Song Ruining
Published: August 2018

To solve the problems of increasing local flooding, water shortage, and water pollution caused by the traditional model of urban development, the Chinese government proposed a new model of urban development—the Sponge City. In Beijing, the capital of China, research on storm water management in urban areas has been carried out since 1989 and has put forward the concept of urban storm water harvesting and flood control. The further research and demonstration application started in 2000. So far, a series of policies and technology standards on storm water management have been formulated, which promote the application of technologies on comprehensive urban storm water harvesting and flood control. A significant number of storm water harvesting and flood control projects have been built in Beijing, which are now playing important roles in runoff reduction, local flood control, non-point source pollution reduction, and storm water utilization. However, it does not solve the above problem completely. Storm water management and flood control needs to be further strengthened. The “Sponge City” is based on natural and ecological laws, which allows storm water to be managed with natural infiltration, natural retention and detention, and natural cleaning facilities. Through in-depth analysis of the connotation, characteristics, and construction path of “Sponge City”, this paper summarizes the status quo of urban rainwater flooding, flood control technology development and application, and Beijing policy and engineering to introduce the overall ideas and methods of Sponge City construction. All the above will provide a reference for cities with similar problems in the construction of sponge cities.
Assessing Decadal Trends of a Nitrate-Contaminated Shallow Aquifer in Western Nebraska Using Groundwater Isotopes, Age-Dating, and Monitoring
Authors: Wells Martin J. , Gilmore Troy E. , Mittelstet Aaron R. , Snow Daniel , Sibray Steven S.
Published: August 2018

Shallow aquifers are prone to nitrate contamination worldwide. In western Nebraska, high groundwater nitrate concentrations ([NO3−]) have resulted in the exploration of new groundwater and nitrogen management regulations in the North Platte Natural Resources District (NPNRD). A small region of NPNRD (“Dutch Flats”) was the focus of intensive groundwater sampling by the United States Geological Survey from 1995 to 1999. Nearly two decades later, notable shifts have occurred in variables related to groundwater recharge and [NO3−], including irrigation methods. The objective of this study was to evaluate how changes in these variables, in part due to regulatory changes, have impacted nitrate-contaminated groundwater in the Dutch Flats area. Groundwater samples were collected to assess changes in: (1) recharge rates; (2) biogeochemical processes; and (3) [NO3−]. Groundwater age increased in 63% of wells and estimated recharge rates were lower for 88% of wells sampled (n = 8). However, mean age and recharge rate estimated in 2016 (19.3 years; R = 0.35 m/year) did not differ significantly from mean values determined in 1998 (15.6 years; R = 0.50 m/year). δ15N-NO3− (n = 14) and dissolved oxygen data indicate no major changes in biogeochemical processes. Available long-term data suggest a downward trend in normalized [NO3−] from 1998 to 2016, and lower [NO3−] was observed in 60% of wells sampled in both years (n = 87), but median values were not significantly different. Collectively, results suggest the groundwater system is responding to environmental variables to a degree that is detectable (e.g., trends in [NO3−]), although more time and/or substantial changes may be required before it is possible to detect significantly different mean recharge.
Nebular Spectroscopy of the “Blue Bump” Type Ia Supernova 2017cbv
Authors: Sand D. J. , Graham M. L. , Botyánszki J. , Hiramatsu D. , McCully C. , Valenti S. , Hosseinzadeh G. , Howell D. A. , Burke J. , Cartier R. , Diamond T. , Hsiao E. Y. , Jha S. W. , Kasen D. , Kumar S. , Marion G. H. , Suntzeff N. , Tartaglia L. , Wheeler J. C. , Wyatt S.
Published: August 2018

