bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
L’intermédiation logistique dans le pilotage des chaînes multi-acteurs : proposition d’une grille d’analyse
Authors: Fulconis François , Roveillo Gérard
Published: March 2018

Qu’elles soient perçues comme linéaires, réticulaires ou circulaires, les chaînes logistiques sont de plus en plus appréhendées à travers leurs dimensions politiques et stratégiques fondées sur le jeu des acteurs. Pour mieux comprendre ce phénomène, une rationalité de nature procédurale semble alors plus appropriée qu’une rationalité substantive de nature algorithmique. Or, à ce jour et malgré l’essor sans précédent que connaît l’industrie de la prestation logistique, aucun courant de pensée n’a été clairement identifié comme béhavioriste pour observer la dynamique interorganisationnelle des chaînes logistiques. Cet article a pour ambition de participer à combler ce manque en proposant une lecture behavioriste de l’intermédiation logistique à travers le rôle des prestataires de services logistiques (PSL).
Consensus under pressure
Authors: Dehousse Renaud , Novak Stéphanie , Bendjaballah Selma
Published: March 2018

La crise actuelle pourrait nous conduire à anticiper une augmentation du conflit dans la procédure législative de l’UE, et, in fine, une évolution d’un système consensuel à un système majoritaire. Cet article entend tester cette hypothèse à travers une évaluation de l’évolution du conflit dans la procédure législative de l’UE. Il constitue une première tentative d’utiliser la base de données de l’Observatory of European Institutions pour approfondir notre compréhension de la conflictualité au sein du processus législatif européen. D’abord, nous proposons plusieurs indicateurs inter et intra-institutionnels de conflit. Puis, nous analysons l’évolution du conflit sur la période 1996-2014. Les données montrent une augmentation limitée du conflit. Cependant, les acteurs législatifs continuent de se conformer à la norme du consensus. Le système politique de l’UE n’a pas évolué d’un modèle consensuel vers un système majoritaire. Afin d’expliquer cette pérennité apparente, nous proposons plusieurs hypothèses: une adaptation furtive des institutions; une incitation inter-institutionnelle à la productivité législative; un patriotisme institutionnel.
Les approches participatives dans la rets  : entre logique de marché et logique citoyenne
Authors: Paturel Dominique
Published: March 2018

Depuis Kurt Lewin, les recherches en sciences sociales ont fait évoluer le registre des formes de recherche en théorisant pas seulement sur les pratiques des acteurs mais en les intégrant à la construction des projets de recherche. La recherche participative est particulièrement importante pour le travail social, à la fois parce qu’elle permet de mettre au jour les inégalités sociales et en même temps peut aider les personnes destinataires de l’action sociale à s’approprier les connaissances issues de ces recherches. Dans un premier temps, nous reviendrons sur trois designs de recherche intégrant la participation. Puis dans un second temps, il s’agira de regarder d’un peu plus près de quelle participation il s’agit, notamment à travers les travaux du certs . Enfin, nous terminerons par la question de l’implication du chercheur dans ce type de recherches, élément fondamental à nos yeux, s’appuyant sur des compétences issues du travail social et au cœur de notre pratique de Recherche en travail social ( rets ).
« Enquêter ensemble ». Formes d’émancipation des individus et recompositions des institutions
Authors: Laforgue Denis , Aguilar José , Calmo Patrice , Carreta Marie-Ève , Evsina Svetlana , Lion Patrick , Pachod Laurent , Renaud Béatrice
Published: March 2018

Cet article met en récit une expérience de recherche hybride, impliquant, pendant trois années, en tant que co-chercheurs, quatre parents et deux professionnels de la Protection de l’enfance, ainsi qu’un sociologue universitaire. L’objectif de ce récit est de montrer comment, au fil de cette « enquête ensemble », les interférences entre les différentes institutions (famille, action publique, université), dans lesquelles sont insérés les acteurs de la recherche, ont pris la forme de processus d’émancipation des acteurs impliqués. Trois processus d’émancipation sont ainsi distingués, chacun caractérisé par une modalité de tension particulière entre différents pouvoirs d’institution : une émancipation par résistance à une institution, une émancipation par conversation entre institutions et une émancipation par contamination des institutions.
Non-centrosomal MTs play a crucial role in organization of MT array in interphase fibroblasts
Authors: Zvorykina Yekaterina , Tvorogova Anna , Gladkikh Aleena , van Vorobjev I
Published: March 2018

Microtubules in interphase fibroblast-like cells are thought to be organized in a radial array growing from a centrosome-based microtubule-organizing center (MTOC) to the cell edges. However, many morphogenetic processes require the asymmetry of the microtubules (MT) array. One of the possible mechanisms of this asymmetry could be the presence of non-centrosomal microtubules in different intracellular areas. To evaluate the role of centrosome-born and non-centrosomal microtubules in the organization of microtubule array in motile 3T3 fibroblasts, we have performed the high-throughput analysis of microtubule growth in different functional zones of the cell and distinguished three subpopulations of growing microtubules (centrosome-born, marginal and inner cytoplasmic).

