bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The use of air-bottoming cycle as a heat source for the carbon dioxide capture installation of a coal-fired power unit
Authors: Chmielniak Tadeusz , Lepszy Sebastian , Czaja Daniel
Published: January 2012

The use of air-bottoming cycle as a heat source for the carbon dioxide capture installation of a coal-fired power unit

The installations of CO2capture from flue gases using chemical absorption require a supply of large amounts of heat into the system. The most common heating medium is steam extracted from the cycle, which results in a decrease in the power unit efficiency. The use of heat needed for the desorption process from another source could be an option for this configuration. The paper presents an application of gas-air systems for the generation of extra amounts of energy and heat. Gas-air systems, referred to as the air bottoming cycle (ABC), are composed of a gas turbine powered by natural gas, air compressor and air turbine coupled to the system by means of a heat exchanger. Example configurations of gas-air systems are presented. The efficiency and power values, as well as heat fluxes of the systems under consideration are determined. For comparison purposes, the results of modelling a system consisting of a gas turbine and a regenerative exchanger are presented.
Feasibility study of forced cooling of a supercritical steam turbine after a shut down of a power generating unit
Authors: Kosman Wojciech
Published: January 2012

Feasibility study of forced cooling of a supercritical steam turbine after a shut down of a power generating unit

Temperature related decrease of steam turbine components is one of the main transient processes that occur during a typical long-term operation. With a natural cooling (no user interference) it takes more than 14 days before the temperature of components reaches the level that allows to open and repair a turbine. It is then reasonable to apply a forced cooling in order to decrease the time between a shut-down of a power generating unit and a beginning of a repair. This paper presents the analysis of application of a forced cooling process to supercritical steam turbines. The main problems under the investigation are the safety issues of the process and the optimization of cooling conditions. The paper describes the safety restrictions and the optimization criteria. The process is analyzed in numerical simulations conducted for various cooling conditions.
Application of the entropy information for the optimization of an additional measurements location in thermal systems
Authors: Szega Marcin
Published: January 2012

Application of the entropy information for the optimization of an additional measurements location in thermal systems

For the optimal location of an additional surplus measurements in the design of redundant measurements system, from data reconciliation point of view, of thermal processes, an information entropy has been applied. The relative entropy - Kullback-Leibler divergence, has been used. As a criterion of the optimal location of an additional surplus measurements in a system of measurements data, the minimum of the entropy information of reconciled measurements data has been assumed. Hence, the objective function in the described optimization task is maximum of the relative entropy - Kullback-Leibler divergence concerning sets of raw and reconciled measurements data. Simulation calculation with application of data reconciliation algorithm and Monte Carlo method concerning the influence of installation of the additional surplus measurements on decrease of entropy information of measurements after data validation have been carried out. The example calculations concerned the cross high-pressure heat regeneration system with cascade flow of condensate installed in 153 MW power unit equipped with cooler of steam are presented. Calculations for all variants of configurations of an additional surplus measurements in the analyzed thermal system have been done. Usefulness of the proposed Kullback-Leibler divergence as a objective function has been demonstrated.
Thermodynamic and economic analysis of a 900 MW ultra-supercritical power unit
Authors: łukowicz Henryk , Dykas Sławomir , Rulik Sebastian , Stępczyńska Katarzyna
Published: January 2012

Thermodynamic and economic analysis of a 900 MW ultra-supercritical power unit

The paper presents a thermal-economic analysis of different variants of a hard coal-fired 900 MW ultra-supercritical power unit. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of the parameters of live and reheated steam on the basic thermodynamic and economic indices of the thermal cycle. The subject of the study was the cycle configuration proposed as the "initial thermal cycle structure" during the completion of the project "Advanced Technologies for Energy Generation" with the live and reheated steam parameters of 650/670 °C. At the same time, a new concept of a thermal cycle for ultra-supercritical parameters with live and reheated steam temperature of 700/720 °C was suggested. The analysis of the ultra-supercritical unit concerned a variant with a single and double steam reheat. All solutions presented in the paper were subject to a detailed thermodynamic analysis, as well as an economic one which also included CO2emissions charges. The conducted economic analysis made it possible to determine the maximum value of investment expenditures at which given solutions are profitable.
Statistical Dynamical Closures and Subgrid Modeling for Inhomogeneous QG and 3D Turbulence
Authors: Frederiksen Jorgen S.
Published: January 2012

Statistical dynamical closures for inhomogeneous turbulence described by multi‑field equations are derived based on renormalized perturbation theory. Generalizations of the computationally tractable quasi-diagonal direct interaction approximation for inhomogeneous barotropic turbulent flows over topography are developed. Statistical closures are also formulated for large eddy simulations including subgrid models that ensure the same large scale statistical behavior as higher resolution closures. The focus is on baroclinic quasigeostrophic and three-dimensional inhomogeneous turbulence although the framework is generally applicable to classical field theories with quadratic nonlinearity.
Molecular Cloning and Functional Characterization of Tibetan Porcine STING
Authors: Huang Zhiqing , Chen Xiaoling , Zhang Keying , Yu Bing , Mao Xiangbing , Zhao Ye , Chen Daiwen
Published: January 2012

