bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Entrepreneurial Activity in the EU: An Empirical Evaluation of Its Determinants
Authors: Rusu Valentina , Roman Angela
Published: September 2017

Entrepreneurship plays a major role in national economies, being considered one of the main engines of economic growth, and an important contributor to creating new jobs and innovations. Identifying the main determinants of entrepreneurial activity is important for helping the decision makers in adopting adequate measures to support the creation and development of new businesses. The turbulent economic environment in recent years dominated by economic and financial crises, resulting in a reduction in economic growth but also in an increase in unemployment, has led decision makers to turn their attention again to the determinant factors of entrepreneurship. Starting from those stated above, through this paper we aim to investigate the impact of some macroeconomic, individual and business environment-related factors on the dynamics of entrepreneurial activity in 18 European Union (EU) countries for a period of 14 years (2002–2015). We use three regression models and we apply panel data fixed effect model approach. The results of our study highlight that inflation rate, foreign direct investments, access to finance and total tax rate are the main macroeconomic determinants of entrepreneurship. Also, we find that all individual business-related factors considered in the analysis have a significant impact on total entrepreneurship rate.
Use of Household Survey Data as a Tool to Assess the Carbon Footprint of Rural Tourist Accommodation and Related Services in China: A Case Study of Mount Qingcheng
Authors: Liu Jun , Lin Chu , Huang Li , Zhu Jianghuan , Wu Lijun , Li Yunyun
Published: September 2017

The need to improve the accuracy of carbon emission measurements is a major issue which the tourism industry must resolve in order to reduce adverse impacts on climate change and the environment. This study established a detailed consumption list based on household survey data and calculated the carbon emissions of accommodation and services of the rural tourism industry of Mount Qingcheng using the input–output and lifecycle methods. Further, it analysed the key factors affecting carbon emissions. The results indicate that within the surveyed area, carbon emissions from accommodation and services amounted to 30.27 kg CO2/per person per day; these emissions were primarily from indirect sources, which accounted for 74.99% of the total emissions. Emissions from construction and production of durable goods accounted for 13.08% and 21.58% of the total emissions. The omission of these sources of carbon emissions was the primary reason for the carbon emission levels of the tourism industry being underestimated previously. For each additional 10,000 yuan in revenue, accommodation and related services of the rural tourism industry emit an additional 1412.08 kg of CO2. This is higher than the level of carbon emissions of the agriculture industry, but lower than those of the processing and manufacturing industries. Tourist consumption behaviours and types of tourism operations are important factors affecting carbon emissions. Effective emission reduction strategies include guiding tourist consumption behavioural changes, optimizing tourism operation portfolios, and extending the service life of constructions and durable goods.
Does a Certain Rule Exist in the Long-Term Change of a City’s Livability? Evidence from New York, Tokyo, and Shanghai
Authors: Liu Jiabin , Han Ji
Published: September 2017

Livability is the ultimate goal of city development. However, the question of whether the changing pattern of a city’s livability follows a certain rule or not has seldom been argued. To address the question, three cities, including New York, Tokyo, and Shanghai are selected for case studies. Based on a proposed assessment framework, the long-term trend and determinants of three cities’ livability are quantified and investigated. The results suggest that the livability of three cities demonstrates a similar changing pattern during the last decades, with the level going through a three-staged N-curve development, increasing at the beginning, then declining in the mid-term, and rebounding afterward. It implies that the staged development rule should be followed when constructing a livable city. Efforts should be targeted towards the most underlying aspects in different periods. The empirical analysis of the three cities ascertains the existence of a development rule regarding livability, and suggests many potential uses for decision-making support.
A Conceptual Framework for Agri-Food Tourism as an Eco-Innovation Strategy in Small Farms
Authors: Liu Shang-Yu , Yen Chen-Ying , Tsai Kuang-Nan , Lo Wei-Shuo
Published: September 2017

The proposed conceptual framework explores how small-scale farms can combine agricultural products and tourism into an eco-innovation strategy. This paper presents a case study conducted on a family-run farm within the territory of the Paiwan tribal community of the North Dawu Mountain situated in the Central Mountain Range of Taiwan. The area has become an important coffee-farming region since the Japanese colonial period between 1895 and 1945. For many years, most of the indigenous farmers of the area have cultivated varieties of coffee plants using traditional, non-commercial methods, such as a single-sale channel. The small-scale farmer implements an integrated approach that systematically optimizes supply chain relationships to improve both the upstream and downstream sides of agri-food tourism services. The upstream element of agri-food tourism, for example, can be adjusted to employ organic or “natural” farming methods that allow small-scale farmers to secure an “organic” certification. Based on this approach, a small farm is gradually transformed into a type of educational institution that can demonstrate to customers the methods for farming high-quality organic coffee while also attracting tourists of various backgrounds to experience the downstream components of agri-food tourism in a recreational setting. This case study highlights how a particular small-scale farmer plays an important role in attracting other tribal farmers to engage in sustainable practices that help preserve cultural, social, and environmental systems while also presenting agri-food tourism as a brand identity.
A Generalization of Trapezoidal Fuzzy Numbers Based on Modal Interval Theory
Authors: Jorba Lambert , Adillon Romà
Published: September 2017

