bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Changes in Architecture Terminology
Authors: Tran Francois , Lamonte-Berk í–zlem
Published: March 2015

The intention of this research is to inspire a discussion about the changes in architecture terminologywith the revolution in communication and representation forms as a result of digitalisation.The blurred boundary between the virtual and the analogue worlds, the misunderstandings andthe confusion that appear with the interaction of these two worlds nowadays form the major problems facing architectural design, education and research. The researchers in this field arefocused on the interface, the meeting and the transformation point between the digital and analogue worlds in order to prevent those problems and confusions. One of the main reasonsof this ambiguity is the architectural terminology that changes according to the changing status of architectural representation i.e. new forms of representation; new forms of communicationi.e. the new role of the architect and the researcher.Whenever and wherever information and knowledge specialised is created, communicated ortransformed terminology is involved in a way or another. An absence of terminology is combined with an absence of an understanding of concepts. Therefore with the new information and communication technologies; new and developing subject areas the existence of terminology and its update is indispensable. Thus the changing status of the terminology must be analysed. As architecture terminology is essential to improve today's challenging, multidisciplinary communication in order to clarify the problems of ambiguity and unawareness (as a result of shift of specific architectural vocabulary) it is necessary to analyse the changes in the architectural terminology which will form the discussion point of the following paper.As this paper is the beginning step of a research project which started on the occasion of the conference proposed by EAAE/ARCC we will here present only the objectives of this research,its general problematics, the methods that we wish to develop and some provisional results likethe illustration of this approach to be followed.
Affecting Change in Architecture Education / Can We Do the Right Thing
Authors: Feldman Roberta M. , Grondzik Walter
Published: March 2015

I am impressed but not surprised at how differently Tom, Richard and Iview the question of "affecting change in architectural education.” Tomtook on the more expansive issue of how the broader university might redefineitself through "design thinking” and "design thinkers'” leadership,while Richard gave a concise overview of long held aspirations forarchitectural education and the profession. And I took on architecture'srelationship to society, particularly concerned with "massive societalchanges.” All of us, however, appear to have faith in architecture'sability, using Richard's words, to "make a difference.” It seems to methat relying on past and even present architecture education models isnot the best strategy.- - - -Change is both pervasive and evasive. In architectural education,evasive may arguably dominate. Although many aspects of change(or the potential therefore) might serve as a basis for this discussion,change to mitigate the negative environmental impacts of buildings willbe selected as a case in point. There may be no single issue of greaterlong-term impact facing architectural education and the professions itserves.
A Case for Drawing
Authors: Lyn Francis , Dulaney Ron
Published: March 2015

Architecture faculty continue, at times contentiously, to debate theroles that hand drawing and digital media should have in the practicesand education of architects. Some argue for the computer as the"new pencil,” while others maintain that the pencil is irreplaceable. A survey conducted by the authors suggests that the academy itself mayrest in a dichotomous position of committing more resources to digitalmedia than hand drawing while simultaneously indicating that both typesof media are valued about equally. Rather than reinforce an oppositionalrelationship between the hand and the computer, this paper aims toreveal current trends regarding the roles of hand and digital designmedia in the academy and to provide a review of the primary benefits ofhand drawing within an environment that is, seemingly, preoccupied withdigital media.Hand drawing provides unique contributions to and opportunities within the development of architectural thought and work. Maintainingsketching and precision hand drawing as fundamental activities of thearchitect extends the post-Renaissance tradition of architecture as a distinct design discipline directed to architectural ideas and relationships.Furthermore, hand drawing creates unique opportunities for imaginative transformation, for bodily engagement and accommodation, and for preconditioningthe qualities of a built work and therefore should remain asignificant component of the discipline.
Thoughts toward a clinical database of architecture: evidence, complexity, and impact
Authors: Bachman Leonard R.
Published: March 2015

This paper examines how architecture is building a clinical database similar to that of law and medicine and is developing this database for the purposes of acquiring complex design insight. This emerging clinical branch of architectural knowledge exceeds the scope of everyday experience of physical form and can thus be shown to enable a more satisfying scale of design thinking. It is argued that significant transformational kinds of professional transparency and accountability are thus intensifying. The tactics and methods of this paper are to connect previously disparate historical and contemporary events that mark the evolution of this database and then to fold those events into an explanatory narrative concerning clinical design practice. Beginning with architecture's use of precedent (Collins 1971), the formulation of design as complex problems (Rittel and Webber 1973), high performance buildings to meet the crisis of climate change, social mandates of postindustrial society (Bell 1973), and other roots of evidence, the paper then elaborates the themes in which this database is evolving. Such themes include post-occupancy evaluation (Bordass and Leaman 2005), continuous commissioning, performance simulation, digital instrumentation, automation, and other modes of data collection in buildings. Finally, the paper concludes with some anticipated impacts that such a clinical database might have on design practice and how their benefits can be achieved through new interdisciplinary relations between academia and practice.
On the question of leadership: the postwar Department of Education and Research at the AIA
Authors: Sachs Avigail
Published: March 2015

