bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La raison instrumentale, le capitalisme algorithmique et l’incomputable
Authors: Parisi Luciana , Citton Yves
Published: April 2016

La cognition algorithmique joue un rôle central dans le capitalisme contemporain. Depuis la rationalisation du travail industriel et des relations sociales jusqu’à la finance, les algorithmes fondent un nouveau mode de pensée et de contrôle. Dans cette phase du tout-machinique dans l’évolution du capitalisme numérique, il ne suffit plus de se mettre du côté de la théorie critique pour accuser la computation de réduire la pensée humaine à des opérations mécaniques. Comme le théoricien de l’information Gregory Chaitin l’a démontré ; l’incomputabilité et l’aléatoire doivent être conçus comme les conditions de bases de la computation. Si le technocapitalisme est contaminé par l’aléatoire computationnel et le chaos, la critique traditionnelle de la rationalité instrumentale doit elle aussi être remise en question : l’incomputable ne pleut plus être réduit au statut de contraire de la raison.
Nos subjectivités baignent dans un imaginaire de science-fiction
Authors: Kyrou Ariel
Published: April 2016

Les subjectivités ont été numérisées par l’imaginaire de la science-fiction bien avant de l’être par des algorithmes et des machines effectives. Philip K. Dick et ses acolytes ont toujours-déjà posé les problèmes que nous voyons aujourd’hui émerger avec une surprise embarrassée. Retourner à leurs œuvres nous aide à mettre en perspective les rêves de Ray Kurzweil comme les pratiques de journalisme algorithmique.
Entre archéologie et écologie
Authors: Bardini Thierry
Published: April 2016

Cet article propose trois graphies pour distinguer trois sens assez différents au sein de ce que l’on fait confusément relever des « médias » en français. Ce faisant, il propose, à la suite de Marshall McLuhan, de considérer la cause formelle comme une catégorie centrale pour comprendre les dynamiques médiatiques. Cela le conduit à situer son approche aux confins de l’archéologie et de l’écologie des media.
L’Euro, la souveraineté monétaire en question
Authors: Moulier-Boutang Yann
Published: April 2016

Les contraintes budgétaires mises par les traités européens à des États dont les banques privées sont mondialisées n’ont pas protégé contre la crise des subprimes. Mais c’est la Banque centrale européenne qui donne un peu de marge de manœuvre aux États et aux investisseurs. Les critiques actuelles contre l’Europe ne sont pas fondées : c’est dans plus d’Europe, voulu depuis une vingtaine d’années par les Allemands, qu’on trouvera les voies vers le futur, tel le revenu garanti pour tous.
Quelle souveraineté monétaire ?
Authors: Lucarelli Stefano , Gallo Lassere Davide , Degoutin Christophe
Published: April 2016

Les grandes difficultés que rencontre aujourd’hui la politique européenne, aussi bien dans ses sommets institutionnels que dans les expériences des mouvements sociaux, sont liées principalement à une incapacité à affronter la crise en posant la nécessité de réformer le système monétaire dans une perspective bottom up . Cela devrait conduire 1) à s’interroger sur le sens de la souveraineté monétaire en Europe et 2) à comprendre ce que signifie « partir d’en bas » lorsqu’il s’agit d’instituer une monnaie. Pour affronter ces problèmes l’article retrace les différentes étapes qui ont mené de la crise financière américaine de 2007 à la crise européenne, en construisant un dialogue entre les thèses avancées par Christian Marazzi dans La Brutalité financière et les analyses produites par des économistes hétérodoxes français (A. Orléan, F. Chesnais, les économistes atterrés).
Une Modeste Proposition pour résoudre la crise de la zone euro (version 3.0)
Authors: Varoufakis Yanis , Holland Stuart
Published: April 2016

L’Europe connaît une triple crise : bancaire, des dettes souveraines, et de l’investissement. Laisser les États-nations gérer ces crises ne peut que creuser les inégalités territoriales et aller vers la désagrégation de l’Europe. Celle-ci dispose pourtant d’institutions bancaires et financières qui lui permettent d’intervenir dans le respect des souverainetés nationales, tout en dessinant une voie de progrès européenne. L’article détaille la feuille de route proposée à ces institutions.
Les origines du Front national
Authors: Kauffmann Grégoire
Published: April 2016

Créé en octobre 1972, le Front national puise ses origines dans le terreau du « nationalisme révolutionnaire », idéologie portée par les jeunes néofascistes du mouvement Ordre nouveau. Au sein des extrêmes droites françaises, Jean-Marie Le Pen représente alors une tendance plus « modérée ». Il est pourtant l’homme que les militants d’Ordre nouveau vont choisir pour présider le Front national. Le chemin parcouru en commun sera de courte durée, Le Pen restant à l’arrivée seul maître à bord. Inscrit dans les gènes du fn , l’échec de cette tentative de rassemblement éclaire les contradictions d’un parti tiraillé entre dénonciation du « système » et velléités d’intégration au jeu politique, exaltation de la violence et conservatisme.
Nouveau discours, nouveaux succès
Authors: Alduy Cécile
Published: April 2016