We present nebular phase optical and near-infrared spectroscopy of the Type Ia supernova (SN) 2017cbv. The early light curves of SN 2017cbv showed a prominent blue bump in the U, B, and g bands lasting for ∼5 days. One interpretation of the early light curve is that the excess blue light is due to shocking of the SN ejecta against a nondegenerate companion star—a signature of the single degenerate scenario. If this is the correct interpretation, the interaction between the SN ejecta and the companion star could result in significant Hα (or helium) emission at late times, possibly along with other species, depending on the companion star and its orbital separation. A search for Hα emission in our +302 d spectrum yields a nondetection, with a L
Hα
 < 8.0 × 1035 erg s−1 (given an assumed distance of D = 12.3 Mpc), which we verified by implanting simulated Hα emission into our data. We make a quantitative comparison to models of swept-up material stripped from a nondegenerate companion star and limit the mass of hydrogen that might remain undetected to M
H < 1 × 10−4
M
⊙. A similar analysis of helium star related lines yields a M
He < 5 × 10−4
M
⊙. Taken at face value, these results argue against a nondegenerate H- or He-rich companion in Roche lobe overflow as the progenitor of SN 2017cbv. Alternatively, there could be weaknesses in the envelope-stripping and radiative transfer models necessary to interpret the strong H and He flux limits.
OGLE-2016-BLG-1045: A Test of Cheap Space-based Microlens Parallaxes
Authors: Shin I.-G. , Udalski A. , Yee J. C. , Novati S. Calchi , Christie G. , Poleski R. , Mróz P. , Skowron J. , Szymański M. K. , Soszyński I. , Pietrukowicz P. , Kozłowski S. , Ulaczyk K. , Pawlak M. ,   (OGLE Collaboration), Natusch T. , Pogge R. W. ,   (μFUN Collaboration), Gould A. , Han C. , Albrow M. D. , Chung S.-J. , Hwang K.-H. , Ryu Y.-H. , Jung Y. K. , Zhu W. , Lee C.-U. , Cha S.-M. , Kim D.-J. , Kim H.-W. , Kim S.-L. , Lee Y. , Lee D.-J. , Park B.-G. ,   (KMTNet Group), Beichman C. , Bryden G. , Carey S. , Gaudi B. S. , Henderson C. B. , Shvartzvald Y. ,   (Spitzer Team)
Published: August 2018

Microlensing is a powerful and unique technique to probe isolated objects in the Galaxy. To study the characteristics of these interesting objects based on the microlensing method, measurement of the microlens parallax is required to determine the properties of the lens. Of the various methods to measure microlens parallax, the most routine way is to make simultaneous ground- and space-based observations, i.e., by measuring the space-based microlens parallax. However, space-based campaigns usually require “expensive” resources. Gould & Yee (2012) proposed an idea called the “cheap space-based microlens parallax” that can measure the lens-parallax using only two or three space-based observations of high-magnification events (as seen from Earth). This cost-effective observation strategy to measure microlens parallaxes could be used by space-borne telescopes to build a complete sample for studying isolated objects. This would enable a direct measurement of the mass function including both extremely low-mass objects and high-mass stellar remnants. However, to adopt this idea requires a test to check how it would work in actual situations. Thus, we present the first practical test of this idea using the high-magnification microlensing event OGLE-2016-BLG-1045, for which a subset of Spitzer observations fortuitously duplicates the prescription of Gould & Yee (2012). From the test, we confirm that the measurement of the lens-parallax adopting this idea has sufficient accuracy to determine the physical properties of the isolated lens.
Variability Timescale and Spectral Index of Sgr A* in the Near Infrared: Approximate Bayesian Computation Analysis of the Variability of the Closest Supermassive Black Hole
Authors: Witzel G. , Martinez G. , Hora J. , Willner S. P. , Morris M. R. , Gammie C. , Becklin E. E. , Ashby M. L. N. , Baganoff F. , Carey S. , Do T. , Fazio G. G. , Ghez A. , Glaccum W. J. , Haggard D. , Herrero-Illana R. , Ingalls J. , Narayan R. , Smith H. A.
Published: August 2018