In 1946 the American Institute of Architects established a Department of Education and Research (E&R), under architect Walter A. Taylor. The name given the new department signaled the importance of research for architecture, and the AIA's intended leadership role in promoting research-based architectural practice. E&R developed research policies under an advisory board and in 1959 convened a conference on research for architecture, funded by the National Science Foundation. Butthe AIA never assumed full leadership in research for architecture: The scope of the project was beyond the means of either academia or the profession, and postwar research policies remained decentralized. Although E&R played a role in directing applied research, academic institutions provedmore able to assume leadership of basic research. This history illustrates the complexity of leadership in a field that bridges academia and professional practice, as well as the importance of multiple leadership roles.
Water and identity: an urban case study for densification along Los Angeles River's Rio Hondo Confluence
Authors: Vaglio Jeffrey C.
Published: March 2015

When Los Angeles was founded in 1781, the mountains, river and shore formed the landscape. Today, street grids and a superimposed network of meandering freeways blanket the valleys while clusters of high-rises emerge periodically to provide underpinnings of the city's identifiable neighborhoods. Only the Los Angeles River is invisible, reduced to concrete-lined drainage channels, denuded of riparian vegetation, bounded by rail lines, hidden behind industrial plants and beneathfreeways. What is a river without water? Throughout landscapes, urban and rural alike, rivers and infrastructure intertwine like tendons to connect cities to natural resources and each other. This dance is particularly evident in an 11-mile stretch of the 51-mile river referred to as Reach 2 where the 710 Long Beach Freeway parallels, elevates, and hurdles the concrete-lined depression of the barren riverbed. Ten cities comprise Reach2, which fail to garner the attention of Downtown Los Angeles to the north and the Long Beach estuary to the south. As a result of this intermittency, these cities suffer from social and infrastructural neglect, while struggling to develop positive community identity. In modern multi-city metropolitan areas, governmental centers dominate the political infrastructure. Meanwhile, physical infrastructures, such as freeways, often divide these cities. This research seeks to invert these paradigms in an effort to celebrate city identity at political borders, and transform physical divisions into cultural connections. Research and a design prototype were developed in a unique multi-disciplinary graduate studio environment. Reach 2 is compared to Tokyo to extract potential community identities to support dense and vibrant future development. Additionally, an innovative four-dimensional land-use analysis is conducted across the region to identify voids/opportunities for optimal multi-use development. These investigations culminate in a design prototype at the Rio Hondo Confluence.
Residential Satisfaction in the Informal Neighborhoods of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Authors: Caldieron Jean , Miller Rick
Published: March 2015

Residential satisfaction is a very important factor in determining the quality of life, housing improvement proposals, and adequate housing policies. This paper reports on the findings of a study in four informal neighborhoods or "ger districts” of Ulaanbaatar, the Mongolian capital. Mongolia has been facing an onslaught of rural migration to the urban areas because of two reasons. First, rural nomads have lost their livestock due to recent harsh climate conditions, and second because of the transition from communism to a democratic market economy, based on the exploitation of Mongolia's rich mineral resources. In the cities, migrants have invaded land and erected rural nomadic "ger” (felt tents or yurts). The traditional ger (as they are called in the Mongolian language) are sustainable structures well adapted for a nomadic society. However, when they are located in high-density, unplanned shantytowns, they create many issues. The country's capital, Ulaanbaatar, is the coldest capital in the world; ger' household use coal for heating which causes dense air pollution, especially in the winter. These informal urban areas lack sanitation, adequate vehicular access and other services. Eventually residents build small permanent houses, but they still lack for basic services. This paper presents the findings of more than one hundred household surveys related to housing conditions in three informal ger districts of Ulaanbaatar. The surveys were held in the summer of 2011. This paper discusses some of the characteristics of the settlements as well as the residential satisfaction of its inhabitants.
Emerging Visions for Sustainable Urbanization
Authors: Stallmeyer John C. , Dearborn Lynne M.
Published: March 2015

