bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptive Ship Detection for Single-Look Complex SAR Images Based on SVWIE-Noncircularity Decomposition
Authors: Zhao Yu-Huan , Liu Peng
Published: October 2018

In this paper, we present an adaptive ship detection method for single-look complex synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images. First, noncircularity is analyzed and adopted in ship detection task; besides, similarity variance weighted information entropy (SVWIE) is proposed for clutter reduction and target enhancement. According to the analysis of scattering of SVWIE and noncircularity, SVWIE-noncircularity (SN) decomposition is developed. Based on the decomposition, two components, the high-noncircularity SVWIE amplitude (h) and the low-noncircularity SVWIE amplitude (l), are obtained. We demonstrate that ships and clutter in SAR images are different for h detector and h detector can be effectively used for ship detection. Finally, to extract ships from the background, the generalized Gamma distribution (G Γ D) is used to fit h statistics of clutter and the constant false alarm rate (CFAR) is utilized to choose an adaptive threshold. The performance of the proposed method is demonstrated on HH polarization of Alos-2 images. Experimental results show that the proposed method can accurately detect ships in complex background, i.e., ships are close to small islands or with strong noise.
The Effects of Poverty and Prison on British Muslim Men Who Offend
Authors: Webster Colin , Qasim Mohammed
Published: October 2018

Focusing on the lives of British Muslim young men, this article examines the links between their social and economic relations and their prison experiences, desistance, and identity. In understanding the meanings they place on their prison experiences and their social and economic marginalization, the article theorises about social integration, and their place in British society. An intergenerational shift from the availability of local high-waged, skilled, and secure textile work to low-waged, precarious, service work presented them with a series of problems and opportunities, leading them to reject licit wage labour and embrace illicit entrepreneurial criminality. The article concludes that their social and economic relations drove criminal solutions, not ethnicity.
Shifting Infrastructure Landscapes in a Circular Economy: An Institutional Work Analysis of the Water and Energy Sector
Authors: Giezen Mendel
Published: October 2018

Under pressure by the transition towards a circular economy, the infrastructure landscape is changing. Using Institutional Work as an analytical lens, this article analyses the work actors do to change and adapt institutional structures. In this process of restructuring, the research shows that there are four dominant types of institutional work: Enabling, Constructing Identities, Constructing Normative Networks, and Changing Normative Associations. The increasing fragmentation of infrastructure as well as the increasing connections made between different flows forces organisations to readjust their internal institutions as well as those that guide their interactions with their surroundings such as other organisational actors as well as citizens. Circularity requires a restructuring of infrastructure governance in order to adapt to the increasing flux caused by decentralised technologies and the need for integration of different systems. Additionally, the actors associated with energy and water infrastructure are responding accordingly.
Smart Card Data Mining to Analyze Mobility Patterns in Suburban Areas
Authors: Pronello Cristina , Longhi Davide , Gaborieau Jean-Baptiste
Published: October 2018

This paper aims to define an algorithm capable of building the origin-destination matrix from check-in data collected in the extra-urban area of Torino, Italy, where thousands of people commute every day, using smart cards to validate their travel documents while boarding. To this end, the methodological approach relied on a survey over three months to record smart-card validations. Peak and off-peak periods have been defined according to validation frequency. Then, the origin-destination matrix has been estimated using the time interval between two validations to outline the different legs of the journey. Finally, transport demand has been matched with existing bus services, showing which areas were not adequately covered by public transport. The results of this research could assist public transport operators and local authorities in the design of a more suitable transport supply and mobility services in accordance with user needs. Indeed, tailoring public transport to user needs attracts both more customers and latent demand, reducing reliance on cars and making transport more sustainable.
Land Use Types and Geomorphic Settings Reflected in Soil Organic Carbon Distribution at the Scale of Watershed
Authors: Yuan Ye , Shi Xueyi , Zhao Zhongqiu
Published: October 2018

Soil organic carbon (SOC) is vital to soil ecosystem function and it plays a key role in carbon cycling in the terrestrial ecosystem. The spatial pattern of SOC stock (SOCs) is affected by specific geomorphic settings and land-use types at the scale of watershed. Nevertheless, the distribution of SOCs with fluvial landform regimes and land use types was not sufficiently elucidated in the semi-humid riparian ecosystem in north China. In this study, 103 soil plots were sampled and spatial auto-correlation method was adopted to detect the spatial pattern of SOCs in the Changhe watershed that was located at the boundary of the Loess Plateau and the Taihang Mountains. The results showed that SOCs in the Changhe watershed varied from 18.03 Mg ha−1 to 21.51 Mg ha−1 and it was in the order: grassland > forestland > cropland > construction land. SOCs varied with geomorphic settings, among which, the altitude exerted more influence on the distribution of SOCs than the aspect and the slope. In terms of the spatial pattern of SOCs, 17 plots with higher SOCs collectively distributed in the west of the watershed and that with lower SOCs (19 plots) concentrated in the midlands. This indicated that the upland had higher SOCs while the lowland had lower values. Overall, land use type and geomorphic settings (especially the altitude) should be considered when estimating the SOC sequestration in warmer and wetter watershed in north China. With regard to the implications for land use management, reforestation could elevate the SOCs. Moreover, no-tillage and returning crop straw to cultivated soils could be efficient approaches to elevate soil carbon sequestration and soil productivity.
Growth, Development, Leaf Gaseous Exchange, and Grain Yield Response of Maize Cultivars to Drought and Flooding Stress
Authors: Mangani Robert , Tesfamariam Eyob Habte , Bellocchi Gianni , Hassen Abubeker
Published: October 2018