L’arrivée de Marine Le Pen à la tête du Front national en 2011 marque un double tournant dans l’histoire du parti : d’un côté un renouvellement du discours, du leadership et de l’image du fn  ; de l’autre une dynamique électorale ascendante. L’un explique-t-il l’autre ? La confrontation entre analyse des discours de Marine Le Pen et étude des motivations du vote frontiste laisse présager une droitisation de l’électorat plutôt qu’un recentrement idéologique du parti.
Le changement dans la continuité : l’organisation partisane du Front national
Authors: Dézé Alexandre
Published: April 2016

Si l’on dispose aujourd’hui d’une connaissance quasi encyclopédique du Front national, certains aspects restent encore à ce jour peu étudiés. C’est le cas de l’organisation partisane de ce parti. Or la prise en compte de la dimension structurelle du phénomène frontiste apparaît indispensable : non seulement pour comprendre la manière dont fonctionne le parti, mais aussi pour prendre la mesure de son renouvellement, souvent plus affirmé que vérifié, depuis que Marine Le Pen a été élue à sa présidence en janvier 2011. Quatre aspects sont plus particulièrement examinés ici : l’organigramme du fn , les logiques de fonctionnement interne du parti, sa stratégie de développement organisationnel, les membres actifs qui le composent (cadres et militants). L’objet de l’article est de déterminer si, au regard de ces différents aspects, il est possible ou non de parler d’un « nouveau » fn .
Montée en puissance et recompositions de l’électorat frontiste
Authors: Perrineau Pascal
Published: April 2016

Depuis 2011, le Front national a connu une constante montée de son influence électorale, qui l’a amené à être aujourd’hui le parti ayant le premier électorat de France. Cette dynamique exceptionnelle plonge ses racines dans l’accentuation de la crise économique et sociale, dans l’ aggiornamento politico-idéologique qui a été mis en œuvre par Marine Le Pen au sein de son parti, dans la déception profonde vis-à-vis de la gauche au pouvoir, dans les désillusions par rapport à une droite en reconstruction laborieuse et difficile, mais aussi dans la conjoncture d’attentats meurtriers qui ont propulsé au premier plan de l’agenda politique les thèmes de la sécurité, de l’immigration et de l’islamisme, dont on sait qu’ils sont portés depuis des décennies par le Front national.
La nébuleuse intellectuelle du Front national
Authors: Raynaud Philippe
Published: April 2016

Les relations entre le Front national et le monde intellectuel ont toujours été déterminées par la ligne politique suivie plus que par des affinités doctrinales. Le « premier Front national » fédérait des groupes de sensibilités opposées tout en cherchant à apparaître comme le seul parti « de droite » conséquent. Le Front national « dédiabolisé » de Marine Le Pen a abandonné les références ambiguës à la Seconde Guerre mondiale et se présente comme un parti souverainiste, républicain et social, ce qui le conduit à faire un large usage d’auteurs et d’artistes venus de la gauche, sans vraiment obtenir de soutien de leur part.
Le Front national français dans l’espace des droites radicales européennes
Authors: Ivaldi Gilles
Published: April 2016

En dépit de ses évolutions récentes, le Front national français conserve les traits distinctifs de la droite radicale populiste européenne, au regard de la pérennité de sa stratégie de « niche » sur les enjeux culturels tels que l’immigration ou l’islam et de la permanence de son populisme ethno-nationaliste autoritaire. Le fn se trouve en outre à la pointe du combat contre l’Union européenne et son programme dessine les contours d’un social-populisme de crise(s). En termes systémiques, enfin, le parti de Marine Le Pen se situe aujourd’hui au « barycentre » stratégique de la droite radicale en Europe, entre tentative de normalisation et radicalité.
Amour du leader et autorité du politique
Authors: de Mijolla-Mellor Sophie
Published: April 2016

Le bénéfice de la fusion groupale selon la modalité archaïque du lien à la mère c’est d’abord qu’il rend inutile l’autorité dans la mesure où celui qui ordonne et celui qui obéit sont supposés ne faire plus qu’un. À ce niveau l’ordre et l’autorité fusionnent et n’ont pas lieu d’être dissociés. Il n’y a pas de « pouvoir personnel » du tyran mais la canalisation d’un besoin identificatoire au moyen d’un mythe que le leader incarne et nourrit par l’aliénation passionnelle jointe à la haine des autres.
Mauvaises langues et paroles d’autorité
Authors: Levy Sydney
Published: April 2016

Le délateur est repéré comme figure dont les paroles ont pour objectif de détruire l’autorité de la parole politique, celle qui vise à discerner ce qui relève du vrai et du bien public.
D’une perversion de l’autorité dans le langage : ces langues qui coupent la pensée
Authors: Aubry Laurence
Published: April 2016

L’usage du langage suppose une autorité intériorisée. Si la rhétorique rend compte de la manipulation verbale, l’influence de la langue requiert un autre niveau d’analyse. Le progrès n’empêchant nullement la résurgence de la barbarie, la perspective ouverte par le philologue Victor Klemperer, décryptant la psychologie nazie, gagne à être prolongée par l’éclairage psychanalytique des racines pulsionnelles de la fascination qu’exercent ces langues qui bloquent la pensée.
Déclin de l’autorité : défaite du Symbolique ou commémoration du meurtre du Père ?
Authors: Hamidi Zaineb
Published: April 2016

