bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘Standing up for Scotland’: The Scottish Unionist Party and ‘nationalist unionism’, 1912–68
Authors: Torrance David
Published: April 2018

Scottish nationalism has long interested political scientists and historians but has often been interpreted narrowly as the desire for full independence from the multi-national United Kingdom. A broader definition, however, reveals what this article calls the ‘nationalist unionism’ of the Scottish Unionist Party (1912–65), and its surprisingly nuanced view of Scottish national identity as well as Scotland's place in the UK. Drawing on nationalist theory, Smith's ‘ethno-symbolism’, Billig's ‘banal nationalism’ and Bulpitt's interpretation of the Conservative Party's ‘territorial code’ are deployed to analyse this phenomena, supporting the argument that it rested upon myths and symbols from the pre-modern era; pushed what it perceived as ‘bad’ nationalism (the desire for legislative rather than administrative devolution) to the ‘periphery’ of Scottish political discourse and, finally, demonstrated the willingness of the unionist ‘core’ to allow the Scottish Unionist Party to pursue a relatively autonomous strategy for electoral dominance. Furthermore, this article argues that the Scottish Unionist Party presented itself – most ostentatiously between the early 1930s and mid 1950s – as the main ‘guardian’ of a distinct Scottish national identity, while celebrating and protecting Scotland's semi-autonomous place within the UK.
Dog and Cat Interactions in a Remote Aboriginal Community
Authors: Kennedy Brooke , Brown Wendy Y. , Vernes Karl , Körtner Gerhard , Butler James R. A.
Published: April 2018

This study examined dog and cat demographics, roaming behaviours, and interspecific interactions in a remote Aboriginal island community using multiple methods. Our results revealed temporal differences between the roaming behaviours of dogs, cats, and wildlife. Dogs showed crepuscular behaviour, being active around dawn (5:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.) and dusk (6:00 p.m. and 11:35 p.m.). The majority of cats were active between dawn (6:30 a.m.) and dusk (7:30 p.m.) and travelled shorter distances than dogs. However, some cats were also observed roaming between dusk and dawn, and were likely to be hunting since flightless wildlife were also recorded on our remote-sensing cameras during this time. These baseline data provide evidence to suggest that new management programs are needed to reduce the number of roaming cats and therefore their potential impacts on native wildlife. Collaborations between Aboriginal owners and other stakeholders is necessary to design innovative and effective animal management and policy on the island.
Nature Inspired Plasmonic Structures: Influence of Structural Characteristics on Sensing Capability
Authors: Perozziello Gerardo , Candeloro Patrizio , Coluccio Maria Laura , Das Godind , Rocca Loredana , Pullano Salvatore Andrea , Fiorillo Antonino Secondo , De Stefano Mario , Di Fabrizio Enzo
Published: April 2018

Surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is a powerful analytical technique that allows the enhancement of a Raman signal in a molecule or molecular assemblies placed in the proximity of nanostructured metallic surfaces, due to plasmonic effects. However, laboratory methods to obtain of these prototypes are time-consuming, expensive and they do not always lead to the desired result. In this work, we analyse structures existing in nature that show, on a nanoscale, characteristic conformations of photonic crystals. We demonstrate that these structures, if covered with gold, change into plasmonic nanostructures and are able to sustain the SERS effect. We study three different structures with this property: opal, a hydrated amorphous form of silica (SiO2·nH2O); diatoms, a kind of unicellular alga; and peacock tail feather. Rhodamine 6G (down to 10−12 M) is used to evaluate their capability to increase the Raman signal. These results allow us to define an alternative way to obtain a high sensitivity in Raman spectroscopy, currently achieved by a long and expensive technique, and to fabricate inexpensive nanoplasmonic structures which could be integrated into optical sensors.
Ethics of End of Life Decisions in Pediatrics: A Narrative Review of the Roles of Caregivers, Shared Decision-Making, and Patient Centered Values
Authors: Santoro Jonathan D. , Bennett Mariko
Published: April 2018

Background: This manuscript reviews unique aspects of end of life decision-making in pediatrics. Methods: A narrative literature review of pediatric end of life issues was performed in the English language. Results: While a paternalistic approach is typically applied to children with life-limiting medical prognoses, the cognitive, language, and physical variability in this patient population is wide and worthy of review. In end of life discussions in pediatrics, the consideration of a child’s input is often not reviewed in depth, although a shared decision-making model is ideal for use, even for children with presumed limitations due to age. This narrative review of end of life decision-making in pediatric care explores nomenclature, the introduction of the concept of death, relevant historical studies, limitations to the shared decision-making model, the current state of end of life autonomy in pediatrics, and future directions and needs. Although progress is being made toward a more uniform and standardized approach to care, few non-institutional protocols exist. Complicating factors in the lack of guidelines include the unique facets of pediatric end of life care, including physical age, paternalism, the cognitive and language capacity of patients, subconscious influencers of parents, and normative values of death in pediatrics. Conclusions: Although there have been strides in end of life decision-making in pediatrics, further investigation and research is needed in this field.
Rhombohedral Distortion of the Cubic MgCu2-Type Structure in Ca2Pt3Ga and Ca2Pd3Ga
Authors: Toombs Asa , Miller Gordon J.
Published: April 2018