Harsh critiques of the utopian visions of modernist architects have led many of today's designers to seek to fit their constructed responses into the mainstream culture (Schneekloth, 1998). While undoubtedly the works of most designers are grounded in the intention of making the world a better and more beautiful place, the underlying desire to fit in with the mainstream leads implicitly to confirming the status quo of the built environment. We believe that if designers are to move toward envisioning and creating more sustainable urban futures they must eschew the desire to fit in and carefully and methodically reconsider what is possible. To that end, in this paper we explore the motivations, methods and outcomes of five students in their penultimate design studio of the Masters of Architecture program at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Using three measures, motivations, methods, and outcomes, as evidence we seek to understand how future designers, as they complete their education and embark on careers in the design professions, comprehend and envision an urbanization process that results in a sustainable urban future.
Green Measures... or, none of us are green until all of us are green
Authors: Szymanik Brian
Published: March 2015

This paper introduces a re-consideration of the tenets of the ‘triple bottom line' (economy, environment, and society) to contemplate the societal implications of the current successes enjoyed by the environmentally-sensitive design movement. Considering the tools that we use to gauge the successes of sustainable ambitions, this work proposes the ways in which we apply sustainable design metrics are fundamentally working against the tenets of the triple bottom line. When considered through the lens of society, and in particular the urban poor, the current trajectory of the sustainable design movement is one that may create voids where a sustainable urban future can not exist.
The prequalified competition - how are architects appointed to invited architectural competitions?
Authors: Rönn Magnus
Published: March 2015

This article presents results from a study of prequalification in architectural competitions. The aim is to develop knowledge of how the organizer appoints candidates to invited competitions. Prequalification is a selection procedure used early in the competition process to identifysuitable candidates for the following design phase. Usually three to six teams are invited to develop design proposals. The overall research question in the study is about how organizers identify architects / design teams for competitions with limited participation. The methodology includes an inventory of competitions, case studies, document review and interviews of key-persons. Ten municipal and governmental competitions have been examined in the study. There are 375 applications from design teams in the competitions. 43 architect firms/teams (11 %) have been invited. In five of the ten competitions 19 informants have reported their experiences of prequalification. The informants responded to an interview guide with questions on the background of the competition, development of the invitation, and the need for information about the candidates, assessment process and experience from the selection of architects / design teams. The invitation emerges during negotiation at the organizing body, which includes discussion with the Swedish Association of Architects.General conditions, submission requirements and criteria for the evaluation of applications by architect firms are part of an established practice. All clients have an assessment procedure made up of two distinct stages. First they check whether applications meet the specific "must requirements” in the invitation. Thereafter follows an evaluative assessment of the candidate's professional profile, which is based on the criteria in the invitation. Reference projects and information from the referees are important sources of information in this stage. Decisivein the final assessment is the organizer's perception of the candidates' ability to produce projects of architectural quality, the ability to combine creative solutions with functional requirements and aptitude to work with developers and contractors.
Sensory-Based Design & Epilepsy: Analyzing effects of design innovations on patient treatment and recovery
Authors: Shraiky James , Schoonover Joshua , Sirven Joseph , Helepololei Luann
Published: March 2015

The patient room has more influence on neurological, physiological and biological responses than any other area within a healthcare environment. When it comes to the treatment of epilepsy, the patient room often acts as a refuge from and instigator of seizure activity, depending on patient condition or status. Inspired by this dichotomy, this research report explores specific design parameters that affect the spectrum of epileptic treatment, from instigation to recovery. At its core, this research identifies specific environmental elements that can assist in instigating an episode and recovery post seizure.Inclusions: Patients between the ages of 18 and 65 who are admitted for monitoring purposes only.Exclusions: Post-surgical procedure patients. Patients who are admitted for any type of pre-surgical procedure. Patients who are admitted less than two days.Limitations: The Epilepsy Monitoring Unit was designed as a Medical Surgical Unit.
Architecture, Structure, and Loads: A Moment of Change?
Authors: Uihlein Marci S.
Published: March 2015

Architecture and building structure have a unique, complicated, and intertwined history. Architectural innovations can drive the development of structural systems and structural advancements can push architecture forward. Rem Koolhaas, writing about one of his primary engineering collaborators in 2002, stated that this collaborator "almost single"handedly shifted the ground in engineering ” a domain which the earth moves very rarely ” and therefore enabled architecture to be imagined differently.”1 There are two ideas embedded in this quote. The first is that building structure and those who design it are entrenched in a way of practice that seldom varies. The second is that the view of structure is changing and this change has the potential to allow architecture to make a significant transformation. Ten years later, the question remains, is structure changing, and if so, how and what metrics can be used to establish this? Digital technology and fabrication advancements have led to an exploration of building structure and material. Architects are creating buildings once thought impossible to build. Through experimentation, new forms and roof systems are being created. Does this form creation have a larger meaning? One indicator of this might be found in the way loads and load paths are conceived. When starting a project, the primary determinants are the understanding of the loads created by the engineer and the selection of a structural system to support them. Can an examination of loads be used to evaluate change in structure? This investigation will begin with a brief discussion of loads and will analyze two recently constructed works as case studies. The structural systems in these buildings will be examined to see if the conception of loads and the philosophy behind the system is evolving.
The current status of power semiconductors
Authors: Vobecký Jan
Published: March 2015