Centrosome as an active microtubule-organizing center was absent in half of the cell population. However, these cells do not show any difference in microtubule growth pattern. In cells with active centrosome, it was constantly forming short (ephemeral) MTs, and ∼15–20 MT per minute grow outwards for a distance >1 µm. Almost no persistent growth of microtubules was observed in these cells with the average growth length of 5–6 µm and duration of growth periods within 30 s.

However, the number of growing ends increased towards cell margin, especially towards the active edges. We found the peripheral cytoplasmic foci of microtubule growth there. During recovery from nocodazole treatment microtubules started to grow around the centrosome in a normal way and independently in all the cell areas. Within 5 minutes microtubules continued to grow mainly near the cell edge. Thus, our data confirm the negligible role of centrosome as MTOC in 3T3 fibroblasts and propose a model of non-centrosomal microtubules as major players that create the cell asymmetry in the cells with a mesenchymal type of motility. We suggest that increased density of dynamic microtubules near the active lamellum could be supported by microtubule-based microtubule nucleation.
Development of a Cloud-based Network Teaching Platform
Authors: Huang Renshu
Published: March 2018

at present, teachers and students are unable to communicate with each other face to face directly in the network courses so that the teaching quality has been lowered. Meanwhile, the traditional non-linear editing teaching network is easy to delay the teaching task. In this article, we applied the innovative PBL (Problem Based Learning) teaching method and combined the teachers-students feedback technology for network teaching based on the cloud computing theory. Besides, all workstations were disk workstations to reduce the delay of teaching task. We constructed the platform with the personnel information module and the learning service module, of which the learning service module contains three main functions: teaching service resources management, online coaching, and assignment submission and correcting. The final results of the teaching effect test showed that the learning effect and learning interest of the students who used the PBL network teaching platform was superior to the students who didn't use this platform.
Design and Development of WEB-based Remote Network Physical Education Teaching Platform in Colleges and Universities
Authors: Zhang Ying
Published: March 2018

Web-based remote education mainly depends on computer network and multime-dia technology supplemented with geographically dispersed teachers and stu-dents, making teachers and students carry out teaching information interaction through the Internet. Compared with other disciplines, remote education is rarely applied in Physical Education (PE) discipline. However, PE discipline is a bilat-eral teaching activity, featured with strong practicalness and participation. Thus, remote PE teaching can make full use of teaching resources, improve the efficien-cy of teaching management, and more effectively complete PE teaching activities. This paper first introduces the research background, carries out applied analysis of key technologies, such as WEB technology, streaming media technology and database technology, designs the overall structure model and functional module of the system, and then completes design and development of remote network PE teaching platform in colleges and universities.
The practice of “Task-driven Small-step Fast-forward Teaching Method” in Computer Course
Authors: Wang Haibin , Sun Hua , Gao Juanjuan , Liu Xia , Liang Haili
Published: March 2018

Due to many factors, the quality of students in higher vocational colleges has fall-en sharply. It’s a question worth studying to get more students to listen, study, understand and learn in class. The traditional "task-driven teaching method" can-not fully adapt to the present higher vocational classroom teaching. This paper in-troduces the "task-driven small-step fast-forward teaching method" to improve the traditional "task-driven teaching method," and verifies with two courses in practice.
Design and Implementation of Sugarcane Growth Monitoring System based on RFID and ZigBee
Authors: Li Biqing , Ling Yongfa , Tian Miao , Zheng Shiyong
Published: March 2018

Sugarcane is a kind of important sugar crops, which has been planted in large area of southern China, but traditional manual operation still applied on sugarcane planting and management at present, leading to higher labor costs. In recent years, the development of Internet of Things technologies such as wireless sensor technology, ZigBee, RFID, etc., as well as the application of technologies such as video image processing, automatic control, and 3S, etc. have provided technical supports for precision planting of agricultural production, visual management, and intelligent decision-making. This paper, relying on the Internet of things technology, has designed and implemented a set of sugarcane growth monitoring system according to the growth characteristics of sugarcane crops, this system has passed the test, and results showed that it can effectively monitor growing environment of sugarcane, such as temperature, humidity, crop plant height, thus realize the whole process management of agricultural automation.
Research and Application of the IOT Gateway Based on the Real-Time Specification for Java
Authors: Teng Haikun , Liu Xinsheng , Lv Haitao , Yue Xiaoguang
Published: March 2018

The Internet Of Things (IOT) gateway plays an important role in connecting the traditional information network and network aware, in view of the present people use outdated development ways to realize Internet gateway software proposed a scheme of using real-time Java technology. This paper uses ARM cortex-A57 architecture of AMD Opteron 1100 processor as the core to build IOT gateway system hardware platform, through the gateway to realize remote monitoring of underlying device. The IOT gateway adopts "Internet + Sensor Network / FieldBus Technology" network schemes to realize wired / wireless data exchange, and use the fully compatible Real-Time Specification for Java (RTSJ) of the WebSphere Real Time development platform to achieve the Internet gateway protocol conversion and the design of the two layers network communication software to ensure the IOT gateway security real-time communication. Finally, this paper gives the implementation technique and application of the gateway.
Artificial Neural Networks and the Mass Appraisal of Real Estate
Authors: Zhou Gang , Ji Yicheng , Chen Xiding , Zhang Fangfang
Published: March 2018