Tibetan pig is well known for its strong disease resistance. However, little is known about the molecular basis of its strong resistance to disease. Stimulator of interferon (IFN) genes (STING), also known as MPYS/MITA/ERIS/TMEM173, is an adaptor that functions downstream of RIG-I and MAVS and upstream of TBK1 and plays a critical role in type I IFN induction. Here we report the first cloning and characterization of STING gene from Tibetan pig. The entire open reading frame (ORF) of the Tibetan porcine STING is 1137 bp, with a higher degree of sequence similarity with Landrace pig (98%) and cattle (88%) than with chimpanzee (84%), human (83%) or mouse (77%). The predicted protein is composed of 378 amino acids and has 4 putative transmembrane domains. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis indicated that Tibetan pig STING mRNA was most abundant in the lung and heart. Overexpression of Tibetan porcine STING led to upregulation of IFN-β and IFN-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) in porcine jejunal epithelial cell line IPEC-J2 cells. This is the first study investigating the biological role of STING in intestinal epithelial cells, which lays a foundation for the further study of STING in intestinal innate immunity.
Life Origination Hydrate Hypothesis (LOH-Hypothesis)
Authors: Ostrovskii Victor , Kadyshevich Elena
Published: January 2012

The paper develops the Life Origination Hydrate Hypothesis (LOH-hypothesis), according to which living-matter simplest elements (LMSEs, which are N-bases, riboses, nucleosides, nucleotides), DNA- and RNA-like molecules, amino-acids, and proto-cells repeatedly originated on the basis of thermodynamically controlled, natural, and inevitable processes governed by universal physical and chemical laws from CH4, niters, and phosphates under the Earth's surface or seabed within the crystal cavities of the honeycomb methane-hydrate structure at low temperatures; the chemical processes passed slowly through all successive chemical steps in the direction that is determined by a gradual decrease in the Gibbs free energy of reacting systems. The hypothesis formulation method is based on the thermodynamic directedness of natural movement and consists ofan attempt to mentally backtrack on the progression of nature and thus reveal principal milestones alongits route. The changes in Gibbs free energy are estimated for different steps of the living-matter origination process; special attention is paid to the processes of proto-cell formation. Just the occurrence of the gas-hydrate periodic honeycomb matrix filled with LMSEs almost completely in its final state accounts for size limitation in the DNA functional groups and the nonrandom location of N-bases in the DNA chains. The slowness of the low-temperature chemical transformations and their “thermodynamic front” guide the gross process of living matter origination and its successive steps. It is shown that the hypothesis is thermodynamically justified and testable and that many observed natural phenomena count in its favor.
Perturbations of Lipid Metabolism Indexed by Lipidomic Biomarkers
Authors: Lamaziere Antonin , Wolf Claude , Quinn Peter J.
Published: January 2012

The lipidome of the liver and the secreted circulating lipoproteins can now be interrogated conveniently by automated mass spectrometric methods. Multivariate analysis of the liver and serum lipid composition in various animal modes or in human patients has pointed to specific molecular species markers. The perturbations of lipid metabolism can be categorized on the basis of three basic pathological mechanisms: (1) an accelerated rate of de novo lipogenesis; (2) perturbation of the peroxisome pathway of ether-lipid and very-long-chain fatty acid biosynthesis; (3) a change in the rate of interconversion of essential omega-3 and -6 polyunsaturated fatty acids. This review provides examples to illustrate the practicalities of lipidomic studies in biomedicine.
Extraction Equilibrium of Indium(III) from Nitric Acid Solutions by Di(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric Acid Dissolved in Kerosene
Authors: Tsai Hung-Sheng , Tsai Teh-Hua
Published: January 2012

The extraction equilibrium of indium(III) from a nitric acid solution using di(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid (D2EHPA) as an acidic extractant of organophosphorus compounds dissolved in kerosene was studied. By graphical and numerical analysis, the compositions of indium-D2EHPA complexes in organic phase and stoichiometry of the extraction reaction were examined. Nitric acid solutions with various indium concentrations at 25 °C were used to obtain the equilibrium constant of InR3 in the organic phase. The experimental results showed that the extraction distribution ratios of indium(III) between the organic phase and the aqueous solution increased when either the pH value of the aqueous solution and/or the concentration of the organic phase extractant increased. Finally, the recovery efficiency of indium(III) in nitric acid was measured.
A Biosorption Isotherm Model for the Removal of Reactive Azo Dyes by Inactivated Mycelia of Cunninghamella elegans UCP542
Authors: Ambrósio Sandra T. , Vilar Júnior José C. , Da Silva Carlos A. Alves , Okada Kaoru , Nascimento Aline E. , Longo Ricardo L. , Campos-Takaki Galba M.
Published: January 2012

The biosorption of three reactive azo dyes (red, black and orange II) found in textile effluents by inactive mycelium of Cunninghamella elegans has been investigated. It was found that after 120 hours of contact the adsorption led to 70%, 85%, 93% and 88% removal of reactive orange II, reactive black, reactive red and a mixture of them, respectively. The mycelium surface was found to be selective towards the azo dyes in the following order: reactive red > reactive black > orange II. Dye removal from a mixture solution resulted in 48.4 mg/g retention by mycelium and indicated a competition amongst the dyes for the cellular surface. A Freundlich adsorption isotherm model exhibited a better fit, thus suggesting the presence of heterogeneous binding sites. Electrondense deposits observed on the mycelium ultrastructure suggest that the dyes are mainly retained under the cellular surface of the inactive biomass of C. elegans.
Combined Fruit and Vegetable Intake Is Correlated with Improved Inflammatory and Oxidant Status from a Cross-Sectional Study in a Community Setting
Authors: Root Martin M. , McGinn Megan C. , Nieman David C. , Henson Dru A. , Heinz Serena A. , Shanely R. Andrew , Knab Amy M. , Jin Fuxia
Published: January 2012