Trends in the design and technology of power semiconductor devices are
discussed on the threshold of the year 2015. Well established silicon
technologies continue to occupy most of applications thanks to the maturity
of switches like MOSFET, IGBT, IGCT and PCT. Silicon carbide (SiC) and
gallium nitride (GaN) are striving to take over that of the silicon. The most
relevant SiC device is the MPS (JBS) diode, followed by MOSFET and JFET. GaN
devices are represented by lateral HEMT. While the long term reliability of
silicon devices is well trusted, the SiC MOSFETs and GaN HEMTs are struggling
to achieve a similar confidence. Two order higher cost of SiC equivalent
functional performance at device level limits their application to specific
cases, but their number is growing. Next five years will therefore see the
co-existence of these technologies. Silicon will continue to occupy most of
applications and dominate the high-power sector. The wide bandgap devices
will expand mainly in the 600 - 1200 V range and dominate the research
regardless of the voltage class.
Infrared Thermography applied to power electron devices investigation
Authors: Breglio Giovanni , Irace Andrea , Maresca Luca , Riccio Michele , Romano Gianpaolo , Spirito Paolo
Published: March 2015

The aim of this paper is to give a presentation of the principal applications
of Infrared Thermography for analysis and testing of electrondevices. Even
though experimental characterization could be carried out on almost any
electronic devices and circuits, here IR Thermography for investigation of
power semiconductor devices is presented. Different examples of functional
and failure analysis in both transient and lock-in modes will be reported.
Novel, low power, nonlinear dilatation and erosion filters realized in the CMOS technology
Authors: Długosz Rafał , Rydlewski Andrzej , Talaśka Tomasz
Published: March 2015

In this paper we propose novel, binary-tree, asynchronous, nonlinear filters
suitable for signal processing realized at the transistor level. Two versions
of the filter have been proposed, namely the dilatation (Max) and the erosion
(Min) one. In the proposed circuits an input signal (current) is sampled in a
delay line, controlled by a multiphase clock. In the subsequent stage
particular samples are converted to 1-bit digital signals with delays
proportional to the values of these samples. In the last step the delays are
compared in digital binary-tree structure in order to find either the Min or
the Max value, depending on which filter is used. Both circuits have been
simulated in the TSMC CMOS 0.18?m technology. To make the results reliable we
applied the corner analysis procedure. The circuits were tested for
temperatures ranging from -40 to 120?C, for different transistor models and
supply voltages. The circuits offer a precision of about 99% at a typical
detection time of 20 ns (for the Max filter) and 100 ns for the Min filter
(the worst case scenario). The energy consumed per one input during a single
calculation cycle equals 0.32 and 1.57 pJ, for the Max and Min filters,
respectively.
Numerical analysis of ZnO thin layers having rough surface
Authors: Daliento Santolo , Guerriero Pierluigi , Addonizio Luisa , Antonaia Alessandro
Published: March 2015

In this paper an automated procedure for the analysis of Transparent
Conductive Oxides (TCO) layers exhibiting rough surfaces is proposed. The
method is based on the interaction between MATLand the Sentaurus TCAD and
is aimed to the reduction of computational efforts needed for full three
dimensional analyses. Experiments performed on CVD deposited ZnO layer,
showing the reliability of the method for describing their optical
properties, are reported. A semi-empirical technique for the extraction of
the TCO refractive index is shown as well.
Performance analysis of a flexible polyimide based device for displacement sensing
Authors: Kisic Milica , Blaz Nelu , Babkovic Kalman , Maric Andrea , Radosavljevic Goran , Zivanov Ljiljana , Damnjanovic Mirjana
Published: March 2015

In this work, two variations of the displacement sensor, based on the
heterogeneous integration process of traditional fabrication technologies PCB
(Printed Circuit Board) and LTCC (Low Temperature Co-fired Technology) with a
flexible polyimide foil are presented. The proposed sensor uses the coil as
an essential part, spacer and a polyimide foil as a flexible membrane with a
piece of ferrite attached to it. With the displacement of the polyimide foil,
the ferrite gets closer to the coil causing an increase in its inductance and
a decrease of the resonant frequency of the system (coil, ferrite and
antenna). Simulation results showed that sensors with equal outer dimensions
but different internal structures exhibit different performances. Two
prototypes of the sensor with different ferrite dimensions are designed,
fabricated and characterized. Finally, their performances are compared.
System design considerations of universal UHF RFID reader transceiver ICS
Authors: Usachev Nikolay , Elesin Vadim , Nikiforov Alexander , Chukov George , Nazarova Galina , Sotskov Denis , Shelepin Nikolay , Dmitriev Vladislav
Published: March 2015