Nombre d’hypothèses des sciences humaines ou psychanalytiques annoncent le déclin du Nom-du-Père et l’échec de l’autorité. Cet écrit proposera une lecture autre d’un déclin témoin d’une commémoration du meurtre primordial du Père échouée, le sujet ne parvenant pas toujours ou non sans difficulté à rejouer par la destitution de l’autorité l’opération par laquelle il pourra à nouveau s’inscrire dans le Symbolique ; opération dont les agents peinent à tenir efficiente leur fonction.
Le théologico-politique aujourd’hui
Authors: Bertrand Michèle
Published: April 2016

Le théologico-politique peut être entendu comme le désir de soumettre les lois civiles à des commandements relevant de l’autorité de textes sacrés, ou à celle d’institutions religieuses. Quelles en sont les formes spécifiques dans des sociétés contemporaines dites laïques ou sécularisées ? Qu’est-ce qui fonde subjectivement cette exigence aujourd’hui ? Cet article dessine quelques axes possibles d’interprétation.
Le théologico-politique aujourd’hui
Authors: Bellakhdar Saïd
Published: April 2016

La distinction du Religieux et du Politique ne faisait pas sens dans les sociétés prémodernes. C’est par un lent processus que s’est réalisée la sécularisation que nous connaissons aujourd’hui dans les pays d’Occident. Les religions se distinguent, désormais, des cultures dans lesquelles elles se sont épanouies autrefois. Les États modernes encadrent les religions par les Lois et les contraintes qu’elles leur imposent les cantonnant dans un espace de plus en plus réduit : l’espace domestique ou les lieux de cultes. Les pays qui ont l’islam comme religion majoritaire semblent suivre ce lent mouvement de sécularisation par le recul de l’endogamie qui devient obsolète du fait des mutations du monde contemporain : ressources pétrolières, salarisation, alphabétisation, contrôle des naissances, etc. Cela a pour effet de produire un rapport nouveau à la religion.
La belle mort de Moshe Rabbenou
Authors: Ardeven François
Published: April 2016

Freud revient in fine à la figure de Moïse. Il n’est plus celui qui retient sa colère comme l’aurait montré Michel Ange. Freud, depuis Londres, veut peindre un Moïse égyptien, un Mann et pas un Mensch, un chef non issu du repas cannibalique qu’il voyait à l’origine de la Loi dans Totem et Tabou , mais conséquence d’un compromis. Qui était ce « Moshe Rabbenou », comme l’appelle la tradition talmudique, « Moïse notre maître », un chef pas comme les autres ?
Livre blanc — Une Science ouverte dans une République numérique
Authors: Direction de l’Information Scientifique et
Published: April 2016

A l’heure où le projet de loi « pour une République numérique » propose l’insertion dans le Code de la recherche de dispositions relatives à l’open access, le Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS), aux côtés de ses partenaires dans le projet ISTEX ainsi que d’un grand nombre de chercheurs et d’acteurs du domaine de la recherche publique, propose par ce Livre blanc le fruit de ses réflexions et analyses. Depuis plusieurs années, la communauté scientifique de la recherche publique avance la nécessité de créer un cadre juridique et organisationnel pour l’accès aux données et informations scientifiques et techniques dans le monde numérique, en particulier aux données issues de sa propre activité de recherche. Ce Livre blanc rend compte de ces réflexions, des pratiques des chercheurs quant à l’utilisation de l’information scientifique et technique et des outils numériques. L’ensemble des propositions formulées pour la création d’un Science ouverte est le fruit d’un travail commun et de témoignages forts du monde de la recherche.
Exogenous Shocks and Macroeconomic Policy Analysis using Applied Macro-Econometric Models in Africa
Authors: Geda Alemayehu , Huizinga Fredrik , Yimer Addis
Published: April 2016

In this study we have developed a macro-econometric model for a typical supply constrained African economy. This is aimed at developing a theoretical and empirical template for such policy tools which are increasingly demanded in Africa. We have concretized it by building a macro-econometric model for Rwanda. The Rwanda macro-econometric model has 107 equations of which 72 are endogenous. In addition, a supplementary ARIMA based model with 33 equations for exogenous variable is built to make the model useful for forecasting. The fiscal, balance of payment and money supply block of the model is fairly disaggregated to offer an adequate picture of the macro economy. An econometric estimation of the core behavioral equations of the model using equilibrium [error]-correction approach is made with the database that stretches from 1960 to 2009. The model is similar to successful macro models in the region such as that of the KIPPRA-Treasury model of Kenya. It can also easily be further extended to the support budgeting, forecasting and macroeconomic policy analysis work at the relevant ministries in Africa such as the Ministry of Finance in Rwanda. We have managed to successfully solve the model from 1999 to 2009 and forecast major macro outcomes from 2010 to 2014. We have also used it to conduct a policy simulation exercise which is very important for policy makers such as those in Rwanda. We hope this model offers a theoretical and empirical framework for building macro model across Africa which is increasingly being demanded in many countries.
Economic Damage Due to Ozone Pollution in NCR
Authors: Sharma Sumit
Published: April 2016