Sagittarius A* (Sgr A*) is the variable radio, near-infrared (NIR), and X-ray source associated with accretion onto the Galactic center black hole. We present an analysis of the most comprehensive NIR variability data set of Sgr A* to date: eight 24 hr epochs of continuous monitoring of Sgr A* at 4.5 μm with the IRAC instrument on the Spitzer Space Telescope, 93 epochs of 2.18 μm data from Naos Conica at the Very Large Telescope, and 30 epochs of 2.12 μm data from the NIRC2 camera at the Keck Observatory, in total 94,929 measurements. A new approximate Bayesian computation method for fitting the first-order structure function extracts information beyond current fast Fourier transformation (FFT) methods of power spectral density (PSD) estimation. With a combined fit of the data of all three observatories, the characteristic coherence timescale of Sgr A* is

minutes (90% credible interval). The PSD has no detectable features on timescales down to 8.5 minutes (95% credible level), which is the ISCO orbital frequency for a dimensionless spin parameter a = 0.92. One light curve measured simultaneously at 2.12 and 4.5 μm during a low flux-density phase gave a spectral index α

s
 = 1.6 ± 0.1 (

). This value implies that the Sgr A* NIR color becomes bluer during higher flux-density phases. The probability densities of flux densities of the combined data sets are best fit by log-normal distributions. Based on these distributions, the Sgr A* spectral energy distribution is consistent with synchrotron radiation from a non-thermal electron population from below 20 GHz through the NIR.
The Sloan Digital Sky Survey Reverberation Mapping Project: Quasar Host Galaxies at z < 0.8 from Image Decomposition
Authors: Yue Minghao , Jiang Linhua , Shen Yue , Hall Patrick B. , Yu Zhefu , Schneider Donald P. , Ho Luis C. , Horne Keith , Petitjean Patrick , Trump Jonathan R.
Published: August 2018

We present the rest-frame UV and optical photometry and morphology of low-redshift broad-line quasar host galaxies from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey Reverberation Mapping project. Our sample consists of 103 quasars at z < 0.8, spanning a luminosity range of −25 ≤ M

g
 ≤ −17 mag. We stack the multi-epoch images in the g and i bands taken by the Canada–France–Hawaii Telescope. The combined g-band (i-band) images reach a 5σ depth of 26.2 (25.2) mag, with a typical point-spread function (PSF) size of 0.″7 (0.″6). Each quasar is decomposed into a PSF and a Sérsic profile, representing the components of the central active galactic nucleus (AGN) and the host galaxy, respectively. The systematic errors of the measured host galaxy flux in the two bands are 0.23 and 0.18 mag. The relative errors of the measured galaxy half-light radii (R

e
) are about 13%. We estimate the rest-frame u- and g-band flux of the host galaxies, and find that the AGN-to-galaxy flux ratios in the g band are between 0.9 and 4.4 (68.3% confidence). These galaxies have high stellar masses

. They have similar colors to star-forming galaxies at similar redshifts, which is consistent with AGN positive feedback in these quasars. We find that the

relation in our sample is shallower than the local M
Bulge–M
BH relation. The Sérsic indices and the M
*–R

e
relation indicate that the majority of the host galaxies are disk-like.
SPIRITS 16tn in NGC 3556: A Heavily Obscured and Low-luminosity Supernova at 8.8 Mpc
Authors: Jencson Jacob E. , Kasliwal Mansi M. , Adams Scott M. , Bond Howard E. , Lau Ryan M. , Johansson Joel , Horesh Assaf , Mooley Kunal P. , Fender Robert , De Kishalay , O’Sullivan Dónal , Masci Frank J. , Cody Ann Marie , Blagorodnova Nadia , Fox Ori D. , Gehrz Robert D. , Milne Peter A. , Perley Daniel A. , Smith Nathan , Van Dyk Schuyler D.
Published: August 2018

We present the discovery by the SPitzer InfraRed Intensive Transients Survey (SPIRITS) of a likely supernova (SN) in NGC 3556 (M108) at only 8.8 Mpc that was not detected by optical searches. A luminous infrared (IR) transient at M
[4.5] = −16.7 mag (Vega), SPIRITS 16tn is coincident with a dust lane in the inclined, star-forming disk of the host. Using observations in the IR, optical, and radio, we attempt to determine the nature of this event. We estimate A

