bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Malassezia spp on the periocular skin of dogs and their association with blepharitis, ocular discharge, and the application of ophthalmic medications
Authors: Newbold Georgina M. , Outerbridge Catherine A. , Kass Philip H. , Maggs David J.
Published: May 2014

Objective—To determine how frequently Malassezia spp were identified on the periocular skin of dogs and assess the respective associations between the presence of Malassezia spp on the periocular skin and blepharitis, ocular discharge, and the application of ophthalmic medications.

Design—Prospective clinical study.

Animals—167 eyelids of 84 dogs.

Procedures—Samples obtained from the surface of the eyelid skin by use of adhesive tape were evaluated cytologically for the presence of Malassezia spp. Dogs were grouped on the basis of the presence of blepharitis, nature of ocular discharge, and whether ophthalmic medications were applied, and the proportion of samples with Malassezia spp was compared among the groups.

Results—Malassezia spp were detected in 19 samples, of which 15 were obtained from eyes without blepharitis and 14 were obtained from eyes treated with topical ophthalmic medications. The proportion of samples with Malassezia spp was significantly higher for eyes with ocular discharge than for eyes without ocular discharge, especially if that discharge was mucoid or mucopurulent, and for eyes that were treated with aqueous-based medications only or a combination of oil- and aqueous-based medications than for eyes that were not treated.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Malassezia organisms were detected on the periocular skin of 3 of 56 (5%) clinically normal dogs. Malassezia organisms were also frequently found on the periocular skin of dogs that had mucoid or mucopurulent ocular discharge or that were administered topical aqueous-based ophthalmic medications, and the periocular skin of these dogs should be cytologically evaluated for Malassezia organisms. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2014;244:1304–1308)
The Boundary at Infinity of a Rough CAT(0) Space
Authors: Buckley S.M. , Falk K.
Published: May 2014

We develop the boundary theory of rough CAT(0) spaces, a class of length spaces that contains both Gromov hyperbolic length spaces and CAT(0) spaces. The resulting theory generalizes the common features of the Gromov boundary of a Gromov hyperbolic length space and the ideal boundary of a complete CAT(0) space. It is not assumed that the spaces are geodesic or proper
The Mathematical Modelling of Heat Transfer in Electrical Cables
Authors: Bugajev Andrej , Jankevičiūtė Gerda , Tumanova Natalija
Published: May 2014

This paper describes a mathematical modelling approach for heat transfer calculations in underground high voltage and middle voltage electrical power cables. First of the all typical layout of the cable in the sand or soil is described. Then numerical algorithms are targeted to the two-dimensional mathematical models of transient heat transfer. Finite Volume Method is suggested for calculations. Different strategies of nonorthogonality error elimination are considered. Acute triangles meshes were applied in two-dimensional domain to eliminate this error. Adaptive mesh is also tried. For calculations OpenFOAM open source software which uses Finite Volume Method is applied. To generate acute triangles meshes aCute library is used. The efficiency of the proposed approach is analyzed. The results show that the second order of convergence or close to that is achieved (in terms of sizes of finite volumes). Also it is shown that standard strategy, used by OpenFOAM is less efficient than the proposed approach. Finally it is concluded that for solving real problem a spatial adaptive mesh is essential and adaptive time steps also may be needed.
The usefulness of ground-penetrating radar images for the research of a large sand-bed braided river: case study from the Vistula River (central Poland)
Authors: Lejzerowicz Anna , Kowalczyk Sebastian , Wysocka Anna
Published: May 2014

Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) surveys and sedimentological outcrop analyses were combined in order to determine the reflection patterns and internal architecture of terrace deposits of the Vistula River at Kępa Zawadowska in the southern part of Warsaw (central Poland). The sedimentary analyses concerned the granulometric composition and lithofacies analysis. The 34 GPR profiles, which were obtained in two outcrops, using a Malå RAMAC/GPR system with 500-MHz and 250-MHz shielded antennas, were up to 100 m long. The most characteristic ground-penetrating radar profiles are presented; they show a high-resolution data set of radar facies. The GPR data suggest the presence of three geophysically different units, namely with high-angle inclined reflections (radar facies 1), with discontinuous undulating or trough-shaped reflections (radar facies 2), and with low-angle reflections (radar facies 3). The internal structure of the fluvial deposits was obtained by integration of the GPR and sedimentological data, which combination provides a more accurate visualisation of sedimentary units than do reconstructions that are based only on standard lithologic point data.
In vivo stimulatory effect of multi-component herbal remedy PADMA 28 on mitogen-induced proliferation of mice splenic lymphocytes and their chemokinetic activity
Authors: Skopiński P. , Radomska-Leśniewska D.M. , Sokolnicka I. , Bałan B.J. , Siwicki A.K. , Skopińska-Różewska E.
Published: May 2014

PADMA 28, a natural herbal multi-compound remedy originates from traditional Tibetan medicine and possesses a variety of beneficial effects on experimental and clinical models of inflammation and atherosclerosis, as well as angioprotecive, antioxidative and wound - healing properties. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the in vivo influence of this remedy on the in vitro mitogen- induced proliferation of murine splenic lymphocytes and their chemokinetic activity in cell culture. The study was performed on 6-8 weeks old inbred Balb/c mice. PADMA28 was administered to mice per os in daily doses 5.8 mg (calculated from the highest dose recommended for human) or 0.085 mg (dose from the range of active doses of other herbal extracts containing polyphenolic substances used previously by us in experiments with mice), for 7 days. Control groups received water.

