bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
French Learners of L2 English: Intonation Boundaries and the Marking of Lexical Stress
Authors: Horgues Celine
Published: May 2013

In English, prosodic parameters play a major role at two main levels. First, they indicate the intonation at the level of the utterance by marking the distinction between sentence types (statements vs questions) and they are related – although more or less directly- to the informational and grammatical structures of the utterance. Secondly, prosodic cues also contribute to marking the stress pattern at the level of the word (word stress or lexical stress). Even if it is useful to dissociate these two levels theoretically, when looking at their phonetic implementation in an utterance, it soon appears that the exact same prosodic cues are used (namely fundamental frequency, duration, and intensity). Contrary to what happens in tone languages, there is no pre-set prosodic configuration attached to each word in English. Yet, words in discourse retain a relative accentual independence even though the exact prosodic implementation of word stress depends on the specific intonational context expressed in a given utterance (Pierrehumbert, 1980). In French, stress pertains to the level of the group of words rather than to the individual word, which has no real accentual autonomy. Therefore, it is not surprising that French learners of English are faced with a major challenge: how to ensure the marking of lexical stress while, at the same time, using the same prosodic cues to indicate the intonational structure of the utterance. My hypothesis is that some intonational contexts impose a bigger constraint on French learners of English than others. These particularly challenging contexts are the final position at the boundary of non-final clause, or the boundary of a rising interrogative. Other contexts, like the quotation form or the final position of a statement, are less challenging for the intonational marking of lexical stress. To test my hypothesis, I collected passages of read speech by thirteen upper intermediate/advanced French learners of English along with the same passage read by ten native English speakers. Two trisyllabics carrying primary stress on the second syllable (com㆐puter, pro㆐tection) were placed in a series of intonational contexts under observation. The test-words were then extracted and submitted to native English listeners. The perceptual results show that the predicted ‘challenging’ contexts indeed caused substantial instability in the learners’ placement of lexical stress as perceived by native English listeners.
Learner Perspective on English Pronunciation Teaching in an EFL Context
Authors: Tergujeff Elina
Published: May 2013

This paper reports on an interview study with EFL learners that aimed to explore learners’ perceptions and views on English pronunciation teaching. The participants of the present study were ten EFL learners studying in the public educational system of Finland. Six of the participants were pupils attending basic education class nine, i.e. 15- to 16-year-old lower secondary level pupils. Two were primary level pupils attending basic education class four (aged 10), and two were upper secondary school pupils (aged 18). The interviews were thematic, and the learners were encouraged to speak freely about the English pronunciation teaching they were receiving and their opinions on this. In addition, they were asked to discuss their goals in English pronunciation, and to consider their pronunciation learning in class and out of class. The interviews were part of a wider study, mapping English pronunciation teaching practices in the context of Finnish schools. On the basis of the findings, the learners do not seem to have aspirations to native-like pronunciation, but rather aim at achieving intelligible and fluent speech. Only few reported an accent preference (British or American). The primary level learners expressed satisfaction with the amount of pronunciation teaching, whereas most of the lower and upper secondary level learners claimed that pronunciation teaching was insufficient. Despite their criticisms of their pronunciation teaching, the learners reported that they had learnt English pronunciation at school. In addition, many of the learners described learning pronunciation outside school, e.g. through media and personal encounters.
Roadrunners and Eagles
Authors: Shockey Linda , Ćavar Małgorzata
Published: May 2013

Our previous research on perception of gated casual English by university students suggests that ceteris paribus, Polish students are much more accurate than Greeks. A recent pilot study of casually-spoken Polish leads us to the conclusion that many shortcuts found in English are also common in Polish, so that similar perceptual strategies can be used in both languages, though differing in detail. Based on these preliminary results, it seems likely that perceptual strategies across languages tend towards the “eagle” approach - where a birds-eye view of the acoustic terrain without too much emphasis on detail is found - or the “roadrunner” approach, where phonetic detail is followed closely. In the former case, perceivers adjust easily to alternation caused by casual speech phonology while in the latter, perceivers expect little variation and possibly even find it confusing. Native speakers of Greek are “roadrunners”, since there is little phonological reduction in their language there is little difference, for example, between stressed and unstressed syllables. We suggest that native speakers of Polish join English speakers as “eagles”, which gives them a natural perceptual advantage in English. There is a conceptual similarity between this idea and that of the stress- or syllable-timed language, and we hypothesise that as in this case, there is a cline rather than a sharp division between eagles and roadrunners. As usual, more research is called for.
Flexible job shop problem – parallel tabu search algorithm for multi-GPU
Authors: Bożejko Wojciech , Uchroński Mariusz , Wodecki Mieczysław
Published: May 2013

In the paper we propose a new framework for the distributed tabu search algorithm designed to be executed with the use of a multi-GPU cluster, in which cluster of nodes are equipped with multicore GPU computing units. The proposed methodology is designed specially to solve difficult discrete optimization problems, such as a flexible job shop scheduling problem, which we introduce as a case study used to analyze the efficiency of the designed synchronous algorithm.
Setpoint weighted PID controller tuning for unstable system using heuristic algorithm
Authors: Rajinikanth V. , Latha K.
Published: May 2013