V
 ≈ 8–9 mag of extinction, placing it among the three most highly obscured IR-discovered SNe. The [4.5] light curve declined at a rate of 0.013 mag day−1, and the [3.6]–[4.5] color increased from 0.7 to ≳1.0 mag by 184.7 days post discovery. Optical/IR spectroscopy shows a red continuum but no clearly discernible features, preventing a definitive spectroscopic classification. Radio observations constrain the radio luminosity of SPIRITS 16tn to L

ν
 ≲ 1024 erg s−1 Hz−1 between 3 and 15 GHz, excluding many varieties of core-collapse SNe. An SN Ia is ruled out by the observed IR color and lack of spectroscopic features from Fe-peak elements. SPIRITS 16tn was fainter at [4.5] than typical stripped-envelope SNe by ≈1 mag. Comparison of the spectral energy distribution to SNe II suggests that SPIRITS 16tn was both highly obscured and intrinsically dim, possibly akin to the low-luminosity SN 2005cs. We infer the presence of an IR dust echo powered by an initial peak luminosity of the transient of 5 × 1040 erg s−1 ≲ L
peak ≲ 4 × 1043 erg s−1, consistent with the observed range for SNe II. This discovery illustrates the power of IR surveys to overcome the compounding effects of visible extinction and optically subluminous events in completing the inventory of nearby SNe.
The Search for Spatial Extension in High-latitude Sources Detected by the Fermi Large Area Telescope
Authors: Ackermann M. , Ajello M. , Baldini L. , Ballet J. , Barbiellini G. , Bastieri D. , Bellazzini R. , Bissaldi E. , Blandford R. D. , Bloom E. D. , Bonino R. , Bottacini E. , Brandt T. J. , Bregeon J. , Bruel P. , Buehler R. , Cameron R. A. , Caputo R. , Caraveo P. A. , Castro D. , Cavazzuti E. , Charles E. , Cheung C. C. , Chiaro G. , Ciprini S. , Cohen-Tanugi J. , Costantin D. , Cutini S. , D’Ammando F. , de Palma F. , Desai A. , Di Lalla N. , Di Mauro M. , Di Venere L. , Favuzzi C. , Finke J. , Franckowiak A. , Fukazawa Y. , Funk S. , Fusco P. , Gargano F. , Gasparrini D. , Giglietto N. , Giordano F. , Giroletti M. , Green D. , Grenier I. A. , Guillemot L. , Guiriec S. , Hays E. , Hewitt J. W. , Horan D. , Jóhannesson G. , Kensei S. , Kuss M. , Larsson S. , Latronico L. , Lemoine-Goumard M. , Li J. , Longo F. , Loparco F. , Lovellette M. N. , Lubrano P. , Magill J. D. , Maldera S. , Manfreda A. , Mazziotta M. N. , McEnery J. E. , Meyer M. , Mizuno T. , Monzani M. E. , Morselli A. , Moskalenko I. V. , Negro M. , Nuss E. , Omodei N. , Orienti M. , Orlando E. , Ormes J. F. , Palatiello M. , Paliya V. S. , Paneque D. , Perkins J. S. , Persic M. , Pesce-Rollins M. , Piron F. , Porter T. A. , Principe G. , Rainò S. , Rando R. , Rani B. , Razzaque S. , Reimer A. , Reimer O. , Reposeur T. , Sgrò C. , Siskind E. J. , Spandre G. , Spinelli P. , Suson D. J. , Tajima H. , Thayer J. B. , Tibaldo L. , Torres D. F. , Tosti G. , Valverde J. , Venters T. M. , Vogel M. , Wood K. , Wood M. , Zaharijas G. ,   The Fermi-LAT Collaboration, Biteau J.
Published: August 2018