Results: No substantial differences were observed between groups of mice fed with low and high PADMA doses. In both of them, response of splenic lymphocztes to mitogen PHA (p < 0.001) and their in vitro chemokinetic activity (p < 0.001 for low dose and p < 0.01 for high dose) were highly significantly increased as compared to the controls.

Conclusion: The results of our investigations suggest that PADMA 28 can stimulate cell-mediated immunity in mice and might be used for this purpose in the wide spectrum of doses.
Dietary energy density in the dry period on the metabolic status of lactating cows
Authors: Nowak W. , Mikuła R. , Pruszyńska-Oszmałek E. , Maćkowiak P. , Stefańska B. , Kasprowicz-Potocka M. , Frankiewicz A. , Drzazga K.
Published: May 2014

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of different energy concentrations in the isonitrogenous diet fed during the dry period on postpartum health, fertility and blood variables. Forty Holstein multiparous cows were dried 56 days before the expected day of calving and assigned to group (M) with moderate energy concentrations of 0.69 UFL/kg DM or to the low-energy group (L) with energy density of 0.61 UFL/kg DM. From the 7d before the expected day of calving until the 21d of lactation, all the cows were fed the same fresh transition diet (0.82 UFL/kg DM). From the 22d to the 90d of lactation, all the cows received the same highest energy-density lactation diet (0.90 UFL/kg DM). During the dry period the decline of BCS in groups M and L were 0.07 and 0.12 units respectively. The average decrease of BCS from calving to 56 d of lactation were the same in both experimental groups (0.21 BCS). The first-service conception rate tended to be higher in the M group. Insulin-like growth factor-1, glucose, β-hydroxybutyric acid, non-esterified fatty acid, thyroxine serum concentrations prepartum and 3 and 5d postpartum were not significantly affected by the treatment in the dry period.
Evaluation of morphological criteria of sperm quality before in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection
Authors: Lasiene K. , Gedrimas V. , Vitkus A. , Glinskyte S. , Lasys V. , Valanciute A. , Sienkiewicz W.
Published: May 2014

The quality of sperm has a direct influence on the fertilization and developmental competence of embryos. In the literature we did not find defined criteria for evaluation of normal sperm parameters in various species of domestic mammals. Therefore we attempted to review evaluation of criteria of morphologically normal human sperm and their abnormalities. All sperm cells observed in the stained sample are classified as normal or abnormal. Any abnormalities in morphology of sperm have a negative effect on the outcome in in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Abnormal sperm are categorized into subgroups according to the observed defects (concerning the head and/or midpiece and/or tail). Most morphologically abnormal sperm have multiple defects. This article can be considered as guideline for the manual of sperm quality evaluation in different species of domestic mammals.
Propagation of error formulas for K/Ar dating method
Authors: Hałas Stanisław , Wójtowicz Artur
Published: May 2014

In this paper has been derived the most relevant propagation of error formula in the case when argon peaks are measured. The most frequently cited formula published by Cox and Dalrymple deals with the isotope ratios, instead of isotope peaks heights, considered as independent variables.
Secondary School Students’ Opinions on the Selected Problems at PE Lessons
Authors: Antala Branislav , Šimonek Jaromír , Czaková Natália
Published: May 2014

Research paper deals with the opinions of students of secondary schools on physical education lessons at school. The aim was to find out various aspects of education such as popularity, demandingness, importance of the subject, feelings and emotions during PE lessons, and sport preferences of young people. The results have shown that the opinions of students on popularity, significance, talent, motivation and effort exerted during PE lessons were more positive than negative. Boys stated that they consider the subject not difficult, popular, and they show effort at lessons. Girls stated that the subject is not demanding, popular, but in a smaller degree than boys. Girls marked the subject as less importantn they show less talent for it and are less motivated for it than boys. As to boys, PE & Sport lessons evoke always or mostly emotions, while the answers of girls oscillated between mostly emotional, sometimes emotional or sometimes unemotional. Difference between the answers of boys and girls was statistically significant on the level of p<0,05. The answers of boys and girls to the question concerning cancellation of a PE lesson were oscillating between the values 2 and 3 (I am often happy; my opinion is indifferent), despite the fact that they stated in the questionnaire that they mostly feel well at PE lessons. The difference between both genders is statistically significant on the level of p<0,05. The answers of boys and girls to the question concerning satisfaction with the content of PE lessons oscillated between the values 2 and 3 (satisfied; partially satisfied, partially not satisfied). Generally we can state that the answers of students were more positive than negative. The difference between the answers of both genders is not statistically significant on the level of 0,05 (p=0,07). The answers to the question concerning the quality of PE lessons oscillated between the values 2-3 (mostly of good quality, changing quality). Boys presented a little more positive answers than girls, however, the difference between both genders is not statistically significant on the level of 0,05 (p=0,411).
Influence of Use of Wiper Blades Upon Surface Roughness in Machining of Austenitic Stainless Steel
Authors: Karolczak Paweł , Kowalski Maciej
Published: May 2014