Two new fully ordered ternary Laves phase compounds, Ca2Pt3Ga and Ca2Pd3Ga, have been synthesized and characterized by powder and single-crystal X-ray diffraction along with electronic structure calculations. Ca2Pd3Ga was synthesized as a pure phase whereas Ca2Pt3Ga was found as a diphasic product with Ca2Pt2Ga. Electronic structure calculations were performed to try and understand why CaPt2 and CaPd2, which crystalize in the cubic MgCu2-type Laves phase structure, distort to the ordered rhombohedral variant, first observed in the magneto-restricted TbFe2 compound, with the substitution of twenty-five percent of the Pt/Pd with Ga. Electronic stability was investigated by changing the valence electron count from 22e−/f.u. in CaPd2 and CaPt2 (2x) to 37e−/f.u. in Ca2Pd3Ga and Ca2Pt3Ga, which causes the Fermi level to shift to a more energetically favorable location in the DOS. The coloring problem was studied by placing a single Ga atom in each of four tetrahedra of the cubic unit cell of the MgCu2-type structure, with nine symmetrically inequivalent models being investigated. Non-optimized and optimized total energy analyses of structural characteristics, along with electronic properties, will be discussed.
Stocktype and Vegetative Competition Influences on Pseudotsuga menziesii and Larix occidentalis Seedling Establishment
Authors: Pinto Jeremiah R. , McNassar Bridget A. , Kildisheva Olga A. , Davis Anthony S.
Published: April 2018

Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca (Mayr) Franco), and western larch (Larix occidentalis Nutt.) are species of ecological and commercial importance that occur throughout the Western United States. Effective reforestation of these species relies on successful seedling establishment, which is affected by planting stock quality, stocktype size, and site preparation techniques. This study examined the effects of container volume (80, 130, 200, and 250 cm3) and vegetative competition on seedling survival and physiological and morphological responses for two years, post-outplanting. Glyphosate application (GS) and grass planting (HC) were used to achieve low and high levels of competition. For all measured attributes, the container volume × vegetative competition was not significant. Mortality was strongly influenced by competition, with higher mortality observed for Douglas fir and western larch planted in HC plots one (28% and 98%) and two (61% and 99%) years following outplanting. When competition was controlled, seedlings of both species exhibited greater net photosynthesis (>9 μmol m−2 s−1), greater predawn water potential (>−0.35 MPa), and lower mortality (2–3%) following one year in the field, indicating establishment success. The 80 cm3 stocktype remained significantly smaller and exhibited lower growth rates for the duration of the study, while all other stocktypes were statistically similar. Our results demonstrate the importance of controlling vegetative competition regardless of stocktype, especially for western larch, and suggest that benefits to post-planting seedling physiology and growth in relation to container size plateau beyond 130 cm3 among the investigated stocktypes.
The Comprehensive Snack Parenting Questionnaire (CSPQ): Development and Test-Retest Reliability
Authors: Gevers Dorus W. M. , Kremers Stef P. J. , De Vries Nanne K. , Van Assema Patricia
Published: April 2018

The narrow focus of existing food parenting instruments led us to develop a food parenting practices instrument measuring the full range of food practices constructs with a focus on snacking behavior. We present the development of the questionnaire and our research on the test-retest reliability. The developed Comprehensive Snack Parenting Questionnaire (CSPQ) covers 21 constructs. Test-retest reliability was assessed by calculating intra class correlation coefficients and percentage agreement after two administrations of the CSPQ among a sample of 66 Dutch parents. Test-retest reliability analysis revealed acceptable intra class correlation coefficients (≥0.41) or agreement scores (≥0.60) for all items. These results, together with earlier work, suggest sufficient psychometric characteristics. The comprehensive, but brief CSPQ opens up chances for highly essential but unstudied research questions to understand and predict children’s snack intake. Example applications include studying the interactional nature of food parenting practices or interactions of food parenting with general parenting or child characteristics.
Solution of Optimal Harvesting Problem by Finite Difference Approximations of Size-Structured Population Model
Authors: Pyy Johanna , Ahtikoski Anssi , Lapin Alexander , Laitinen Erkki
Published: April 2018

We solve numerically a forest management optimization problem governed by a nonlinear partial differential equation (PDE), which is a size-structured population model. The formulated problem is supplemented with a natural constraint for a solution to be non-negative. PDE is approximated by an explicit or implicit in time finite difference scheme, whereas the cost function is taken from the very beginning in the finite-dimensional form used in practice. We prove the stability of the constructed nonlinear finite difference schemes on the set of non-negative vectors and the solvability of the formulated discrete optimal control problems. The gradient information is derived by constructing discrete adjoint state equations. The projected gradient method is used for finding the extremal points. The results of numerical testing for several real problems show good agreement with the known results and confirm the theoretical statements.
Effector–Immunity Pairs Provide the T6SS Nanomachine its Offensive and Defensive Capabilities
Authors: Yang Xiaobing , Long Mingxiu , Shen Xihui
Published: April 2018