Air pollution is a serious concern not just for human health but for agriculture also. This puts significant burden on the economy of a region. This paper assesses the health and agricultural damage caused by prevailing Ozone concentrations in National Capital Region (NCR) of India. The analysis is based on modelled and validated Ozone concentrations using state of the art air quality models. Established dose response relationships are used for assessment of impact over human health and agriculture. Value of statistical life approach and minimum support prices are used for economic evaluation of health and agricultural impacts, respectively. More than 3000 mortalities and loss of more than 1300 kt of agricultural crops can be attributed to Ozone pollution. An annual economic loss of about 1.27 billion USD is estimated on account of Ozone pollution in NCR. This study calls for sustainable development of the region which promotes growth without affecting the environmental quality.
SWOT Analysis of M-Commerce
Authors: Kaur Ramandeep , Malhotra Harmeet
Published: April 2016

M-Commerce is availing services online without physically going to geographical locations such as banks, shopping malls etc. It is a customer-driven approach offering convenience of personalized marketing, selling and purchasing goods and services on mobile phones. From selling home-made chocolates to selling apparels online, it has invaded all. Smartphones has widen its reach and has introduced innovation in information exchange and transactions through mobile applications. Certain challenges and threats posed by M-commerce, which are faced by business organizations and customers, are analyzed via SWOT to aid decision making of organizations before shifting their focus on M-commerce, at the same time, of customers prior to sharing their sensitive information via smartphones. This chapter focuses on the feasibility and acceptability of M-commerce with the help of SWOT analysis amongst existing and prospective stakeholders. Detrimental factors leading to growth in business revenue, challenges for implementing technology, challenges faced by end-users etc. has been discussed in detail.
Attracting Customers' to Online Shopping Using Mobile Apps
Authors: Kaur Baljeet , Jain Tanya
Published: April 2016

The chapter will try to take a systematic and holistic approach to the M-Commerce trust discussing complete issues of trust in E-Commerce from the customer's perspective. It will mainly focus on understanding trust and the elements of M-Commerce trust prevalent in the Indian society. The study will focus on identifying the trust factors pertaining to B2C E-Commerce websites/mobile applications from the perspective of Indian customers. The chapter will primarily discuss a case study of Indian market to explain what trust factors influence the consumers to buy online. The present case study is an in-depth examination of the customers' situation in their daily practice of online shopping. It highlights several valuable lessons concerning the evaluation of B2C E-Commerce investment and ways of enhancing the customers' trust in the e-vendor, thereby increasing the e-vendors' sales along with the ease of the customers. The study is based on the responses collated from personal interviews, questionnaires and experts' judgements.
Mobile Commerce Security and Its Prevention
Authors: Adlakha Mona
Published: April 2016

Mobile commerce is the next generation of e-commerce, where payments and financial transactions can be carried out with utmost ease using handheld mobile devices. Mobile devices are at a higher security risk due to the large amount of critical financial and personal data available on it. The cause or consequence of these threats could be - malware and spyware attacks ; multiple or incorrect m-Commerce payments; breaches due to unauthorized access or disclosure, unauthenticated transactions and risk due to the use of third party networks. This chapter discusses how to manage security risks in m-commerce by first identifying them and then discussing preventive measures for their mitigation. A continuous approach for risk prevention needs to be followed, reviewing the strategy according to the latest challenges. Various risk prevention and mitigation strategies can be adopted. Service providers must follow physical and digital security measures to protect consumer's business information. Independent auditing should ensure compliance with best practice security standards.
Alternative Dispute Resolution in Civil and Commercial Matters in the EU
Authors: Gonçalves Marco Carvalho
Published: April 2016

This chapter seeks to analyze the implementation and integration of alternative means of dispute resolution in the European Union. Thus, from an initial approach to the various alternative means of dispute resolution, with particular emphasis on negotiation, conciliation, mediation and arbitration, will be held a comparative law analysis of the different legislative solutions adopted by the major EU Member States, allowing to determinate the degree of implementation and development of alternative means of dispute resolution in those Member States. Finally, there will be an analysis of the main legislative instruments adopted by the European institutions with a view to creating and developing alternative means of dispute resolution in Europe, indicating, in the end, some solutions and recommendations that are adequate having a view to effective implementation of alternative justice in the European Union.
Online Dispute Resolution for Consumers in Portugal and in the European Union
Authors: Viana Fernando , Andrade Francisco Pacheco
Published: April 2016

Administration of Justice became complex in Consumers and Information Society. It is necessary to look for new solutions for the increasing situations of consumer's litigation. Traditional State Courts are not a solution due to their slow, heavy and costly ways of functioning. The way is clearly open for Arbitration Centers based in friendly mechanisms such as mediation, concilitation and arbitration. Regulation EU nr. 524/2013 of European Parliament and Council of the 21st of May on online consumer's conflict resolution has as aim the creation of a conflict resolution platform at european level. We propose to analyze the Regulation and its implications and to show the functioning of the platform that is being developped and that should be available for both for consumers and corporations from 9th January 2016 on. It will be analyzed the new requirements of access to Justice in the field of Consumer's conflicts, the new ADR Directive and the regulation on ODR in order to meet the challenges brought along by the introduction of the new platform for conflict resolution.
Agreement Technologies for Conflict Resolution
Authors: Julian Vicente , Sanchez-Anguix Victor , Heras Stella , Carrascosa Carlos
Published: April 2016