We propose a generalization of trapezoidal fuzzy numbers based on modal interval theory, which we name “modal interval trapezoidal fuzzy numbers”. In this generalization, we accept that the alpha cuts associated with a trapezoidal fuzzy number can be modal intervals, also allowing that two interval modalities can be associated with a trapezoidal fuzzy number. In this context, it is difficult to maintain the traditional graphic representation of trapezoidal fuzzy numbers and we must use the interval plane in order to represent our modal interval trapezoidal fuzzy numbers graphically. Using this representation, we can correctly reflect the modality of the alpha cuts. We define some concepts from modal interval analysis and we study some of the related properties and structures, proving, among other things, that the inclusion relation provides a lattice structure on this set. We will also provide a semantic interpretation deduced from the modal interval extensions of real continuous functions and the semantic modal interval theorem. The application of modal intervals in the field of fuzzy numbers also provides a new perspective on and new applications of fuzzy numbers.
Why Human Papillomaviruses Activate the DNA Damage Response (DDR) and How Cellular and Viral Replication Persists in the Presence of DDR Signaling
Authors: Bristol Molly , Das Dipon , Morgan Iain
Published: September 2017

Human papillomaviruses (HPV) require the activation of the DNA damage response (DDR) in order to undergo a successful life cycle. This activation presents a challenge for the virus and the infected cell: how does viral and host replication proceed in the presence of a DDR that ordinarily arrests replication; and how do HPV16 infected cells retain the ability to proliferate in the presence of a DDR that ordinarily arrests the cell cycle? This raises a further question: why do HPV activate the DDR? The answers to these questions are only partially understood; a full understanding could identify novel therapeutic strategies to target HPV cancers. Here, we propose that the rapid replication of an 8 kb double stranded circular genome during infection creates aberrant DNA structures that attract and activate DDR proteins. Therefore, HPV replication in the presence of an active DDR is a necessity for a successful viral life cycle in order to resolve these DNA structures on viral genomes; without an active DDR, successful replication of the viral genome would not proceed. We discuss the essential role of TopBP1 in this process and also how viral and cellular replication proceeds in HPV infected cells in the presence of DDR signals.
Identifying the nature of surface chemical modification for directed self-assembly of block copolymers
Authors: Evangelio Laura , Gramazio Federico , Lorenzoni Matteo , Gorgoi Michaela , Espinosa Francisco Miguel , García Ricardo , Pérez-Murano Francesc , Fraxedas Jordi
Published: September 2017

In recent years, block copolymer lithography has emerged as a viable alternative technology for advanced lithography. In chemical-epitaxy-directed self-assembly, the interfacial energy between the substrate and each block copolymer domain plays a key role on the final ordering. Here, we focus on the experimental characterization of the chemical interactions that occur at the interface built between different chemical guiding patterns and the domains of the block copolymers. We have chosen hard X-ray high kinetic energy photoelectron spectroscopy as an exploration technique because it provides information on the electronic structure of buried interfaces. The outcome of the characterization sheds light onto key aspects of directed self-assembly: grafted brush layer, chemical pattern creation and brush/block co-polymer interface.
New bio-nanocomposites based on iron oxides and polysaccharides applied to oxidation and alkylation reactions
Authors: Rodríguez-Padrón Daily , Balu Alina M , Romero Antonio A , Luque Rafael
Published: September 2017

Polysaccharides from natural sources and iron precursors were applied to develop new bio-nanocomposites by mechanochemical milling processes. The proposed methodology was demonstrated to be advantageous in comparison with other protocols for the synthesis of iron oxide based nanostructures. Additionally, mechanochemistry has enormous potential from an environmental point-of-view since it is able to reduce solvent issues in chemical syntheses. The catalytic activity of the obtained nanocatalysts was investigated in both the oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde and in the alkylation of toluene with benzyl chloride. The microwave-assisted oxidation of benzyl alcohol reached 45% conversion after 10 min. The conversion of the alkylation of toluene in both microwave-assisted and conventional heating methods was higher than 99% after 3 min and 30 min, respectively. The transformation of benzyl alcohol and toluene into valuable product in both the oxidation and alkylation reaction reveals a potential method for the valorization of lignocellulosic biomass.
A REDUCED-ORDER EXTRAPOLATION SPECTRAL-FINITE DIFFERENCE SCHEME BASED ON THE POD METHOD FOR 2D SECOND-ORDER HYPERBOLIC EQUATIONS
Authors: Luo Zhendong , Jin Shiju
Published: September 2017

In this study, a reduced-order extrapolation spectral-finite difference (ROESFD) scheme based on the proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) method is set up for the two-dimensional (2D) second-order hyperbolic equations. First, the classical spectral-finite difference (CSFD) method for the 2D second-order hyperbolic equations and its stability, convergence, and flaw are introduced. Then, a new ROESFD scheme that has very few degrees of freedom but holds sufficiently high accuracy is set up by the POD method and its implementation is offered. Finally, three numerical examples are offered to explain the validity of the theoretical conclusion. This implies that the ROESFD scheme is viable and efficient for searching the numerical solutions of the 2D second-order hyperbolic equations.
TWO COLLOCATION TYPE METHODS FOR FRACTIONAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS WITH NON-LOCAL BOUNDARY CONDITIONS
Authors: Vikerpuur Mikk
Published: September 2017