The prevalence of extreme drought and flooding is posing a threat to the food security of Sub-Saharan African countries. There are national and international calls for actions to investigate the level of resilience of existing crop cultivars to multiple abiotic stress conditions. A two-year study was carried out in South Africa to determine growth, development, yield, yield components, and physiological responses of two contrasting maize cultivars—PAN 413 (drought tolerant) and PAN 6Q-245 (drought intolerant) under drought and flooding. The drought effect on grain yield was more pronounced from mid-vegetative to tasselling stages, regardless of the cultivar with yields deviating from the control by 53–58% (2015/2016) and 34–42% (2016/2017). The effect of flooding on grain yield was pronounced at the early vegetative stage for both cultivars, with yield reductions ranging between 26–30% (2015/2016) and 15–21% (2016/2017). Results from the study indicated that existing maize cultivars (drought tolerant and drought intolerant) are both prone to likely extreme drought events experienced during the tasselling stage. Results also showed that both cultivars are prone to probable flooding events before the tasselling stage. It is recommended that plant breeders’ efforts be directed to developing maize cultivars with multiple stress tolerances.
Estimating Avocado Sales Using Machine Learning Algorithms and Weather Data
Authors: Rincon-Patino Juan , Lasso Emmanuel , Corrales Juan Carlos
Published: October 2018

Persea americana, commonly known as avocado, is becoming increasingly important in global agriculture. There are dozens of avocado varieties, but more than 85% of the avocados harvested and sold in the world are of the Hass one. Furthermore, information on the market of agricultural products is valuable for decision-making; this has made researchers try to determine the behavior of the avocado market, based on data that might affect it one way or another. In this paper, a machine learning approach for estimating the number of units sold monthly and the total sales of Hass avocados in several cities in the United States, using weather data and historical sales records, is presented. For that purpose, four algorithms were evaluated: Linear Regression, Multilayer Perceptron, Support Vector Machine for Regression and Multivariate Regression Prediction Model. The last two showed the best accuracy, with a correlation coefficient of 0.995 and 0.996, and a Relative Absolute Error of 7.971 and 7.812, respectively. Using the Multivariate Regression Prediction Model, an application that allows avocado producers and sellers to plan sales through the estimation of the profits in dollars and the number of avocados that could be sold in the United States was created.
Enhancing Social Resilience of the Coastal Fishing Communities: A Case Study of Hilsa (Tenualosa Ilisha H.) Fishery in Bangladesh
Authors: Mozumder Mohammad Mojibul Hoque , Wahab Md. Abdul , Sarkki Simo , Schneider Petra , Islam Mohammad Mahmudul
Published: October 2018

Social resilience is an essential aspect of sustainability in environmental management, especially in poor resource-dependent communities. To better understand the dynamics of social resilience, we have conducted a primarily qualitative study of communities dependent on hilsa fishing in two coastal villages in southern Bangladesh. This study applies concepts of social-ecological system (SES), social resilience and co-management in outlining our qualitative data and framing its interpretation. Our findings show that while the establishment of hilsa sanctuary areas has enhanced the previously low ecological sustainability of local small-scale fishing, the management of this program has challenged the social resilience of hilsa fishers by creating new inequalities in the distribution of power and privilege, in terms of the ways in which seasonal fishing bans are enforced and compensation for income loss during the ban periods is distributed. Based on our findings, we suggest specific measures for strengthening social resilience at the local level, including building community networks, developing community infrastructures, updating existing rules and regulations, providing alternative means of generating income for fishers during the crisis periods (e.g. natural disasters and fishing ban periods) and more active sharing of responsibility between stakeholders and government for management of the hilsa fishery. These findings are also applicable to understanding the issues beyond rules and regulations that co-management arrangements need to address in order to be successful and to enhancing the function of co-management arrangements in improving social resilience within resource-dependent communities.
A Conflict Identification Method of Urban, Agricultural and Ecological Spaces Based on the Space Conversion Matrix
Authors: Ye Qingqing , Wei Rong , Zhang Peipei
Published: October 2018