Most of the real time chemical process loops are unstable in nature and designing a suitable controller for such systems are difficult than open loop stable processes. In this work, an attempt is made with a two degree of freedom setpoint weighted PID controller tuning procedure for a class of unstable systems using the recent heuristic algorithms such as Particle Swarm Optimization and Bacterial Foraging Optimization. The problem considered in this study is to aptly tune the controller in order to enhance the overall closed loop performance. A novel objective function proposed in this study is used to monitor the heuristic algorithms in order to get the optimal controller parameters like Kp, Ki, Kd, and α with minimized iteration number. The proposed method is validated with a simulation study and this helps to accomplish enhanced system performance such as smooth reference tracking, satisfactory disturbance rejection, and error minimization for a class of unstable systems
Italian Wild Rocket [Diplotaxis Tenuifolia (L.) DC.]: Influence of Agricultural Practices on Antioxidant Molecules and on Cytotoxicity and Antiproliferative Effects
Authors: Durazzo Alessandra , Azzini Elena , Lazzè Maria , Raguzzini Anna , Pizzala Roberto , Maiani Giuseppe
Published: May 2013

Wild rocket [Diplotaxis tenuifolia (L.) DC.] belongs to the Brassicaceae family and has its origin in the Mediterranean region. The effect of conventional and integrated cultivation practices on the nutritional properties and benefits of wild rocket [Diplotaxis tenuifolia (L.) DC.] were studied. Bioactive molecules content (vitamin C, quercetin, lutein), antioxidant properties and bioactivity of polyphenolic extracts from the edible part of rocket in Caco-2 cells were determined. Regarding antioxidant properties, FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power) values ranged from 4.44 ± 0.11 mmol/kg fw to 9.92 ± 0.46 mmol/kg fw for conventional rocket and from 4.13 ± 0.17 fw mmol/kg to 11.02 ± 0.45 mmol/kg fw for integrated rocket. The characteristics of wild rocket as a dietary source of antioxidants have been pointed out. Significant differences in the quality of conventional and integrated rocket have been shown, while no influence of agronomic practice on biological activity was reported. A significant accumulation of cells in G1 phase and a consequent reduction in the S and G2 + M phases were observed in Caco-2 cells treated with rocket polyphenol extract.
Function Identification in Neuron Populations via Information Bottleneck
Authors: Buddha S. , So Kelvin , Carmena Jose , Gastpar Michael
Published: May 2013

It is plausible to hypothesize that the spiking responses of certain neurons represent functions of the spiking signals of other neurons. A natural ensuing question concerns how to use experimental data to infer what kind of a function is being computed. Model-based approaches typically require assumptions on how information is represented. By contrast, information measures are sensitive only to relative behavior: information is unchanged by applying arbitrary invertible transformations to the involved random variables. This paper develops an approach based on the information bottleneck method that attempts to find such functional relationships in a neuron population. Specifically, the information bottleneck method is used to provide appropriate compact representations which can then be parsed to infer functional relationships. In the present paper, the parsing step is specialized to the case of remapped-linear functions. The approach is validated on artificial data and then applied to recordings from the motor cortex of a macaque monkey performing an arm-reaching task. Functional relationships are identified and shown to exhibit some degree of persistence across multiple trials of the same experiment.
Greening Public Buildings: ESCO-Contracting in Danish Municipalities
Authors: Jensen Jesper , Nielsen Susanne , Hansen Jesper
Published: May 2013

This paper presents current research on Danish municipalities’ use of Energy Service Companies (ESCO) as a way to improve the standard of public buildings and to increase energy efficiency. In recent years more and more municipalities have used ESCO-contracts to retrofit existing public buildings, and to make them more energy efficient. At the moment 30 municipalities (of the 98 municipalities in Denmark) are involved in, or preparing, ESCO contracts. Nevertheless, ESCO-contracting still faces many challenges on the Danish market, as there is a widespread skepticism towards the concept amongst many stakeholders. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the various experience gained so far by municipalities use of ESCO-contracting, the different approached to ESCO-contracting being used in practice, as well as the different viewpoints drivers and barriers behind the development. The strong growth in ESCO-contracts reflects that the ESCO-concept fits well with a number of present problems that municipalities are facing, as well as a flexible adaptation to the local context in different municipalities.
Use of Donkey Milk in Children with Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy
Authors: Polidori Paolo , Vincenzetti Silvia
Published: May 2013