We present a search for spatial extension in high-latitude (

) sources in recent Fermi point source catalogs. The result is the Fermi High-Latitude Extended Sources Catalog, which provides source extensions (or upper limits thereof) and likelihood profiles for a suite of tested source morphologies. We find 24 extended sources, 19 of which were not previously characterized as extended. These include sources that are potentially associated with supernova remnants and star-forming regions. We also found extended γ-ray emission in the vicinity of the Cen A radio lobes and—at GeV energies for the first time—spatially coincident with the radio emission of the SNR CTA 1, as well as from the Crab Nebula. We also searched for halos around active galactic nuclei, which are predicted from electromagnetic cascades induced by the e
+
e
− pairs that are deflected in intergalactic magnetic fields. These pairs are produced when γ-rays interact with background radiation fields. We do not find evidence for extension in individual sources or in stacked source samples. This enables us to place limits on the flux of the extended source components, which are then used to constrain the intergalactic magnetic field to be stronger than 3 × 10−16 G for a coherence length λ ≳ 10 kpc, even when conservative assumptions on the source duty cycle are made. This improves previous limits by several orders of magnitude.
A new species of Lecidea (Lecanorales, Ascomycota) from Pakistan
Authors: Khan Memoona , Khalid Abdul Nasir , Lumbsch H. Thorsten
Published: August 2018

We describe here a new species, Lecideaaptrootii, in Lecidea sensu stricto from Swat Valley, Pakistan. It is most similar to L.fuscoatra in having an areolate thallus and black, lecideine apothecia with a persistent margin. However, L.aptrootii can be readily distinguished by having smaller ascospores (average length 8-10 µm). In phylogenetic analyses, using ITS and nuLSU rDNA sequences, L.aptrootii forms a sister-group relationship to L.grisella, which differs in having a rimose thallus.
La « fin » de la construction européenne
Authors: Baechler Jean
Published: August 2018

La « fin » de la construction européenne peut se comprendre comme un achèvement abouti, une interruption définitive ou ce qui donne sens au projet européen. L’article propose d’explorer le troisième sens, autrement dit de cerner les objectifs du projet de construction européenne, ainsi que ce à quoi pourrait correspondre son achèvement. La fin dernière de ce projet doit logiquement être la constitution d’une politie européenne pacifiée intérieurement et en capacité de gérer les conflits potentiels avec l’extérieur. L’Union européenne étant encore à l’état de quasi-politie, il est permis de mesurer les conséquences de l’inachèvement du projet en termes de capacités à assurer la paix en Europe et de contributions de l’Europe à la paix dans le monde.
Politics of setting an example: The European Banking Union and the case of Slovenia
Authors: Lovec Marko
Published: August 2018

La tentative des institutions de l’Union européenne d’appliquer les nouvelles règles bancaires en utilisant la Slovénie comme exemple a eu des effets contre-productifs. Alors que la théorie post-fonctionnaliste suggère que dépasser les contraintes domestiques pourrait nécessiter le renforcement des institutions et / ou des identités supranationales, la théorie institutionnelle libérale met en garde contre les implications d’une telle action pour le déficit démocratique. Une analyse contrefactuelle du cas slovène démontre que le gouvernement slovène était – autant que cela était nécessaire – à la fois capable et désireux de surmonter les contraintes nationales à travers une coalition pro-européenne et avec un transfert d’une partie des autorités, comme le soutient la théorie institutionnelle libérale. Bien que le cas slovène soit dû à sa moindre influence, plus représentative du cas des plus petits membres que des plus grands, cela implique néanmoins le besoin d’un système d’équilibre des pouvoirs à tous les niveaux.
L’avenir de la zone Euro
Authors: Vérez Jean-Claude
Published: August 2018