In China, disordered development and utilization of land space usually lead to serious conflicts between urban, agricultural, and ecological spaces. The identification of these conflicts is an important basis for scientific zoning of the three types of spaces and has important theoretical and practical significance for the sustainable use of land space. In this study, a conflict identification method based on the space conversion matrix is proposed to provide a reference for scientific zoning of urban, agricultural, and ecological spaces. The method constructs several land space change indices, including overall conflict degree, type stability degree, and type conflict degree, to evaluate and identify the overall conflict degree, main functions, and main conflict types of evaluation units, respectively. This study used Hubei Province in China as an example to verify the method. Results showed that the main types of land space conflicts in Hubei Province in 2010–2016 were the occupations of agricultural space by urban space and ecological space by agricultural space. Moreover, high conflict areas were mainly concentrated in the central and eastern plains, especially the urban areas of prefectural-level cities. By comparing data between 2010–2013 and 2013–2016, the two major conflict types showed weakening and fragmenting trends. The land space conflict identification method proposed in this study demonstrates several advantages over previous methods. These advantages include the ability to evaluate conflict degree and identify conflict types simultaneously, the low requirement of data condition, and simple and intuitive representation of identification results.
Influences of Clay Brick Particles on the Performance of Cement Stabilized Recycled Aggregate as Pavement Base
Authors: Miao Yinghao , Yu Weixiao , Hou Yue , Liu Cong , Wang Linbing
Published: October 2018

This paper presents an investigation on the influences of clay brick particles on the performance of cement stabilized recycled aggregate as pavement base. The comparative tests of unconfined compressive strength, compressive modulus of resilience, frost resistance, scouring resistance, drying shrinkage and temperature shrinkage of 6 kinds of mixtures with different coarse and fine clay brick particle contents were carried out. Test results showed that the unconfined compressive strength of cement stabilized recycled aggregate was compromised by the clay brick particles, especially the lateral strength. The coarse clay brick particles had little influence on the compressive resilience modulus of the mixture, while the fine clay brick particles could significantly increase it. The frost resistance of the mixture increased first and then slightly decreased with the increase of the content of coarse clay brick particle, while it increased with the increase of fine particle content. The scoured mass loss increased with the increase of coarse clay brick particle content. However, it is discovered that the fine clay brick particles had almost no influences on the scoured mass loss. The addition of both coarse and fine clay brick particles could decrease the drying shrinkage of the mixture at early construction stage. The temperature shrinkage performance of the mixture was not so sensitive to the addition of clay brick particles. Generally, the cement stabilized recycled aggregate with clay brick particles could meet the requirements of the pavement base in many cases but it needs to be optimized in application with consideration of the load and climate conditions.
Corporate Social Responsibility of Foreign Multinationals in a Developing Country Context: Insights from Pakistan
Authors: Yunis Mohammad Sohail , Jamali Dima , Hashim Hina
Published: October 2018

This paper aims to explore the dynamics of corporate social responsibility (CSR) of multinational companies (MNCs) subsidiaries operating in Pakistan. To do this, the corporate social performance (CSP) model, has been modified and integrated with the relevant models of CSR for multinational companies (MNCs). Empirical evidence from MNCs operating in the developing country context was collected and analyzed from MNCs operating in Pakistan. Findings from semi-structured interviews uncover that CSR is yet to institutionalize and most MNC executives understand CSR in narrow philanthropic and ethical terms and ignore the legal and economic aspects. Interestingly, there is evidence that MNCs are able to modify global CSR strategies to respond to local contexts and issues. In addition, the sample MNCs lack systematic environmental scanning, stakeholder management and demonstrate a short-term reactive approach to CSR. We believe that the proposed theoretical framework of the study can be utilized to understand MNCs CSR practices in both developed and developing countries. However, these empirical findings are context bound and cannot be generalized.
Analyzing Sustainability Literature in Maritime Studies with Text Mining
Authors: Shin Sung-Ho , Kwon Oh Kyoung , Ruan Xiao , Chhetri Prem , Lee Paul Tae-Woo , Shahparvari Shahrooz
Published: October 2018

Since the world’s first Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, sustainability has become a focal point of significant debate for industry, government, and international organizations. As a result, research on sustainability of maritime logistics is on the rise, yet fragmented in terms of conceptual development, empirical testing and validation, and theory building. The aim of this paper is therefore two-fold: the first aim is to present a literature review of key journal articles in the field of maritime studies published between 1993 and 2017 using a technique of topic modelling; and the second is to provide future research directions with respect to major topics, themes and co-authorship patterns. Mapping and consolidation of sustainability issues are achieved by conducting a generative probabilistic text-mining technique, called latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA), for latent data discovery and relationships among text document data. Moreover, bibliometric analysis is conducted to visualize the landscape of sustainability research. Based on the results, a new intellectual structure of sustainability research is created, the underlying themes are identified, key trends and patterns are extracted and future research development trajectories are mapped for the field of maritime studies.
Reduced Inequalities as Factor of Sustainable Development: The Analysis Under Econometric Models
Authors: Ionescu Romeo Victor , Zlati Monica Laura , Antohi Valentin Marian , Stanciu Silvius
Published: October 2018