Previous studies have examined the relationship between specific nutrient and food intakes with limited markers of either inflammation or oxidant status. The objective of this study was to determine if an increase in combined self-reported fruit and vegetable (F&V) intake in a community setting was associated with improved multiple markers of inflammatory and oxidant status. A community group (N = 1000, age 18–85 years, 61% female) gave two fasted blood samples separated by 12 weeks. Blood inflammatory biomarkers included total leukocytes (WBC), plasma C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and granulocyte colony stimulating factor. Measured oxidant status markers were ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and plasma F2-isoprostanes. The relation of markers across categories of F&V intake was examined. In analyses controlling for other important dietary and lifestyle factors, IL-6 and TNF-α were significantly lower across categories of increasing F&V intakes (p < 0.008). FRAP and ORAC were significantly higher (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.047 respectively) while F2-isoprostanes was significantly lower (p < 0.0001) across F&V categories. In a community study, several markers of both inflammation and oxidant status were associated in a putatively salutary direction by higher intake of combined F&V, supporting current guidelines suggesting increased F&V consumption for the prevention of chronic diseases.
An Intrinsic Fiber-Optic Single Loop Micro-Displacement Sensor
Authors: Martinez-Rios Alejandro , Monzon-Hernandez David , Torres-Gomez Ismael , Salceda-Delgado Guillermo
Published: January 2012

A micro-displacement sensor consisting of a fiber-loop made with a tapered fiber is reported. The sensor operation is based on the interaction between the fundamental cladding mode propagating through the taper waist and higher order cladding modes excited when the taper is deformed to form a loop. As a result, a transmission spectrum with several notches is observed, where the notch wavelength resonances shift as a function of the loop diameter. The loop diameter is varied by the spatial displacement of one end of the fiber-loop attached to a linear translation stage. In a displacement range of 3.125 mm the maximum wavelength shift is 360.93 nm, with 0.116 nm/μm sensitivity. By using a 1,280 nm broadband low-power LED source and a single Ge-photodetector in a power transmission sensor setup, a sensitivity in the order of 2.7 nW/μm is obtained in ~1 mm range. The proposed sensor is easy to implement and has a plenty of room to improve its performance.
Influence of Bicarbonate/Low-GDP Peritoneal Dialysis Fluid (Bicavera) on in Vitro and Ex Vivo Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition of Mesothelial Cells
Authors: Fernández–Perpén Antonio , Pérez–Lozano María Luisa , Bajo María–Auxiliadora , Albar–Vizcaino Patricia , Correa Pilar Sandoval , Del Peso Gloria , Castro María–José , Aguilera Abelardo , Ossorio Marta , Peter Mirjam E. , Passlick–Deetjen Jutta , Aroeira Luiz S. , Selgas Rafael , López–Cabrera Manuel , Sánchez–Tomero J. Antonio
Published: January 2012

Background

Peritoneal membrane damage induced by peritoneal dialysis (PD) is largely associated with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of mesothelial cells (MCs), which is believed to be a result mainly of the glucose degradation products (GDPs) present in PD solutions.

Objectives

This study investigated the impact of bicarbonate-buffered, low-GDP PD solution (BicaVera: Fresenius Medical Care, Bad Homburg, Germany) on EMT of MCs in vitro and ex vivo.

Methods: studies

Omentum-derived MCs were incubated with lactate-buffered standard PD fluid or Bica-Vera fluid diluted 1:1 with culture medium. Ex vivo studies: From 31 patients randomly distributed to either standard or BicaVera solution and followed for 24 months, effluents were collected every 6 months for determination of EMT markers in effluent MCs.

Results

Culturing of MCs with standard fluid in vitro resulted in morphology change to a non-epithelioid shape, with downregulation of E-cadherin (indicative of EMT) and strong induction of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression. By contrast, in vitro exposure of MCs to bicarbonate/low-GDP solution had less impact on both EMT parameters. Ex vivo studies partially confirmed the foregoing results. The BicaVera group, with a higher prevalence of the non-epithelioid MC phenotype at baseline (for unknown reasons), showed a clear and significant trend to gain and maintain an epithelioid phenotype at medium- and longer-term and to show fewer fibrogenic characteristics. By contrast, the standard solution group demonstrated a progressive and significantly higher presence of the non-epithelioid phenotype. Compared with effluent MCs having an epithelioid phenotype, MCs with non-epithelioid morphology showed significantly lower levels of E-cadherin and greater levels of fibronectin and VEGF. In comparing the BicaVera and standard solution groups, MCs from the standard solution group showed significantly higher secretion of interleukin 8 and lower secretion of collagen I, but no differences in the levels of other EMT-associated molecules, including fibronectin, VEGF, E-cadherin, and transforming growth factor β1. Peritonitis incidence was similar in both groups. Functionally, the use of BicaVera fluid was associated with higher transport of small molecules and lower ultrafiltration capacity.