La crise des années 2007-2008 a confirmé les limites de l’intégration économique au sein de la zone euro. Du fait de la mondialisation et de l’émergence de grands pays, seule une zone euro convergente peut espérer rivaliser avec les puissances d’aujourd’hui et de demain. En l’absence d’une vision fédérale de la zone euro, il est souhaitable d’avancer sur (et/ou de renforcer) l’union bancaire, l’harmonisation budgétaire, la mutualisation des dettes, un budget de la zone euro et une meilleure convergence économique et sociale.
Améliorer les politiques nationales de promotion de l’activité physique favorable à la santé
Authors: Ungureanu Joana , Toussaint Jean-François , Breton Éric
Published: August 2018

Contexte : Afin d’appuyer les États dans l’élaboration de stratégies et politiques agissant sur l’ensemble des déterminants de la sédentarité et de la pratique de l’activité physique, l’OMS a mis en place un outil d’analyse des politiques, le Health Enhancing Physical Activity Policy Analysis Tool (HEPA PAT) qui permet d’évaluer la qualité des politiques nationales et de prendre en compte le maillage complexe de ces déterminants. Cet article vise un double objectif : d’une part présenter cet outil pour préciser sa nature et son utilité pour la définition des politiques nationales de promotion de l’activité physique et d’autre part offrir une illustration de son application aux politiques françaises. Méthodes : Ayant d’abord identifié les politiques et les projets HEPA au niveau national, nous les avons ensuite analysés sur la base de l’HEPA PAT et de ses 17 critères de qualité, afin d’identifier des opportunités et de proposer des recommandations. Résultats : La promotion de l’activité physique en France est encore un domaine récent et fragmenté. Son développement est plus visible au niveau local mais requiert une coordination nationale. Le problème fondamental semble être le manque d’une vision à long terme et d’une stratégie unifiée l’accompagnant. La mise en œuvre se trouve limitée aussi par des plans d’action insuffisamment définis ou privés de critères d’évaluation et de financements durables. Conclusion : HEPA PAT offre un portrait clair et complet des efforts des États de promotion de l’activité physique. Cependant, seul un travail supplémentaire d’analyse des niveaux régional et local permettra de générer une vision globale des stratégies de promotion de l’activité physique au sein de la population.
Évaluation d’un nouvel outil en pharmacovigilance : la déclaration simplifiée en ligne pour les médecins généralistes
Authors: Humbert Xavier , Chrétien Basile , Sassier Marion , Coquerel Antoine , Alexandre Joachim , Fedrizzi Sophie
Published: August 2018

Introduction : La déclaration spontanée de pharmacovigilance est fondamentale dans la surveillance après l’autorisation de mise sur le marché d’un médicament (pharmacovigilance). Cependant, une sous-déclaration majeure existe et constitue la limitation de ce système. Ainsi, l’objectif principal de cette étude était de réaliser un premier bilan à un an de l’utilisation d’une déclaration simplifiée par les médecins généralistes (MG) en Normandie occidentale sur le nombre de cas d’effets indésirables et secondairement de voir son impact sur la qualité de ces déclarations. Méthodes : Une déclaration simplifiée de pharmacovigilance en ligne a été proposée en juin 2015 par le centre régional de pharmacovigilance de Caen Normandie, en lien avec l’Union régionale des médecins libéraux Normandie pour les MGs. Cette nouvelle déclaration a été évaluée sur le nombre mensuel de déclaration et le nombre de MG déclarants avant et après introduction de ce nouvel outil. De plus, la qualité des déclarations issues du nouvel outil a été comparée à celles issues des autres modes de déclarations. Résultats : Entre juin 2014 et juin 2016, 220 déclarations ont été réalisées par 67 MGs. Après l’introduction de ce nouvel outil, à un an, le nombre mensuel de déclarations a été multiplié par 4,8 et le nombre mensuel de médecins déclarants par deux. La qualité des déclarations est restée inchangée sur la même période de suivi (35 % versus 32 %, p = 0,1). La déclaration simplifiée a permis la diminution des déclarations mal renseignées (33 % versus 36 %, p = 0,04). Conclusion : La déclaration simplifiée en ligne a montré son efficacité en termes quantitatif (augmentation du nombre de déclaration et de déclarants) mais aussi qualitatif (qualité inchangée). Il faut désormais tenter de développer dans d’autres régions françaises cet outil et le réévaluer dans le temps.
Stigmatisation de la maladie mentale par les étudiants en médecine en Guinée, Conakry
Authors: Sow Abdoulaye , Van Dormael Monique , Criel Bart , Conde Sayon , Dewez Michel , de Spiegelaere Myriam
Published: August 2018