The paper presents evaluation of possibilities of use of Wiper blades for machining of austenitic stainless steel. It presents information relating to geometry of Wiper blades. It also describes in detail testing conditions focusing upon description of the tested material and presenting testing stations. Next, it presents results of experimental tests on turning of 0H18N9 steel with the use of rhomboid and triangular inserts with traditional geometry and Wiper blades. On the basis of the surface roughness tests, efficiency of use of Wiper blades was determined and it was determined, how the positive influence of geometry of Wiper blades upon surface roughness changes with the change of machining parameters.
Studying of Technological Characteristics in Cutting Zone by Multifunction Measuring System
Authors: Šajgalík Michal , Czán Andrej , Szigety Marek , Bobrovský Róbert
Published: May 2014

In this manuscript are described and evaluated processes in cutting zone during machining process by turning based on the results of the multifunction measuring system. This system consists of three different measuring units, which allow to measure and monitor processes in the cutting zone, such as size of components of cutting force, temperature field and its evolution during the cutting process, etc. The results as the data from each unit of multifunction measuring system provide detailed and comprehensive information about processes in cutting zone during the machining and they help to better knowledge of processes in cutting zone during the machining.
Identification Turning Machinability of Ceramic Materials
Authors: Kurňava Tomáš , Dana Stancekova , Struharnansky Jozef , Janota Miroslav
Published: May 2014

The paper deals with machining superhard materials machined by turning. Introductory section contains an analysis of ceramic materials used and their utilization in engineering practice . The aim of the experimental work is the selection of the appropriate cutting discs, cutting establish conditions which would ensure productive machining of the ceramics..
Technology of Coupled Timber–Concrete Ceiling Using Bonded Shear Connectors
Authors: Čajka Radim , Burkovič Kamil
Published: May 2014

The article describes the specific technological process that has been examined in the reconstruction of the ceiling structure of a house on Sokolska Street in Ostrava. Following experimental testing in laboratories at the Faculty of Civil Engineering VSB - TU Ostrava the technology of bonded shear bars under static reinforcement of timber ceilings was first applied and successfully tested in construction practice. This paper deals with the possibilities of using coupled timber-concrete structures by means a glued coupling bar. The described process of static reinforcement is particularly suitable for reconstruction of historic timber ceilings and places where it is necessary to prevent damage to non-supporting structures (e.g. ceiling, plaster, stucco decorations, etc.). The method is also employed in those cases where it is necessary to allow traffic-flow in the rooms below the reconstructed ceiling.
Load Bearing Capacity Tests of Mechanical Joining on Timber-Concrete Beam / Laboratorní Testování Únosnosti Mechanického Spřažení Dřevobetonového Nosníku
Authors: Agel Petr , Lokaj Antonín
Published: May 2014

Timber-concrete composite structures which use advantages of both materials are suitable for new works and reconstructions of civil and residential buildings.

There are described many methods of joining between timber beam and concrete slab in technical literature. Joints are more and more sophisticate which brings higher demands of work control and technology.

Main goal of this paper is in design technologically low demanding method of joining with steel plates and nails, to test its shear strength and compare it with other similar joining method.
Characterisation of log loading process
Authors: Isokangas Ari , Ala-Kaila Kari , Sorsa Aki , Ohenoja Markku , Leiviskä Kauko
Published: May 2014

The objective of this work was to develop a log loading simulator of the wood room in pulp and paper industry. In the first stage the log loading process is modelled. Then the criteria for evaluating the effects of log loading on the wood room performance are defined. The motivation for the research is that log loading can be identified as playing a central role if the production and cost-effectiveness of the wood room is to be increased. The lack of reliable process measurements and changes in raw material quality, which are not measured on-line, make the data-based modelling of an industrial log loading process difficult. For these reasons, the research was performed via mathematical modelling of the process. The simulated results confirm that the same production can be obtained in many ways, but there can be differences in costs. Especially too high speed of the infeed conveyor in relation to capacity leads to several drawbacks, which typically result in increased wood loss and decreased chip quality. For this reason it is important to consider all aspects of log loading for the best performance. The results give insight into the log loading process and may help to improve the log loading process.
Analytical measurement of microstickies on fibers by model surfaces
Authors: Du Xiaotang , Hsieh Jeffery S.
Published: May 2014

A silicon wafer coated with cellulose was prepared to measure the deposition of stickies on fibers and polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) suspension is prepared as the model compound. In addition, two methods, shear force and aeration, were used to induce the agglomeration and deposition of microstickies. The model surface was characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and water contact angle. The results from new methods were also compared with old methods of High-density polyethylene (HDPE) deposition and INGEDE (International Association of the Deinking Industry) Method 4. Although these methods have been used to predict the deposition of stickies onto the drying felt or other equipment, the deposition of stickies onto fibers can differ significantly due to the hydrophilic nature of the fibers. This is the first measurement method that could help to predict the deposition of stickies onto paper products, which has been shown to cause detrimental effects.
Directional emittance of dry and moist paper
Authors: Hyll Caroline , Vomhoff Hannes , Mattsson Lars
Published: May 2014