With the rapid development of computer, artificial intelligence and big data technology, artificial neural networks have become one of the most powerful machine learning algorithms. In the practice, most of the applications of artificial neural networks use back propagation neural network and its variation. Besides the back propagation neural network, various neural networks have been developing in order to improve the performance of standard models. Though neural networks are well known method in the research of real estate, there is enormous space for future research in order to enhance their function. Some scholars combine genetic algorithm, geospatial information, support vector machine model, particle swarm optimization with artificial neural networks to appraise the real estate, which is helpful for the existing appraisal technology. The mass appraisal of real estate in this paper includes the real estate valuation in the transaction and the tax base valuation in the real estate holding. In this study we focus on the theoretical development of artificial neural networks and mass appraisal of real estate, artificial neural networks model evolution and algorithm improvement, artificial neural networks practice and application, and review the existing literature about artificial neural networks and mass appraisal of real estate. Finally, we provide some suggestions for the mass appraisal of China's real estate.
Design and Research of Picking Manipulator Obstacle Avoidance System Based on IOT
Authors: Li Biqing , Tian Miao , Zheng Shiyong , Ling Yongfa
Published: March 2018

In recent years, wireless communication technology has developed rapidly and the speed of wireless communication data transmission is faster and faster, as well as remote control delay has greatly reduced, which is almost negligible, so the remote control is gradually being widely used in various fields. This paper achieves the  motion control of picking manipulator and obstacle avoidance system with the advantages of IOT remote control technology and PLC real-time control system. Experiments show that the designed picking manipulator motion control and obstacle avoidance system not only have strong obstacle avoidance ability but also have smooth path optimization with high reliability and stability.
Biomechanical Analysis of Vertical Jump Performance in Well-Trained Young Group before and after Passive Static Stretching of Knee Flexors Muscles
Authors: Song Yang , Zhao Xiao Xue , Finnie Kyle P. , Shao Shi Rui
Published: March 2018

The purposes of this study were to explore the biomechanical variations of vertical jump performance in well-trained young group before and after passive static stretching (PSS) of knee flexors muscles and to further discuss how the passive static stretching (PSS) influences vertical jump performance in order to provide a more effective warm-up routine and theoretical basis for physical education (PE) teachers and coaches. 15 male middle school students without any injury histories on lower limbs in the past 3 months were included in this study. Subjects with markers on the lower limbs performed vertical jump performance before and immediately after PSS of knee flexors muscles, respectively. A Vicon motion capture system was used to collect the kinematic data of lower limb and Kistler force platform simultaneously recorded the ground reaction force (GRF) during vertical jump. Significant differences were also found in the kinematics part. In sagittal plane, the hip, knee and ankle highest flexion angles were greater after PSS when take-off (hip: p< 0.05; knee: p< 0.01; ankle: p< 0.05); while the hip and knee highest flexion angles were greater before PSS when landing (hip: p< 0.01; knee: p< 0.05). These results showed that the increased range of motion (ROM) of hip, knee, and ankle because of PSS could boost the explosive extension of lower limb during take-off, which can potentially improve vertical jump performance, although the peak value of GRF after PSS was lower. Therefore, the PSS applied only on knee flexors muscles may have an acute effect on enhancing the vertical jump performance for well-trained young group and should be added to warm-up exercises in middle school sports class and sports training.
Bacterial Cellulose-Chitosan-Glycerol Biocomposite as Artificial Dura Mater Candidates for Head Trauma
Authors: Angtika Rara Setya , Widiyanti Prihartini , Aminatun Aminatun
Published: March 2018

Bacterial cellulose used for many membrane applications such as artificial dura mater membrane. This research aimed to determine the effects of glycerol concentration variation as plasticizer on physical and biological characteristics of bacterial cellulose-chitosan biocomposite membrane.Bacterial cellulose-glycerol membrane was soaked for six hours in 0.5% chitosan solution together with glycerol at variuos concentrations of 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2% using freeze dry method. Based on results of FTIR test, there is a crosslinking between-OH groups in bacterial cellulose and chitosan-glycerol. Meanwhile, results of the physical characteristic tests showed tensile strength value of 29.40 MPa for the control sample and 142.24 MPa for samples of bacterial cellulose-chitosan added 2% glycerol. It indicates that the addition of glycerol can increase tensile strength value. Results of morphological test, depicted pore size of 93.30-216 nm. Results of the degradation test demonstrated that samples added 2% glycerol degraded as much as 50.15% for 2 weeks. Meanwhile, results of the cytotoxicity test indicated that all of samples were not toxic. Finally, it can be concluded that the best result of the characterization analysis was found on the samples added 2% glycerol although they have not yet fulfilled the standard value of artificial dura mater.
The Transverse Shear Effect of a New Plate Bending Finite Element Based on the Strain Approach
Authors: Abderrahmani Sifeddine , Maalem Toufik , Hamadi Djamal
Published: March 2018