This paper describes the architecture, system analysis and implementation of
world-wide regulation compliant UHF RFID reader transceiver for ISO 18000-6
multi-class tags in the ISM band 860 MHz-960 MHz. The presented
considerations are based on a system analysis providing evaluation of the
transceiver?s building blocks parameters in accordance with the required
characteristics of a complete RFID reader system, read range, data
transmission rate, reading speed and power consumption. The Phase Noise,
Noise Figure, Sensitivity, P1dB, Dynamic Range are estimated for the design
of a custom ?system-in-package? transceiver, implemented in LTCC-module.
Based on the direct-conversion architecture, the reader transceiver
integrates RF-blocks, frequency synthesizer, modulation and demodulation
functions, low frequency analog baseband. The receiver sensitivity is down to
-85 dBm, the transmitter produces output power of +17 dBm.
Quit and Smoking Reduction Rates in Vape Shop Consumers: A Prospective 12-Month Survey
Authors: Polosa Riccardo , Caponnetto Pasquale , Cibella Fabio , Le-Houezec Jacques
Published: March 2015

Aims: Here, we present results from a prospective pilot study that was aimed at surveying changes in daily cigarette consumption in smokers making their first purchase at vape shops. Modifications in products purchase were also noted. Design: Participants were instructed how to charge, fill, activate and use their e-cigarettes (e-cigs). Participants were encouraged to use these products in the anticipation of reducing the number of cig/day smoked. Settings: Staff from LIAF contacted 10 vape shops in the province of the city of Catania (Italy) that acted as sponsors to the 2013 No Tobacco Day. Participants: 71 adult smokers (≥18 years old) making their first purchase at local participating vape shops were asked by professional retail staff to complete a form. Measurements: Their cigarette consumption was followed-up prospectively at 6 and 12 months. Details of products purchase (i.e., e-cigs hardware, e-liquid nicotine strengths and flavours) were also noted. Findings: Retention rate was elevated, with 69% of participants attending their final follow-up visit. At 12 month, 40.8% subjects could be classified as quitters, 25.4% as reducers and 33.8% as failures. Switching from standard refillables (initial choice) to more advanced devices (MODs) was observed in this study (from 8.5% at baseline to 18.4% at 12 month) as well as a trend in decreasing thee-liquid nicotine strength, with more participants adopting low nicotine strength (from 49.3% at baseline to 57.1% at 12 month). Conclusions: We have found that smokers purchasing e-cigarettes from vape shops with professional advice and support can achieve high success rates.
A Soluble Pyrophosphatase Is Essential to Oogenesis and Is Required for Polyphosphate Metabolism in the Red Flour Beetle (Tribolium castaneum)
Authors: Carvalho Klébea , Ribeiro Lupis , Moraes Jorge , Da Silva José , Costa Evenilton , Souza-Menezes Jackson , Logullo Carlos , Da Fonseca Rodrigo , Campos Eldo
Published: March 2015

Polyphosphates have been found in all cell types examined to date and play diverse roles depending on the cell type. In eukaryotic organisms, polyphosphates have been mainly investigated in mammalian cells with few studies on insects. Some studies have demonstrated that a pyrophosphatase regulates polyphosphate metabolism, and most of them were performed on trypanosomatids. Here, we investigated the effects of sPPase gene knocked down in oogenesis and polyphosphate metabolism in the red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum). A single sPPase gene was identified in insect genome and is maternally provided at the mRNA level and not restricted to any embryonic or extraembryonic region during embryogenesis. After injection of Tc-sPPase dsRNA, female survival was reduced to 15% of the control (dsNeo RNA), and egg laying was completely impaired. The morphological analysis by nuclear DAPI staining of the ovarioles in Tc-sPPase dsRNA-injected females showed that the ovariole number is diminished, degenerated oocytes can be observed, and germarium is reduced. The polyphosphate level was increased in cytoplasmic and nuclear fractions in Tc-sPPase RNAi; Concomitantly, the exopolyphosphatase activity decreased in both fractions. Altogether, these data suggest a role for sPPase in the regulation on polyphosphate metabolism in insects and provide evidence that Tc-sPPase is essential to oogenesis.
Four Novel p.N385K, p.V36A, c.1033–1034insT and c.1417–1418delCT Mutations in the Sphingomyelin Phosphodiesterase 1 (SMPD1) Gene in Patients with Types A and B Niemann-Pick Disease (NPD)
Authors: Manshadi Masoumeh , Kamalidehghan Behnam , Keshavarzi Fatemeh , Aryani Omid , Dadgar Sepideh , Arastehkani Ahoora , Tondar Mahdi , Ahmadipour Fatemeh , Meng Goh , Houshmand Massoud
Published: March 2015