Introduction : La stigmatisation de la maladie mentale constitue un obstacle majeur au développement de soins de qualité, particulièrement lorsqu’elle émane des professionnels eux-mêmes. L’objectif de cette recherche était d’appréhender les éventuelles attitudes de stigmatisation parmi les étudiants de première et dernière année en médecine à l’Université de Conakry (Guinée), à partir d’une description de leurs représentations de la maladie mentale, des malades mentaux et de la psychiatrie. Méthodes : Des focus groups ont permis de faire émerger les perceptions et attitudes des étudiants face à la maladie mentale, leurs modèles explicatifs et opinions sur les thérapeutiques traditionnelles et modernes, ainsi que leur intérêt à intégrer la psychiatrie dans leur pratique future. Résultats : Beaucoup regrettent la discrimination dont font l’objet les malades mentaux dans la société guinéenne, mais partagent néanmoins avec la population générale des attitudes de stigmatisation. Le stéréotype dominant est la grande folie, même si les étudiants de dernière année citent des troubles mentaux plus diversifiés. Il y a une forte adhésion aux modèles explicatifs profanes intégrant les forces occultes ainsi qu’au recours aux soins traditionnels pour les traiter, y compris parmi les étudiants de dernière année de médecine. Discussion : Aucun étudiant ne choisirait la psychiatrie comme spécialité, même si certains se montrent intéressés à l’intégrer dans leur pratique. Notre étude suggère cependant aussi que les attitudes de stigmatisation des étudiants ne sont pas figées. Des dispositifs pédagogiques spécifiques peuvent faire évoluer les attitudes et créer des espaces de tolérance et de compassion.
Concevoir et évaluer des outils d’éducation thérapeutique pour les personnes vivant avec le VIH
Authors: Iguenane Jacqueline , Sawadogo Inoussa , Marchand Claire , Beugny Anne
Published: August 2018

Dans le cadre de l’éducation thérapeutique des personnes vivant avec le VIH en Afrique, les outils d’éducation doivent être adaptés à leur contexte de vie. Objectifs : Décrire la démarche de conception d’outils d’éducation pour les personnes vivant avec le VIH et évaluer leur utilisation par les soignants-éducateurs en Afrique. Méthodes : Une démarche participative et formative en huit étapes a été menée pour concevoir des outils d’éducation. Vingt et un soignants-éducateurs de neuf pays d’Afrique francophone, répartis dans trois groupes de discussion focalisée, ont été interrogés sur la façon dont les outils étaient utilisés. Résultats : Quatorze personnes ont été formées à la démarche de conception des outils, et à former les soignants-éducateurs à leur utilisation. Deux kits d’outils ont été élaborés, l’un pour les adultes et l’autre pour les enfants et adolescents. Le classeur imagier était l’outil le plus fréquemment utilisé. Dans tous les pays, les éducateurs abordaient avec les outils les compétences d’auto-soins et d’adaptation à la maladie. Les critères de choix des outils étaient liés à leur attractivité, leur facilité d’utilisation, leur adaptation aux besoins et caractéristiques du patient, et leur maîtrise par le soignant-éducateur. Les outils ont permis de structurer les séances d’éducation. Les freins à leur utilisation étaient organisationnels et par manque d’habitude ou de maîtrise. Conclusion : La démarche participative et formative a permis l’appropriation des outils par les éducateurs exerçant auprès des personnes vivant avec le VIH en Afrique francophone. La formation a été une étape déterminante pour permettre aux soignants-éducateurs de maîtriser les outils, les diffuser et d’en concevoir de nouveaux.