Type VI protein secretion systems (T6SSs) are specialized transport apparatus which can target both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells and play key roles in host–pathogen–microbiota interactions. Therefore, T6SSs have attracted much attention as a research topic during the past ten years. In this review, we particularly summarized the T6SS antibacterial function, which involves an interesting offensive and defensive mechanism of the effector–immunity (E–I) pairs. The three main categories of effectors that target the cell wall, membranes, and nucleic acids during bacterial interaction, along with their corresponding immunity proteins are presented. We also discuss structural analyses of several effectors and E–I pairs, which explain the offensive and defensive mechanisms underpinning T6SS function during bacterial competition for niche-space, as well as the bioinformatics, proteomics, and protein–protein interaction (PPI) methods used to identify and characterize T6SS mediated E–I pairs. Additionally, we described PPI methods for verifying E–I pairs.
Current Conjugation Methods for Immunosensors
Authors: Li Zeyang , Chen Guan-Yu
Published: April 2018

Recent advances in the development of immunosensors using polymeric nanomaterials and nanoparticles have enabled a wide range of new functions and applications in diagnostic and prognostic research. One fundamental challenge that all immunosensors must overcome is to provide the specificity of target molecular recognition by immobilizing antibodies, antibody fragments, and/or other peptides or oligonucleotide molecules that are capable of antigen recognition on a compact device surface. This review presents progress in the application of immobilization strategies including the classical adsorption process, affinity attachment, random cross-linking and specific covalent linking. The choice of immobilization methods and its impact on biosensor performance in terms of capture molecule loading, orientation, stability and capture efficiency are also discussed in this review.
“As-You-Go” Instead of “After-the-Fact”: A Network Approach to Scholarly Communication and Evaluation
Authors: Hartgerink Chris H. J. , Van Zelst Marino
Published: April 2018

Scholarly research faces threats to its sustainability on multiple domains (access, incentives, reproducibility, inclusivity). We argue that “after-the-fact” research papers do not help and actually cause some of these threats because the chronology of the research cycle is lost in a research paper. We propose to give up the academic paper and propose a digitally native “as-you-go” alternative. In this design, modules of research outputs are communicated along the way and are directly linked to each other to form a network of outputs that can facilitate research evaluation. This embeds chronology in the design of scholarly communication and facilitates the recognition of more diverse outputs that go beyond the paper (e.g., code, materials). Moreover, using network analysis to investigate the relations between linked outputs could help align evaluation tools with evaluation questions. We illustrate how such a modular “as-you-go” design of scholarly communication could be structured and how network indicators could be computed to assist in the evaluation process, with specific use cases for funders, universities, and individual researchers.
Wearable Sensors and the Assessment of Frailty among Vulnerable Older Adults: An Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Razjouyan Javad , Naik Aanand D. , Horstman Molly J. , Kunik Mark E. , Amirmazaheri Mona , Zhou He , Sharafkhaneh Amir , Najafi Bijan
Published: April 2018

Background: The geriatric syndrome of frailty is one of the greatest challenges facing the U.S. aging population. Frailty in older adults is associated with higher adverse outcomes, such as mortality and hospitalization. Identifying precise early indicators of pre-frailty and measures of specific frailty components are of key importance to enable targeted interventions and remediation. We hypothesize that sensor-derived parameters, measured by a pendant accelerometer device in the home setting, are sensitive to identifying pre-frailty. Methods: Using the Fried frailty phenotype criteria, 153 community-dwelling, ambulatory older adults were classified as pre-frail (51%), frail (22%), or non-frail (27%). A pendant sensor was used to monitor the at home physical activity, using a chest acceleration over 48 h. An algorithm was developed to quantify physical activity pattern (PAP), physical activity behavior (PAB), and sleep quality parameters. Statistically significant parameters were selected to discriminate the pre-frail from frail and non-frail adults. Results: The stepping parameters, walking parameters, PAB parameters (sedentary and moderate-to-vigorous activity), and the combined parameters reached and area under the curve of 0.87, 0.85, 0.85, and 0.88, respectively, for identifying pre-frail adults. No sleep parameters discriminated the pre-frail from the rest of the adults. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that a pendant sensor can identify pre-frailty via daily home monitoring. These findings may open new opportunities in order to remotely measure and track frailty via telehealth technologies.
Highly Stable and Flexible Pressure Sensors with Modified Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube/Polymer Composites for Human Monitoring
Authors: He Yin , Ming Yue , Li Wei , Li Yafang , Wu Maoqi , Song Jinzhong , Li Xiaojiu , Liu Hao
Published: April 2018

A facile method for preparing an easy processing, repeatable and flexible pressure sensor was presented via the synthesis of modified multi-walled carbon nanotubes (m-MWNTs) and polyurethane (PU) films. The surface modification of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) simultaneously used a silane coupling agent (KH550) and sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS) to improve the dispersibility and compatibility of the MWNTs in a polymer matrix. The electrical property and piezoresistive behavior of the m-MWNT/PU composites were compared with raw multi-walled carbon nanotube (raw MWNT)/PU composites. Under linear uniaxial pressure, the m-MWNT/PU composite exhibited 4.282%kPa−1 sensitivity within the pressure of 1 kPa. The nonlinear error, hysteresis error and repeatability error of the piezoresistivity of m-MWNT/PU decreased 9%, 16.72% and 54.95% relative to raw MWNT/PU respectively. Therefore, the piezoresistive response of m-MWNT/PU had better stability than that of raw MWNT/PU composites. The m-MWNT/PU sensors could be utilized in wearable devices for body movement detection, monitoring of respiration and pressure detection in garments.
Exertional Rhabdomyolysis after an Extreme Conditioning Competition: A Case Report
Authors: Tibana Ramires Alsamir , Sousa Nuno Manuel Frade de , Cunha Gabriel Veloso , Prestes Jonato , Navalta James W. , Voltarelli Fabricio Azevedo
Published: April 2018