Human breast milk is the best nutritional support that insures the right development and influences the immune status of the newborn infant. However, when it is not possible to breast feed, it may be necessary to use commercial infant formulas that mimic, where possible, the levels and types of nutrients present in human milk. Despite this, some formula-fed infant develops allergy and/or atopic disease compared to breast-fed infants. Cow’s milk allergy can be divided into immunoglobulin IgE mediated food allergy and non-IgE-mediated food allergy. Most infants with cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA) develop symptoms before 1 month of age, often within 1 week after introduction of cow’s milk-based formula. Donkey milk may be considered a good substitute for cow’s milk in feeding children with CMPA since its composition is very similar to human milk. Donkey milk total protein content is low (1.5–1.8 g/100 g), very close to human milk. A thorough analysis of the donkey milk protein profile has been performed in this study; the interest was focused on the milk proteins considered safe for the prevention and treatment of various disorders in humans. The content of lactoferrin, lactoperoxidase and lysozyme, peptides with antimicrobial activity, able to stimulate the development of the neonatal intestine, was determined. Donkey milk is characterized by a low casein content, with values very close to human milk; the total whey protein content in donkey milk ranges between 0.49 and 0.80 g/100 g, very close to human milk (0.68–0.83 g/100 g). Among whey proteins, α-lactalbumin average concentration in donkey milk is 1.8 mg/mL. The results of this study confirmed the possibility of using donkey milk in feeding children with CMPA.
The Art of Democracy—Art as a Tool for Developing Democratic Citizenship and Stimulating Public Debate: A Rortyan-Deweyan Account
Authors: Raeber Michael
Published: May 2013

Richard Rorty holds that the novel is the characteristic genre of democracy, because it helps people to develop and to stabilize two crucial capabilities the ideal inhabitants of democratic societies should possess: a keen sense for anti-foundationalism and a disposition for solidarity. He believes that novels help develop these capabilities by educating our capacity for criticism and our capacity for attentive-empathetic perception. This article argues in favor of this Rortyan idea, showing how anti-foundationalism and solidarity can be seen as important instances of what I will call 'dispositions for democratic citizenship' and that art (and not only novels) and its reception, are valuable tools for advancing these dispositions. However, as the Rortyan public-private dichotomy assigns art’s function of criticism only to the private sphere, Rorty ignores its potential for stimulating democratic public deliberation and he misses the fact that art’s functions of criticism and of attentive-empathetic perception partially depend on each other if they are effectively to lead to increased solidarity and change social realities. Thus this article argues—taking these objections into account—to slightly modify, but nevertheless value Rorty’s idea that art and its reception are crucial resources for democratic citizenship and for the process of democratic deliberation.
Pure and Social Disparities in Distribution of Dentists: A Cross-Sectional Province-Based Study in Iran
Authors: Kiadaliri Aliasghar , Hosseinpour Reza , Haghparast-Bidgoli Hassan , Gerdtham Ulf-G
Published: May 2013

During past decades, the number of dentists has continuously increased in Iran. Beside the quantity, the distribution of dentists affects the oral health status of population. The current study aimed to assess the pure and social disparities in distribution of dentists across the provinces in Iran in 2009. Data on provinces’ characteristics, including population and social situation, were obtained from multiple sources. The disparity measures (including Gini coefficient, index of dissimilarity, Gaswirth index of disparity and relative index of inequality (RII)) and pairwise correlations were used to evaluate the pure and social disparities in the number of dentists in Iran. On average, there were 28 dentists per 100,000 population in the country. There were substantial pure disparities in the distribution of dentists across the provinces in Iran. The unadjusted and adjusted RII values were 3.82 and 2.13, respectively; indicating area social disparity in favor of people in better-off provinces. There were strong positive correlations between density of dentists and better social rank. It is suggested that the results of this study should be considered in conducting plans for redistribution of dentists in the country. In addition, further analyses are needed to explain these disparities.
Identification and Validation of a New Set of Five Genes for Prediction of Risk in Early Breast Cancer
Authors: Mustacchi Giorgio , Sormani Maria , Bruzzi Paolo , Gennari Alessandra , Zanconati Fabrizio , Bonifacio Daniela , Monzoni Adriana , Morandi Luca
Published: May 2013

Molecular tests predicting the outcome of breast cancer patients based on gene expression levels can be used to assist in making treatment decisions after consideration of conventional markers. In this study we identified a subset of 20 mRNA differentially regulated in breast cancer analyzing several publicly available array gene expression data using R/Bioconductor package. Using RTqPCR we evaluate 261 consecutive invasive breast cancer cases not selected for age, adjuvant treatment, nodal and estrogen receptor status from paraffin embedded sections. The biological samples dataset was split into a training (137 cases) and a validation set (124 cases). The gene signature was developed on the training set and a multivariate stepwise Cox analysis selected five genes independently associated with DFS: FGF18 (HR = 1.13, p = 0.05), BCL2 (HR = 0.57, p = 0.001), PRC1 (HR = 1.51, p = 0.001), MMP9 (HR = 1.11, p = 0.08), SERF1a (HR = 0.83, p = 0.007). These five genes were combined into a linear score (signature) weighted according to the coefficients of the Cox model, as: 0.125FGF18 − 0.560BCL2 + 0.409PRC1 + 0.104MMP9 − 0.188SERF1A (HR = 2.7, 95% CI = 1.9–4.0, p < 0.001). The signature was then evaluated on the validation set assessing the discrimination ability by a Kaplan Meier analysis, using the same cut offs classifying patients at low, intermediate or high risk of disease relapse as defined on the training set (p < 0.001). Our signature, after a further clinical validation, could be proposed as prognostic signature for disease free survival in breast cancer patients where the indication for adjuvant chemotherapy added to endocrine treatment is uncertain.
Multifunctional Rangeland in Southern Africa: Managing for Production, Conservation, and Resilience with Fire and Grazing
Authors: McGranahan Devan , Kirkman Kevin
Published: May 2013