The paper proposes a different approach for the analysis of the sustainable development in the context of 2030 Agenda. The authors defined and used a cumulative model. For the beginning, the authors compare the dependent variable with the regressors of the four reporting entities: EU28, Romania, Turkey and Switzerland. These entities cover EU, the country of the authors, a candidate country and non-EU country, as well. The analysis is focused on the Goal 10 from the 2030 Agenda Sustainable Development, covers 2000–2017 and is based on the latest official data from Eurostat. The model used by the authors generated high statistical representativeness. The statistical tests demonstrate the model’s homogeneity. A distinct part of the paper is focused on the risk analysis. The authors basically propose a distinct approach which is usefully for the central and regional decision makers. The statistical period took into consideration is good enough to support pertinent conclusions. The analysis leads to the conclusion that Romania can decrease the disparities regarding the sustainable development. On the other hand, the Romania’s progress in achieving sustainable development’s targets is lowest than the EU average. The model proposed in the paper supports the decision makers in achieving a more performant management regarding sustainable development goals. The paper represents a theoretical approach with great applicability to economic development.
Valuations and Decisions of Investing in Corporate Social Responsibility: A Real Options Viewpoint
Authors: Lee Kuo-Jung
Published: October 2018

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) implementation could raise corporate reputations and benefit long-term development. Studying the effects of CRS on corporate valuation is essential. However, studies on the valuation of CSR are limited, particularly studies involving a dynamic model for valuing CSR. This study applies a real options approach to derive the company valuation of CSR investments, CSR options value, and the optimal timing for implementing CSR. This study elucidates the value of CSR and the decision to invest in CSR. Specifically, the value of CSR options facilitates determining whether to invest in CSR, and the optimal threshold for implementing CSR indicates explicitly when to invest in CSR. In addition, numerical analyses and results are demonstrated to verify the established model. This is the first and novel attempt to consider the valuation model and optimal strategies of CSR investments using the methods of real options.
Pressure-Induced Geopolymerization in Alkali-Activated Fly Ash
Authors: Park Sol Moi , Khalid Hammad Raza , Seo Joon Ho , Yoon Hyun No , Son Hyeong Min , Kim Seon Hyeok , Lee Nam Kon , Lee Haeng Ki , Jang Jeong Gook
Published: October 2018

The present study investigated geopolymerization in alkali-activated fly ash under elevated pressure conditions. The fly ash was activated using either sodium hydroxide or a combination of sodium silicate solution and sodium hydroxide, and was cured at 120 °C at a pressure of 0.22 MPa for the first 24 h. The pressure-induced evolution of the binder gel in the alkali-activated fly ash was investigated by employing synchrotron X-ray diffraction and solid-state 29Si and 27Al MAS NMR spectroscopy. The results showed that the reactivity of the raw fly ash and the growth of the zeolite crystals were significantly enhanced in the samples activated with sodium hydroxide. In contrast, the effects of the elevated pressure conditions were found to be less apparent in the samples activated with the sodium silicate solution. These results may have important implications for the binder design of geopolymers, since the crystallization of geopolymers relates highly to its long-term properties and functionality.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Matrix (M) Protein Interacts with Actin In Vitro and in Cell Culture
Authors: Shahriari Shadi , Wei Ke-jun , Ghildyal Reena
Published: October 2018

The virus–host protein interactions that underlie respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) assembly are still not completely defined, despite almost 60 years of research. RSV buds from the apical surface of infected cells, once virion components have been transported to the budding sites. Association of RSV matrix (M) protein with the actin cytoskeleton may play a role in facilitating this transport. We have investigated the interaction of M with actin in vitro and cell culture. Purified wildtype RSV M protein was found to bind directly to polymerized actin in vitro. Vero cells were transfected to express full-length M (1–256) as a green fluorescent protein-(GFP) tagged protein, followed by treatment with the microfilament destabilizer, cytochalasin D. Destabilization of the microfilament network resulted in mislocalization of full-length M, from mostly cytoplasmic to diffused across both cytoplasm and nucleus, suggesting that M interacts with microfilaments in this system. Importantly, treatment of RSV-infected cells with cytochalasin D results in lower infectious virus titers, as well as mislocalization of M to the nucleus. Finally, using deletion mutants of M in a transfected cell system, we show that both the N- and C-terminus of the protein are required for the interaction. Together, our data suggest a possible role for M–actin interaction in transporting virion components in the infected cell.
A Hydroclimatological Analysis of Precipitation in the Ganges–Brahmaputra–Meghna River Basin
Authors: Curtis Scott , Crawford Thomas , Rahman Munshi , Paul Bimal , Miah M. Giashuddin , Islam M. Rafiqul , Patel Mohin
Published: October 2018