This case report describes an instance of exercise-induced rhabdomyolysis caused by an extreme conditioning program (ECP) competition. A 35-year-old female presented with abdominal pain and soreness, which began one day after she completed two days of ECPcompetition composed of five workouts. Three days after competition, creatine kinase (CK) was 77,590 U/L accompanied by myalgia and abnormal liver function tests, while renal function was normal and this resulted in a diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis. A follow-up examination revealed that her serum level of CK was still elevated to 3034 U/L on day 10 and 1257 U/L on day 25 following the ECP competition. The subject reported myalgia even up to 25 days after the ECP competition. Exertional rhabdomyolysis can be observed in ECP athletes following competition and highlights a dangerous condition, which may be increasing in recent years due to the massive expansion of ECP popularity and a growing number of competitions. Future research should investigate the causes of rhabdomyolysis that occur as a result of ECP, especially training methods and/or tasks developed specifically for these competitions.
GIS Assessment of Mass Tourism Anthropization in Sensitive Coastal Environments: Application to a Case Study in the Mar Menor Area
Authors: García-Ayllón Salvador
Published: April 2018

On the Mediterranean coast, the tourism activity which has developed since the 1950s has become a mass tourism industry in recent decades, cohabitating with natural spaces of high environmental value. These sensitive areas are thus subjected to a varied catalog of anthropizing actions (urbanization of the natural soil, modification of the dune balances by the construction of port infrastructures, alteration of marine ecosystems by recreational activities, etc.). All these inter-related elements are often difficult to analyze in a comprehensive way because of their diffuse nature. This paper proposes a methodology based on GIS analysis for the evaluation of diffuse anthropization associated to tourism in sensitive coastal environments. By using different indicators of territorial transformation, a complete method is proposed to establish the index of diffuse anthropization of a territory. This methodology, which is easily applicable in a generalized manner in different cases for developed countries, will be applied in the Mar Menor, a coastal lagoon area in the Mediterranean that has been suffering from mass tourism during recent decades. The results will show the important impact of several actions linked to tourism and the worrying inertia that the current trend can cause in the lagoon’s ecosystem.
Incitations juridiques versus incitations normatives en présence d’erreurs judiciaires
Authors: Deffains Bruno , Fluet Claude
Published: April 2018

Legal versus Normative Incentives Under Judicial Error.

We analyse the complementarity between legal incentives (i. e., the threat of being held liable for damages) and normative incentives (i. e., the fear of social disapproval) in situations where instances of misbehaviour are not perfectly observable. We show that there may be multiple equilibria within a given legal regime, as well as multiple socio-legal equilibria in different legal situations. We argue that this analysis may explain some of the differences between common lawand civil lawregarding the notions of fault or negligence. Our approach also provides an explanation for trends currently observed in civil law systems, in particular the weakening of evidentiary requirements in tort cases.
Analyse économique du droit et méthode expérimentale
Authors: Gabuthy Yannick , Jacquemet Nicolas
Published: April 2018

Economic Analysis of Law and the Experimental Method.

We summarise the main contributions of experimental economics to the field of law and economics. Laboratory experiments are designed to replicate a microeconomic environment and to observe the behaviour of real people interacting in that environment. Theoretical predictions can then be compared with observed behaviour to assess their empirical relevance. We present a set of illustrations derived fromthis comparison. We reviewfour streams of research in experimental law and economics : the Coase theorem, competition policy, the efficiency of dispute resolution mechanisms, and criminal behaviour.
Méthodes économétriques pour l’évaluation de politiques publiques
Authors: Givord Pauline
Published: April 2018

Cet article présente les principales méthodes économétriques utilisées pour l’évaluation ex post de l’impact d’une politique publique. Il met l’accent sur les problèmes de sélection qui se posent lors d’une évaluation (en particulier en expliquant comment distinguer ce qui relève de l’effet d’une politique des spécificités éventuelles de ses bénéficiaires). Il trace les différentes étapes d’une feuille de route d’un tel exercice (données nécessaires, hypothèse d’identification, interprétation des résultats), illustrées par les exemples issus d’articles récents de la littérature économique. On commence par rappeler le cadre classique d’inférence causale dit “ de Rubin”, puis on décrit en détail les quatre principales méthodes empiriques d’évaluation : sélection sur observables, différence de différences, variables instrumentales et régression sur discontinuités.
Commentaire - Expérimentation contrôlée contre appariement
Authors: Chabé-Ferret Sylvain
Published: April 2018

This comment discusses the scope of the results obtained by M. Bléhaut and R. Rathelot (BR) and their consequences for the use of matching. The BR paper demonstrates indisputably that observable variables do not suffice to neutralise selection bias, the presence of attrition and displacement effects simultaneously. Thus, even though it does not provide definitive evidence in this respect, the paper casts serious doubts on the ability of matching to solve the selection bias problem. These doubts are compounded by results of similar research work, whose key lessons are summarised. This comment draws the consequences of these findings for the use ofmatching for public policy evaluation, particularly in the field of employment.
Analytical Models of Exoplanetary Atmospheres. V. Non-gray Thermal Structure with Coherent Scattering
Authors: Mohandas Gopakumar , Pessah Martin E. , Heng Kevin
Published: April 2018