Residents of Southern Africa depend on rangeland for food, livelihoods, and ecosystem services. Sustainable management of rangeland ecosystems requires attention to interactive effects of fire and grazing in a changing climate. It is essential to compare rangeland responses to fire and grazing across space and through time to understand the effects of rangeland management practices on biodiversity and ecosystem services in an era of global climate change. We propose a paradigm of ecologically-analogous rangeland management within the context of multifunctional landscapes to guide design and application of ecosystem-based rangeland research in Southern Africa. We synthesize range science from the North American Great Plains and Southern African savannas into a proposal for fire and grazing research on rangeland in Southern Africa. We discuss how management for the fire-grazing interaction might advance multiple goals including agricultural productivity, biodiversity conservation, and resilience to increased variability under global change. Finally, we discuss several ecological and social issues important to the effective development of sustainable rangeland practices especially within the context of global climate change. The associated literature review serves as a comprehensive bibliography for sustainable rangeland management and development across the savanna biomes of Southern Africa.
Structural Characteristics and Anticancer Activity of Fucoidan from the Brown Alga Sargassum mcclurei
Authors: Thinh Pham , Menshova Roza , Ermakova Svetlana , Anastyuk Stanislav , Ly Bui , Zvyagintseva Tatiana
Published: May 2013

Three different fucoidan fractions were isolated and purified from the brown alga, Sargassum mcclurei. The SmF1 and SmF2 fucoidans are sulfated heteropolysaccharides that contain fucose, galactose, mannose, xylose and glucose. The SmF3 fucoidan is highly sulfated (35%) galactofucan, and the main chain of the polysaccharide contains a →3)-α-l-Fucp(2,4SO3−)-(1→3)-α-l-Fucp(2,4SO3−)-(1→ motif with 1,4-linked 3-sulfated α-l-Fucp inserts and 6-linked galactose on reducing end. Possible branching points include the 1,2,6- or 1,3,6-linked galactose and/or 1,3,4-linked fucose residues that could be glycosylated with terminal β-d-Galp residues or chains of alternating sulfated 1,3-linked α-l-Fucp and 1,4-linked β-d-Galp residues, which have been identified in galactofucans for the first time. Both α-l-Fucp and β-d-Galp residues are sulfated at C-2 and/or C-4 (and some C-6 of β-d-Galp) and potentially the C-3 of terminal β-d-Galp, 1,4-linked β-d-Galp and 1,4-linked α-l-Fucp residues. All fucoidans fractions were less cytotoxic and displayed colony formation inhibition in colon cancer DLD-1 cells. Therefore, these fucoidan fractions are potential antitumor agents.
Balibalosides, an Original Family of Glucosylated Sesterterpenes Produced by the Mediterranean Sponge Oscarella balibaloi
Authors: Audoin Coralie , Bonhomme Dominique , Ivanisevic Julijana , Cruz Mercedes , Cautain Bastien , Monteiro Maria , Reyes Fernando , Rios Laurent , Perez Thierry , Thomas Olivier
Published: May 2013

The chemical investigation of the recently described Mediterranean Homoscleromorpha sponge Oscarella balibaloi revealed an original family of five closely related glucosylated sesterterpenes 1–4, named balibalosides. Their structure elucidation was mainly inferred from NMR and HRMS data analyses. Balibalosides differ by the pattern of acetyl substitutions on the three sugar residues linked to the same aglycone sesterterpenoid core. From a biosynthetic perspective, these compounds may represent intermediates in the pathways leading to more complex sesterterpenes frequently found in Dictyoceratida, a sponge Order belonging to Demospongiae, a clade which is phylogenetically distinct from the Homoscleromorpha. While steroid and triterpenoid saponins were already well known from marine sponges, balibalosides are the first examples of glycosilated sesterterpenes.
Retention of Halogenated Solutes on Stationary Phases Containing Heavy Atoms
Authors: Miwa Toshio , Yamamoto Atsushi , Saito Mitsuru , Inoue Yoshinori
Published: May 2013

To examine the effects of weak intermolecular interactions on solid-phase extraction (SPE) and chromatographic separation, we synthesized some novel stationary phases with a heavy atom effect layer by immobilizing halogenated aromatic rings and hydroxyl groups onto the surface of a hydrophilic base polymer. Using SPE cartridges packed with the functionalized materials, we found that the heavy atom stationary phases could selectively retain halophenols in organic solvents, such as 1-propanol which blocks the hydrogen bonding, or acetonitrile which blocks the p-p interaction. The extraction efficiency of the materials toward the halophenols depended on the dipole moments of phenoxy groups present as functional groups. On the other hand, the extraction efficiency of solutes toward the functional group depended on their molar refractions, i.e., induced dipole moments. The retention of the solutes to the stationary phase ultimately depended on not only strong intermolecular interactions, but also the effects of weak interactions such as the dispersion force.
A-Type Proanthocyanidins from the Stems of Ephedra sinica (Ephedraceae) and Their Antimicrobial Activities
Authors: Zang Xinyu , Shang Mingying , Xu Feng , Liang Jing , Wang Xuan , Mikage Masayuki , Cai Shaoqing
Published: May 2013