In this paper, we present a comparative study of the transverse shear effect on the plate bending. The element used is a rectangular finite element called SBRPK (Strain Based Rectangular Plate-Kirchhoff Theory-), it used for the numerical analysis of thin plate bending, and it based on the strain approach. This element has four nodes and three degrees of freedom per node (w, θx, θy). Through the numerical applications with different loading cases and boundary conditions; the numerical results obtained are in close agreement with the analytical solution.
Progression in Waste Management Processes in Lagos State, Nigeria
Authors: Olukanni David O. , Oresanya Ola O.
Published: March 2018

One of the challenges of Lagos State is efficient and cost-effective solid waste management. This paper focuses on progress made in waste management operations in the State. An assessment to know how waste generation, collection, transportation and disposal have put demands on state resources, and its physical infrastructure was carried out. The state generates about 12,000 metric tons of waste daily (0.72kg/person/day). Due to limited budgetary allocation, the state government instituted the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) to perform supervisory roles and charged with the implementation, advocacy, monitoring and enforcement of waste management policies. As part of its roles, the agency enlisted Private Service Providers (PSP) for the purpose of appropriate billing of waste services. LAWMA centrally collects revenue and remits agreed portion of 60% of waste charges to individual PSP accounts in accordance to estimated waste collected. The state is focused on resource recovery programs such as composting, land filling and pelletizing of plastics and nylons. The implications (environmental, economic, social and financial) for managing solid waste gives credence to the renewal campaign for resource conservation and environmental sustainability. Thus, the 4 Rs of waste management – Reduction, Reuse, Recovery and Recycling are being demonstrated through establishment of compost production plant, championing of Waste-To-Wealth Initiatives and Renewable Energy (RE).
A Mixed-Integer Linear Programming Model of Closed Loop Supply Chain Network for Manufacturing System
Authors: Nallusamy S. , Balakannan K. , Chakraborty Partha Sarathi , Majumdar Gautam
Published: March 2018

In the present scheme of things, in a manufacturing industry inventory is pitched as one of the significant resources that require to be handled effectively. The aim of this research article is to develop a mixed-integer linear programming model to configure the closed loop supply chain (CLSC) network and that could be optimized for maximizing the profit by determining the fixed order quantity inventory policy in various sites at multiple periods. The objective is to maximize the profit through CLSC by determining the optimal inventory of product and part mix during multiple periods. In onward supply chain, a standard inventory policy is followed when the product moves from manufacturer to end user, but it is very difficult to manage the inventory in the reverse supply chain of the product with the same standard policy. The proposed model examines the standard policy of fixed order quantity by considering three major types of return-recovery pair such as, commercial returns, end-of-use returns, end-of-life returns and their inventory positioning at multiple periods. Raw material supplier, manufacturer, distributer, retailer, customers and for major returns-collection sites like repair site, disassembly site, recycling site and disposal site were included in the network to develop this CLSC network model. The proposed model to configure the CLSC network has been solved by using IBM ILOG CPLEX OPL studio and the results of the model were analysed with numerical investigations followed by sensitivity analysis.
Neem Leaf Extract as a Corrosion Inhibitor on Mild Steel in Acidic Solution
Authors: Okewale Akindele , Omoruwuo Felix
Published: March 2018

The influence of neem leaf extract on corrosion inhibition of mild steel in 0.1 M HCl solution was studied using the weight loss method. Neem leaf extract which contains the double bond, carbonyl groups, and aromatic rings functional group as shown by the GCMS, phytochemical test, and FTIR analyses is one of the good natural plant extract that can be used as corrosion inhibitor. The weight loss on surface of mild steel at various inhibitor concentrations was determined. The highest inhibition efficiency of 93.24% was achieved using the neem leaf extract as corrosion inhibitor. Adsorption mechanism was investigated using Langmuir, Temkin, and Freundlich isotherms. Inhibitor adherence on the mild steel surface was spontaneous with the negative Gibb’s free energy value obtained. The mixed type adsorption mechanism (physisorption and chemisorption) is proposed for the inhibitor adsorption on mild steel surface. The inhibitor was adsorbed on the mild steel surface through adsorption of the phytochemical components on the surface of mild steel which protects the metal surface from corroding. The corrosion rate decreases from 0.001 to 0.0002MPY with increase in inhibitor concentrations and exposure time.
Thermo-Mechanical Behavior of Steel-Concrete Composite Columns under Natural Fire Including Heating and Cooling Phases
Authors: Sekkiou Soumia , Lahbari Noureddine , Bernard Fabrice , Dimia Mohamed Salah
Published: March 2018

The fire behavior of concrete filled hollow steel sections has been studied extensively in various countries. Almost all essential parameters influencing their resistance have been identified: section shape and dimensions, concrete filling, reinforcement ratio, steel tube thickness, column slenderness, thermal and mechanical properties of steel and concrete, and even the contact problem at the steel-concrete interface. Most of these works were done under standard fire conditions (ISO), which are represented by a continuously increasing temperature over time. It is thus not really a curve reflecting a natural fire which includes not only a heating phase but also a cooling phase during which the temperature of the fire is decreasing back to ambient temperature.In this paper, the behavior of axially loaded concrete filled square hollow section columns subjected to natural fire conditions has been studied. The main objectives of this study are: first, to demonstrate the phenomenon of delayed collapse of this type of columns during or after the cooling phase of a fire, and then study the influence of certain determinant parameters, such as section size, tube thickness, reinforcement ratio, concrete cover and column length.The results show that delayed failures occur for massive sections, small values of the thickness of the steel tube and for the low-slendernes.
Optimal Reinsurance through Minimizing New Risk Measures under Technical Benefit Constraints
Authors: El Attar Abderrahim , El Hachloufi Mostafa , Guennoun Zine El Abidine
Published: March 2018