Recently, artificial intelligence, has emerged as a new source of scientific works in conflict resolution. The interest in conflict resolution lies in diverse reasons. One of the main reasons is that computational systems have gradually shifted towards a distributed paradigm where heterogeneous entities should include computational conflict resolution mechanisms, such as proposed by agreement technologies. This chapter gives an overview of these technologies, which are needed in order to ensure the accomplishment of the global system goal and to solve conflicts. Among agreement technologies, automated negotiation is proposed as one key mechanism in conflict resolution due to its analogous use in human conflict resolution. Automated negotiation consists of an automated exchange of proposals carried out by software agents on behalf of their users. Another key technology is argumentation, which provides a fruitful means of dealing with conflicts and knowledge inconsistencies. Agents can reach agreements by engaging in argumentation dialogues with their opponents in a discussion.
Management Conflicts in E-Learning Environment
Authors: Martínez Tomás Sola , Durães Dalila Alves , Lucena Francisco Javier Hinojo , Díaz de la Guardia José Javier Romero
Published: April 2016

The development and technological revolution has contributed to a remarkable increase in the supply of training processes in e-learning educational institutions. The interaction and participation in educational activities under this paradigm involves a series of implications from the point of view of safety and privacy. This chapter presents the main vulnerabilities of e-learning systems and their involvement in the emergence of conflicts for the participants from online training activities and for the educational institutions. The study develops from three types of conflicts: the availability and system integrity, the privacy of the information that is exchanged in virtual environment and the process of authentication of the participants. The authors emphasize the main conflicts that can occur and the actions to take into account in e-learning environments to avoid or mitigate the effect of these vulnerabilities, to ensuring design and topology of systems, application code, and communications that are exchanged in training processes.
STRIPA
Authors: Aarnoutse Floor , Renes Cassandra , Batenburg Ronald , Spruit Marco
Published: April 2016

Polypharmic patients are patients who chronically use five or more medicines. The number of polypharmacy patients continues to increase even though it is a risk factor for morbidity and mortality. A medication review is an important measure to mitigate medication risks. It is known to effectively reduce the number of drug related problems per (polypharmic) patient. STRIP is a Dutch method to perform a structured medication review. Based on this method, the STRIPA(ssistent) tool is developed. However, whether or not this app is considered useful by the healthcare professional is not known yet. In order to assess this, a systematic literature study is conducted. In addition, an effectiveness study design is described. The results show that there is indeed a need for medication reviews and Dutch healthcare professionals are likely to adopt new technologies, an effectiveness study based on a randomized controlled trial is necessary to assess the effectiveness of STRIPA.
Mirroring Nature
Authors: Ursyn Anna
Published: April 2016

This chapter provides discussion of the visual ways of learning basic physical and chemical concepts related to symmetry and the crystalline structures. All kinds of symmetrical structures are present in substances and their various molecular compositions that are researched in fields related to pharmacology. Great part of technologies, methodologies, tools, and applications require knowledge visualization skills to understand and present concepts and processes. Exploration of science-based concepts and nature-related processes supports attaining visualization literacy, which is needed for explaining physical and chemical notions, clinical procedures, and publicizing clinical and mobile medical informatics. This chapter discusses the ways of preparing to this task artists, graphic designers, computer graphics students, as well as people in charge of hospitals, medical centers, and pharmaceutical industries who hire designers. The chapter offers exercises in visualization of scientific concepts by providing two projects about basic science-related themes: (1) Symmetry and pattern in animal world: geometry and art, and (2) Crystals and crystal caves. Each project invites the reader to create visual presentation of the theme.
A Comparative Approach Regarding the Dynamic Behaviour of Planetary Transmissions Used in Industrial Robots
Authors: Butunoi Paul Alin , Stan Gheorghe , Ciofu Catalina , Ungureanu Ana Lacramioara
Published: April 2016

The dynamic characteristics of planetary transmissions have a direct influence over the possibilities of industrial robots regarding the imposed trajectory. Also, the conditions specific to the achievement of the transient regime have a significant influence over the positioning accuracy of the robots. In this paper, a comparative approach is proposed, applied to four types of planetary transmissions, concerning the gyration torque distribution and computation. Based on the computation equations presented in this paper, some optimization strategies concerning the response times of the overall kinematic chains are proposed.
On Overlapping the Pulses on Cumulative Microjets Stage at Ultrasonically Aided Electrical Discharge Machining
Authors: Ghiculescu Daniel , Marinescu Niculae , Alupei Ovidiu
Published: April 2016

The paper deals with a solution to increase the machining rate at electrical discharge machining aided by ultrasonics (EDM+US), i.e. the overlapping the voltage pulses provided by EDM generator on the cumulative microjets stage (CMS), which occurs at every final of an ultrasonic period by collective implosion of the gas bubbles from the working gap. This overlapping moves the limit of the removed material by a discharge from the boiling isothermal (at classic EDM) to melting isothermal (at EDM+US) as it is emphasized by the results of finite element analysis. The preliminary experimental data analyzed in the paper are obtained in case of random overlapping at ultrasonic frequency of 20 kHz. They demonstrate an increase of machining rate with more than 300% at EDM+US in comparison with classic EDM in the same working conditions.
Some Aspects Concerning the Mechanical Characterization versus Manufacturing Technology of Sandwich Composite Materials
Authors: Constantin Nicolae , Sandu Marin , Sandu Adriana , Spânu Paulina , Roşu Dorin , Epuran Constantin Valentin , Pătrău Bogdan
Published: April 2016