We apply the picket fence treatment to model the effects brought about by spectral lines on the thermal structure of irradiated atmospheres. The lines may be due to pure absorption processes, pure coherent scattering processes, or some combination of absorption and scattering. If the lines arise as a pure absorption process, the surface layers of the atmosphere are cooler, whereas this surface cooling is completely absent if the lines are due to pure coherent isotropic scattering. The lines also lead to a warming of the deeper atmosphere. The warming of the deeper layers is, however, independent of the nature of line formation. Accounting for coherent isotropic scattering in the shortwave and longwave continuum results in anti-greenhouse cooling and greenhouse warming on an atmosphere-wide scale. The effects of coherent isotropic scattering in the line and continuum operate in tandem to determine the resulting thermal structure of the irradiated atmosphere.
Update on the X-Ray Variability Plane for Active Galactic Nuclei: The Role of the Obscuration
Authors: González-Martín Omaira
Published: April 2018

Scaling relations are the most powerful astrophysical tools to set constraints on the physical mechanisms of astronomical sources and to infer properties that cannot be accessed directly. We reinvestigate here one of these scaling relations in active galactic nuclei (AGNs); the so-called X-ray variability plane (or mass–luminosity timescale relation). This relation links the power-spectral density (PSD) break frequency with the super-massive black hole (SMBH) mass and the bolometric luminosity. We used the available XMM-Newton observations of a sample of 22 AGNs to study the PSD and spectra in short segments within each observation. This allows us to report for the first time that the PSD break frequency varies for each object, showing variations in 19 out of the 22 AGNs analyzed. Our analysis of the variability plane confirms the relation between the break frequency and the SMBH mass and finds that the obscuration along the line of sight N
H (or the variations on the obscuration using its standard deviation, ΔN
H) is also a required parameter, at least for the range of frequencies analyzed here (

). We constrain a new variability plane of the following form:

(or

). The X-ray variability plane found by McHardy et al. is roughly recovered when we use unobscured segments. We speculate that this behavior is well explained if most of the reported frequencies are related to inner clouds (within 1 pc), following Kepler orbits under the gravitational field of the SMBH.
Further Insight on the Hypervelocity White Dwarf, LP 40–365 (GD 492): A Nearby Emissary from a Single-degenerate Type Ia Supernova
Authors: Raddi R. , Hollands M. A. , Koester D. , Gänsicke B. T. , Fusillo N. P. Gentile , Hermes J. J. , Townsley D. M.
Published: April 2018

The recently discovered hypervelocity white dwarf LP 40−365 (aka GD 492) has been suggested as the outcome of the failed disruption of a white dwarf in a subluminous Type Ia supernova (SN Ia). We present new observations confirming GD 492 as a single star with unique spectral features. Our spectroscopic analysis suggests that a helium-dominated atmosphere, with ≃33% neon and 2% oxygen by mass, can reproduce most of the observed properties of this highly unusual star. Although our atmospheric model contrasts with the previous analysis in terms of dominant atmospheric species, we confirm that the atmosphere of GD 492 is strongly hydrogen deficient,

, and displays traces of 11 other α and iron-group elements (with sulfur, chromium, manganese, and titanium as new detections), indicating nuclear processing of carbon and silicon. We measure a manganese-to-iron ratio seven times larger than solar. While the observed abundances of GD 492 do not fully match any predicted nuclear yields of a partially burned supernova remnant, the manganese excess strongly favors a link with a single-degenerate SN Ia event over alternative scenarios.
Fast Radio Bursts’ Recipes for the Distributions of Dispersion Measures, Flux Densities, and Fluences
Authors: Niino Yuu
Published: April 2018

We investigate how the statistical properties of dispersion measure (DM) and apparent flux density/fluence of (nonrepeating) fast radio bursts (FRBs) are determined by unknown cosmic rate density history [ρ
FRB(z)] and luminosity function (LF) of the transient events. We predict the distributions of DMs, flux densities, and fluences of FRBs taking account of the variation of the receiver efficiency within its beam, using analytical models of ρ
FRB(z) and LF. Comparing the predictions with the observations, we show that the cumulative distribution of apparent fluences suggests that FRBs originate at cosmological distances and ρ
FRB increases with redshift resembling the cosmic star formation history (CSFH). We also show that an LF model with a bright-end cutoff at log10
L

ν
(erg s−1 Hz−1) ∼ 34 are favored to reproduce the observed DM distribution if ρ
FRB(z) ∝ CSFH, although the statistical significance of the constraints obtained with the current size of the observed sample is not high. Finally, we find that the correlation between DM and flux density of FRBs is potentially a powerful tool to distinguish whether FRBs are at cosmological distances or in the local universe more robustly with future observations.
La science régionale et la performance des politiques publiques : retour sur les méthodes d’évaluation
Authors: Bourdin Sébastien , Ragazzi Elena
Published: April 2018