In this paper we present an approach to minimize the actuarial risk for the optimal choice of a form of reinsurance, and this is intended to be through a choice of treated parameters that minimize the risk using the Conditional Tail Expectation and the Conditional Tail Variance risk measures. The minimization procedure is based on the Augmented Lagrangian and a genetic algorithm with technical benefit as a constraint. This approach can be seen as a decision support tool that can be used by managers to minimize the actuarial risk in the insurance company.
Mathematical Simulation Methods to Evaluate the Effects of Actions on Conditional Preventive Maintenance of Complex Systems
Authors: Saada Youssef , Yahyaoui E.M. , Ouadoudi Nadia , Skouri Rachid , Daya Abdelmajid
Published: March 2018

In this work, we propose two mathematical simulation methods to evaluate the results of conditional preventive maintenance strategies based on controls and inspections with optimal performance. In order to have an optimal availability of the equipment in question, the evaluation of the maintenance strategies associated with the controls will be treated by the method of the fault trees based on the decision binary diagram with the calculation engine ALBIZIA. The maintenance performance associated with inspections will be determined by Petri networks coupled with the Monte Carlo method.
Investigation of Voltage Unbalance Profile in Low Voltage Electrical Distribution Network with Normal Mode Operation Using MATLAB
Authors: Ogunboyo Patrick Taiwo , Tiako Remy , Davidson Innocent
Published: March 2018

With ever increasing use of semiconductor devices and information technology (ICT) equipment in the industry, homes and offices, power quality is gaining attention to both industry and the electric utility. Power voltage quality cause huge economic losses to businesses all over the world. It is estimated to cost industry and commerce about €100 billion per annum in European Union, since voltage quality problem is one of the major power quality disturbances. This paper presents an investigative a study of the 11/0.4 kV, low voltage electrical distribution network and analyzes voltage unbalance. It recommends an effective method of improving the voltage profile and reducing the voltage unbalance to acceptable standard. The network was modelled using distribution network standard parameters for low voltage distribution network using MATLAB/Simulink sim power system tool box. The simulation results show that the percentage voltage unbalance, correct voltage profile and minimum voltage drop of 0.5 km distribution feeder line is of standard acceptable statutory limit, hence the distribution line operates at optimum performance. However, it is also established that the voltage profile for distribution network feeder lengths of 0.8 km to 5 km for balanced and unbalanced distribution lines from the beginning to the customer terminal of the distribution lengths are less than the acceptable allowable limit of – 5 %, of the nominal voltage value, hence voltages are inadmissible for customers use. Moreso, the percentage voltage unbalance, voltage profile and voltage drop on 0.8 km to 5 km distribution feeder line are all less than standard acceptable statutory limit, hence the distribution line operates below optimum performance. It was established that mitigating these problems require the electricity distribution company to install an effective voltage boosting devices along the network lengths in order provide admissible, permissible and normalize end users standard acceptable voltage.
Analytical Research of the Stress-Deformed State in the Rock Massif around Faulting
Authors: Lozynskyi Vasyl , Saik Pavlo , Petlovanyi Mykhailo , Sai Kateryna , Malanchuk Yevhenii
Published: March 2018

In this paper, the geological faults in the zone of stable geodynamic and tectonic activity are studied. The purpose of the analytical research is to establish regularities of rock pressure in the hanging and foot walls of the geological fault and its influence on the state-deformed state of the rock massif. Comprehensive methodology that included analytical calculation will be implemented in the work. Taking into account the complexity of determining the stress-deformed state of the rocks, evaluation method of tension is adopted. Results of previously conducted computer modeling results are compared with analytic data. Conclusions regarding the implementation of the offered method are made on the basis of undertaken investigations. The obtained results with sufficient accuracy in practical application will allow consume coal reserves in the faulting zones.
LP-BM5 Retrovirus–Expanded Monocytic Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells Alter B Cell Phenotype and Function
Authors: Rastad Jessica L , Green William R
Published: March 2018