The paper presents aspects observed during classic three-point test bending of various sandwich materials. These aspects outline the need to spare special attention to such test, in connection with the particular material and service life conditions it will endorse. Such special care is needed in conditions of scarcity of dedicated standards and some evasive formulations in the existing ones.
Integrated Process Planning and Scheduling Using Multi-Agent Methodology
Authors: Petronijević Jelena , Petrović Milica , Vuković Najdan , Mitić Marko , Babić Bojan , Miljković Zoran
Published: April 2016

Market growth and mass customization cause a need for a change in traditional manufacturing. Decentralized decision making and integration of process planning is necessary in order to become concurrent in the market. The paper presents decentralized decision making methodology using multi-agent systems. The model is used for integrated process planning and scheduling based on the minimum processing time under dynamic change of the environment. Two types of disturbance are used to represent the change: part arrival and machine breakdown. The proposed model comprises part agent, job agent, machine agent and optimization agent. Comparative analysis is conducted using simulation in AnyLogic software in order to verify the proposed approach.
The Teaching Degree – A Premise in Objective Satisfaction Evaluation in Technical Higher Education
Authors: Bogatu Ana Maria , Solomon Gheorghe , Titi-Cicic Dumitru
Published: April 2016

It’s well known that the professional experience cumulated in years of teaching brings another vision towards certain challenges. The present paper aims to identify the teachers’ difference of opinion regarding certain aspects of satisfaction on all teaching positions – assistant, lecturer, associate professor, professor. The results have been obtained by analyzing 132 answers received after the distribution of a questionnaire regarding satisfaction in technical higher education. After analysis, for the same dimension of satisfaction, a variable distribution could be observed, explained by the different professional experience of each respondent.
Some Aspects about the Significant Parameters of the Thread Whirling Process
Authors: Merticaru Vasile , Mihalache Marius Andrei , Nagit Gheorghe , Dodun Oana , Slătineanu Laurenţiu
Published: April 2016

One of the machining methods able to ensure a high material removal rate in the case of obtaining threaded surfaces is the whirling machining. In order to obtain a high accuracy of the machined surface and low values of the surface irregularities, an adequate selection of the machining parameters is necessary. A geometrical analysis of generating the surfaces in case of applying the whirl threading was developed. Geometrical and kinematical conditions were considered and software was used in order to modelling the process and to highlight the influence exerted by some process input factors on the machining errors and height of the surface irregularities.
Ptk7-Deficient Mice Have Decreased Hematopoietic Stem Cell Pools as a Result of Deregulated Proliferation and Migration
Authors: Lhoumeau Anne-Catherine , Arcangeli Marie-Laure , De Grandis Maria , Giordano Marilyn , Orsoni Jean-Christophe , Lembo Frédérique , Bardin Florence , Marchetto Sylvie , Aurrand-Lions Michel , Borg Jean-Paul
Published: April 2016

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) located in adult bone marrow or fetal liver in mammals produce all cells from the blood system. At the top of the hierarchy are long-term HSCs endowed with lifelong self-renewal and differentiation properties. These features are controlled through key microenvironmental cues and regulatory pathways, such as Wnt signaling. We showed previously that PTK7, a tyrosine kinase receptor involved in planar cell polarity, plays a role in epithelial Wnt signaling; however, its function in hematopoiesis has remained unexplored. In this article, we show that PTK7 is expressed by hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, with the highest level of protein expression found on HSCs. Taking advantage of a Ptk7-deficient mouse strain, we demonstrate that loss of Ptk7 leads to a diminished pool of HSCs but does not affect in vitro or in vivo hematopoietic cell differentiation. This is correlated with increased quiescence and reduced homing abilities of Ptk7-deficient hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, unraveling novel and unexpected functions for planar cell polarity pathways in HSC fate.
Production of Proinflammatory Cytokines by Monocytes in Liver-Transplanted Recipients with De Novo Autoimmune Hepatitis Is Enhanced and Induces TH1-like Regulatory T Cells
Authors: Arterbery Adam S. , Osafo-Addo Awo , Avitzur Yaron , Ciarleglio Maria , Deng Yanhong , Lobritto Steven J. , Martinez Mercedes , Hafler David A. , Kleinewietfeld Markus , Ekong Udeme D.
Published: April 2016

A subset of human regulatory T cells (Tregs) can secrete IFN-γ or IL-17, and thus share features of TH1 or TH17 effector cells and lose suppressive function. The main factors driving this differentiation of Tregs toward a proinflammatory phenotype include IL-12 for TH1-like and IL-6 for TH17-type Tregs. In this study we show that Tregs of patients with de novo autoimmune hepatitis (dAIH) display increased frequencies of proinflammatory IFN-γ and IL-17 cytokines. Irrespective of a fully demethylated FOXP3 locus, Tregs of subjects with dAIH are functionally impaired. In line with the observed Treg phenotype, we detected the presence of two dominant cytokines (IL-12 and IL-6) clustering with CD68+ monocyte/macrophage cells in livers of subjects with dAIH, and isolated monocytes of subjects with dAIH secrete high levels of proinflammatory IL-12 and IL-6, suggesting that this inflammatory milieu is key for functional impairment of Tregs. Importantly, the blockade of IFN-γ partially restores suppressive function of Tregs of subjects with dAIH, indicating that monocyte/macrophage-derived triggers might play a central role in Treg dysfunction and pathogenesis of dAIH.
Dopamine Receptor D3 Signaling on CD4+ T Cells Favors Th1- and Th17-Mediated Immunity
Authors: Contreras Francisco , Prado Carolina , González Hugo , Franz Dafne , Osorio-Barrios Francisco , Osorio Fabiola , Ugalde Valentina , Lopez Ernesto , Elgueta Daniela , Figueroa Alicia , Lladser Alvaro , Pacheco Rodrigo
Published: April 2016