The directional emittance of dry and moist paper and board samples was measured in two wavelength ranges; the mid-wavelength infrared (MWIR) range and the long-wavelength infrared (LWIR) range. The influence of pulp type, pulp drying, pulp refining, fibre orientation, additives, coating, and observation angle on the emittance of dry paper was examined. The influence of sample moisture and observation angle on the emittance of moist samples was also investigated. The emittance in the LWIR range was higher than the MWIR emittance. The emittance varied with pulp type, especially for TMP, which had a significantly lower emittance compared to the samples made of chemical pulp. The impact of different properties, such as pulp type, refining or coating, was much smaller in the LWIR range than in the MWIR range. Observation angle was found to significantly impact the emittance at angles larger than 60° from the normal direction in the MWIR range, and angles larger than 70° in the LWIR range. The emittance increased with increasing moisture ratio. This increase was most pronounced at low absolute moisture ratios, where an addition of an already small amount of water could impart a large change in emittance. It was found that the emittance and sample moisture could be correlated well using a linear combination of the emittance of dry paper and pure water.
L'évolution récente de la population rurale de l'Union Soviétique (1959-1970)
Authors: de la Breteque Marie-Claude
Published: May 2014

En 1970 la population rurale soviétique, qui compte 103.745.000 unités, ne regroupe plus que 44 % des effectifs du pays alors que cette même proportion s'élevait à 52 % en 1959. La diminution affecte plus particulièrement la partie européenne ( — 0,73 % par an) tandis que la partie asiatique du pays enregistre un léger accroissement (+ 0,89 % par an). L'évolution oppose les régions de la R.S.F.S.R. où le délestage des ruraux se poursuit et les Républiques des marges méridionales de l'Union où les ruraux continuent à croître en valeur absolue. Cette situation pose aux planificateurs soviétiques le problème de l'utilisation rationnelle des ressources en main-d'œuvre.
Lord Howe, l'île à récifs coralliens la plus méridionale du monde (Mer de Tasman, 31°30'S, 158° E)
Authors: Guilcher André
Published: May 2014

Lord Howe Island and the nearby Ball's Pyramid stack, located between Australia and New Caledonia, are two remnants of volcanic plugs surrounded by erosional insular shelves. The climate falls into a submediterranean, not truly tropical, type ; it has resulted in the formation of Pleistocene eolianites which resemble very much those found around the Mediterranean Sea and in Western Australia ; they are associated with an old beach which is likely to belong to the Normannian (Ouljian, Eemian, Ipswichian) interglacial sea level. A fringing coral reef, favoured by a warm current originated in the Coral Sea, occurs on the western side of Lord Howe Island. This southernmost coral reef in the world, separated from the island by a boat channel, bears a number of living coral heads surprisingly large for such a latitude, but the transition with the temperate seas is marked by the presence of many soft algae on the reef, especially Caulerpa sedoides. This mixture of corals and soft algae is typical of a transitional island as Lord Howe is.
I. Recherches dans la vallée himalayenne du Langthang
Authors: Jest Corneille
Published: May 2014

Le Langthang est un pays de très haute montagne (les sommets dépassent 7.000 m), habité par un petit groupe d'éleveurs tibétains. L'auteur énumère les travaux pluridisciplinaires effectués en 1971 et 1972.
Y a-t-il eu capture du Niger ?
Authors: Beaudet Gaston , Coque Roger , Pérez Michel , Rognon Pierre
Published: May 2014

Résumé. - L'hypothèse d'une capture récente du Niger près de Taoussia est remise en cause pour trois raisons : l'improbabilité du creusement d'un défilé si important par le fleuve dans une roche très dure ; l'existence d'une vieille topographie cuirassée d'âge Plio-Pléistocène ( ?) très proche de l'actuelle ; enfin une nouvelle interprétation de l'évolution morphologique quaternaire de la Vallée.
Etude géomorphologique du Minervois (Languedoc méditerranéen)
Authors: Cornet Cécile
Published: May 2014

Résumé. - Le Minervois a subi la même évolution morphologique que les Corbières. On y distingue ; un Haut-Minervois, reste d'une surface d'aplanissement d'âge miocène inférieur, vers 300-350 m ; les plateaux du Bas- Minervois, résidus d'un aplanissement pontien, et d'une altitude de 180- 200 m ; de larges dépressions creusées au Plio-Quaternaire.
Créoles et Indiens du bas Orénoque
Authors: Collin Delavaud Anne
Published: May 2014

Avec le développement du foyer industriel de Ciudad Guayana, le Bas Orénoque enregistre une forte croissance démographique, résultat de migrations des Etats voisins qui se dirigent surtout dans les petites villes. Dans le delta Amacuro, on note un mouvement de repli des petits créoles vivant de leur brûlis tandis que les Indiens Guaraos conservent leur genre de vie de pêcheurs-cueilleurs grâce à leur position refuge en aval du delta.
La cueillette dans l'économie villageoise centre-africaine
Authors: Piermay Jean-Luc
Published: May 2014

La cueillette a toujours eu la faveur des paysans centre-africains : essentielle pour leur subsistance, elle est aussi pratiquée pour la vente et permet, surtout près des villes, des gains élevés, impossibles à obtenir par l'agriculture. Le méconnaissance de ce rôle par l'administration explique en partie ses déboires dans le domaine de l'aménagement rural.
Exode urbain et occupation sociale dans la Randstad Holland
Authors: Boyer Jean-Claude
Published: May 2014