Our laboratory demonstrated that infection with the murine retrovirus LP-BM5 results in increased numbers of monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (M-MDSCs) and that these M-MDSCs suppress not only T but also B cell responses. Because of the paucity of studies regarding the effects of MDSCs in general on B cells, we focused on these understudied B cell targets for M-MDSC effects on B cell phenotypic and functional parameters. M-MDSCs specifically decreased the proliferation of transitional type 2 (T2) B cells in response to polyclonal stimulation but increased germinal center and Ab-secreting B cell proportions and class-switched Ig production. Additionally, M-MDSCs inhibited the expression of CD40 and MHC class II on stimulated B cells and suppressed Ag presentation to Ag-specific CD4+ T cells. These alterations of the B cell compartment coincided with decreases in aerobic glycolysis, mitochondrial respiration, and glucose consumption; the latter specifically decreased in the T2 subset. To compare B cell targets of ex vivo M-MDSC suppression with the status of B cells during the course of LP-BM5–induced pathogenesis, including immunodeficiency in vivo, B cells from LP-BM5–infected mice were collected and analyzed. LP-BM5 infection resulted in several analogous alterations of B cells, as were observed with retrovirally expanded M-MDSC suppression in vitro, including decreased proliferation of T2 B cells, an increased proportion of germinal center and Ab-secreting B cells, increased production of class-switched Abs, decreased expression of CD40, and decreased metabolic activity upon stimulation.
Lipocalin 2 Plays an Important Role in Regulating Inflammation in Retinal Degeneration
Authors: Parmar Tanu , Parmar Vipul M. , Perusek Lindsay , Georges Anouk , Takahashi Masayo , Crabb John W. , Maeda Akiko
Published: March 2018

It has become increasingly important to understand how retinal inflammation is regulated because inflammation plays a role in retinal degenerative diseases. Lipocalin 2 (LCN2), an acute stress response protein with multiple innate immune functions, is increased in ATP-binding cassette subfamily A member 4 (Abca4)−/− retinol dehydrogenase 8 (Rdh8)−/− double-knockout mice, an animal model for Stargardt disease and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). To examine roles of LCN2 in retinal inflammation and degeneration, Lcn2−/−Abca4−/−Rdh8−/− triple-knockout mice were generated. Exacerbated inflammation following light exposure was observed in Lcn2−/−Abca4−/−Rdh8−/− mice as compared with Abca4−/−Rdh8−/− mice, with upregulation of proinflammatory genes and microglial activation. RNA array analyses revealed an increase in immune response molecules such as Ccl8, Ccl2, and Cxcl10. To further probe a possible regulatory role for LCN2 in retinal inflammation, we examined the in vitro effects of LCN2 on NF-κB signaling in human retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) cells differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells derived from healthy donors. We found that LCN2 induced expression of antioxidant enzymes heme oxygenase 1 and superoxide dismutase 2 in these RPE cells and could inhibit the cytotoxic effects of H2O2 and LPS. ELISA revealed increased LCN2 levels in plasma of patients with Stargardt disease, retinitis pigmentosa, and age-related macular degeneration as compared with healthy controls. Finally, overexpression of LCN2 in RPE cells displayed protection from cell death. Overall these results suggest that LCN2 is involved in prosurvival responses during cell stress and plays an important role in regulating inflammation during retinal degeneration.
Mitocryptides from Human Mitochondrial DNA–Encoded Proteins Activate Neutrophil Formyl Peptide Receptors: Receptor Preference and Signaling Properties
Authors: Gabl Michael , Sundqvist Martina , Holdfeldt Andre , Lind Simon , Mårtensson Jonas , Christenson Karin , Marutani Takayuki , Dahlgren Claes , Mukai Hidehito , Forsman Huamei
Published: March 2018

Phagocytic neutrophils express formyl peptide receptors (FPRs; FPR1 and FPR2) that distinctly recognize peptides starting with an N-formylated methionine (fMet). This is a hallmark of bacterial metabolism; similar to prokaryotes, the starting amino acid in synthesis of mitochondrial DNA–encoded proteins is an fMet. Mitochondrial cryptic peptides (mitocryptides; MCTs) with an N-terminal fMet could be identified by our innate immune system; however, in contrast to our knowledge about bacterial metabolites, very little is known about the recognition profiles of MCTs. In this study, we determined the neutrophil-recognition profiles and functional output of putative MCTs originating from the N termini of the 13 human mitochondrial DNA–encoded proteins. Six of the thirteen MCTs potently activated neutrophils with distinct FPR-recognition profiles: MCTs from ND3 and ND6 have a receptor preference for FPR1; MCTs from the proteins ND4, ND5, and cytochrome b prefer FPR2; and MCT-COX1 is a dual FPR1/FPR2 agonist. MCTs derived from ND2 and ND4L are very weak neutrophil activators, whereas MCTs from ND1, ATP6, ATP8, COX2, and COX3, do not exert agonistic or antagonistic FPR effects. In addition, the activating MCTs heterologously desensitized IL-8R but primed the response to the platelet-activating factor receptor agonist. More importantly, our data suggest that MCTs have biased signaling properties in favor of activation of the superoxide-generating NADPH oxidase or recruitment of β-arrestin. In summary, we identify several novel FPR-activating peptides with sequences present in the N termini of mitochondrial DNA–encoded proteins, and our data elucidate the molecular basis of neutrophil activation by MCTs.
Transcriptomic Analysis of CD4+ T Cells Reveals Novel Immune Signatures of Latent Tuberculosis
Authors: Burel Julie G. , Lindestam Arlehamn Cecilia S. , Khan Nabeela , Seumois Grégory , Greenbaum Jason A. , Taplitz Randy , Gilman Robert H. , Saito Mayuko , Vijayanand Pandurangan , Sette Alessandro , Peters Bjoern
Published: March 2018