A class of non-local boundary value problems for linear fractional differential equations with Caputo-type differential operators is considered. By using integral equation reformulation of the boundary value problem, we study the existence and smoothness of the exact solution. Using the obtained regularity properties and spline collocation techniques, we construct two numerical methods (Method 1 and Method 2) for finding approximate solutions. By choosing suitable graded grids, we derive optimal global convergence estimates and obtain some super-convergence results for Method 2 by requiring additional assumptions on equation and collocation parameters. Some numerical illustrations for verification of theoretical results is also presented.
RENORMALIZED AND ENTROPY SOLUTIONS OF TUMOR GROWTH MODEL WITH NONLINEAR ACID PRODUCTION
Authors: Lingeshwaran Shangerganesh , Nallasamy Deiva Mani , Shanmugasundaram Karthikeyan
Published: September 2017

This paper establishes the existence of renormalized and entropy solutions for a system of nonlinear reaction-diffusion equations which describes the tumor growth along with acidification and interaction. Under the assumptions of L1 data and no growth conditions with zero Dirichlet boundary conditions, we prove the existence of renormalized and entropy solutions for the considered mathematical model.
INFLUENCE OF FARMYARD MANURE ON RETENTION AND AVAILABILITY OF NICKEL, ZINC AND LEAD IN METAL-CONTAMINATED CALCAREOUS LOAM SOILS
Authors: AZIZ Muhammad Abbas , AHMAD Hamaad Raza , CORWIN Dennis L. , SABIR Muhammad , HAKEEM Khalid Rehman , ÖZTÜRK Münir
Published: September 2017

Continuous irrigation of soils with untreated effluents can result in the accumulation and translocation of some metals in the soils and plants. Application of farmyard manure (FYM) to such soils may increase or decrease their availability and retention time. Calcareous soils contaminated with 100, 200, and 400mg kg–1 Ni, Zn, and Pb as chloride salts were used, and farmyard manure added (40g kg–1 for 90 days) with moisture contents at field capacity. Soil samples were drawn at 30 day intervals, and metals extracted with (AB-DTPA) C14H23NO3O10. With FYM application of 400 mg kg–1, Ni availability increased from 179 (day 30) to 240 mg kg–1(day 90); Zn from 163 (day 30) to 230 mg kg–1 (day 90), but, Pb decreased from 214 to 161 mg kg–1. FYM forms multi-dentate complex which greatly enhances the Ni and Zn solubility, and organic matter immobilizes Pb in the soil.
Evidence for Atmospheric Cold-trap Processes in the Noninverted Emission Spectrum of Kepler-13Ab Using HST/WFC3
Authors: Beatty Thomas G. , Madhusudhan Nikku , Tsiaras Angelos , Zhao Ming , Gilliland Ronald L. , Knutson Heather A. , Shporer Avi , Wright Jason T.
Published: September 2017

We observed two eclipses of the Kepler-13A planetary system, on UT 2014 April 28 and UT 2014 October 13, in the near-infrared using Wide Field Camera 3 on the Hubble Space Telescope. By using the nearby binary stars Kepler-13BC as a reference, we were able to create a differential light curve for Kepler-13A that had little of the systematics typically present in HST/WFC3 spectrophotometry. We measure a broadband (1.1–1.65 μm) eclipse depth of 734 ± 28 ppm and are able to measure the emission spectrum of the planet at R ≈ 50 with an average precision of 70 ppm. We find that Kepler-13Ab possesses a noninverted, monotonically decreasing vertical temperature profile. We exclude an isothermal profile and an inverted profile at more than 3σ. We also find that the dayside emission of Kepler-13Ab appears generally similar to an isolated M7 brown dwarf at a similar effective temperature. Due to the relatively high mass and surface gravity of Kepler-13Ab, we suggest that the apparent lack of an inversion is due to cold-trap processes in the planet’s atmosphere. Using a toy model for where cold traps should inhibit inversions, as well as observations of other planets in this temperature range with measured emission spectra, we argue that with more detailed modeling and more observations we may be able to place useful constraints on the size of condensates on the daysides of hot Jupiters.
Stellar Dynamics and Star Formation Histories of z ∼ 1 Radio-loud Galaxies
Authors: Barišić Ivana , van der Wel Arjen , Bezanson Rachel , Pacifici Camilla , Noeske Kai , Muñoz-Mateos Juan C. , Franx Marijn , Smolčić Vernesa , Bell Eric F. , Brammer Gabriel , Calhau João , Chauké Priscilla , van Dokkum Pieter G. , van Houdt Josha , Gallazzi Anna , Labbé Ivo , Maseda Michael V. , Muzzin Adam , Sobral David , Straatman Caroline , Wu Po-Feng
Published: September 2017

We investigate the stellar kinematics and stellar populations of 58 radio-loud galaxies of intermediate luminosities (L
3 GHz > 1023 W Hz−1) at 0.6 < z < 1. This sample is constructed by cross-matching galaxies from the deep VLT/VIMOS LEGA-C spectroscopic survey with the VLA 3 GHz data set. The LEGA-C continuum spectra reveal for the first time stellar velocity dispersions and age indicators of z ∼ 1 radio galaxies. We find that z ∼ 1 radio-loud active galactic nucleus (AGN) occur exclusively in predominantly old galaxies with high velocity dispersions: σ
* > 175 km s−1, corresponding to black hole masses in excess of 108
M
⊙. Furthermore, we confirm that at a fixed stellar mass the fraction of radio-loud AGN at z ∼ 1 is five to 10 times higher than in the local universe, suggesting that quiescent, massive galaxies at z ∼ 1 switch on as radio AGN on average once every Gyr. Our results strengthen the existing evidence for a link between high black hole masses, radio loudness, and quiescence at z ∼ 1.
Far-infrared Spectroscopic Characterization of Anti-vinyl Alcohol
Authors: Bunn Hayley , Soliday Rebekah M. , Sumner Isaiah , Raston Paul L.
Published: September 2017