Abstract. - A massive migration from the largest cities towards agglomerations of lesser sizes has been observed in the Netherlands since the sixties ; but in opposition with the process which dan be witnessed in Paris for instance, this exodus is chiefly the fact of social strata with higher incomes. Nowadays then, old people, poor families, and unmarried people, among whom numerous immigrants, are living in the older parts of the cities. The new pattern of the settlement is accompanied by a sharp social segregation, according to the quality of the natural environment, the types of housing, the distance and the accessibility of the high level employments, and the public utilities. The town-planning policy of the Randstad aims at altering this evolution, but until now its efficiency has proved rather low.
Marchés avec coûts d'information sur la qualité des biens : une application aux produits écolabellisés
Authors: Piguet Virginie , Bougherara Douadia
Published: May 2014

La théorie des défaillances de marché est souvent utilisée pour montrer que les labels sur des biens de croyance augmentent l'efficacité des transactions. Or, ils peuvent avoir l’effet inverse en introduisant des coûts supplémentaires. Nous identifions trois sources potentielles de coûts d’information sur la qualité environnementale des biens. Ensuite, nous montrons expérimentalement l’inefficacité des marchés en présence de ces coûts. Pour les vendeurs, la probabilité de proposer de la qualité supérieure augmente avec l’espérance de gain et diminue avec les coûts d’information. Pour les acheteurs, même un coût faible réduit considérablement les surplus. Leur probabilité de demander l’information sur la qualité dépend du prix des unités dans une relation non linéaire, fonction des croyances sur la relation entre prix et qualité. Ainsi, la manière concrète dont l’écolabel est conçu joue un rôle crucial dans son succès.
Modèles VAR ou DSGE : que choisir ?
Authors: Fève Patrick , Collard Fabrice
Published: May 2014

L’objet de cet article est de comparer les performances relatives des modèles VAR et DSGE. Les modèles sont estimés par maximum de vraisemblance sur le taux de croissance de la productivité horaire du travail et les heures travaillées aux Etats-Unis pour la période 1959-2003. Nous montrons que les modèles DSGE, lorsqu’ils intègrent suffisamment de rigidités réelles (coûts d’ajustement sur l’investissement ou persistance des habitudes de loisir) ont des qualités prédictives au moins égales à celles d’un modèle VAR. Ces résultats empiriques suggèrent que, de par leur caractère structurel, les modèles DSGE doivent être préférés aux modèles VAR, notamment lorsqu’il s’agit d’identifier les chocs structurels et leurs effets sur la dynamique agrégée.
Les déterminants des taux d’intérêt à long terme aux États-Unis et dans la zone euro : une approche multivariée
Authors: de Loubens Aymeric , Jardet Caroline , Idier Julien
Published: May 2014

This article analyzes the determinants of U.S. and European long-term interest rates between 1986 and 2005. The selection of separate structural determinants of long-term rates for the U.S. and Europe in a univariate approach fails to take account of market integration and suffers from certain limitations. By switching to a multivariate approach, we can show an unreciprocated knock-on effect of the U.S. long-term rate on the euro-zone long-term rate. The multivariate model accordingly enables us to compile a time-line of events influencing U.S. and European long-term interest rates : the bursting of the Internet bubble, purchases by official and private non-residents, and the growth of “ global liquidity.”
Évaluation des bénéfices environnementaux par la méthode des prix hédonistes : une application au cas du littoral
Authors: Bonnieux François , Appéré Gildas , Nassiri Abdelhak , Travers Muriel
Published: May 2014

La méthode des prix hédonistes constitue un outil majeur pour mesurer la valeur que les ménages associent à la modification d’une aménité naturelle. A partir de transactions immobilières réalisées en 2005 sur le littoral finistérien, nous utilisons cette méthode pour estimer la valeur du littoral attribuée par les acheteurs via leur consentement à payer pour se rapprocher du littoral et pour bénéficier d’une meilleure vue sur mer, et ce, en prenant en compte certaines difficultés telles que la segmentation des marchés et l’endogéneité potentielle de certaines caractéristiques des habitations. Nos résultats indiquent que le littoral influence significativement le prix des maisons et que le consentement à payer moyen pour réduire la distance à la mer varie selon la distance initiale.
Une étude expérimentale du degré individuel et collectif d’aversion au risque
Authors: Masclet David , Lohéac Youenn , Denant-Boèmont Laurent , Colombier Nathalie
Published: May 2014

L’objet de cet article est d’étudier expérimentalement les processus individuels et collectifs de décision vis-à-vis du risque. Cette étude s’inspire des travaux de Holt et Laury (2002). Les participants prennent leurs décisions seuls, puis au sein de petits groupes, et enfin ils peuvent choisir entre les prendre individuellement ou collectivement. Nos résultats montrent que les groupes ont des attitudes plus prudentes que les individus pris isolément. Par ailleurs, les participants les plus risquophiles sont ceux qui sont disposés à payer les montants les plus élevés pour pouvoir prendre leur décision seuls. Enfin, nos résultats montrent que si le degré d'aversion au risque est influencé par le contexte, il reste en grande partie déterminé par les caractéristiques individuelles.
Déterminants de la diffusion internationale de la norme ISO 14001
Authors: Mzoughi Naoufel , Lamri Jeremy , Grolleau Gilles
Published: May 2014