Phytochemical investigation of the n-BuOH-soluble fraction of the EtOH extract of the herbaceous stems of Ephedra sinica, which is known as Ephedrae Herba in Traditional Chinese Medicine, led to the isolation and identification of 12 A-type proanthocyanidins, containing five dimers, two trimers and five tetramers [i.e., (+)-epigallocatechin-(2α→O→7,4α→8)-(-)-catechin, named ephedrannin D1, a dimer; epigallocatechin-(2α→O→7,4α→8)-epigallocatechin-(4α→8)-catechin (ephedrannin Tr1), a trimer; and epigallocatechin-(2α→O→7,4α→8)-epigallocatechin-(4α→8)-epigallocatechin-(2α→O→7,4α→8)-gallocatechin, named ephedrannin Te1, a tetramer). Tetramers composed of gallocatechin are reported for the first time in Ephedraceae. Catechin, epicatechin, gallocatechin, epigallocatechin and four known dimers were also isolated. The structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis. The absolute configurations of the 4α linkages, which were confirmed by NOESY and CD experiments, are the outstanding characteristic of most of these isolated A-type proanthocyanidins. The antimicrobial activities of these compounds were tested by measuring the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) against bacteria (both Gram positive and Gram negative) and fungi, and were found to be in the range of 0.00515–1.38 mM. Compounds 6, 8, 10 and 11 exhibited moderate antimicrobial activities against Canidia albicans.
TALE and Shape: How to Make a Leaf Different
Authors: Di Giacomo Elisabetta , Iannelli Maria , Frugis Giovanna
Published: May 2013

The Three Amino acid Loop Extension (TALE) proteins constitute an ancestral superclass of homeodomain transcription factors conserved in animals, plants and fungi. In plants they comprise two classes, KNOTTED1-LIKE homeobox (KNOX) and BEL1-like homeobox (BLH or BELL, hereafter referred to as BLH), which are involved in shoot apical meristem (SAM) function, as well as in the determination and morphological development of leaves, stems and inflorescences. Selective protein-protein interactions between KNOXs and BLHs affect heterodimer subcellular localization and target affinity. KNOXs exert their roles by maintaining a proper balance between undifferentiated and differentiated cell state through the modulation of multiple hormonal pathways. A pivotal function of KNOX in evolutionary diversification of leaf morphology has been assessed. In the SAM of both simple- and compound-leafed seed species, downregulation of most class 1 KNOX (KNOX1) genes marks the sites of leaf primordia initiation. However, KNOX1 expression is re-established during leaf primordia development of compound-leafed species to maintain transient indeterminacy and morphogenetic activity at the leaf margins. Despite the increasing knowledge available about KNOX1 protein function in plant development, a comprehensive view on their downstream effectors remains elusive. This review highlights the role of TALE proteins in leaf initiation and morphological plasticity with a focus on recent advances in the identification of downstream target genes and pathways.
Types of Open Access Publishers in Scopus
Authors: Solomon David
Published: May 2013

This study assessed characteristics of publishers who published 2010 open access (OA) journals indexed in Scopus. Publishers were categorized into six types; professional, society, university, scholar/researcher, government, and other organizations. Type of publisher was broken down by number of journals/articles published in 2010, funding model, location, discipline and whether the journal was born or converted to OA. Universities and societies accounted for 50% of the journals and 43% of the articles published. Professional publisher accounted for a third of the journals and 42% of the articles. With the exception of professional and scholar/researcher publishers, most journals were originally subscription journals that made at least their digital version freely available. Arts, humanities and social science journals are largely published by societies and universities outside the major publishing countries. Professional OA publishing is most common in biomedicine, mathematics, the sciences and engineering. Approximately a quarter of the journals are hosted on national/international platforms, in Latin America, Eastern Europe and Asia largely published by universities and societies without the need for publishing fees. This type of collaboration between governments, universities and/or societies may be an effective means of expanding open access publications.
Microbial Biosensors: Engineered Microorganisms as the Sensing Machinery
Authors: Park Miso , Tsai Shen-Long , Chen Wilfred
Published: May 2013

Whole-cell biosensors are a good alternative to enzyme-based biosensors since they offer the benefits of low cost and improved stability. In recent years, live cells have been employed as biosensors for a wide range of targets. In this review, we will focus on the use of microorganisms that are genetically modified with the desirable outputs in order to improve the biosensor performance. Different methodologies based on genetic/protein engineering and synthetic biology to construct microorganisms with the required signal outputs, sensitivity, and selectivity will be discussed.
Mean Normalized Force Computation for Different Types of Obstacles due to Dam Break Using Statistical Techniques
Authors: Duricic Jasna , Erdik Tarkan , Pektaş Ali , Van Gelder Petrus
Published: May 2013