Conclusions

Effluent MCs grown ex vivo from patients treated with bicarbonate/low-GDP BicaVera fluid showed a trend to acquire an epithelial phenotype, with lower production of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines (such as interleukin 8) than was seen with MCs from patients treated with a lactate-buffered standard PD solution.
Effluent Free Radicals Are Associated with Residual Renal Function and Predict Technique Failure in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: Morinaga Hiroshi , Sugiyama Hitoshi , Inoue Tatsuyuki , Takiue Keiichi , Kikumoto Yoko , Kitagawa Masashi , Akagi Shigeru , Nakao Kazushi , Maeshima Yohei , Miyazaki Ikuko , Asanuma Masato , Hiramatsu Makoto , Makino Hirofumi
Published: January 2012

Objective

Residual renal function (RRF) is associated with low oxidative stress in peritoneal dialysis (PD). In the present study, we investigated the relationship between the impact of oxidative stress on RRF and patient outcomes during PD.

Methods

Levels of free radicals (FRs) in effluent from the overnight dwell in 45 outpatients were determined by electron spin resonance spectrometry. The FR levels, clinical parameters, and the level of 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine were evaluated at study start. The effects of effluent FR level on technique and patient survival were analyzed in a prospective cohort followed for 24 months.

Results

Levels of effluent FRs showed significant negative correlations with daily urine volume and residual renal Kt/V, and positive correlations with plasma β2-microglobulin and effluent 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine. A highly significant difference in technique survival ( p < 0.05), but not patient survival, was observed for patients grouped by effluent FR quartile. The effluent FR level was independently associated with technique failure after adjusting for patient age, history of cardiovascular disease, and presence of diabetes mellitus ( p < 0.001). The level of effluent FRs was associated with death-censored technique failure in both univariate ( p < 0.001) and multivariate ( p < 0.01) hazard models. Compared with patients remaining on PD, those withdrawn from the modality had significantly higher levels of effluent FRs ( p < 0.005).

Conclusions

Elevated effluent FRs are associated with RRF and technique failure in stable PD patients. These findings highlight the importance of oxidative stress as an unfavorable prognostic factor in PD and emphasize that steps should be taken to minimize oxidative stress in these patients.
Microbiology of Peritonitis in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients with Multiple Episodes
Authors: Nessim Sharon J. , Nisenbaum Rosane , Bargman Joanne M. , Jassal Sarbjit V.
Published: January 2012

Background

Peritoneal dialysis (PD)–associated peritonitis clusters within patients. Patient factors contribute to peritonitis risk, but there is also entrapment of organisms within the biofilm that forms on PD catheters. It is hypothesized that this biofilm may prevent complete eradication of organisms, predisposing to multiple infections with the same organism.

Methods

Using data collected in the Canadian multi-center Baxter POET (Peritonitis, Organism, Exit sites, Tunnel infections) database from 1996 to 2005, we studied incident PD patients with 2 or more peritonitis episodes. We determined the proportion of patients with 2 or more episodes caused by the same organism. In addition, using a multivariate logistic regression model, we tested whether prior peritonitis with a given organism predicted the occurrence of a subsequent episode with the same organism.

Results

During their time on PD, 558 patients experienced 2 or more peritonitis episodes. Of those 558 patients, 181 (32%) had at least 2 episodes with the same organism. The organism most commonly causing repeat infection was coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CNS), accounting for 65.7% of cases. Compared with peritonitis caused by other organisms, a first CNS peritonitis episode was associated with an increased risk of subsequent CNS peritonitis within 1 year (odds ratio: 2.1; 95% confidence interval: 1.5 to 2.8; p < 0.001). Among patients with repeat CNS peritonitis, 48% of repeat episodes occurred within 6 months of the earlier episode.

Conclusions

In contrast to previous data, we did not find a high proportion of patients with multiple peritonitis episodes caused by the same organism. Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus was the organism most likely to cause peritonitis more than once in a given patient, and a prior CNS peritonitis was associated with an increased risk of CNS peritonitis within the subsequent year.
Postlingually Deaf Adults of All Ages Derive Equal Benefits from Unilateral Multichannel Cochlear Implant
Authors: Park Edward , Shipp David B. , Chen Joseph M. , Nedzelski Julian M. , Lin Vincent Y.W.
Published: January 2012

Background:Controversy still exists regarding the impact of age on speech recognition following cochlear implant in postlingually deaf adults. In some studies elderly recipients did not perform as well as younger patients on standard speech recognition tests. Furthermore, previous
studies have shown that cochlear implantation improves quality of life, as measured by self-administered questionnaires, but the sample sizes of these studies have been relatively small, thus making age stratification a challenge.Purpose:The primary objective was to assess whether the
age at which a patient receives a unilateral cochlear implant affects improvements in speech recognition scores and perceived quality of life. A secondary objective was to determine whether preoperative use of hearing aids correlates with improvement in speech recognition and perceived quality
of life after cochlear implantation.Research Design:A retrospective study in a tertiary referral center.Patients:A total of 161 postlingually deaf adults, who were divided based on age (<50, 50‐65, >65) and on prior hearing aid(s) use.Intervention:All patients
received a unilateral multichannel cochlear implant.Data Collection and Analysis:Speech recognition was quantified by percent correct scores on the Hearing in Noise Test sentences delivered in a quiet setting only (HINT%), and quality of life was quantified by the Hearing Handicap Inventory
(HHI) before and 1 yr after cochlear implantation.Results:Speech recognition, as measured by HINT%, improved significantly and to similar extents in all three age groups following cochlear implantation. Similarly, quality of life as quantified by HHI improved markedly and to similar
extents in all age groups. Whether hearing aids were used pre-implant, or whether the cochlear implant (CI) was implanted on the same side or contralateral to the hearing aid side, had no substantial effect on the patients’ performances on either speech recognition or quality of life.
Moreover, there were no statistically significant correlations between pre-implant speech recognition scores and pre-implant quality of life scores or between postimplant speech recognition scores and postimplant quality of life scores.Conclusion:The findings of the present study demonstrate
that cochlear implantation improves HINT% and HHI scores to similar extents across all age groups. This finding suggests that elderly patients may derive speech recognition and quality of life benefits similar to those of younger patients and that age should not be an essential factor in the
determination of CI candidacy. Furthermore, prior use of a hearing aid, and its location in relation to the cochlear implant, does not influence the extent of improvement in speech recognition or quality of life measurements following cochlear implantation.
Teenage Use of Portable Listening Devices: A Hazard to Hearing?
Authors: Portnuff Cory D.F. , Fligor Brian J. , Arehart Kathryn H.
Published: January 2012