We report a detailed analysis of the high-resolution far-infrared spectrum of anti-vinyl alcohol, which has been previously identified toward Sagittarius B2(N). The ν
15 OH torsional fundamental investigated here is more than 200 cm−1 removed from the next nearest vibration, making it practically unperturbed and ideal to help refine the ground state rotational constants that were previously determined from 25 microwave lines. We assigned 1335 lines within the ν
15 fundamental centered at 261.5512 cm−1, with J and K

a
ranges of 1–59 and 0–16, respectively. The microwave and far-infrared line positions were fit with Watson-type A- and S-reduced Hamiltonians, with the inclusion of quartic and select sextic distortion terms. This resulted in a significant refinement of the ground state constants, in addition to the determination of the

ν

15

=
1

state constants for the first time. The spectroscopic parameters are in good agreement with the results from anharmonic coupled-cluster calculations, and should be useful in searches for rotationally and/or vibrationally warm anti-vinyl alcohol in interstellar molecular clouds.
Scale-invariant Cosmology and CMB Temperatures as a Function of Redshifts
Authors: Maeder Andre
Published: September 2017

Cosmological models assuming the scale invariance of the macroscopic empty space show an accelerated expansion, without calling for some unknown particles. Several comparisons between models and observations (tests on distances, m−z diagram,

versus

plot, age versus H
0, H(z) versus z, transition braking-acceleration) have indicated an impressive agreement. We pursue the tests with the CMB temperatures

as a function of redshifts z. CO molecules in DLA systems provide the most accurate excitation temperatures

up to

. Such data need corrections for local effects like particle collisions, optical depths, UV radiation, etc., We estimate these corrections as a function of the

ratios from far-UV observations of CO molecules in the Galaxy. The results show that it is not sufficient to apply theoretical collisional corrections to get the proper values of

versus z. Thus, the agreement often found with the standard model may be questioned. The

relation needs further careful attention and the same for the scale-invariant cosmology in view of its positive tests.
Results from EDGES High-band. I. Constraints on Phenomenological Models for the Global 21 cm Signal
Authors: Monsalve Raul A. , Rogers Alan E. E. , Bowman Judd D. , Mozdzen Thomas J.
Published: September 2017

We report constraints on the global 21 cm signal due to neutral hydrogen at redshifts

14.8
≥
z
≥
6.5

. We derive our constraints from low-foreground observations of the average sky brightness spectrum conducted with the EDGES High-band instrument between 2015 September 7 and October 26. Observations were calibrated by accounting for the effects of antenna beam chromaticity, antenna and ground losses, signal reflections, and receiver parameters. We evaluate the consistency between the spectrum and phenomenological models for the global 21 cm signal. For tanh-based representations of the ionization history during the epoch of reionization, we rule out, at

≥
2
σ

significance, models with duration of up to

Δ
z
=
1

at

z
≈
8.5

and higher than

Δ
z
=
0.4

across most of the observed redshift range under the usual assumption that the 21 cm spin temperature is much larger than the temperature of the cosmic microwave background during reionization. We also investigate a “cold” intergalactic medium (IGM) scenario that assumes perfect Lyα coupling of the 21 cm spin temperature to the temperature of the IGM, but that the latter is not heated by early stars or stellar remants. Under this assumption, we reject tanh-based reionization models of duration

Δ
z
≲
2

over most of the observed redshift range. Finally, we explore and reject a broad range of Gaussian models for the 21 cm absorption feature expected in the First Light era. As an example, we reject 100 mK Gaussians with duration (full width at half maximum)

Δ
z
≤
4

over the range

14.2
≥
z
≥
6.5

at

≥
2
σ

significance.
Constraining Reionization with the z ∼ 5–6 Lyα Forest Power Spectrum: The Outlook after Planck
Authors: Oñorbe J. , Hennawi J. F. , Lukić Z. , Walther M.
Published: September 2017

The latest measurements of cosmic microwave background electron-scattering optical depth reported by Planck significantly reduces the allowed space of

H

I

reionization models, pointing toward a later ending and/or less extended phase transition than previously believed. Reionization impulsively heats the intergalactic medium (IGM) to

∼

10

4

K

, and owing to long cooling and dynamical times in the diffuse gas that are comparable to the Hubble time, memory of reionization heating is retained. Therefore, a late-ending reionization has significant implications for the structure of the

z
∼
5
–
6

Lyα forest. Using state-of-the-art hydrodynamical simulations that allow us to vary the timing of reionization and its associated heat injection, we argue that extant thermal signatures from reionization can be detected via the Lyα forest power spectrum at