The dam-break induced loads and their effects on buildings are of vital importance for assessing the vulnerability of buildings in flood-prone areas. A comprehensive methodology, for risk assessment of buildings subject to flooding, is nevertheless still missing. This research aims to take a step forward by following previous research. To this aim, (1) five statistical procedures including: simple correlation analysis, multiple linear regression model, stepwise multiple linear regression model, principal component analysis and cluster analysis are used to study relationship between mean normalized force on structure and other related variables; (2) a new and efficient variable that can take into account both the shape of the structure and flow conditions is proposed; (3) a new and practical formula for predicting the mean normalized force is suggested for different types of obstacles, which is missing in the previous research.
Jeunes et politiques publiques : des décalages croissants
Authors: Loncle Patricia
Published: May 2013

Les jeunes Européens sont aujourd’hui placés dans des situations de plus en plus problématiques sur le plan social comme politique. Face à ce constat, la question est la suivante : les politiques de jeunesse sont-elles à même de résoudre ces difficultés qui les touchent ? Pour y répondre, l’article examine tour à tour les stigmatisations à l’œuvre dans les politiques de jeunesse, leur faible envergure et leurs importantes inégalités territoriales. On constate un décalage croissant entre les situations critiques des jeunes et la grande timidité des politiques qui les concernent.
Rénovation urbaine, rénovation scolaire ?
Authors: Ben Ayed Choukri
Published: May 2013

Interroger les transformations des politiques éducatives au cours des trois dernières décennies, notamment leur rapprochement avec les politiques urbaines est l’ambition de cette contribution. Si cette ouverture relative de l’Éducation nationale à ses partenaires extérieurs est longtemps restée à l’état de rhétorique pour la période récente, la mise en œuvre du volet éducatif de la politique de la ville est propice à des jeux d’acteurs locaux complexes et à une catégorisation de type déficitaire de l’échec scolaire, alors que les objectifs plus qualitatifs, comme ceux de la lutte contre les ségrégations urbaine et scolaire, peinent à s’imposer.
Le déséquilibre des politiques médiatiques à l'égard des jeunes
Authors: Jehel Sophie
Published: May 2013

Cet article analyse les principales mesures prises entre 2002 et 2012 dans trois domaines : le soutien aux industries médiatiques, la réforme du service public et le respect des droits fondamentaux, en interrogeant la place qu’elles ont réservée aux jeunes explicitement ou implicitement. Ces politiques ont peu bénéficié aux moins de 18 ans et les mesures les visant ont été essentiellement protectrices voire restrictives. Marginalisés dans les politiques publiques, les jeunes se sont orientés massivement vers les espaces médiatiques commerciaux. De ce fait, les politiques publiques médiatiques semblent s’accommoder d’un modèle de société où les jeunes seraient considérés comme des citoyens de seconde zone, voire le favoriser.
Jeunes usagers de drogues et demande d'aide
Authors: Obradovic Ivana , Le Nézet Olivier , Spilka Stanislas
Published: May 2013

Aujourd’hui, en France, environ 34 000 jeunes de 17 ans ont un usage problématique de cannabis sans avoir jamais recherché aucune aide. Si l’offre de consultations spécifiquement dédiée aux jeunes consommateurs ouverte en 2004 a en partie rencontré son public, la population potentiellement concernée par ce dispositif s’avère bien plus importante que celle qui a été effectivement touchée. À partir de l’exploitation de l’enquête ESCAPAD 2008, cet article identifie les facteurs associés à une recherche d’aide chez les jeunes usagers de cannabis de 17 ans et invite à développer des stratégies de prévention centrées sur l’objectif de favoriser l’adhésion des jeunes à une démarche thérapeutique.
S'installer dans un logement
Authors: Maunaye Emmanuelle
Published: May 2013

La situation des jeunes à l’égard du logement aujourd’hui est une entrée féconde pour comprendre leurs trajectoires du point de vue de la dimension spécifique de l’acquisition de l’autonomie résidentielle et plus largement des trajectoires personnelles d’insertion. Une première approche objective présentant les manières actuelles de s’installer dans un logement indépendant est complétée par une entrée plus compréhensive qui aborde les liens subjectifs que les jeunes entretiennent avec leur logement et qui révèle ce dernier comme un espace d’apprentissage et d’autonomisation.
Que faire de l'autorité ?
Authors: Sallée Nicolas
Published: May 2013

Cet article propose d’interroger la manière dont le fonctionnement des centres éducatifs fermés (CEF) met à l’épreuve la profession d’éducateur de la Protection judiciaire de la jeunesse (PJJ), historiquement – et identitairement – construite sur le fondement d’une incompatibilité revendiquée entre éducation et enfermement. Après avoir qualifié le modèle d’éducation – sous contrainte – qui sous-tend l’ouverture de ces établissements, l’auteur analyse des données issues d’observations directes menées au sein de l’un d’entre eux et montre comment les pratiques éducatives quotidiennes, aux prises avec l’exigence redondante d’une « autorité » rarement assumée, éclairent les reconfigurations qui agitent le groupe professionnel dans son ensemble.
La Constitution marocaine de 2011 : une mutation des ordres politique et juridique marocains
Authors: Melloni David
Published: May 2013