Understanding seasonal precipitation input into river basins is important for linking large-scale climate drivers with societal water resources and the occurrence of hydrologic hazards such as floods and riverbank erosion. Using satellite data at 0.25-degree resolution, spatial patterns of monsoon (June-July-August-September) precipitation variability between 1983 and 2015 within the Ganges–Brahmaputra–Meghna (GBM) river basin are analyzed with Principal Component (PC) analysis and the first three modes (PC1, PC2 and PC3) are related to global atmospheric-oceanic fields. PC1 explains 88.7% of the variance in monsoonal precipitation and resembles climatology with the center of action over Bangladesh. The eigenvector coefficients show a downward trend consistent with studies reporting a recent decline in monsoon rainfall, but little interannual variability. PC2 explains 2.9% of the variance and shows rainfall maxima to the far western and eastern portions of the basin. PC2 has an apparent decadal cycle and surface and upper-air atmospheric height fields suggest the pattern could be forced by tropical South Atlantic heating and a Rossby wave train stemming from the North Atlantic, consistent with previous studies. Finally, PC3 explains 1.5% of the variance and has high spatial variability. The distribution of precipitation is somewhat zonal, with highest values at the southern border and at the Himalayan ridge. There is strong interannual variability associated with PC3, related to the El Nino/Southern Oscillation (ENSO). Next, we perform a hydroclimatological downscaling, as precipitation attributed to the three PCs was averaged over the Pfafstetter level-04 sub-basins obtained from the World Wildlife Fund (Gland, Switzerland). While PC1 was the principal contributor of rainfall for all sub-basins, PC2 contributed the most to rainfall in the western Ganges sub-basin (4524) and PC3 contributed the most to the rainfall in the northern Brahmaputra (4529). Monsoon rainfall within these two sub-basins were the only ones to show a significant relationship (negative) with ENSO, whereas four of the eight sub-basins had a significant relationship (positive) with sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies in the tropical South Atlantic. This work demonstrates a geographic dependence on climate teleconnections in the GBM that deserves further study.
River Channel Relocation: Problems and Prospects
Authors: Flatley Alissa , Rutherfurd Ian , Hardie Ross
Published: October 2018

River relocation is the diversion of a river into an entirely new channel for part of their length (often called river diversions). Relocations have been common through history and have been carried out for a wide range of purposes, but most commonly to construct infrastructure and for mining. However, they have not been considered as a specific category of anthropogenic channel change. Relocated channels present a consistent set of physical and ecological challenges, often related to accelerated erosion and deposition. We present a new classification of river relocation, and present a series of case studies that highlight some of the key issues with river relocation construction and performance. Primary changes to the channel dimensions and materials, alongside changes to flow velocity or channel capacity, can lead to a consistent set of problems, and lead to further secondary and tertiary issues, such as heightened erosion or deposition, hanging tributaries, vegetation loss, water quality issues, and associated ecological impacts. Occasionally, relocated channels can suffer engineering failure, such as overtopping or complete channel collapse during floods. Older river relocation channels were constructed to minimise cost and carry large floods, and were straight and trapezoidal. In some countries, modern relocated channels represent an exciting new challenge in that they are now designed to replicate natural rivers, the success of which depends on understanding the characteristics, heterogeneity, and mechanisms at work within the natural channel. We discuss shortcomings in current practice for river relocation and highlight areas for future research for successful rehabilitation of relocated rivers.
Assessing the Impact of LAI Data Assimilation on Simulations of the Soil Water Balance and Maize Development Using MOHID-Land
Authors: Ramos Tiago B. , Simionesei Lucian , Oliveira Ana R. , Darouich Hanaa , Neves Ramiro
Published: October 2018

Hydrological modeling at the catchment scale requires the upscaling of many input parameters for better characterizing landscape heterogeneity, including soil, land use and climate variability. In this sense, remote sensing is often considered as a practical solution. This study aimed to access the impact of assimilation of leaf area index (LAI) data derived from Landsat 8 imagery on MOHID-Land’s simulations of the soil water balance and maize state variables (LAI, canopy height, aboveground dry biomass and yield). Data assimilation impacts on final model results were first assessed by comparing distinct modeling approaches to measured data. Then, the uncertainty related to assimilated LAI values was quantified on final model results using a Monte Carlo method. While LAI assimilation improved MOHID-Land’s estimates of the soil water balance and simulations of crop state variables during early stages, it was never sufficient to overcome the absence of a local calibrated crop dataset. Final model estimates further showed great uncertainty for LAI assimilated values during earlier crop stages, decreasing then with season reaching its end. Thus, while model simulations can be improved using LAI data assimilation, additional data sources should be considered for complementing crop parameterization.
Review of Heavy Metal Adsorption Processes by Several Organic Matters from Wastewaters
Authors: Czikkely Marton , Neubauer Eva , Fekete Ilona , Ymeri Prespa , Fogarassy Csaba
Published: October 2018

Heavy metal contamination of natural rivers and wastewaters is a problem for both the environment and human society. The accumulation and adsorption of heavy metals could happen with several organic and inorganic matters, but the most used adsorbents are (biological and chemical) organic compounds. This review article presents the basics of heavy metal adsorption on several organic surfaces. There are many organic matters, which seem to be useful as agents for heavy metal adsorption. All of the cited authors and articles present the adsorption kinetics by the most used isotherm models (such as Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms). By comparing several research results presented by a pre-selected assortment of papers, we would like to give an overview of the microbiological, organic chemical, and other surface adsorption possibilities. We draw conclusions for two new adsorption fields (adsorption with biosorbent and artificial materials). We present an optional possibility to study adsorption kinetics, efficiency and regeneration methods to successfully conclude the heavy metal treatment process, and we make some recommendations about the efficient water usage calculations using the water allowance coefficient (WAC) indicator.
Étude électrique et magnétique de composés sulfurés et arséniés d'éléments de transition. III. Propriétés électriques et magnétiques et liaisons dans l'arsénopyrite, la cobaltite et la loellingite
Authors: Wintenberger Micheline
Published: October 2018