5
<
z
<
6

. This arises because the small-scale cutoff in the power depends not only the the IGM temperature at these epochs, but is also particularly sensitive to the pressure-smoothing scale set by the IGM full thermal history. Comparing our different reionization models with existing measurements of the Lyα forest flux power spectrum at

z
=
5.0
–
5.4

, we find that models satisfying Planck’s

τ

e

constraint favor a moderate amount of heat injection consistent with galaxies driving reionization, but disfavoring quasar-driven scenarios. We study the feasibility of measuring the flux power spectrum at

z
≃
6

using mock quasar spectra and conclude that a sample of ∼10 high-resolution spectra with an attainable signal-to-noise ratio will allow distinguishing between different reionization scenarios.
Pays pauvres, pays bon marché ? Regard comparatif sur le coût de la main-d’œuvre dans le secteur industriel en Afrique
Authors: Gelb Alan , Meyer Christian , Ramachandran Vijaya
Published: September 2017

Cet article compare le coût de la main-d’œuvre et la productivité de plusieurs pays d’Afrique à ceux de pays de comparaison en s’appuyant sur des données de 25 pays passés au crible dans les enquêtes de la Banque mondiale menées auprès des entreprises. La conclusion est que le coût de la main-d’œuvre industrielle en Afrique est largement supérieur à ce que l’on pourrait attendre, compte tenu des niveaux de produit intérieur brut (PIB) par habitant sur le continent. Une partie est attribuable à un « effet d’enclave » : le coût de la main-d’œuvre et la productivité du travail sont nettement plus élevés en Afrique, à la lumière du PIB par habitant, que dans les pays de comparaison. De même la courbe du coût de la main-d’œuvre est plus abrupte ; pour les entreprises plus grandes et plus productives, le coût de la main-d’œuvre augmente davantage en Afrique qu’ailleurs. Pour autant, il subsiste un « effet Afrique » résiduel notable après que ces facteurs taille et productivité aient été pris en compte. L’article conclut qu’il est urgent de réduire les « coûts externes » en misant sur des investissements ciblés (électricité), et d’améliorer plus généralement le climat des affaires. Toutefois, à l’exception de quelques pays comme l’Éthiopie, rien ne dit que le niveau de faible revenu de l’Afrique se traduit automatiquement par un avantage comparatif dans le secteur des produits manufacturés à bas salaires. Il est donc probable que l’avantage comparatif réside surtout dans les secteurs étroitement liés à l’abondance et à la richesse des ressources naturelles des pays, qu’il s’agisse des industries d’approvisionnement ou des industries de transformation.
Taux de change évalués à parité de pouvoir d’achat : quels sont les facteurs déterminants ?
Authors: Gelb Alan , Diofasi Anna
Published: September 2017

Afin de mieux comprendre les grandes variations de niveaux de prix entre les pays, nous présentons ci-après une analyse transversale des niveaux de prix nationaux, au moyen des données relatives à la parité de pouvoir d’achat (PPA) de 168 économies recueillies lors du dernier cycle du Programme de comparaison internationale (PCI) de 2011. La PPA est utilisée à diverses fins, notamment dans la définition du seuil international de pauvreté et dans l’attribution des quotes-parts du FMI. Bien connu, l’effet Balassa-Samuelson n’est pas le seul facteur ayant une incidence sur la PPA, en particulier dans les pays à revenu faible ou intermédiaire. Les facteurs structurels et politiques influencent la relation estimée. Les petits États insulaires s’avèrent relativement coûteux si l’on considère leur niveau de revenu, à l’image des pays à faible densité de population. Les pays bénéficiant de grands programmes de subventions – mesurés par les subventions aux carburants – affichent généralement des niveaux de prix plus bas que prévu sur la base du revenu. Il existe une corrélation entre des réglementations du travail plus ouvertes – mesurées par une part accrue des migrants dans la population active – et des niveaux de prix plus bas dans les pays à revenu supérieur. La thèse selon laquelle une mauvaise gouvernance se traduit à la fois par un faible revenu et des prix élevés reçoit un appui modeste. Flux d’aide et balance du compte courant déficitaire vont de pair avec des niveaux de prix plus élevés (dans une moindre mesure pour le second élément), ce qui n’est pas le cas des IDE et des envois de fonds. Nous observons également une forte corrélation entre inégalités et niveaux de prix élevés, ce qui corrobore l’idée selon laquelle le PCI pourrait surpondérer les biens comparables à l’échelle mondiale. Nos résultats confirment la tendance selon laquelle les pays africains sont plus coûteux que les pays à revenu similaire dans d’autres régions du monde. Si nous ne parvenons pas à expliquer pleinement ce phénomène, nous y apportons plusieurs clarifications et nous nous penchons également sur le thème de la faible productivité agricole. Pour terminer, nous confirmons la relation entre des niveaux faibles de prix en PPA et une plus grande compétitivité des produits manufacturés, en particulier dans les pays à revenu faible ou intermédiaire.
Le communautarisme : faux concept, vrai instrument politique
Authors: Seniguer Haouès
Published: September 2017

Le communautarisme musulman fait partie de ces évidences largement partagées et rarement documentées et établies scientifiquement. L’article s’interroge sur les significations multiples qui s’attachent au terme communauté et à son dérivé communautarisme . Il montre comment ce dernier est devenu, chez les pourfendeurs de l’islam comme ses apologistes, un instrument politique et l’expression d’une idéologie. Loin de clarifier la compréhension des évolutions en cours parmi les musulmans, il entretient et aggrave les ambiguïtés et les malentendus.
Valeurs du soin et laïcité
Authors: Pierron Jean-Philippe
Published: September 2017