In the context of infectious diseases, cell population transcriptomics are useful to gain mechanistic insight into protective immune responses, which is not possible using traditional whole-blood approaches. In this study, we applied a cell population transcriptomics strategy to sorted memory CD4 T cells to define novel immune signatures of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and gain insight into the phenotype of tuberculosis (TB)-specific CD4 T cells. We found a 74-gene signature that could discriminate between memory CD4 T cells from healthy latently Mycobacterium tuberculosis–infected subjects and noninfected controls. The gene signature presented a significant overlap with the gene signature of the Th1* (CCR6+CXCR3+CCR4−) subset of CD4 T cells, which contains the majority of TB-specific reactivity and is expanded in LTBI. In particular, three Th1* genes (ABCB1, c-KIT, and GPA33) were differentially expressed at the RNA and protein levels in memory CD4 T cells of LTBI subjects compared with controls. The 74-gene signature also highlighted novel phenotypic markers that further defined the CD4 T cell subset containing TB specificity. We found the majority of TB-specific epitope reactivity in the CD62L−GPA33− Th1* subset. Thus, by combining cell population transcriptomics and single-cell protein-profiling techniques, we identified a CD4 T cell immune signature of LTBI that provided novel insights into the phenotype of TB-specific CD4 T cells.
Een bovengrens aan rijkdom?
Authors: Robeyns Ingrid
Published: March 2018

An Upper Limit on Wealth?

Should (extreme) wealth be seen as an undesirable situation? This question is called for by a number of social developments, but also from theories of justice in political philosophy and from economic ethics. Answering this question requires first and foremost a proper conceptualisation of wealth. In this paper, I propose such a conceptualisation. In addition, two reasons are advocated for an upper limit on wealth, and possible objections are investigated. The paper ends with some suggestions for future philosophical research on an upper limit on wealth.
Towards A New Approach of Local Development under Crisis Conditions: Empowering the Local Business Ecosystems in Greece, by Adopting a New Local Development Policy
Authors: Vlados Charalampos Michael , Deniozos Nikolaos , Chatzinikolaou Demosthenes
Published: March 2018

The competitiveness of the Greek economy evolves, both in the present crisis and later on, according to the dynamic micro-level environment and its transformations. This evolution depends on the SME’s abilities to claim a significant role in the new, competitive global environment, which is characterized by a continuous reshaping process. Respectively, the goal of achieving development in the local scale is of vital importance. This paper attempts to approach and highlight a new framework, by proposing a new business ecosystems approach and policy, focusing on the implementation of a method for strengthening the SME’s physiology. This method proposes the construction of systematic knowledge and innovation mechanisms, on a local scale; the Local Development and Innovation Institutes (LDI’s). Subsequently, we analyze the regional data in Greece in order to highlight the most affected by the crisis region and to experimentally establish the Local Development Institutes.
Ecological Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Sediments from the Soubeira Reservoir, a Small-Scale Reservoir in North Central Burkina Faso, West Africa
Authors: Pelede Souleymane , Sako Aboubakar , Bamba Ousmane
Published: March 2018

Small-scale reservoirs play a central role in socio-economic development of Burkina Faso. In the absence of a best environmental management plan, these reservoirs can be potential factors of water pollution and ecological deterioration. In the present study, we investigated ecological status of sediments from the Soubeira reservoir, using concentrations of a series of heavy metals. Concentrations of the metals ranked as follows: Fe> Mn> Cr> Zn> Cu> Pb> As ~ Co> Hg ~Mo> Cd. Based on the correlation analysis, Fe, with weaker relationships with other metals, may be derived from the local ferruginous soil, whereas Cd, Cu and Cr could be mainly originated from anthropogenic sources and carried by clay minerals into the reservoir. In contrast, Hg and As abundance could be related to artisanal gold mining in the surrounding environment. Negative correlations between heavy metals (except As) with pH were consistent with desorption and mobility of the majority of heavy metals under low pH values. The significant negative correlations were also observed between CEC and As (r = - 0.75) and between clay and As (r = -0.64). This could be an indication of As mobility under the physico-chemical conditions of the reservoir. Both potential ecological risk and adverse effect indices suggested that the reservoir sediments were highly polluted. Five heavy metals (As, Cd, Cu, Cr and Hg) could cause adverse effect to biota, whilst only Hg and Cd appeared to show high and moderate potential ecological risk indices, respectively. The study demonstrated that the Soubeira reservoir requires a heavy metal pollution control program.
Integrated Reporting Practices in Europe and Value Relevance of Accounting Information under the Framework of IIRC
Authors: Loprevite Salvatore , Rupo Daniela , Ricca Bruno
Published: March 2018

The research has been conducted on a sample of European companies with the aim to investigate whether the adoption of the Integrated Reporting (IR) affects the value relevance of summary accounting information. The relations between Market Value (MV) and traditional accounting information (Book Value and Earnings) are studied by a linear price-level model, typical of the studies on the value relevance of accounting information. The results of analysis show that the degree of value relevance of Earnings is significantly different for companies that publish an Integrated Report compared to companies adopting traditional financial reporting. The study confirms the assessment made by IIRC and the other advocates: Integrated Reporting is expected to improve the quality of traditional accounting information for providers of financial capital.
Financial and Accounting Approaches in Lease Appraisal
Authors: Migliavacca Alessandro , Uberti Mariacristina , Rainero Christian , Tibiletti Luisa
Published: March 2018