Nous réalisons une investigation empirique visant à identifier les déterminants de la diffusion différenciée de la norme ISO 14001 selon les pays. Nos estimations corroborent les travaux antérieurs sur plusieurs déterminants et montrent que, même si les facteurs reflétant des considérations d’ordre ‘environnemental’ jouent un rôle non négligeable dans la diffusion de la norme ISO 14001, d’autres facteurs comme le taux de diffusion de la norme ISO 9000 et le niveau d’éducation jouent un rôle prépondérant. L’un des principaux apports de notre contribution est de mettre en évidence l’importance jouée par la participation d’un pays ou d’un secteur dès la phase de conception de la norme comme facteur explicatif de son taux d’adoption future.
L’inégalité mondiale de l’éducation et des revenus (1870-2000)
Authors: Murtin Fabrice , Morrisson Christian
Published: May 2014

Cet article présente la première estimation de la distribution mondiale du nombre d’années d’éducation par individu, en tenant compte des inégalités à l’intérieur des pays et entre pays. Les estimations concernent cette distribution de 1870 à 2000. La distribution en 1870 était très inégale parce que 75% de la population mondiale était illettrée. La part du 5e quintile atteignait 90 % et le coefficient de Gini 0.79. L’inégalité a beaucoup baissé depuis : en 2000 le coefficient de Gini est de 0.40 et la part du 5e quintile est de 40 %. Le pourcentage d’analphabètes comme celui de très pauvres (moins de 1 dollar par jour) sont passés en 130 ans de 75 % à 20 %. La répartition de l’éducation a complètement changé : en 1910 les ¾ des individus ayant fait des études secondaires (soit le 10e décile mondial ) étaient des occidentaux d’origine européenne. En 2000 il y a nettement plus d'asiatiques que d’occidentaux d’origine européenne parmi les individus ayant fait des études supérieures (soit le 10e décile mondial).
Le travail des enfants et la pauvreté en Afrique : un réexamen appliqué au Burkina Faso
Authors: Lachaud Jean-Pierre
Published: May 2014

The study examines the impact of poverty on child labor. First, the “ luxury axiom ” seems relatively robust. Econometric analysis shows that the proportion of economically active children aged 5-14 is definitely higher in “ poor ” households than in “ non-poor ” households. Second, child labor may reflect household strategy aimed at minimizing the risk of interruption in the income stream. Such results should be interpreted in the context of two phenomena : (1) the increase in total poverty between 1998 and 2003, which involved a fall in lasting poverty and a rise in transient poverty ; (2) a slowdown in the redistribution process conducted through remittances from Côte d’Ivoire .
Une analyse du partage intra familial du revenu à partir de données subjectives
Authors: Sofer Catherine , Radtchenko Natalia , Kalugina Ekaterina
Published: May 2014

Our article uses subjective data to study inequality within the family. We use a question on the individual income of each household member. We assume that the answer to the question gives reliable information on income-sharing in the household. Within the framework of a collective model that includes household production, and using the Russian Longitudinal Monitoring Survey (RLMS), we show that – as expected from the model – the spouses’ wage ratio is a main determinant of the difference in their answers to the income question. We also find a significant effect of the age difference between spouses.
La politique budgétaire et ses effets de seuil sur l’activité en Union Économique et Monétaire Ouest-Africaine (UEMOA)
Authors: Plane Patrick , Combes Jean-Louis , Ary Tanimoune Nasser
Published: May 2014

Les pays de l’UEMOA ont adopté, en 1999, un pacte de convergence, de stabilité, de croissance et de solidarité. Le but premier du pacte est d’imposer des contraintes aux politiques budgétaires nationales de manière à prévenir les déséquilibres macro-économiques et préserver la crédibilité de la monnaie commune. Si les efforts budgétaires peuvent entraîner une récession par la mise en jeu des multiplicateurs keynésiens, des effets de seuil peuvent également exister dans la relation entre la politique budgétaire et l’activité. L’objectif de cet article est de tester un modèle dans lequel les effets de la politique budgétaire sont conditionnels au taux d ’ endettement public externe. En appliquant la logique de modélisation des seuils endogènes, initialement développée par Hansen (1999 ), il apparaît qu’en moyenne les États africains ont exercé une influence de type keynésien sur le produit intérieur lorsque le taux d’endettement est inférieur à 83 %.
Human Infrapatellar Fat Pad-Derived Stromal Cells have more Potent Differentiation Capacity than other Mesenchymal Cells and can be Enhanced by Hyaluronan
Authors: Ding Dah-Ching , Wu Kun-Chi , Chou Hsiang-Lan , Hung Wei-Ting , Liu Hwan-Wun , Chu Tang-Yuan
Published: May 2014