Trivialement, on oppose une médecine scientifique qui se concentrerait sur les moyens curatifs du soin à des pratiques de soins plus douces, attentives à l’importance de la relation d’aide, de soutien, de care . Cette approximation laisse penser que la laïcité encouragerait une approche technique et scientifique de la maladie, rationnelle et positive, nécessairement matérialiste. Or la prise en compte, dans un cadre laïque, des besoins spirituels des malades ne force-t-elle pas à penser autrement que dans une opposition, l’articulation religions/laïcité à l’hôpital ?
Positionnement des soignants face au pluralisme médical
Authors: Rousselon Valérie
Published: September 2017

Le pluralisme médical est activement entretenu par les patients, particulièrement dans les situations où les réponses de la biomédecine sont incomplètes et insatisfaisantes. Au travers d’expériences cliniques auprès de parents de jeunes enfants autistes, cet écrit propose une réflexion sur le positionnement des professionnels de soins face à la complexité des attentes et des convictions de ces familles.
L’hôpital lieu de passage et d’identification
Authors: Chellig Nacime
Published: September 2017

Dans l’enceinte très particulière de l’hôpital, les traditions religieuses et revendications identitaires amènent de l’incompréhension chez les professionnels hospitaliers. En tentant d’ajuster ses propres perceptions afin de neutraliser un certain nombre d’idées préconçues, le professionnel hospitalier, par un décentrement de ses postures professionnelles, développe une autre approche de l’accompagnement aux soins. Il se doit de garder une certaine distance, notamment lorsqu’il est en complet désaccord avec les doléances religieuses du patient et de son entourage familial et parfois même d’autres professionnels.
Les visites à domicile des agents communautaires de santé au Brésil
Authors: Rougeon Marina
Published: September 2017

Au Brésil, les agents communautaires de santé sont les principaux acteurs de terrain de la mise en place de la politique publique du Programme de santé de la famille ( Psf ) et de son volet de prévention, par leurs visites à domicile dans les quartiers des populations dites à risque, luttant notamment contre les maladies chroniques, telle l’hypertension. Partant d’une ethnographie de ces visites dans une petite ville du Centre-Ouest du pays, cet article propose d’interroger la recomposition et les réinterprétations des savoirs préventifs à l’œuvre entre ces professionnels de la santé et les habitants, principalement des femmes et des personnes âgées.
La réponse des gouvernements infranationaux américains à la crise économique mondiale de 2008 : implications pour la « répartition équitable des coûts et des avantages des services publics »
Authors: Wooldridge Blue , M. Smith Heidi Jane
Published: September 2017

Les experts laissent entendre que lorsqu’ils sont confrontés à des difficultés financières, les gestionnaires publics peuvent opter pour l’une des trois techniques suivantes : les coupes effectives dans les services, l’augmentation des ressources financières existantes ou la réduction des effectifs. Pendant la crise économique mondiale, également appelée « Grande Récession » (2007-2012), les gouvernements infranationaux américains ont recouru aux trois techniques. Le présent article a pour but d’identifier les mécanismes utilisés par les gouvernements d’État et locaux pour réagir à la crise de 2008 et les techniques possibles pour réduire les conséquences négatives et disproportionnées de ces actions sur les femmes, les minorités et les personnes défavorisées. Les auteurs présentent des exemples de techniques employées par les gouvernements infranationaux américains pour répondre aux difficultés financières et évaluent leurs conséquences sur la répartition des produits et des services. Nous proposons une analyse de la notion d’équité sociale, de la littérature connexe et des conséquences variables des méthodes utilisées pour y faire face pour les groupes sous-représentés. Nous terminerons en présentant les stratégies d’atténuation utilisées pour réduire l’incidence régressive de ces techniques sur les populations vulnérables. Remarques à l’intention des praticiens Dans cet article, nous épinglons les stratégies utilisées par les gouvernements infranationaux américains pour faire face à la crise économique mondiale de 2008 (la « Grande Récession »). Nous présenterons les inégalités suscitées par ces techniques et proposerons quelques stratégies destinées à « atténuer » l’incidence régressive sur les personnes défavorisées.
La stratégie de gestion du secteur public de la Banque mondiale 2011-2020 : propositions pour faire avancer le débat
Authors: Bertrand Ngouo Léon
Published: September 2017

Cet article est une contribution au débat soulevé dans le numéro spécial Volume 79 (3) de la Revue Internationale des Sciences Administratives (RISA) qui était consacré à la stratégie de gestion du secteur public de la Banque mondiale pour la période 2011-2020. Nous proposons un cadre méthodologique d’intervention qui s’appuie sur les définitions que nous retenons de trois concepts clés utilisés par plusieurs auteurs : la « réforme administrative », le « monde réel » et la « performance » des administrations. Le schéma proposé suggère une démarche méthodologique du type inductif qui tient compte des défis que la Banque s’est définie pour garantir le succès de la mise en œuvre de sa stratégie. Remarques à l’intention des praticiens Le succès des réformes administratives est très largement conditionné par le degré de prise en compte des différents mécanismes de régulation du flux de travail réel dans les services publics. L’article montre en quoi ce flux est caractérisé par de multiples modes de régulation dont la nature et la configuration varient d’une administration à l’autre et propose une perspective de conduite des réformes qui en tient compte. L’accent est mis sur le professionnalisme des praticiens de ce domaine.
Validation d’une échelle de la confiance des citoyens dans les organisations gouvernementales
Authors: Grimmelikhuijsen Stephan , Knies Eva
Published: September 2017