Dopamine receptor D3 (DRD3) expressed on CD4+ T cells is required to promote neuroinflammation in a murine model of Parkinson’s disease. However, how DRD3 signaling affects T cell–mediated immunity remains unknown. In this study, we report that TCR stimulation on mouse CD4+ T cells induces DRD3 expression, regardless of the lineage specification. Importantly, functional analyses performed in vivo using adoptive transfer of OVA-specific OT-II cells into wild-type recipients show that DRD3 deficiency in CD4+ T cells results in attenuated differentiation of naive CD4+ T cells toward the Th1 phenotype, exacerbated generation of Th2 cells, and unaltered Th17 differentiation. The reciprocal regulatory effect of DRD3 signaling in CD4+ T cells favoring Th1 generation and impairing the acquisition of Th2 phenotype was also reproduced using in vitro approaches. Mechanistic analysis indicates that DRD3 signaling evokes suppressor of cytokine signaling 5 expression, a negative regulator of Th2 development, which indirectly favors acquisition of Th1 phenotype. Accordingly, DRD3 deficiency results in exacerbated eosinophil infiltration into the airways of mice undergoing house dust mite–induced allergic response. Interestingly, our results show that, upon chronic inflammatory colitis induced by transfer of naive CD4+ T cells into lymphopenic recipients, DRD3 deficiency not only affects Th1 response, but also the frequency of Th17 cells, suggesting that DRD3 signaling also contributes to Th17 expansion under chronic inflammatory conditions. In conclusion, our findings indicate that DRD3-mediated signaling in CD4+ T cells plays a crucial role in the balance of effector lineages, favoring the inflammatory potential of CD4+ T cells.
A review of studies on community based early warning systems
Authors: Macherera Margaret , Chimbari Moses J.
Published: April 2016

Community-based early warning systems involve community driven collection and analysis of information that enable warning messages to help a community to react to a hazard and reduce the resulting loss or harm. Most early warning systems are designed at the national or global level. Local communities’ capacity to predict weather conditions using indigenous knowledge has been demonstrated in studies focusing on climate change and agriculture in some African countries. This review was motivated by successes made in non-disease specific community-based early warning systems with a view to identify opportunities for developing similar systems for malaria. This article reviewed the existing community-based early warning systems documented in literature. The types of disasters that are addressed by these systems and the methodologies utilised in the development of the systems were identified. The review showed that most of the documented community-based early warning systems focus on natural disasters such as floods, drought, and landslides. Community-based early warning systems for human diseases are very few, even though such systems exist at national and regional and global levels. There is a clear gap in terms of community-based malaria early warning systems. The methodologies for the development of the community-based early warning systems reviewed mainly derive from the four elements of early warning systems; namely risk knowledge, monitoring, warning communication and response capability. The review indicated the need for the development of community based early warning systems for human diseases.Keywords: community; early warning; disaster; hazards
The double tragedy of agriculture vulnerability to climate variability in Africa: How vulnerable is smallholder agriculture to rainfall variability in Ghana?
Authors: Derbile Emmanuel K. , File Dramani J.M. , Dongzagla Alfred
Published: April 2016

This article analysed vulnerability of smallholder agriculture to climate variability, particularly the alternating incidences of drought and heavy precipitation events in Ghana. Although there is an unmet need for understanding the linkages between climate change and livelihoods, the urgent need for climate change adaptation planning (CCAP) in response to climate change makes vulnerability assessment even more compelling in development research. The data for analysis were collected from two complementary studies. These included a regional survey in the Upper West Region and an in-depth study in three selected communities in the Sissala East District. The results showed that smallholder agriculture is significantly vulnerable to climate variability in the region and that three layers of vulnerability can be identified in a ladder of vulnerability. Firstly, farmers are confronted with the double tragedy of droughts and heavy precipitation events, which adversely affect both crops and livestock. Secondly, farmers have to decide on crops for adaptation, but each option – whether indigenous crops, new early-maturing crops or genetically modified crops – predisposes farmers to a different set of risks. Finally, the overall impact is a higher-level vulnerability, namely the risk of total livelihood failure and food insecurity. The article recommended CCAP and an endogenous development (ED) approach to addressing agriculture vulnerability to climate variability within the framework of decentralisation and local governance in Ghana.Keywords: Climate variability; agriculture; vulnerability; endogenous development; Ghana
Stressful life events, hopelessness, and suicidal intent in patients admitted with attempted suicide in a tertiary care general hospital
Authors: Jaiswal SV , Faye AD , Gore SP , Shah HR , Kamath RM
Published: April 2016

Background:

Suicide is a psychiatric emergency. Stressors in life and social variables (like marital status, family, and social support) are among the determinants of suicide. Hopelessness and suicidal intent are among the psychological variables that have shown promise in the prediction of suicide.

Aims and Objectives:

To assess stressful life events, hopelessness, suicidal intent, and sociodemographic variables in patients of attempted suicide.