Dans un contexte de fortes contraintes budgétaires pour les collectivités territoriales, la question de l’efficacité des politiques menées est un sujet d’actualité. L’évaluation des politiques publiques de développement territorial fait l’objet de nombreux travaux académiques en sciences humaines et sociales. Or, de nombreux problèmes méthodologiques persistent parmi lesquels on retrouve la validité et le rôle des méthodes quantitatives et qualitatives, la nature des causalités, la qualité des données exploitées et leur raffinement, la multidimensionalité des phénomènes adressés par les politiques et des objectifs de celles-ci. Dans ce cadre, cet article vise à introduire le numéro spécial portant sur les problèmes et défis de la Science Régionale dans l’évaluation des politiques publiques à partir d’expériences de chercheurs pour en tirer des leçons.
Analyse spatiale de l’efficacité des Fonds structurels européens sur la croissance régionale
Authors: Bourdin Sébastien
Published: April 2018

La politique de Cohésion de l’UE a fêté ses vingt années d’existence en 2009. La mise sur pied de cette politique part du constat que les forces du marché ne sont pas nécessairement suffisantes pour réduire significativement les inégalités territoriales. L'UE a alors construit cet outil de solidarité financière entre États membres avec l'objectif d'améliorer la compétitivité des régions défavorisées et de corriger les déséquilibres régionaux. Pourtant, la littérature sur la question de l’efficacité des Fonds européens n’est pas unanime. Aussi, nous proposons d’analyser la politique de Cohésion et son rôle dans la croissance régionale au travers d’une méthode développée en analyse spatiale, à savoir la Gwr (régression géographiquement pondérée). Les résultats montrent que les effets de la politique de Cohésion sont différenciés en fonction des régions de l’UE. Les variations spatiales de l’influence des Fonds européens sur la croissance économique des régions appellent des inflexions sur la politique de Cohésion, en particulier en faveur d’une politique davantage territorialisée. Classification JEL : C21, C26, R58
Politique régionale européenne et développement économique
Authors: Bouayad-Agha Salima , Turpin Nadine , Védrine Lionel
Published: April 2018

Cet article examine les effets par domaine d’intervention de la politique régionale européenne sur le taux de croissance du Pib et de l’emploi, pour la période 2000-2006. Nous estimons des fonctions de réponse à l’intensité des transferts par domaine d’intervention (environnement productif, infrastructures, ressources humaines) en utilisant une approche par le score de propension généralisé. Nous mettons en évidence que les montants totaux des fonds ont des effets positifs et significatifs sur le taux de croissance annuel moyen du Pib mais non significatifs sur le taux de croissance de l’emploi. Nous montrons un effet significatif et positif des transferts dans le domaine des infrastructures à la fois sur le taux de croissance du Pib et dans une moindre mesure sur celui de l’emploi. Les montants employés pour développer l’environnement productif des entreprises affectent le taux de croissance du Pib mais pas l’emploi, tandis que les montants affectés à l’amélioration du capital humain n’ont pas d’effet significatif. Classification JEL : C14, C21, R11
Évaluer les stratégies de spécialisation intelligente
Authors: Colletis-Wahl Hans-Kristian
Published: April 2018

Les stratégies de spécialisation intelligente sont mises en œuvre par la Commission européenne au sein de l’actuel cycle de politiques structurelles. La spécialisation intelligente correspond à une réorientation des politiques qui ont pour objectif le développement des régions européennes et, à travers elle, la cohésion économique et sociale des États-membres. Cette évolution repose sur un changement de grille d’analyse théorique des dynamiques territoriales, qui passe d’une représentation en termes de systèmes territoriaux d’innovation à une grille de lecture issue de la nouvelle économie géographique et du management stratégique, centrée sur l’innovation et ses répercussions sur la formation des structures économiques régionales. Cet article étudie les répercussions de ce changement sur la conception et la mise en œuvre des politiques régionales, ainsi que sur l’évaluation de leurs impacts en se basant sur une évaluation ex ante d’un PO Feder-Fse de l’actuel cycle de Fonds structurels 2014-2020. Classification JEL : H11, H43, L26, O18, O30
Évaluer les stratégies régionales d’innovation et innovation méthodologique
Authors: Elouaer-Mrizak Sana , Picard Fabienne
Published: April 2018

Sous la double impulsion de l’Agenda de Lisbonne et de la reconnaissance du rôle de la proximité dans les processus de production de connaissances et d’innovation, les régions sont amenées à exercer un rôle majeur dans l’élaboration et l’exécution des politiques publiques d’innovation. Le changement de la nature même de ces politiques touche également les méthodologies d’évaluation et souligne le nécessaire développement d’un regard nouveau du rôle et des formes d’évaluation des politiques d’innovation. Traditionnellement, l’évaluation de l’impact d’une politique publique consiste à mesurer la variation d’un indicateur de résultat relativement aux actions financées par l’intervention publique. Mais en matière de stratégie régionale d’innovation cette approche montre ses limites. Aussi l’objectif de cet article est-il de proposer une méthodologie innovante d’évaluation des politiques régionales d’innovation qui prenne appui sur une expérimentation réalisée de 2013 à 2015 dans la région Franche-Comté. Classification JEL : R58, O31, C10, H10
L’évaluation d’impact territorial en pratique
Authors: Baslé Maurice
Published: April 2018