Donnant à voir une définition inédite de la société politique marocaine, la nouvelle Constitution chérifienne annonce surtout une double mutation des ordres politique et juridique marocains. Par la première de ces mutations, elle procède à un profond rééquilibrage des pouvoirs, en posant les jalons d’un système primo-ministériel et d’une démocratie majoritaire dans lesquelles le souverain conserve une indéniable suprématie, à travers un parlementarisme dualiste réinventé. Par la seconde, qui traduit l’ambition de tendre vers l’État de droit, elle renforce la place de la loi dans l’arsenal normatif, et s’érige en réceptacle des droits et libertés, dont le respect sera doublement garanti – sous réserve de la prédominance accordée à l’islam – par l’instauration d’une exception d’inconstitutionnalité et la supériorité des normes internationales sur la législation interne. Ce faisant, le Maroc édifie un système juridique singulier, et consacre un modèle politique original, résolument porté vers l’idéal démocratique.
L'autre Maroc
Authors: Ben Abdallah al-Alaoui Hicham
Published: May 2013

Le Maroc dans cinq ans, au lendemain de la « Révolution du cumin » : par le moyen de cette projection, sans recours à la politique-fiction, le bilan des blocages actuels est ici dressé a posteriori , à partir des solutions trouvées. Ce renversement de perspective permet de poser de vieilles questions, restées sans réponse, sous une forme nouvelle. La monarchie, l’islam politique, l’économie et l’émigration, le mal-vivre quotidien, la tension entre générations, entre modernité et tradition – tout est revisité à partir d’un avenir proche. Le « nouveau Maroc » se révèle ainsi une chimère, l’enfermement du pays dans une salle d’attente succédant à l’attentisme actuel, celle de l’utopie. Or, l’autre Maroc, celui où il ferait mieux vivre, est à portée de main.
L'islam politique au Maroc
Authors: Belal Youssef
Published: May 2013

Cet article questionne la catégorie d’« islam politique » et revient sur son usage dans le cas du Maroc en montrant qu’elle comprend non seulement ce que l’on désigne habituellement par « mouvement islamiste » mais aussi des acteurs comme la République coloniale ou la monarchie marocaine, qui ont eu recours à l’islam dans leur stratégie politique de domination. Ce texte traite également du réformisme démocratique à travers l’exemple du Parti Justice et Développement ( pjd ) qui est à la tête du gouvernement marocain depuis les élections du 25 novembre, mais dont le rôle reste limité par les pouvoirs importants du roi soustraits à tout mécanisme de responsabilité politique.
La prévention de la corruption au Maroc, entre discours et réalité
Authors: El Mesbahi Kamal
Published: May 2013

Cet article tente de dresser un état des lieux de la question de la corruption au Maroc. La ligne directrice se situe au niveau du paradoxe entre une corruption largement prégnante, et que tous les indices confirment, un cadre normatif relativement suffisant renforcé par les nouvelles dispositions constitutionnelles depuis juin 2011 et un discours politique fort quant à la volonté affichée de la combattre.
Une approche écosophique de l'espace urbain
Authors: Shin Ji Eun
Published: May 2013

Notre recherche suggère d’adapter une approche anthropologique de l’espace urbain. Nous essayons de mettre en lumière la nature spatiale de l’homme social, ce qui permet de comprendre les sensations fortes de la communauté, du sentiment d’appartenance, en un mot, de la socialité qui sont vécues par le corps et sont basées sur son territoire, sa ville et sa maison. La ville pourrait donc être appréhendée d’une manière « écosophique ». Cette compréhension nous mènera enfin à mettre en évidence les moments de miracle dans les villes vides et désertes, les relations créatrices entre l’homme et l’espace.
An Evaluation of Strength, Fatigue and Operational Performance of Dry Tree Semisubmersible Riser Tensioning Equipment
Authors: Poll Philip , Kurup Nishu , Shi Shan , Zou Jun
Published: May 2013

One key decision operators make when planning field developments is whether the production system will use only subsea equipment or will also include dry trees. Although dry tree floating platforms have primarily utilized SPAR and TLP hull forms, semisubmersible options are being developed and qualified for the Gulf of Mexico.

A key component of the dry tree semisubmersible is the riser tensioning system, which must be carefully matched to hull motion characteristics and arrangements. The SPAR platform utilizes self-supporting buoyancy cans or long stroke riser tensioners in a protected location within the SPAR centerwell and in combination with a keel guide. The TLP utilizes short stroke riser tensioners with or without a keel guide and in a location open to interaction with waves and currents. A dry tree semisubmersible is likely to use long stroke riser tensioners in an open wellbay configuration either with or without a keel guide.

This paper uses computer analysis and motions calibrated to model test data to evaluate the strength and operational performance of a riser tensioning system for a specific dry tree semisubmersible configuration. The system uses existing riser tensioning equipment in an arrangement that is open to wave and current interaction. The paper compares arrangements with and without a keel guide and presents differences in strength, stroke range and cost. The semisubmersible hull form includes columns arranged in pairs at each corner of the platform and the paper investigates the influence of the paired-column arrangement on wave loading on the risers and supporting structures. The results of the paper indicate what modifications are necessary, if any, for riser tensioning equipment integration.