Background:Recently, a number of popular media articles have raised some concern that portable listening devices (PLDs) may be increasing the risk for music-induced hearing loss (MIHL). However, literature regarding adolescents’ listening behavior and how their attitudes
and beliefs relate to behavior is currently limited.Purpose:The purposes of this study were (1) to investigate the relationship between volume control settings and output levels of PLDs, (2) to examine how adolescents’ listening behavior changes as a function of background noise
and noise isolation, (3) to investigate the relationship between self-reported listening levels and laboratory-measured listening levels, and (4) to evaluate the validity of the Listening Habits Questionnaire as a research tool for evaluating how attitudes and beliefs relate to PLD use behavior.Research
Design:A descriptive study. Experiment 1 evaluated the output levels of a set of PLDs, and Experiment 2 characterized the listening behavior and attitudes toward PLD use of a group of adolescents.Study Sample:Twenty-nine adolescents aged 13‐17 yr, with normal hearing, participated
in Experiment 2.Data Collection and Analysis:Experiment 1 evaluated the output levels of a set of PLDs with stock and accessory earphones using an acoustic manikin. Experiment 2 included survey measures of listening behavior and attitudes as well as output levels measured using a probe
microphone.Conclusions:The output levels of PLDs are capable of reaching levels that could increase the risk for MIHL, and 14% of teenagers in this study reported behavior that puts them at increased risk for hearing loss. However, measured listening levels in the laboratory settings
did not correlate well with self-reported typical listening levels. Further, the Listening Habits Questionnaire described in this study may provide a useful research tool for examining the relationship between attitudes and beliefs and listening behavior.
Exportation des déchets et solidarité spatiale entre la ville et son espace périurbain
Authors: Serrano José
Published: January 2012

Résumé La mise en œuvre du développement durable dans les territoires se traduit par des principes de solidarité spatiale et d’équité. Il s’agit d’une part de tenir compte des interdépendances entre les territoires et d’adopter un mode de développement qui ne se fasse pas au détriment des autres. L’exportation des déchets domestiques met les territoires à l’épreuve de ces principes. Nous analyserons le cas de l’épandage des boues d’assainissement de l’agglomération de Tours dans son espace périurbain. Pour cela nous mobiliserons les concepts d’économie de la proximité et d’inégalités écologiques.
La musique, c'est du bruit qui pense
Authors: Vanier Alain
Published: January 2012

Résumé « La musique vient du silence et retourne au silence » écrit Jean-Yves Bosseur. N’est-ce pas la façon dont elle élève « l’objet à la dignité de la Chose » ?
DESIGNING SUSTAINABLE LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS: LOWERING ENERGY CONSUMPTION IN A K-12 FACILITY
Authors: Ahn Yong Han , Choi Young Oh , Koh Bae Won , Pearce Annie R.
Published: January 2012

The construction industry is embracing sustainable building practices that boost the “triple bottom line”, namely the building's ecological, social, and financial performance. Since more than 55 million US students spend a significant part of their day in K-12 schools, it is vital that these facilities should provide healthy, comfortable, and productive learning environments. Here we present an in-depth literature review of how educational facilities affect student school performance, comfort, and health, and we examine the role of sustainable design and construction strategies in influencing the physical learning environment in schools. Significant barriers to implementing sustainable strategies are examined, particularly the first cost premium of a sustainable building. A systematic decision strategy is described that incorporates sustainable design strategies, lowering energy consumption and improving indoor environments. A case study describes the process of incorporating sustainable strategies in a K-12 education facility in North Carolina to lower annual energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Ways to reduce the first cost premium and minimize operating costs over the facility's life while providing healthy and comfortable learning environments for students and teachers are discussed. The case study school also functions as an experimental learning tool for teaching sustainability to K-12 students, having the potential to improve their attitudes and behavior with respect to sustainability.
EVER GREEN: A POST-OCCUPANCY BUILDING PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF LEED CERTIFIED HOMES IN NEW ENGLAND
Authors: Beauregard Sandy J. , Berkland Stephanie , Hoque Simi
Published: January 2012