Étude expérimentale des propriétés semi-conductrices de FeAsS et des susceptibilités magnétiques de FeAsS, CoAsS et FeAs₂ naturels. Les trois composés ont un paramagnétisme très faible. Pour CoAsS, ceci peut s'expliquer en admettant que les liaisons chimiques sont semblables à celles de la pyrite. Pour FeAsS et FeAs₂, il faut faire intervenir d'autres liaisons ou des couplages magnétiques. En outre, une étude aux R X confirme que FeAsS est triclinique (groupe P1) et montre une symétrie orthrhombique pour CoAsS (groupe Pca₂₁).
La synthèse de l'anorthite au cours de la cuisson des céramiques
Authors: Périnet Guy
Published: October 2018

L'étude radiocristallographique de la réactivité dans l'état solide de mélanges kaolinite-calcite à forte teneur en kaolinite a montré que les silico-aluminates de calcium sont formés à mesure que la température monte dans l'ordre suivant : gehlénite-anorthite hexagonale-anorthite triclinique.
Un nouveau gisement d'halloysite hydratée
Authors: Brousse Robert , Maurel Pierre
Published: October 2018

A proximité du village du Trador (Puy-de-Dôme) nous signalons la présence d'halloysite hydratée, dans un gisement d'argiles lacustres. Les caractéristiques de cette phyllite sont données.
Electromagnetic Emission from Supermassive Binary Black Holes Approaching Merger
Authors: d’Ascoli Stéphane , Noble Scott C. , Bowen Dennis B. , Campanelli Manuela , Krolik Julian H. , Mewes Vassilios
Published: October 2018

We present the first relativistic prediction of the electromagnetic emission from the surrounding gas of a supermassive binary black hole system approaching merger. Using a ray-tracing code to post-process data from a general relativistic 3D magnetohydrodynamic simulation, we generate images and spectra, and analyze the viewing angle dependence of the light emitted. When the accretion rate is relatively high, the circumbinary disk, accretion streams, and mini-disks combine to emit light in the UV/extreme-UV bands. We posit a thermal Compton hard X-ray spectrum for coronal emission; at high accretion rates, it is almost entirely produced in the mini-disks, but at lower accretion rates it is the primary radiation mechanism in the mini-disks and accretion streams as well. Due to relativistic beaming and gravitational lensing, the angular distribution of the power radiated is strongly anisotropic, especially near the equatorial plane.
Orbital Characterization of GJ1108A System, and Comparison of Dynamical Mass with Model-derived Mass for Resolved Binaries
Authors: Mizuki T. , Kuzuhara M. , Mede K. , Schlieder J. E. , Janson M. , Brandt T. D. , Hirano T. , Narita N. , Wisniewski J. , Yamada T. , Biller B. , Bonnefoy M. , Carson J. C. , McElwain M. W. , Matsuo T. , Turner E. L. , Mayama S. , Akiyama E. , Uyama T. , Nakagawa T. , Kudo T. , Kusakabe N. , Hashimoto J. , Abe L. , Brander W. , Egner S. , Feldt M. , Goto M. , Grady C. A. , Guyon O. , Hayano Y. , Hayashi M. , Hayashi S. S. , Henning T. , Hodapp K. W. , Ishii M. , Iye M. , Kandori R. , Knapp G. R. , Kwon J. , Miyama S. , Morino J. , Moro-Martin A. , Nishimura T. , Pyo T. , Serabyn E. , Suenaga T. , Suto H. , Suzuki R. , Takahashi Y. H. , Takami M. , Takato N. , Terada H. , Thalmann C. , Watanabe M. , Takami H. , Usuda T. , Tamura M.
Published: October 2018

We report an orbital characterization of GJ1108Aab that is a low-mass binary system in the pre-main-sequence phase. Via the combination of astrometry using adaptive optics and radial velocity measurements, an eccentric orbital solution of e = 0.63 is obtained, which might be induced by the Kozai–Lidov mechanism with a widely separated GJ1108B system. Combined with several observed properties, we confirm that the system is indeed young. Columba is the most probable moving group, to which the GJ1108A system belongs, although its membership to the group has not been established. If the age of Columba is assumed for GJ1108A, the dynamical masses of both GJ1108Aa and GJ1108Ab (M
dynamical,GJ1108Aa = 0.72 ± 0.04 M
⊙ and M
dynamical,GJ1108Ab = 0.30 ± 0.03 M
⊙) are more massive than what an evolutionary model predicts based on the age and luminosities. We consider that the discrepancy in mass comparison can be attributed to an age uncertainty; the system is likely older than stars in Columba, and effects that are not implemented in classical models such as accretion history and magnetic activity are not preferred to explain the mass discrepancy. We also discuss the performance of the evolutionary model by compiling similar low-mass objects in the evolutionary state based on the literature. Consequently, it is suggested that the current model on average reproduces the mass of resolved low-mass binaries without any significant offsets.
Chandrasekhar and Sub-Chandrasekhar Models for the X-Ray Emission of Type Ia Supernova Remnants. I. Bulk Properties
Authors: Martínez-Rodríguez Héctor , Badenes Carles , Lee Shiu-Hang , Patnaude Daniel J. , Foster Adam R. , Yamaguchi Hiroya , Auchettl Katie , Bravo Eduardo , Slane Patrick O. , Piro Anthony L. , Park Sangwook , Nagataki Shigehiro
Published: October 2018