Background: Types A and B Niemann-Pick disease (NPD) are autosomal-recessive lysosomal storage disorders caused by the deficient activity of acid sphingomyelinase due to mutations in the sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase 1 (SMPD1) gene. Methods: In order to determine the prevalence and distribution of SMPD1 gene mutations, the genomic DNA of 15 unrelated Iranian patients with types A and B NPD was examined using PCR, DNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. Results: Of 8 patients with the p.G508R mutation, 5 patients were homozygous, while the other 3 were heterozygous. One patient was heterozygous for both the p.N385K and p.G508R mutations. Another patient was heterozygous for both the p.A487V and p.G508R mutations. Two patients (one homozygous and one heterozygous) showed the p.V36A mutation. One patient was homozygous for the c.1033–1034insT mutation. One patient was homozygous for the c.573delT mutation, and 1 patient was homozygous for the c.1417–1418delCT mutation. Additionally, bioinformatics analysis indicated that two new p.V36A and p.N385K mutations decreased the acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) protein stability, which might be evidence to suggest the pathogenicity of these mutations. Conclusion: with detection of these new mutations, the genotypic spectrum of types A and B NPD is extended, facilitating the definition of disease-related mutations. However, more research is essential to confirm the pathogenic effect of these mutations.
Human–Information Interaction—A Special Issue of the Journal of Informatics
Authors: Sedig Kamran , Parsons Paul
Published: March 2015

Every day, people from different professions and disciplines need to use information to make decisions, plan courses of action, discover patterns in big data, solve problems, analyze situations, make sense of phenomena, learn new concepts, make forecasts about future trends, and so on. People whose professions involve the frequent or continual performance of such activities include scientists, healthcare specialists, medical researchers, librarians, journalists, engineers, stock brokers, archeologists, educators, social scientists, and others—i.e., the so-called knowledge workers. As the amount and complexity of information is on the rise, it is becoming more important to understand how humans use and interact with information to support their everyday tasks and activities. [...]
3D Cell Culture in Alginate Hydrogels
Authors: Andersen Therese , Auk-Emblem Pia , Dornish Michael
Published: March 2015

This review compiles information regarding the use of alginate, and in particular alginate hydrogels, in culturing cells in 3D. Knowledge of alginate chemical structure and functionality are shown to be important parameters in design of alginate-based matrices for cell culture. Gel elasticity as well as hydrogel stability can be impacted by the type of alginate used, its concentration, the choice of gelation technique (ionic or covalent), and divalent cation chosen as the gel inducing ion. The use of peptide-coupled alginate can control cell–matrix interactions. Gelation of alginate with concomitant immobilization of cells can take various forms. Droplets or beads have been utilized since the 1980s for immobilizing cells. Newer matrices such as macroporous scaffolds are now entering the 3D cell culture product market. Finally, delayed gelling, injectable, alginate systems show utility in the translation of in vitro cell culture to in vivo tissue engineering applications. Alginate has a history and a future in 3D cell culture. Historically, cells were encapsulated in alginate droplets cross-linked with calcium for the development of artificial organs. Now, several commercial products based on alginate are being used as 3D cell culture systems that also demonstrate the possibility of replacing or regenerating tissue.
Synthesis and Biological Properties of 5-(1H-1,2,3-Triazol-4-yl)isoxazolidines: A New Class of C-Nucleosides
Authors: Giofrè Salvatore , Romeo Roberto , Carnovale Caterina , Mancuso Raffaella , Cirmi Santa , Navarra Michele , Garozzo Adriana , Chiacchio Maria
Published: March 2015

A novel series of C-nucleosides, featuring the presence of a 1,2,3-triazole ring linked to an isoxazolidine system, has been designed as mimetics of the pyrimidine nucleobases. An antiproliferative effect was observed for compounds 17a and 17b: the growth inhibitory effect reaches the 50% in HepG2 and HT-29 cells and increases up to 56% in the SH-SY5Y cell line after 72 h of incubation at a 100 µM concentration.
Seeking the Place of Conscience in Higher Education: An Augustinian View
Authors: Clausen Ian
Published: March 2015

This article explores the place of conscience in higher education. It begins by reconstructing the place of conscience in Augustine’s thought, drawing on Augustine’s reading of Genesis 3, the Psalms, and his own spiritual journey. Its basic aim is to clarify Augustine’s account of conscience as self-judgment, identifying the conditions under which self-judgment occurs. After identifying these conditions it addresses the question: does conscience still have a place in modern higher education? It acknowledges the real limitations and obstacles to moral education when pursued in the context of the modern research university. However, it also argues that moral education proceeds in stages, and that educators can anticipate and clear a way for the place of conscience—though not, of course, without reliance on the movement of grace.
Airborne Lidar for Woodland Habitat Quality Monitoring: Exploring the Significance of Lidar Data Characteristics when Modelling Organism-Habitat Relationships
Authors: Hill Ross , Hinsley Shelley
Published: March 2015