The determination of the residual debt at a given date of a lease agreement, when it occurs the case of insolvency or continuous arrears (i.e. an early termination, before the maturity of the lease plan), is often regulated by the contract, which fixes penalties and some kind of impairment reimbursement. Both the lessor and the lessee are required to calculate separately for the amount of the outstanding debt and the sum of the impairment reimbursement and of the penalties. In this paper, the authors propose a model for a precise quantification of the residual debt, the damage impairment and the penalty shares based on three rates: the contractual rate, the implicit internal rate(s) of return and the market prime rate. This model is consistent with both finance and accounting perspectives. The developed methodology can also be proven capable to detect early any usury behavior, when it is given a threshold by the law or when it can be inferred from the market, therefore improving decision making and the forecasting of actual costs of the agreement.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Journal of Sustainable Development, Vol. 11, No. 2
Authors: Sun Sherry
Published: March 2018

Reviewer Acknowledgements for Journal of Sustainable Development, Vol. 11, No. 2, 2018
The Neighborhood-School Characteristics: As an Effective Factor of Social Sustainability in Neighborhood
Authors: Ziaesaeidi Parisa
Published: March 2018

The neighborhood unit promotes quality of life, community feeling, and well-being by providing facilities. Sharing the main facilities of the neighborhood with all residents can play an important role in the satisfaction of the neighborhood. When a school (as one of the facilities) is placed into the neighborhood context, it can affect environmental and social issues. Therefore, the neighborhood facilities and services would not purely increase all residents’ satisfaction, well-being and quality of neighborhood through its equal accessibility for all residents. This paper discusses how the quality of the neighborhood can be enhanced and promoted by the different characteristics of facilities like schools.The research method is based on an analysis of the affective features of a primary school on social sustainability in the neighborhood. The research has been done by recording sample participants’ ideas. The questionnaires were administered to 285 participants from two neighborhoods (with neighborhood-school and non-neighborhood-school) in Kerman, Iran. Results confirm that important features of the neighborhood -school have a direct affect on the quality of the neighborhood. The comfort, safety and harmony were identified as the most important of the six presented factors.
Utilizing Non-Timber Extraction of Swamp Forests over Time for Rural Livelihoods
Authors: Wildayana Elisa , Armanto M. Edi
Published: March 2018

The research aimed to analyze utilizing non-timber extraction of swamp forests over time for rural livelihoods. This research was carried out in swamp forests of Ogan Komering Ilir (OKI) District, South Sumatra, Indonesia. The data were collected by direct field observation, intensive study of archive report documents as well as in-depth interviews with the respondents. Before 2000, rural communities could be mentioned to be relatively concerned about the status of forest and land resources because they have utilized forest and land resources following customary regulations. Various types of products extracted by their priority are fuel material, food sources, medicine and pharmacy, raw materials for handicrafts, structures and other uses. After 2000, there have been significant changes in forest and land resources being used for other purposes, e.g. agroforestry, plantation, agriculture, fodder, thatching grass, woven mats (from purun), rope webbing, leaves, resins, dyes, manure and others. These activities have caused degradation of swamp forest. To minimize the impact of swamp forest degradation, the active participation involvement of the rural community and all other stakeholder components is essential to optimize swamp forest management.
Transferring Cultural Geo-History Datasets of Artifacts Using GIS Geodatabase for Archiving in Dodoma Capital City, Tanzania
Authors: Mwakipesile Augustino , Ngowi Edwin , Kasongi Ngwinamila , Temu Emmanuel , Kilonzo Rehema
Published: March 2018

The study aimed to create a historical geographic information system (HGIS), including a geodatabase and simple web application for Dodoma Capital City (DCC) in Tanzania. A web GIS application based is an outcome of the study that can improves research on, and knowledge of, the rare artifacts of cultural and historical heritage in Dodoma Capital City (DCC) for historians and the wider academic community. Likewise, spatial data incorporated allows for visualization of the relationship between people, and their geographic and cultural surroundings. Therefore, the cultural geo-history in this paper describes the specific connection of the cultural artifacts and historical site in a given area to their environment and geographic space. For that purpose, the Dodoma Capital City (DCC) historical artifacts as a case study were cataloged based on GIS techniques, geocoding protocols, and describing the artifacts to create an intuitive and familiar tool for historical researchers and archivists to better understand the cultural geo-history of Dodoma Capital City (DCC). The resulting tool, the Dodoma Capital City Historical Geographical Information System (DCCHGIS), combines a geodatabase and a web application to provide access to a small portion of the geospatial cultural history of Dodoma Capital City (DCC). The DCCHGIS demonstrates that archiving are useful in creating an accurate, informative, and usable Historical Geographic Information System (HGIS) tool that increase the knowledge of and access to cultural geo-history.