Type Ia supernovae originate from the explosion of carbon–oxygen white dwarfs in binary systems, but the exact nature of their progenitors remains elusive. The bulk properties of Type Ia supernova remnants, such as the radius and the centroid energy of the Fe Kα blend in the X-ray spectrum, are determined by the properties of the supernova ejecta and the ambient medium. We model the interaction between Chandrasekhar and sub-Chandrasekhar models for Type Ia supernova ejecta and a range of uniform ambient medium densities in one dimension up to an age of 5000 years. We generate synthetic X-ray spectra from these supernova remnant models and compare their bulk properties at different expansion ages with X-ray observations from Chandra and Suzaku. We find that our models can successfully reproduce the bulk properties of most observed remnants, suggesting that Type Ia SN progenitors do not modify their surroundings significantly on scales of a few pc, although more detailed models are required to establish quantitative limits on the density of any such surrounding circumstellar material. Ambient medium density and expansion age are the main contributors to the diversity of the bulk properties in our models. Chandrasekhar and sub-Chandrasekhar progenitors make similar predictions for the bulk remnant properties, but detailed fits to X-ray spectra have the power to discriminate explosion energetics and progenitor scenarios.
EUV Spectra and Line Ratios of Multiply Ionized Calcium and Argon Atoms in a Laboratory Plasma
Authors: Träbert Elmar , Beiersdorfer Peter , Lepson Jaan K. , Reinke Matthew L. , Rice John E.
Published: October 2018

The utility of Ca in the EUV spectral range of astrophysical observations is limited by a fragmentary and incomplete record of laboratory data. In order to obtain a more comprehensive survey of the Ca line emission in the EUV, we have used a tokamak plasma discharge in hydrogen carrying some Ar and intermittently seeded with Ca as a tool for investigating the emission line intensity pattern of highly charged Ca and Ar ions in the wavelength range 100–285 Å with 0.35 Å spectral resolution. We compare our data to wavelengths and line ratios in much-used databases, especially CHIANTI, and we discuss apparent inconsistencies.
The Scattering of FRBs by the Intergalactic Medium: Variations, Strength, and Dependence on Dispersion Measures
Authors: Zhu Weishan , Feng Long-Long , Zhang Fupeng
Published: October 2018

The scattering of fast radio bursts (FRBs) by the intergalactic medium (IGM) is explored using cosmological hydrodynamical simulations. We confirm that the scattering by the clumpy IGM has significant line-of-sight variations. We demonstrate that the scattering by the IGM in the voids and walls of the cosmic web is weak, but it can be significantly enhanced by the gas in clusters and filaments. The observed nonmonotonic dependence of the FRB widths on the dispersion measures (DM) cannot determine whether the IGM is an important scattering matter or not. The IGM may dominate the scattering of some FRBs, and the host galaxy dominates others. For the former case, the scattering should be primarily caused by the medium in clusters. A mock sample of 500 sources shows that

at z < 1.5. Assuming that the turbulence follows Kolmogorov scaling, we find that an outer scale of L
0 ∼ 5 pc is required to make τ
IGM ∼ 1–10 ms at ν = 1 GHz. The required L
0 ∼ 5 pc can alleviate the tension in the timescales of turbulent heating and cooling but is still ∼4 orders of magnitude lower than the presumed injection scale of turbulence in the IGM. The gap is expected to be effectively shortened if the simulation resolution is further increased. The mechanisms that may further reduce the gap are shortly discussed. If future observations can justify the role of the IGM in the broadening of FRBs, it can help to probe the gas in clusters and filaments.
Build it and they will come: grasshoppers check-in to a grassland bee hotel
Authors: Gardiner Tim , Fargeaud Kimberley
Published: October 2018

A five-floor bee hotel was constructed using wooden pallets in an area of urban grassland in Ipswich, United Kingdom. Within one month of construction, two grasshopper species were observed using the hotel, with nymphs in shaded, uncut grass at the base, while adults were observed on all five floors and the roof. On the fourth floor, a stridulating field grasshopper, Chorthippusbrunneus, was sighted on two separate occasions. Further research is required to determine whether bee hotels may be an effective ‘shade’ refuge for grasshoppers in open grassland, while also providing an effective platform for stridulation.
Current status of habitat monitoring in the European Union according to Article 17 of the Habitats Directive, with an emphasis on habitat structure and functions and on Germany
Authors: Ellwanger Götz , Runge Stephan , Wagner Melanie , Ackermann Werner , Neukirchen Melanie , Frederking Wenke , Müller Christina , Ssymank Axel , Sukopp Ulrich
Published: October 2018

Since the beginning of the 1990s, monitoring of habitats has been a widespread tool to record and assess changes in habitat quality, for example due to land use change. Thus, Article 11 of the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) requires, inter alia, monitoring of the conservation status of habitat types listed in Annex I of the Habitats Directive, carried out by the Member States of the European Union (EU). This monitoring provides the foundation for the National Reports on the measures implemented and their effectiveness (Art. 17 Habitats Directive), which Member States have to submit to the European Commission every six years. Based on these requirements, Member States have developed different monitoring programmes or have adapted previously existing monitoring schemes to include relevant aspects of the Habitats Directive.