Structure is a fundamental physical element of habitat, particularly in woodlands, and hence there has been considerable recent uptake of airborne lidar data in forest ecology studies. This paper investigates the significance of lidar data characteristics when modelling organism-habitat relationships, taking a single species case study in a mature woodland ecosystem. We re-investigate work on great tit (Parus major) habitat, focussing on bird breeding data from 1997 and 2001 (years with contrasting weather conditions and a demonstrated relationship between breeding success and forest structure). We use a time series of three lidar data acquisitions across a 12-year period (2000–2012). The lidar data characteristics assessed include time-lag with field data (up to 15 years), spatial sampling density (average post spacing in the range of 1 pulse per 0.14 m2–17.77 m2), approach to processing (raster or point cloud), and the complexity of derived structure metrics (with a total of 33 metrics assessed, each generated separately using all returns and only first returns). Ordinary least squares regression analysis was employed to investigate relationships between great tit mean nestling body mass, calculated per brood, and the various canopy structure measures from all lidar datasets. For the 2001 bird breeding data, the relationship between mean nestling body mass and mean canopy height for a sample area around each nest was robust to the extent that it could be detected strongly and with a high level of statistical significance, with relatively little impact of lidar data characteristics. In 1997, all relationships between lidar structure metrics and mean nestling body mass were weaker than in 2001 and more sensitive to lidar data characteristics, and in almost all cases they were opposite in trend. However, whilst the optimum habitat structure differed between the two study years, the lidar-derived metrics that best characterised this structure were consistent: canopy height percentiles and mean overstorey canopy height (calculated using all returns or only first returns) and the standard deviation of canopy height (calculated using all returns). Overall, our results suggest that for relatively stable woodland habitats, ecologists should not feel prohibited in using lidar data to explore or monitor organism–habitat relationships because of perceived data quality issues, as long as the questions investigated, the scale of analysis, and the interpretation of findings are appropriate for the data available.
Informational Analysis for Compressive Sampling in Radar Imaging
Authors: Zhang Jingxiong , Yang Ke
Published: March 2015

Compressive sampling or compressed sensing (CS) works on the assumption of the sparsity or compressibility of the underlying signal, relies on the trans-informational capability of the measurement matrix employed and the resultant measurements, operates with optimization-based algorithms for signal reconstruction and is thus able to complete data compression, while acquiring data, leading to sub-Nyquist sampling strategies that promote efficiency in data acquisition, while ensuring certain accuracy criteria. Information theory provides a framework complementary to classic CS theory for analyzing information mechanisms and for determining the necessary number of measurements in a CS environment, such as CS-radar, a radar sensor conceptualized or designed with CS principles and techniques. Despite increasing awareness of information-theoretic perspectives on CS-radar, reported research has been rare. This paper seeks to bridge the gap in the interdisciplinary area of CS, radar and information theory by analyzing information flows in CS-radar from sparse scenes to measurements and determining sub-Nyquist sampling rates necessary for scene reconstruction within certain distortion thresholds, given differing scene sparsity and average per-sample signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs). Simulated studies were performed to complement and validate the information-theoretic analysis. The combined strategy proposed in this paper is valuable for information-theoretic orientated CS-radar system analysis and performance evaluation.
Variation in Measurement Error in Asymmetry Studies: A New Model, Simulations and Application
Authors: Van Dongen Stefan
Published: March 2015

The importance of measurement error in studies of asymmetry has been acknowledged for a long time. It is now common practice to acquire independent repeated measurements of trait values and to estimate the degree of measurement error relative to the amount of asymmetry. Methods also allow obtaining unbiased estimates of asymmetry, both at the population and individual level. One aspect that has been ignored is potential between-individual variation in measurement error. In this paper, I develop a new method to investigate this variation in measurement error and to generate unbiased estimates of individual asymmetries. Simulations show that variation in measurement error can indeed result in biased estimates of individual asymmetry and that the proposed method adequately provides unbiased estimates. The method is applied to two empirical datasets and shows that, at least in some traits, substantial variations in measurement occur. The limitations of the model are discussed.
De la réforme de la carte judiciaire ou l’instrumentalisation de critères objectifs au service d’un nouveau rapport scalaire de pouvoir
Authors: Cahu Étienne
Published: March 2015