L’évaluation d’impact territorial des programmes participe de l’évaluation de l’effectivité des politiques et des programmes publics sur un périmètre territorial à la fois géographique et institutionnel. Elle est donc une activité ambitieuse de connaissance au service de l’action publique à finalité territoriale, avant, pendant et après l’action. L’activité évaluative peut faire appel à des démarches de production de contrefactuel. Elle peut se contenter de faire appel à des représentations conventionnelles des logiques d’action publique. Seules ces dernières font l’objet ici d’une analyse approfondie en termes de faisabilité et de fiabilité. Les conventions de logiques d’action, lorsqu’elles sont partagées entre les acteurs de l’évaluation d’impact, sont au cœur des cahiers des charges et servent d’ossature aux termes de références des évaluations : elles sont le langage partagé par les acteurs publics et les évaluateurs. L'article se réfère à la seule pratique de ces représentations dans les usages des évaluateurs : l’accent est porté sur les conventions simples de représentations « de chaînes d’impact » mais aussi, dans le cas de politiques complexes, sur les représentations de « réseaux de valeur et d’impact ». Puisqu’il s’agit de conventions, les questions de faisabilité et de fiabilité des résultats des évaluations se posent immédiatement : elles sont traitées ici avec un esprit de praticien. Il est montré qu’un indicateur de confiance dans les résultats donne souvent du flou aux résultats évaluatifs mais ceci peut augmenter l’acceptabilité des résultats évaluatifs d’impact territorial, ce qui, au surplus, peut favoriser l’utilisation des résultats des évaluations. Classification JEL : H11, H7, O18, R58.
Anti-obesity properties of the strain Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis CECT 8145 in Zücker fatty rats
Authors: Carreras N. López , Martorell P. , Chenoll E. , Genovés S. , Ramón D. , Aleixandre A.
Published: April 2018

We evaluated the effect of oral administration of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis CECT 8145 strain in Zücker fatty rats. The Zücker fatty rats were randomly divided into two groups (n=10 each) and administered either B. animalis subsp. lactis CECT 8145 (1010 cfu/day) suspended in skim milk, or skim milk alone (control group). Each treatment was administered in drinking bottles from week 5 until week 17 of age. A lean Zücker rat group (standard group) was included to provide normal values for the Zücker strain. This group was administered skim milk in the drinking bottle for the same experimental period as Zücker fatty rats. Body weight gain was greater in the fatty control group than in the fatty rats treated daily with B. animalis subsp. lactis CECT 8145. Furthermore, dry and liquid food intake significantly decreased in the treated Zücker fatty group and these rats also showed decreased plasma ghrelin levels as compared with the Zücker fatty control group. B. animalis subsp. lactis CECT 8145 intake also decreased plasma tumour necrosis factor-α (a proinflammatory cytokine) and plasma malondialdehyde (a biomarker of oxidative stress). Moreover, the ratio plasma total cholesterol/plasma cholesterol transported by high-density lipoproteins, considered as an index for cardiovascular disease, also significantly decreased in the Zücker fatty rats treated with B. animalis subsp. lactis CECT 8145. By contrast, this bacterial strain significantly increased plasma adiponectin (an insulin-sensitising adipokine), but did not produce significant effects on triglyceride levels or glucose metabolism biomarkers. Although further research is required to confirm B. animalis subsp. lactis CECT 8145 is an efficient anti-obesity treatment in humans, the results obtained in this study are promising and point to the health and anti-obesity properties of this bacterial strain.
Extraction of the same novel homoglycan mixture from two different strains of Bifidobacterium animalis and three strains of Bifidobacterium breve
Authors: Alhudhud M. , Sadiq S. , Ngo H.N. , Hidalgo-Cantabrana C. , Ruas-Madiedo P. , van Sinderen D. , Humphreys P.N. , Laws A.P.
Published: April 2018

Three strains of Bifidobacterium breve (JCM 7017, JCM 7019 and JCM 2258) and two strains of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (AD011 and A1dOxR) were grown in broth cultures or on plates, and a standard exopolysaccharide extraction method was used in an attempt to recover exocellular polysaccharides. When the extracted materials were analysed by NMR it was clear that mixtures of polysaccharides were being isolated including exopolysaccharides (EPS) cell wall polysaccharides and intracellular polysaccharides. Treatment of the cell biomass from the B. breve strains, or the B. animalis subsp. lactis AD011 strain, with aqueous sodium hydroxide provided a very similar mixture of polysaccharides but without the EPS. The different polysaccharides were partially fractionated by selective precipitation from an aqueous solution upon the addition of increasing percentages of ethanol. The polysaccharides extracted from B. breve JCM 7017 grown in HBM media supplemented with glucose (or isotopically labelled D-glucose-1-13C) were characterised using 1D and 2D-NMR spectroscopy. Addition of one volume of ethanol generated a medium molecular weight glycogen (Mw=1×105 Da, yield 200 mg/l). The addition of two volumes of ethanol precipitated an intimate mixture of a low molecular weight β-(1→6)-glucan and a low molecular weight β-(1→6)-galactofuranan which could not be separated (combined yield 46 mg/l). When labelled D-glucose-1-13C was used as a carbon supplement, the label was incorporated into >95% of the anomeric carbons of each polysaccharide confirming they were being synthesised in situ. Similar 1H NMR profiles were obtained for polysaccharides recovered from the cells of B. animalis subsp. lactis AD011and A1dOxR (in combination with an EPS), B. breve JCM 7017, B. breve JCM 7019, B. breve JCM 2258 and from an EPS (-ve) mutant of B. breve 7017 (a non-EPS producer).
Influence of bagasse ash and recycled concrete aggregate on hardened properties of high-strength concrete
Authors: Rattanachu P. , Karntong I. , Tangchirapat W. , Jaturapitakkul C. , Chindaprasirt P.
Published: April 2018