The parameter ‘structure and functions’ is a key parameter for the assessment of the conservation status of habitat types as it provides information on the quality of the habitats. A standardised questionnaire was developed and sent to the competent authorities of Member States to compare and analyse the assessment methods of the quality of habitat types. Responses were received from 13 of the 28 Member States, while it was possible to include another Member State in the analysis by evaluating appropriate literature.

The analysis revealed very different approaches and progress amongst the Member States in the development and implementation of monitoring programmes tailored to the reporting obligations of Article 17 of the Habitats Directive. Some Member States established a special standardised monitoring programme for Article 11 of the Habitats Directive, while others used data from already existing programmes (e.g. habitat mapping, large-scale forest inventories, landscape monitoring). Most Member States responding to the questionnaire use monitoring based on samples but the data collection, sample sizes and level of statistical certainty differ considerably. The same applies to the aggregation of data and the methods for the assessment of the parameter ‘structure and functions’. In contrast to the assessment of conservation status as part of the reporting obligations according to Article 17 of the Habitats Directive, no standardised EU guidelines exist for monitoring. The present study discusses differences in the monitoring programmes and evaluates them with regard to the objectives of comparable assessments of conservation status of habitat types in the National Reports of Member States or at a biogeographical level.
L’urgence et l’effroi
Authors: Grangé Ninon
Published: October 2018

Ninon Grangé aborde l’état d’exception sous l’angle philosophique. L’ouvrage se consacre à une analyse diachronique en se référant à des textes d’histoire du droit et aux généalogies qui ont pu être proposées, et à une analyse synchronique qui s’appuie sur des sources philosophiques, sociologiques et politistes. La réduction et la suppression des libertés ne sont que la partie émergée de l’état d’exception tel qu’il a été récemment mis en place dans différents pays. Dans son appréhension philosophique, il révèle des aspects du politique qui, dans le temps ordinaire que l’on croit linéaire, sont invisibles.

L’ouvrage dessine une trame historique qui ramène l’état d’exception à son origine, l’état de siège qui, étonnamment, ne distingue plus guerre civile et guerre extérieure. Grâce à cet indice d’une ambivalence imprégnant d’emblée l’état d’exception, sont analysées différentes instrumentalisations : l’amalgame avec la guerre civile, l’idée de dictature, le non-droit. Ce livre se propose de montrer que le politique est toujours une manière d’imposer une temporalité contre d’autres temporalités, à la fois dévoilées et recouvertes par l’état d’exception.
Entre idéal et distanciation : la relation diasporique aux villages d’origine en Chine méridionale
Authors: Trémon Anne-Christine
Published: October 2018

Un affaiblissement de la relation diasporique est observable aujourd’hui, tant chez les descendants d’émigrés issus des grandes vagues migratoires de la fin du xixe et début du xxe siècles que chez les habitants des localités d’origine dans la province du Guangdong en Chine. Les approches des diasporas qui n’en traitent que sous l’angle de formations discursives et culturelles ne permettent guère de tenir compte de l’effectivité pratique des liens sociaux et culturels, ou de l’historicité des processus d’entretien de la relation diasporique. Une approche attentive à la diachronie, à la morphologie sociale, et au vécu des acteurs, permet, au lieu de présumer leur continuité, de rendre compte des distensions, voire des ruptures des liens diasporiques, et des distorsions avec l’idéal de leur maintien. L’article montre, à partir d’une enquête auprès de la communauté chinoise en Polynésie française et d’un de leurs villages d’origine en Chine, que la relation diasporique, entendue ici principalement au sens de l’ensemble des liens au village d’origine, est en cours de délitement, voire en passe de se rompre.
Exploring Entrepreneurial Ecosystems
Authors: Lopes João , Farinha Luís , Ferreira João J.
Published: October 2018

Entrepreneurial ecosystems are now central to the economic policies of nations, with particular relevance in Europe. This chapter intends to explore the evolution of the studies on innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems in order to identify gaps and new perspectives of research that can serve as a reflection to universities, political decisions, and the business fabric. Extensive research was conducted using the Web of Science database. Six clusters were found in the literature on entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystems: ecosystems of innovation, entrepreneurship, region, new ventures, technology, and entrepreneurial university. New theoretical perspectives based on bibliometric analysis and new research paths have been identified.
Smart Specialization Strategies and Universities
Authors: Feder Christophe
Published: October 2018

The smart specialization strategy is a cornerstone in the EU policy. The smart specialization policy and the entrepreneurial discovery process is formalized in order to generalize and implement the smart specialization concept. The main conclusion of the proposed theoretical framework is that the smart specialization strategy is efficient if it increases the productivity of the largest factor in the region. Starting from the biased technological change notion, the proposed theoretical framework shows the pivotal role of the university for the efficient implementation of the smart specialization strategy not only in the short and medium term but also in the long term.