The purpose of this research was to conduct a pilot study of LEED certified homes in New England one to five years after occupancy to determine whether they continue to perform at the level predicted during the certification process. Four criteria were defined to assess the performance of each home: (1) energy consumption for heating, cooling, lighting, electronics and appliances; (2) building envelope and air infiltration; (3) operations and maintenance; and (4) occupant satisfaction and indoor air quality. Both qualitative and quantitative methods including blower door and duct blaster tests, utility bill analysis, and an occupant satisfaction survey were used to measure the post-occupancy performance of seven LEED certified homes in New England. Discrepancies were found between the original building performance as determined at the time of certification and the current level of building performance. While this is limited, initial research, these findings indicate a need for further post-occupancy research that can provide feedback to green certification programs, allowing them to be modified as necessary to better reflect the actual environmental impacts of certified buildings.
QUANTIFYING LIFE CYCLE ENERGY AND CARBON FOOTPRINTS OF CHINA'S RESIDENTIAL SMALL DISTRICT
Authors: Deng Wu , Prasad Deo , Osmond Paul , Li Feng Ting
Published: January 2012

Whereas current building related life cycle energy and carbon assessment in China has typically focused on either the national building stock or the single building level, this paper attempts to evaluate life cycle energy consumption and carbon emissions at the level of Chinese residential small district (RSD). This paper discusses a case study of RSD in order to illustrate the way of measuring material, energy and water flows at this spatial level with transparent assessment boundary. Results indicate that evaluating the RSD as a whole, rather than building by building, can provide extra decision-making information for various stakeholders such as housing buyers and RSD designers.
Éditorial
Authors: Chanier Thierry
Published: January 2012

Éditorial du numéro 1, volume 1 de la revue Alsic, initialement publié sous un autre format, voir document attaché.
Réflexions linguistiques et sémiologiques pour une écriture didactique du multimédia de langues
Authors: Foucher Anne-Laure
Published: January 2012

Dans une combinaison originale de domaines souvent envisagés de manière fermée que sont la didactique des langues, la linguistique, la sémiologie et l'ALAO (Apprentissage des Langues Assisté par Ordinateur), nous mettons en avant la nécessité de concevoir l'image multimédia comme un objet composite, lieu véritable d'interactions entre modes iconique, auditif et linguistique. De cette option théorique découle, selon nous, une philosophie qui préside à la conception d'un multimédia pour l'apprentissage des langues. Nous en donnons les grandes lignes sous forme de jalons méthodologiques destinés à une écriture du multimédia en langues.
Le correcteur grammatical : un auxiliaire efficace pour l’enseignant ? Quelques éléments de réflexion
Authors: Charnet Chantal , Panckhurst Rachel
Published: January 2012

Comment aider l’enseignant à mieux suivre le parcours acquisitionnel de l’apprenant en langue étrangère ? Que peuvent alors apporter les nouvelles technologies ? Un correcteur grammatical pourrait-il servir d’"auxiliaire" pour identifier les erreurs, voire les lieux d’intervention didactique nécessaires ? Par le biais des Industries de la langue, différents outils fournissent un cadre de réflexion pour ce type de problématique. Un logiciel de vérification et de correction grammaticales s’avère utile dans divers contextes d’utilisation. Nous nous proposons d’apporter une contribution pluridisciplinaire, à la fois en linguistique - informatique et en didactique afin de cerner le fonctionnement et l’utilité d’un tel logiciel en situation d’apprentissage du français langue étrangère écrit.
La création de pages Internet dans le cadre de parcours individualisé : la place de la méthodologie dans l'apprentissage des langues.
Authors: Boulon Joline
Published: January 2012

Les projets en ligne tracent un parcours utile pour un travail de compréhension globale, et c’est donc à partir du projet que nous cherchons à développer une méthodologie précise pour les tâches que nous demandons aux apprenants. Cependant, l’input compréhensible n’est pas suffisant pour un apprentissage de toutes les compétences d’une L2. Un travail qui ne demande jamais d’analyse au niveau de la structure de la langue ou des formes ne peut pas sensibiliser suffisamment les apprenants pour qu’ils aient une interlangue qui se développe. Il nous semble que le projet doit être inscrit dans un cadre qui trace un parcours méthodologique très précis tout en permettant à l’apprenant un travail autant de précision que de compréhension globale. Nous prenons un exemple pour illustrer ce que nous sommes en train de créer sur les pages Internet.
Éditorial
Authors: Demaizière Françoise
Published: January 2012

Éditorial du numéro 1, volume 2 de la revue Alsic, initialement publié sous un autre format, voir document attaché.
Rapport du congrès EUROCALL'99 (Besançon, France)
Authors: Desmarais Lise , Foucher Anne-Laure , Narcy Jean-Paul
Published: January 2012

Avec le soutien de la revue ALSIC, l'association européenne EUROCALL (1999) (European Association for Computer Assisted Language Learning) a tenu son congrès annuel du mercredi 15 au samedi 18 septembre 1999 pour la première fois en France, à l'université de Franche-Comté à Besançon. Ce congrès fait, chaque année, le point sur les recherches et les applications dans le domaine des environnements informatiques d'aide à l'apprentissage des langues. Les thématiques principales de EUROCALL'99 (1999) étaient celles des "Systèmes d'Information et de Communication (SIC) dans des situations variées d'apprentissage des langues" et de "l'Évaluation des compétences langagières et language testing". Nous présentons ici les rapports de trois délégués du congrès. Chaque rédacteur adopte un point de vue propre allant du compte rendu précis de la manifestation à une réaction plus personnelle. Le lecteur y trouvera un éclairage sur différents aspects du congrès et aussi sur les attentes variées que peuvent en avoir les délégués suivant leurs spécialités propres.
L'utilisation des stratégies d'apprentissage d'une langue dans un environnement des TICE
Authors: Atlan Janet
Published: January 2012