The information and results presented in this paper are applicable to operators evaluating dry tree interfaces on proposed new floater concepts in addition to equipment suppliers planning to provide or qualify riser tensioning equipment for semisubmersibles. The results will also contribute to further development of a dry tree semisubmersible option for Gulf of Mexico projects, which will provide cost and execution plan improvements compared to existing options for deepwater.
Fiber-Optic Sensing is the Technology of Choice for Permanent Reservoir Monitoring Applications
Authors: Langhammer Jan , Nash Phil , Austin Ed , Eisenhower Frank
Published: May 2013

Fiber-optic sensing technology is the right technology for Permanent Reservoir Monitoring (PRM) applications due to significant advantages in reliability, system design and installation flexibility, and enhanced compatibility with future field development trends.

It is well known that fiber-optic technology is inherently a more reliable technology choice for underwater applications. This has been proven by long-term use within military applications and the telecommunications industry. The application of fiber-optic technology for PRM offers the proven reliability benefits long recognized by the telecommunications industry to the oil and gas industry. The use of fiber-optic sensing technology removes the electronics and electrical power requirements from the seabed and replaces it with completely electrically passive components, which can be interrogated from a platform, FPSO or from shore, using only optical signals. This eliminates the potential for electrical leakage and decreases the potential for mechanical water leak-induced failures in the underwater equipment. The improved reliability drives down the through-life operations and maintenance costs for PRM applications.

It is less well known that the inherent flexibility available with fiber-optic PRM systems generates significant additional value beyond the reliability advantage. Fiber-optic systems enable more flexible system design and layout solutions compared to electrical based alternatives. Greater design and layout flexibility translates into significant advantages during system installation, which can reduce the cost and risk of PRM projects. Advanced optical architectures and proprietary system design techniques generate an expanded range of layout and connection options, which can be used to optimize the system supply and installation solutions during an integrated PRM project planning process.

The authors conclude that PRM systems based on fiber-optic technology offer a better platform for the future due to a number of key advantages. Fiber-optic systems offer greater potential for cost-effective expansion, technology upgrade and cost reduction moving forward. The very low propagation loss intrinsic to fiber-optic technology makes it ideally suited to address a number of developing trends in offshore field development.

In this paper, the authors present examples of clear advantages in reliability, flexibility, expandability and suitability to address future trends for operators to consider when selecting a PRM system for 4D seismic monitoring. Based on these examples and evidence, the authors conclude that fiber-optic sensing is the technology of choice for PRM.
Qualification of Flexible Fiber-Reinforced Pipe for Ultradeepwater Applications
Authors: Yu Liang , Liu Jing , Salimi Amir , Kalman Mark Douglas
Published: May 2013

This paper presents the initial work and remaining scope of a RPSEA sponsored project to develop, qualify, and field deploy flexible fiber reinforced pipe (FFRP®) for ultra-deepwater applications. FFRP is unbonded flexible pipe with composite reinforcement layers which has the advantages of light weight, high flexibility, and corrosion resistance. Due to these advantages, a simple, low top tension riser configuration is enabled. The initial design basis is a 7-inch ID, 690 barg design pressure, 120°C design temperature, 3000 meter design water depth production riser for a Gulf of Mexico application. The Phase 1 Engineering Study will confirm the product and system design to be employed in the subsequent phases. In Phase 2, a prototype pipe will be manufactured, and qualification testing will be conducted in accordance with API RP 17B recommendations. With successful testing, and subject to approval via a Phase 2 decision stage gate, Phase 3 will be an actual field deployment of the riser system with six months of performance monitoring.

The paper includes a summary of the project plan for Phase 1, the product technology, the design basis, and presents the initial pipe concept. Engineering analysis to confirm the suitability of the pipe concept, and the riser configuration are underway in accordance with the project plan.

The top tension reduction offered by FFRP enables light weight and small footprint installation vessels and production platforms. FFRP enables installation vessels and floating production systems which previously had water depth limits of 1500 m to be used in ultra-deepwater of up to 3000 m, expanding the number of existing installation vessels and FPSO's that can be used in deepwater, substantially reducing overall project cost and risk.

Introduction

In April 2011 the Research Partnership to Secure Energy for America (RPSEA) ultra-deepwater (UDW) program issued a request for proposal for Need 4: Dry Trees and Risers in 10,000 Feet (3000 m) Water Depth. The RFP [1] included Technical Area of Interest 4402 - Qualification of Flexible Fiber Reinforced Pipe for 10,000-Foot Water Depths. In June 2011, DeepFlex submitted a proposal responsive to the RFP and was awarded the project in October 2012. The project has been started and is being conducted in three phases:Phase 1 - Engineering StudyPhase 2 - Prototype manufacturing and qualification testingPhase 3 - Field deployment supply

The Phase 1 Engineering Study consists of the design premise and design report, riser system configuration & analysis report, Failure Mode, Effects and Criticality Analysis (FMECA) report, manufacturing documentation for prototype, and Phase 2 qualification plan and proposal.