Les spécialistes de l’administration publique étudient depuis des années la question de la confiance des citoyens dans le gouvernement au niveau global. Afin de mieux comprendre les choses, il est important d’évaluer la confiance au niveau intermédiaire des organisations gouvernementales pour déterminer de façon plus précise les effets et les antécédents de la confiance au niveau organisationnel. La littérature sur la confiance organisationnelle indique que la loyauté organisationnelle est multidimensionnelle, mais la littérature existante n’a pas validé ces mesures dans un contexte d’administration publique. L’échelle proposée s’appuie sur une échelle de la confiance organisationnelle existante, adaptée à un contexte d’administration publique. L’échelle de la « Confiance des citoyens dans les organisations gouvernementales » ( Citizen Trust in Government Organizations , ou CTGO) est validée au moyen de données extraites de deux échantillons différents ( n total=991), ce qui donne une échelle à 9 items mesurant trois dimensions : les compétences perçues, la bienveillance et l’intégrité. Cette échelle, qui pourra servir à d’autres chercheurs, est intéressante car elle permet de comprendre de manière plus précise et plus multidimensionnelle la question de la confiance dans les organisations gouvernementales. Remarques à l’intention des praticiens L’un des problèmes majeurs pour les organisations gouvernementales dans le monde entier concerne le manque de loyauté perçue par le public. Pour faire face à ce problème, un moyen de le mesurer s’impose, mais il n’existe pour l’instant que des mesures très génériques pour vérifier la loyauté perçue des organisations gouvernementales. Le présent article présente une première validation et contient trois dimensions : les compétences perçues, la bienveillance et l’honnêteté. Les praticiens pourront se servir de cette échelle et l’adapter à leur contexte local pour identifier les problèmes de loyauté présents.
Effect of Retroperitoneal Pelvic Packing on Pelvic Cavity Pressure: A Cadaveric Study
Authors: Sato Yukio , Sekine Kazuhiko , Shibusawa Takayuki , Tajima Kosuke , Sasaki Junichi , Imanishi Nobuaki , Aiso Sadakazu , Hori Shingo
Published: September 2017

Limited clinical evidence demonstrates the effectiveness of direct retroperitoneal pelvic packing for hemorrhage control in pelvic fractures due to the difficulty in measuring pressure on the pelvic walls within the pelvic cavity after retroperitoneal pelvic packing. Using a cadaver model, the authors aimed to assess whether retroperitoneal pelvic packing generates pressure that exceeds the venous return and arterial pressure in the pelvis. The pressure on the pelvic wall was measured in 5 fresh Japanese cadavers. Sensors were placed at 4 points on the pelvic wall, and the pressure at each point was measured after the insertion of each of 3 sponges, per the procedure originally described for direct retroperitoneal pelvic packing. In each specimen, the average pressure across all 4 points on the pelvic wall increased with the addition of each sponge, reaching 12.3±4.5 mm Hg when all 3 sponges were inserted. Furthermore, the pressure at the pelvic floor and posterior pelvic brim increased significantly, whereas the pressure at the anterior and middle pelvic brim increased nonsignificantly. The results of this study suggest that retroperitoneal pelvic packing provides pressure on the pelvic wall that exceeds the venous pressure and is thus effective for the control of venous hemorrhage in pelvic fractures. Currently, the recommended procedure combines external fixation for venous bleeding, transcatheter arterial embolization, and pelvic packing; however, the authors' results suggest that pelvic packing alone may be effective for controlling venous hemorrhage in pelvic fracture. [
Orthopedics.
2017; 40(6);e947–e951.]
Long-term Results of Intercalary Endoprosthetic Short Segment Fixation Following Extended Diaphysectomy
Authors: Tedesco Nicholas S. , Van Horn Alexandra L. , Henshaw Robert M.
Published: September 2017

Intercalary endoprosthetic reconstruction following diaphyseal resection of osseous tumors offers functional advantages through preservation of native joints adjacent to the resected defect. Use of such implants is restricted by the amount of bone available for stem fixation adjacent to the defect. This study aimed to determine whether short osseous segment fixation with acceptable outcomes and complication rate can be reliably achieved with a customized intercalary endoprosthesis following extended diaphysectomy. A retrospective review of prospectively collected data was performed on 6 patients receiving customized anchor plugs for short segment fixation with a double compressive osseointegration intercalary implant to reconstruct segmental defects. Five of the implants were augmented with cement to support fixation in metaphyseal bone. Patient age at surgery ranged from 12 to 86 years. At mean follow-up of 39 months, mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society functional score was 26.3, with 5 of 6 patients achieving scores of 27 or greater. Stable fixation was achieved in all patients, with the shortest segment of bone 3.7 cm in length. Three mechanical implant failures requiring revision surgery occurred. No patient required revision of the entire implant, secondary adjacent joint replacement, or secondary amputation. No patient exhibited aseptic loosening, and no case was complicated by infection. Excellent functional outcomes were seen with follow-up out to 9 years. This suggests that cement-augmented double compressive osseointegration intercalary endoprosthetic reconstruction can extend the benefits of intercalary replacement to many patients who otherwise might require adjacent joint or physeal sacrifice. However, patients should be counseled on the high risk of implant failure with subsequent need for revision surgery. [
Orthopedics
. 2017; 40(6):e964–e970.]
An Anti-Inflammatory Role for NLRP10 in Murine Cutaneous Leishmaniasis
Authors: Clay Gwendolyn M. , Valadares Diogo G. , Graff Joel W. , Ulland Tyler K. , Davis Richard E. , Scorza Breanna M. , Zhanbolat Bayan Sudan , Chen Yani , Sutterwala Fayyaz S. , Wilson Mary E.
Published: September 2017