L'étude des différences individuelles qui caractérisent les apprenants s'intègre de plus en plus dans les travaux en didactique des langues. L'utilisation des stratégies d'apprentissage est un type de différences individuelles qui semble être assez sensible à l'environnement pédagogique. Cet article rend compte d'une étude expérimentale entreprise avec des étudiants français en IUT qui avait pour objectif de déterminer si l'utilisation des stratégies d'apprentissage par un apprenant de langues est influencée par la technologie de l'information et de la communication (TIC) utilisée pour la présentation d'une tâche d'apprentissage. Le "Strategy Inventory for Language Learning" d'Oxford a été utilisé comme instrument lors de cette étude. L'étude a montré qu'il y a effectivement interaction entre la TIC utilisée et le choix de stratégies effectué par l'apprenant et les résultats permettent de tirer quelques conclusions quant à l'utilité d'un entraînement spécifique à l'utilisation des stratégies d'apprentissage en présence des technologies de l'information et de la communication pour l'enseignement (TICE).
La persévérance dans l'enseignement à distance - Une étude de cas
Authors: Desmarais Lise
Published: January 2012

Après avoir situé le phénomène de la persévérance dans l'enseignement à distance, l'auteur décrit, à partir d'une situation d'enseignement de l'écrit à distance (par courrier électronique) en langues étrangères (espagnol et allemand) auprès d'une clientèle adulte professionnelle, les facteurs qui ont influencé la persévérance. Les facteurs identifiés sont les suivants : le format coopératif, la spécificité des commentaires émis par les tuteurs, la séquence des activités, le système de rémunération, le rôle joué par le tuteur, les facteurs individuels présents chez les participants.
Les outils multimédia d'aide à l'apprentissage des langues : de l'évaluation à la réflexion prospective
Authors: Pothier Maguy , Iotz Anne , Rodrigues Christine
Published: January 2012

En partant de la conception d´un logiciel multimédia, CAMILLE Travailler en France, et de résultats d´expérimentation, nous avons amorcé une réflexion prospective sur ce que pourrait être un logiciel d´aide à l´apprentissage des langues répondant vraiment aux besoins des utilisateurs. Ayant pointé certains dysfonctionnements, nous nous sommes interrogées sur leurs causes et avons tenté de poser les bonnes questions, avant de nous aventurer vers de nouvelles créations. Un des pré-requis de départ est le suivant : dans la mesure où les TIC (Technologies de l´Information et de la Communication) ne peuvent certainement pas réussir partout, dans quel domaine leur apport peut-il être bénéfique, voire irremplaçable ? Dans un premier temps, nous présenterons le fonctionnement de CAMILLE et nous décrirons brièvement la méthodologie d´évaluation adoptée. Nous verrons ensuite à quelles questions précises l´expérimentation a cherché à répondre. En nous basant sur les gains effectifs des apprenants, nous chercherons à comprendre si le logiciel les a fait progresser dans la connaissance générale de la langue, en particulier en compréhension orale et écrite. Nous conclurons sur la détermination de quelques éléments à prendre en compte lors de la conception de nouveaux outils multimédia d´aide à l´apprentissage.
Présentation d'un logiciel de visualisation pour l'apprentissage de l'oral en langue seconde
Authors: Germain Aline , Martin Philippe
Published: January 2012

Bien que la recherche en Sciences du langage ait énormément évoluée ces dernières années, les applications de cette recherche ont du mal à aboutir dans les classes de langue. Une formation phonétique limitée pour les enseignants ainsi qu'un dialogue restreint entre chercheurs de la parole et enseignants de langue expliquent en partie un manque d'innovation dans les outils technologiques et pratiques pédagogiques. Né de l'étroite collaboration entre un phonéticien-informaticien-chercheur et une phonéticienne-didacticienne-enseignante, WinPitch LTL est un analyseur en temps réel, un visualiseur et un synthétiseur de parole. Partant des recherches sur la visualisation du signal et l'importance des indices visuels dans l'acquisition du système phonologique et prosodique d'une langue, ce logiciel auteur vise à faciliter et accélérer le travail de discrimination auditive essentiel au début de tout apprentissage oral. Mais au-delà de la simple visualisation, ce logiciel favorise chez l'apprenant une prise de conscience du déroulement de son apprentissage ; les multiples fonctions d'observation, de comparaison visuelle / auditive, de segmentation, de manipulation du signal, ainsi que la possibilité de redéfinir le contour mélodique ou la durée d'un segment par la synthèse, privilégient un style d'apprentissage "réfléchi" et un entraînement progressif à l'autonomie. De plus, et contrairement aux programmes de reconnaissance vocale, l'originalité du logiciel réside dans la précision et la qualité du feedback que l'enseignant peut apporter sur les productions orales de l'apprenant, amenant celui-ci à porter à tout moment un regard auto évaluatif pertinent sur son discours oral. Enfin, une démarche personnalisée est renforcée par les facilités de dialogues (auto)évaluatifs entre l'apprenant et l'enseignant qu'offre le logiciel, en présentiel ou à distance.
Analyse d'applications multimédias pour un usage pédagogique. À la recherche de l'intentionnalité partagée
Authors: Paquelin Didier
Published: January 2012