The microenvironment plays an important role in the homing in and differentiation of stem cells to repair injured tissue. Infrapatellar fat pad stromal cells (IFPSCs) are a promising source of such cells for the repair of articular injury-induced degeneration. This study investigated the chemotaxis of IFPSCs to chondrocytes and the effect of hyaluronan (HA) on the biological and regenerative properties of IFPSCs. The IFPSCs were obtained from patients undergoing arthroscopy and cultured via a standard 2-week culture protocol that yielded more than 10 million cells on passage 3. The results showed that the IFPSCs had a higher capacity for chondrogenic differentiation than mesenchymal cells from body fat, bone marrow, and Wharton's jelly of the umbilical cord. The IFPSCs cultured on 25% or 50% HA showed better osteogenic and adipogenic capabilities than those without HA or with 75% HA ( p < 0.001). Cultures of the IFPSCs on 25% HA had a fourfold increase in chondrogenic differentiation compared to cultures without HA, which was better than with 50% and 75% HA ( p < 0.05). Cell proliferation was not affected by the presence of HA. In conclusion, IFPSCs have a strong potential for chondrogenic regeneration, which can even be augmented in a 25% HA microenvironment.
Efficacy and Predictors of EGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Chinese Advanced Lung Adenocarcinoma: Analyses of 253 Cases From a Single Institute
Authors: Wang Jinghui , Nong Jingying , Jia Hongyan , Qin Na , Li Xi , Zhang Hui , Zhang Quan , Zhang Zongde , Zhang Shucai
Published: May 2014

The aim of this study was to analyze the efficacy according to EGFR status and predictors of TKIs in Chinese advanced lung adenocarcinoma patients in a single institute. We retrospectively enrolled 253 patients with advanced or recurrent adenocarcinoma and history of EGFR-TKI
treatment attended at Beijing Chest Hospital in Beijing, China, from July 2007 to August 2012. Overall response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were analyzed according to EGFR status and in different treatment lines.
The predictors of outcomes were also evaluated. Of all of the patients, the ORR was 36.0%, DCR was 66.0%, the median PFS time was 6.0 months, and the median OS time was 14.2 months. Compared with patients with EGFR wild type and EGFR status unknown, the ORR and PFS in patients
with EGFR-activating mutations were significantly better (p < 0.001, p < 0.001; p < 0.001, p = 0.004, respectively). In patients harboring activating mutations, the ORR in first line and second line or beyond were 62.1%, 54.3%; DCR were 79.3%, 89.1%;
PFS were 8.7 months and 7.8 months (p = 0.633, 0319, 0.320, respectively). The multivariate analysis showed that EGFR mutations and nonsmoking were independent factors of better ORR. In Cox regression analysis, ECOG performance status (PS) 0‐1, nonsmoking, low number of
metastatic organs, EGFR-activating mutations were independent factors of longer PFS. ECOG PS 0‐1 and low number of metastatic organs were independent factors of longer OS. In conclusion, patients harboring EGFR-activating mutations had better ORR and longer PFS in TKI
treatment. There was no difference in the ORR and PFS in patients with activating mutations in the first line and the second line or beyond.
SiRNA-Mediated Flotillin-2 (Flot2) Downregulation Inhibits Cell Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion in Gastric Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Cao Ke , Xie Dingfang , Cao Peiguo , Zou Qiong , Lu Can , Xiao Sheng , Zhou Jianda , Peng Xiaowei
Published: May 2014

The flotillin (Flot) protein family has been demonstrated to be involved in the development and progression of various cancers. However, the role of Flot2 in gastric carcinomas remains unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the clinical significance and the role of Flot2 in gastric carcinomas. Data of tissue microarray including 90 cases of gastric carcinoma samples and their matched adjacent tissues showed that, among 90 cases of adjacent tissues, 65 cases showed no Flot2 expression, and 25 cases showed low expression of Flot2, and its positive expression rate was only 38.5% (25/90); however, among 90 cases of gastric carcinomas, 6 cases showed no Flot2 expression, 26 cases showed low Flot2 expression, 28 cases showed moderate expression of Flot2, and 30 cases showed high expression of Flot2, and its positive expression rate was 93.3% (84/90). Moreover, the Flot2 expression was significantly associated with the histological grade, depth of invasion, lymph node metastasis, and TNM stage. Furthermore, data of survival analysis suggested that Flot2 protein expression was an independent prognostic factor of poor survival. After that, Flot2-specific siRNA was used to decrease the Flot2 expression in gastric cancer AGS and SGC7901 cells. Forced downregulation of Flot2 remarkably inhibited cellular proliferation, migration, and invasion in gastric carcinoma cells. In conclusion, the present study suggests that the Flot2 protein expression is significantly correlated with cancer progression and poor prognosis in gastric carcinomas, probably due to its role in the regulation of cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in gastric carcinoma cells.
A visible-light-driven composite photocatalyst of TiO2 nanotube arrays and graphene quantum dots
Authors: Chan Donald K L , Cheung Po Ling , Yu Jimmy C
Published: May 2014

TiO2 nanotube arrays are well-known efficient UV-driven photocatalysts. The incorporation of graphene quantum dots could extend the photo-response of the nanotubes to the visible-light range. Graphene quantum dot-sensitized TiO2 nanotube arrays were synthesized by covalently coupling these two materials. The product was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and UV–vis absorption spectroscopy. The product exhibited high photocatalytic performance in the photodegradation of methylene blue and enhanced photocurrent under visible light irradiation.
A Relational Approach to Understanding Women's Lives and Problems
Authors: Miller Jean Baker , Stiver Irene Pierce
Published: May 2014