Materials and Methods:

Fifty consecutive patients admitted with attempted suicide were interviewed. Presumptive Stressful Life Event Scale, Beck Hopelessness Scale, and Beck Suicidal Intent Scale were used along with a semistructured pro forma for interview. Data were analyzed with statistical tests.

Results:

Sixty-six percent of the participants were females, 72% were less than 30 years of age. Sixty-six percent of the patients had stressful life event score between 101 and 200 with the mean score of 127. The stressful life event score in those who considered they are in need of psychiatric help was significantly high. Most of the patients had mild (34%) and moderate (40%) degrees of hopelessness, and the mean score was 9.64. The mean suicidal intent in the participants was 25.14, when correlated with hopelessness score significant positive correlation was found.

Conclusion:

Lethality of the attempt increases with the increase in hopelessness.
Healthcare utilization and cost of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis management in Thailand
Authors: Dilokthornsakul P , Sawangjit R , Inprasong C , Chunhasewee S , Rattanapan P , Thoopputra T , Chaiyakunapruk N
Published: April 2016

Background:

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) are life-threatening dermatologic conditions. Although, the incidence of SJS/TEN in Thailand is high, information on cost of care for SJS/TEN is limited. This study aims to estimate healthcare resource utilization and cost of SJS/TEN in Thailand, using hospital perspective.

Methods:

A retrospective study using an electronic health database from a university-affiliated hospital in Thailand was undertaken. Patients admitted with SJS/TEN from 2002 to 2007 were included. Direct medical cost was estimated by the cost-to-charge ratio. Cost was converted to 2013 value by consumer price index, and converted to $US using 31 Baht/ 1 $US. The healthcare resource utilization was also estimated.

Results:

A total of 157 patients were included with average age of 45.3±23.0 years. About 146 patients (93.0%) were diagnosed as SJS and the remaining (7.0%) were diagnosed as TEN. Most of the patients (83.4%) were treated with systemic corticosteroids. Overall, mortality rate was 8.3%, while the average length of stay (LOS) was 10.1±13.2 days. The average cost of managing SJS/TEN for all patients was $1,064±$2,558. The average cost for SJS patients was $1,019±$2,601 while that for TEN patients was $1,660±$1,887.

Conclusions:

Healthcare resource utilization and cost of care for SJS/TEN in Thailand were tremendous. The findings are important for policy makers to allocate healthcare resources and develop strategies to prevent SJS/TEN which could decrease length of stay and cost of care.
Asterixis
Authors: Agarwal R , Baid R
Published: April 2016

Asterixis is a type of negative myoclonus characterized by irregular lapses of posture of various body parts. It is an uncommon but important sign in clinical neurology. Initially described as a "liver flap," its utility encompasses a galaxy of neurological and nonneurological situations. Asterixis has a rich history. Despite being described over 70 years ago, its exact pathogenesis remains unknown. Its significance as a tool for the evaluation and prognosis of encephalopathies has been suggested. This review presents its history, clinical implications and its significance.
Heme Oxygenase Activity Correlates with Serum Indices of Iron Homeostasis in Healthy Nonsmokers
Authors: Ghio Andrew J. , Schreinemachers Dina M.
Published: April 2016

Heme oxygenase (HO) catalyzes the breakdown of heme to carbon monoxide, iron, and biliverdin. While the use of genetically altered animal models in investigation has established distinct associations between HO activity and systemic iron availability, studies have not yet confirmed such participation of HO in iron homeostasis of humans. Carbon monoxide produced through HO activity will bind to hemoglobin in circulating erythrocytes, and therefore, blood carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) can be used as an index of HO activity. Using the second National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, we tested the postulate that HO activity correlates with serum indices of iron homeostasis in healthy nonsmokers. The investigation included 844 lifetime nonsmokers (586 females) 18 years of age and older in the study population. Significant correlations were demonstrated between COHb and several indices of iron homeostasis including serum levels of both ferritin and iron and percentage iron saturation of transferrin. There was no significant association between COHb and hemoglobin, the largest repository of heme in the human body, which functions as the substrate for HO. We conclude that HO activity contributes to human iron homeostasis with significant correlations between COHb and serum ferritin and iron levels and percentage iron saturation of transferrin.
Последовательные $\delta$-оптимальные потребление и инвестирование для финансовых рынков со стохастической волатильностью при неизвестных параметрах
Authors: Berdjane B , Pergamenshchikov Sergey Markovich
Published: April 2016

Рассматривается задача оптимального потребления и инвестирования для финансового рынка Блэка-Шоулса со стохастической волатильностью и с неизвестным коэффициентом роста акций. Параметр волатильности управляется внешним экономическим фактором, который моделируется процессом Орнштейна-Уленбека с
неизвестным параметром сноса. В первой части статьи мы методом динамического программирования находим оптимальную финансовую стратегию, которая зависит от неизвестных параметров рынка. Чтобы оценить коэффициент сноса, мы наблюдаем процесс, моделирующий внешний экономический фактор $Y$, на интервале $[0, T_0]$ для заданного $T_0 > 0$ и пользуемся методом последовательного оценивания. Во второй части статьи мы показываем, что целевая функция для такой стратегии находится в $\delta$-окрестности ее оптимального значения, т.е. стратегия, построенная с помощью последовательного оценивания, является $\delta$-оптимальной.