The role of the nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat containing receptor NLRP10 in disease is incompletely understood. Using three mouse strains lacking the gene encoding NLRP10, only one of which had a coincidental mutation in DOCK8, we documented a role for NLRP10 as a suppressor of the cutaneous inflammatory response to Leishmania major infection. There was no evidence that the enhanced local inflammation was due to enhanced inflammasome activity. NLRP10/DOCK8-deficient mice harbored lower parasite burdens at the cutaneous site of inoculation compared with wild-type controls, whereas NLRP10-deficient mice and controls had similar parasite loads, suggesting that DOCK8 promotes local growth of parasites in the skin, whereas NLRP10 does not. NLRP10-deficient mice developed vigorous adaptive immune responses, indicating that there was not a global defect in the development of Ag-specific cytokine production. Bone marrow chimeras showed that the anti-inflammatory role of NLRP10 was mediated by NLRP10 expressed in resident cells in the skin rather than by bone marrow–derived cells. These data suggest a novel role for NLRP10 in the resolution of local inflammatory responses during L. major infection.
From art to science: the functional damage due to thumb osteoarthritis finely described by Velazquez 300 years before its clinical description
Authors: Villafañe J.H. , Cantero-Tellez R. , Negrini S. , Berjano P.
Published: September 2017

Velazquez showed to know the entity of thumb osteoarthritis by finely describing it in one of his paintings. The concepts of anatomical damage, loss of strenght, and functional impairment are transmitted to the observer.
Effects of secukinumab on serum adipocytokines: preliminary data
Authors: Fassio A. , Gatti D. , Gisondi P. , Girolomoni G. , Viapiana O. , Giollo A. , Zamboni M. , Rossini M. , Idolazzi L.
Published: September 2017

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects joints, connective tissues and the axial skeleton. Metabolic syndrome is an independent risk factor for psoriasis (Pso) development and is associated with more severe forms of Pso. Adipocytokines are secreted by white adipose tissue and are thought to link obesity with the development of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Secukinumab is a new monoclonal antibody with a different mechanism of action. This antibody selectively binds to and neutralizes interleukin-17 (IL-17) and it has shown efficacy in the treatment of PsA. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible interferences of secukinumab on different adipocytokines. We enrolled 28 patients with PsA, classified with the CASPAR criteria. Serum samples were stored at baseline and then at the first, the third and the sixth month of therapy. Resistin, chemerin, adiponectin and C-reactive protein (CRP) were dosed. When tested globally, none of the adipokine tested showed any statistically significant variation. However, when the male group was tested, both resistin and chemerin at M6 showed a significant decrease from baseline. CRP did not show any variation at any time point. Our study demonstrated that treatment with secukinumab has little influence on the levels of adipokines tested within the first six months of treatment even though it might exert different influence between males and females from a metabolic perspective. Further studies with greater numbers of patients are needed to determine whether these preliminary results have clinical relevance.
Assessment of treatment effects on digital ulcer and blood perfusion by laser speckle contrast analysis in a patient affected by systemic sclerosis
Authors: Ruaro B. , Paolino S. , Pizzorni C. , Cutolo M. , Sulli A.
Published: September 2017

Laser speckle contrast analysis (LASCA) is a good tool to evaluate the variation in peripheral blood perfusion during long-term follow-up and is able to safely monitor digital ulcer evolution in scleroderma patients. It evaluates blood perfusion in different areas within the skin lesions and surrounding them during standard treatment.
Coexistence of spondyloarthritis and joint hypermobility syndrome: rare or unknown association?
Authors: Pinto Carneiro J.B. , Pinto de Souza T. , Antunes de Oliveira T.M.L. , Euzébio Ribeiro S.L.
Published: September 2017

We report two cases of siblings presenting coexisting non-radiographic axial spondyloartrhritis and joint hypermobility syndrome, complaining of back pain with morning stiffness, enthesitis, peripheral arthralgia, high erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein level and positive HLA-B27. The association of these two conditions is rare, but especially interesting in view of their contrasting features, one causing axial skeleton stiffness, the other a wider range of peripheral joint movements. Coexistence of these two opposite disorders causes confusion in diagnosis and management, resulting in lower quality of life for patients, as they are in pain from the early stages. Therefore, this association is suspected in young individuals with back pain and physical exam findings of peripheral joint hypermobility and axial skeleton loss of mobility.
Headache in a young woman: do not forget Susac’s syndrome
Authors: Kefi A. , Said F. , Ben Salem T. , Khedher M. , Khanfir M. , Ben Ghorbel I. , Lamloum M. , Houman M.H.
Published: September 2017

Susac syndrome is a rare disease characterized by the clinical triad of encephalopathy, branch retinal artery occlusion, and sensorineural hearing loss. This underdiagnosed condition needs to be considered in the differential diagnosis of a broad variety of disorders. An early diagnosis is important as treatment can halt disease progression and prevent permanent disability. Herein, we report a case of Susac syndrome in a 31-year-old woman and we highlight how challenging an early diagnosis was and the importance of an aggressive therapeutic approach, including the combination of steroids and other cytotoxic drugs.