Développer des usages pédagogiques d'applications multimédias interactives nécessite que l'on s'approprie ces objets technologiques conçus par d'autres. Ressources pédagogiques porteuses d'intentionnalité d'apprentissage, elles requièrent de nouveaux modes d'approche, de lecture, d'appropriation. Là où les repères habituels du livre, du manuel, du vidéogramme ne suffisent plus à établir un choix, l'enseignant, le formateur est amené à se construire un nouveau cadre de référence pour interpréter ces œuvres. Cet article propose une démarche d'analyse structuraliste et intentionnelle, qui vise à identifier et comprendre l'activité d'apprentissage proposée par le ou les concepteurs.
Éditorial
Authors: Springer Claude
Published: January 2012

Éditorial du numéro 1, volume 5 de la revue Alsic. Ce numéro a été initialement publié sous un autre format, voir document attaché.
Innovation, instrumentation technologique de l'apprentissage des langues : des schèmes d'action aux modèles de pratiques émergentes
Authors: Brodin Élisabeth
Published: January 2012

Il est admis que les établissements secondaires français sont maintenant bien équipés en matériel informatique. Pour autant, les usages réguliers, inscrits dans la durée, ne semblent pas être le fait de nombreux collèges et lycées. Ce phénomène général de lente intégration des technologies de l'information et de la communication dans les pratiques pédagogiques peut surprendre en langues, dans la mesure où l'on a affaire à une discipline instrumentée depuis longtemps. À partir de ce constat, nous analyserons les processus d'instrumentation de l'enseignement-apprentissage des langues sous l'angle diachronique, sous celui de l'innovation (en croisant la dimension technique et celle de l'innovation en éducation et en formation), avant de rendre compte de la réalité des pratiques qui s'installent durablement dans les établissements scolaires. Nous verrons quels paramètres facilitent le passage de l'introduction d'un objet technique à l'innovation pédagogique. Nous dégagerons, d'usages observés ou d'usages décrits par les enseignants, des modèles de l'action construits sur quelques constantes, révélatrices de conceptions et de croyances en matière de théories de l'apprentissage des langues en contexte scolaire institutionnel. Les établissements retenus ont tous participé à une recherche-action qui a pris fin, il y a trois ans et qui a fait l'objet d'un suivi depuis.
Technologies de l’information et de la communication et diffusion du français : usages, représentations, politiques
Authors: Gerbault Jeannine
Published: January 2012

Nous présentons une enquête réalisée auprès d’institutions culturelles francophones dans le monde. Les données recueillies, relatives à la présence des TIC (Technologies de l’Information et de la Communication) dans le cadre de la diffusion du français, et à leur impact sur les modes d’accès à cette langue et à sa culture, nous permettent de décrire et d’analyser les phénomènes et processus mis en œuvre par le développement de l’utilisation de ces technologies, afin de comprendre comment se réalise l’articulation avec les directions déclarées de la politique de diffusion du français. Nous expliquons la manière dont les utilisateurs des TIC intègrent et perçoivent les changements que celles-ci induisent dans les pratiques en langue étrangère. Pour ce faire, nous rendons d’abord compte des différences observées, en les analysant comme des marqueurs d’étapes dans l’adoption de l’innovation, étapes dépendantes de paramètres propres aux contextes dans lesquels elles interviennent. Puis nous confrontons politique linguistique officielle et politique en actes. Nous proposons enfin un modèle de développement de l’adoption des TIC où nous présentons comme un ensemble cohérent d’étapes les choix de mise en œuvre de leur utilisation.
Intégration d'un outil informatique dans l'enseignement du niveau intermédiaire d'espagnol à l'Université de Technologie de Compiègne
Authors: Sánchez Paniagua Fátima
Published: January 2012

Cet article présente un projet d'outil informatique destiné au travail en autonomie de la grammaire espagnole et s'adressant à des étudiants non spécialistes. En complément des cours et des différentes aides déjà mises à leur disposition, cet outil (qui offrira la possibilité de suivre des parcours d'apprentissage requérant différents degrés d'autonomie) aura pour objectif d'aider les étudiants à acquérir ou à renforcer une partie des savoirs déclaratifs nécessaires à la réalisation d'un certain nombre de tâches langagières lors des cours présentiels. Le support informatique présente certains avantages par rapport à d'autres supports : par exemple la mise en place d'une série d'aides et de rétroactions formatives et personnalisées, qui sont susceptibles de faciliter cet apprentissage en autonomie. Après une présentation de quelques aspects psycholinguistiques qui ont servi d'appui à notre réflexion théorique, nous exposerons brièvement le cadre d'enseignement et les raisons qui nous ont conduits à la conception de cet outil, et nous évoquerons la place qu'il peut occuper dans un système d'enseignement/apprentissage ; puis nous décrirons son fonctionnement (parcours et étapes prévus pour l'apprentissage). Nous décrirons enfin la mise en place d'un dispositif restreint à la conjugaison espagnole qui, bien que comportant certaines limitations, nous a permis d'évaluer l'accueil de ce genre d'outil par les étudiants ainsi que l'utilisation qu'ils en faisaient.