It has taken over a decade for "mainstream" psychiatry and psychology to begin to acknowledge, respect, and assimilate these newer approaches.
Chaos-Based Cryptography for Voice Secure Wireless Communication
Authors: Sadkhan Al Maliky Sattar B. , Saad Rana
Published: May 2014

Chaos theory was originally developed by mathematicians and physicists. The theory deals with the behaviors of nonlinear dynamic systems. Chaos theory has desirable features, such as deterministic, nonlinear, irregular, long-term prediction, and sensitivity to initial conditions. Therefore, and based on chaos theory features, the security research community adopts chaos theory in modern cryptography. However, there are challenges of using chaos theory with cryptography, and this chapter highlights some of those challenges. The voice information is very important compared with the information of image and text. This chapter reviews most of the encryption techniques that adopt chaos-based cryptography, and illustrates the uses of chaos-based voice encryption techniques in wireless communication as well. This chapter summarizes the traditional and modern techniques of voice/speech encryption and demonstrates the feasibility of adopting chaos-based cryptography in wireless communications.
Biometrics
Authors: Al-Ani Muzhir Shaban
Published: May 2014

It is important to know that absolute security does not exist, and the main goal of the security system is to reach an optimal approach that satisfies the customer requirements. Biometrics is a small part of the security system that aims to replace a traditional password or a key. Biometrics offer higher security levels by simply ensuring that only the authorized people have access to sensitive data. It is easy to copy or get a traditional password using different methods (legal or illegal), but it is difficult to copy a key of biometric pattern such as iris or fingerprint or other patterns. Recent years have seen a boom in the use of biometric techniques in the design of modern equipment to maintain the information and personal identification. This chapter focuses on biometrics (types and technologies), personal identification, and specifications, and then how to implement these performances in security. Finally, a future aspect of merging technologies and disciplines is a good issue to treat via a specific concentration of information technology. In this chapter, two approached are proposed: a novel thinning algorithm for fingerprint recognition and a novel e-passport based on personal identification.
Economical Aspects of Heterogeneous Networks
Authors: Molnar Andreea , Muntean Cristina Hava
Published: May 2014

The high usage of multimedia content in daily activities has put strains on the network operators as the transmitted content can lead to network congestion. In an effort to control and reduce the traffic, network operators have capped their billing plans. A capped billing plan may require the user to pay extra money when exceeding the quota, and this can result in undesirably high bills for the mobile users. A solution that has been shown to reduce the size of transmitted data and also addresses user needs in terms of billing cost was presented in Molnar and Muntean (2013a). This solution involves personalising the multimedia content based on the user attitude towards risk. It makes use of a model that assesses the user attitude towards risk by considering the user age, gender, and risk attitude self-assessment. The research presented in this chapter adds to the state of the art by presenting an improvement to the user risk attitude model (Molnar & Muntean, 2012) that takes into account the user context (e.g. whether the user uses the roaming service or not, the current data consumption) as well as the user input. The improved model may be used to provide a more accurate trade-off: quality vs. price (Molnar & Muntean, 2013a) and this leads to an increase in user satisfaction and better service quality.
Resource Allocation in Heterogeneous Broadband Wireless Access Networks
Authors: Singhal Chetna , De Swades
Published: May 2014

The advent of heterogeneous Broadband Wireless Access Networks (BWANs) has been to support the ever increasing cellular networks' data requirements by increasing capacity, spectrum efficiency, and network coverage. The focus of this chapter is to discuss the implementation details (i.e. architecture and network components), issues associated with heterogeneous BWANs (i.e. handovers, network selection, and base station placement), and also the various resource allocation schemes (i.e. shared resource allocation in split handover and inter-RAT self-organizing networks) that can improve the performance of the system by maximizing the capacity of users.
DASH
Authors: Rovcanin Lejla , Muntean Gabriel-Miro
Published: May 2014

Multimedia streaming has major commercial potential as the global community of online video viewers is expanding rapidly following the proliferation of low-cost multimedia-enabled mobile devices. These devices enable increasing amounts of video-based content to be acquired, stored, and distributed across existing best effort networks that also carry other traffic types. Although a number of protocols are used for video transfer, a significant portion of the Internet streaming media is currently delivered over Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP). Network congestion is one of the most important issues that affects networking traffic in general and video content delivery. Among the various solutions proposed, adaptive delivery of content according to available network bandwidth was very successful. In this context, the most recent standardisation efforts have focused on the introduction of the Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP (DASH) (ISO, 2012) standard. DASH offers support for client-based bitrate video streaming adaptation, but as it does not introduce any particular adaptation mechanism, it relies on third party solutions to complement it. This chapter provides an overview of the DASH standard and presents a short survey of currently proposed mechanisms for video adaptation related to DASH. It also introduces the DASH-aware Performance-Oriented Adaptation Agent (dPOAA), which improves user Quality of Experience (QoE) levels by dynamically selecting best performing sources for the delivery of video content. dPOAA, in its functionality, considers the characteristics of the network links connecting clients with video providers. dPOAA can be utilised as a DASH player plugin or in conjunction with the DASH-based performance-oriented Adaptive Video Distribution solution (DAV) (Rovcanin & Muntean, 2013), which considers the local network characteristics, quantity of requested content available locally, and device and user profiles.