This research aimed to use of bagasse ash as a cement replacement in high-strength recycled aggregate concrete (HS-RAC). Crushed limestone was replaced with 100% recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) and the ground bagasse ash (GBA) was used to partially replace ordinary Portland cement (OPC) at 20, 35 and 50%wt of binder to cast HS-RAC. The results indicated that the replacing of crushed limestone with RCA had a negative impact on the properties of the concrete. Increasing the amount of GBA in HS-RAC resulted in a decrease in density and an increase in the volume of permeable pore space. The concrete mixtures prepared with 20%wt GBA replacement of OPC promoted greater the compressive strength than the conventional concrete (CT concrete) at 90 days or more. HS-RAC with GBA (up to 50%) was more durable in terms of chloride ion penetration resistance, although it had lower compressive strength than the CT concrete.
Multi-agent Finite-time Ideal Convergence Algorithm Based on Bilinear Manifold
Authors: Yuan Feng
Published: April 2018

Based on the traditional belief updating model, a concept of belief distance is put forward in this paper. On the basis of this concept, a new belief distance updating model for the multi-agent system is proposed, and the rationality of the model is proved. In this model, the belief distance updating process of the multi-agent system is described, and the linear system is used to describe the belief convergence process of the multi-agent system, which has simplified the complexity of the belief reachability analysis for the multi-agent system. On the basis of this model, the belief reachability for the multi-agent systems in the network control is analyzed, and the necessary and sufficient conditions for judging the belief reachability of the multi-agent system are given.
A Quantum Identity Authentication Protocol Based on Optical Transmission & Face Recognition
Authors: Zhu Dexin , Li Xiaohui , Li Xiaohong , Wei Rongkai , Wu Jianan , Song Lijun
Published: April 2018

Specific to security issues concerning identity authentication of mobile applications, a quantum identity authentication protocol based on optical transmission and face recognition is put forward in this paper with consideration of the unconditional security characteristic of quantum key. As for this protocol, optical transmission technology is adopted to acquire quantum key and identity authentication encrypted by quantum key can thus be realized, for which key feature points of face image and user password serve as dual authentication factors. Experimental result and security analysis indicate that this protocol can resist illegal attack and ensure security of identity authentication of mobile applications, which also has great operating efficiency.
Experimental Research on Application of Quantum Key in Video Conference System
Authors: Zhu Dexin , Wu Jianan , Li Xiaohong , Wei Rongkai , Li Xiaohui , Wang Wei , Song Lijun
Published: April 2018

Data transmission in the traditional video conference system is facing certain security risks currently, for which an experiment scheme for application of quantum key in the traditional video conference system is designed in this paper. As for this scheme, quantum gateway is seamlessly embedded into the traditional video conference system, based on which data transmitted through video conference system can be encrypted by the quantum key generated by such quantum gateway. Based on the reality of relatively low code generation rate of quantum key of quantum gateway, a new quantum key expansion algorithm is put forward and feasibility of such algorithm is verified by using NIST frequency test standard. Quantum keys with different error rates are used to conduct encryption and decryption of three 720p single-screen video images respectively, in addition to which Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR) of the original images and decrypted images are calculated. It can be proved through comparison between such values and theoretical calculated values that quantum key can ensure normal image quality of video. This experiment is of great significance for applying quantum key in real video conference systems and ensuring security of video data transmission.
Wireless Sensor Network Technology Based on Security Trust Evaluation Model
Authors: Zhu Jinghua
Published: April 2018

Because the current research on wireless sensor networks is not thorough enough, with such shortcomings as lack of objectivity and insufficient accuracy of the trust evaluation model of network nodes, this paper proposes a trust evaluation model with multi-factor comprehensive consideration and Bayesian model, an improved trust evaluation model, by combining trust management mechanism, trust factor, fuzzy set and D-S evidence theory, solving factor singleness and imprecise evaluation in the original model. The simulation results show that the proposed model has good dynamic adaptability, higher detection rate and lower detection error rate, and it consumes less energy and improves the security of the network.
Experiment and FE Analysis of Compression of Thick Ring Filled with Oil
Authors: Tatematsu Yoshiki , Morimoto Mitsuka , Kitamura Kazuhiko
Published: April 2018

Reducing automobile weight has been necessarily accelerated to save energy and improve drivability. Accordingly, use of high strength steel and hollow sections help in weight reduction. In this study, the effect of trapped oil has been investigated to improve the metal flow in upsetting of a hollow workpiece using no mandrel. It was found that the ideal deformation without friction between the dies and the workpiece was nearly achieved when a low and thick ring with trapped oil was upset. The inner diameter of the oil-filled ring was expanded more than that of the benchmark ring. The effect of the expansion of the ring and the reduction of the friction proved helpful in trial forming of a gear preform.