La réforme de la carte judiciaire entreprise par R. Dati dès juin 2007 s’inscrit dans le courant de rationalisation que connaît l’institution judiciaire comme les autres administrations de l’État depuis les années 1990. Portée par les valeurs du nouveau management public, elle prétend faire preuve d’une objectivité scientifique reposant sur les critères affichés de rationalité et de transparence afin de ne laisser aucune prise à tout reproche d’arbitraire. Elle en oublie ainsi les finalités aussi bien judiciaires que territoriales qui devraient la guider. Or, la réduction de cette méthodologie à une palette de critères flous et non hiérarchisés rend opaque la sélection des Tribunaux de Grande Instance et décourage les élus locaux de faire pression sur le pouvoir central. On a donc affaire à une instrumentalisation de critères objectifs pour influer sur le rapport de force entre les différentes échelles du pouvoir et renouer avec une logique centralisatrice. Si cette opacité empêche de prouver clairement des logiques partisanes à l’œuvre, elle n’en permet pas moins de douter du traitement égal de chaque juridiction et éveille les soupçons quant à des jeux d’influence plus subtils.
Les présentations cliniques
Authors: Clavurier Vincent
Published: March 2015

Dans un précédent article, je me suis attaché à étudier la présentation clinique telle qu’elle fut importée et pratiquée en psychiatrie par les aliénistes. Je voudrais maintenant m’intéresser à la reprise de cet exercice par Lacan, qui entendait lui donner un tour inédit, spécifiquement analytique. Nous en avons des témoignages directs par certains de ses élèves et nous pouvons également prendre connaissance de transcriptions existantes. De nombreux travaux existent déjà sur cette question mais je l’explorerai à partir de ma propre expérience de participant, membre du public, à différents dispositifs pendant plusieurs années. L’expérience me laissa parfois perplexe et le problème soulevé est le suivant : l’exercice est-il bien le lieu d’un acte analytique, et à quelles conditions, ou n’est-il resté qu’un procédé d’objectivation du malade à des fins d’enseignement doctrinal ? Comment caractériser précisément la différence entre présentation psychiatrique et présentation psychanalytique ? En quoi les présentations menées par Lacan et ceux qui s’en réclament ont pu rendre proprement analytique le dispositif ?
Enjeux et défis de la politique énergétique en Europe
Authors: Ristori Dominique
Published: March 2015

L’énergie est partout dans notre vie quotidienne et nous comptons sur sa disponibilité jour et nuit. L’énergie est également un élément clé pour la compétitivité de nos économies. Aujourd’hui, l’Union européenne importe 53% de l’énergie qu’elle consomme et la facture s’élève à plus d’un milliard d’euros par jour. Dans le contexte actuel de la crise entre la Russie et l’Ukraine, la sécurité d’approvisionnement en énergie est au cœur des préoccupations européennes. Aujourd’hui, l’UE intensifie les efforts vers une politique énergétique ambitieuse avec des objectifs communs clairs : compétitivité, sécurité d’approvisionnement et durabilité en sont les éléments clés. L’adoption de la Stratégie européenne de sécurité énergétique prévoit notamment des mesures d’urgences ainsi que des actions de moyen et long termes en vue d’améliorer la sécurité d’approvisionnement de l’UE. Tous les acteurs – l’UE, les États membres, les régions, les citoyens et les entreprises – doivent plus que jamais conjurer leurs efforts. La création d’une Union de l’énergie implique une solidarité et une confiance accrue afin de faire face aux défis majeurs auxquels nous sommes confrontés.
Le Brésil, pays émergé ?
Authors: Théry Hervé
Published: March 2015

Le Brésil peut être qualifié d’« émergé » et pas seulement « émergent » en ce qu’il se développe de façon continue depuis au moins 80 ans, grâce à trois atouts forts : une population nombreuse, jeune, en croissance continue et contrôlée ; une indépendance énergétique assise sur les récentes découvertes de pétrole offshore, une abondante production hydroélectrique et l’usage de l’alcool tiré de la canne à sucre - dont il est le premier producteur mondial - pour faire rouler son parc automobile ; un immense potentiel en terres agricoles, déjà utilisées ou encore disponibles. Ces atouts devraient lui permettre de trouver sa juste place, qu’il cherche encore, dans un monde polycentrique.
Washington - Pékin : compétition, interdépendance ou « Chimérique » ?
Authors: Courmont Barthélemy
Published: March 2015

La relation entre la Chine et les États-Unis est complexe et sujette à de multiples interrogations, mais c’est dans le domaine économique et commercial qu’elle exprime toute cette complexité. Les deux pays sont ainsi engagés dans une compétition qu’ils ne cachent pas, mais font face dans le même temps à une situation d’interdépendance que certains traduisent en « Chimérique ». Cet article explore cette réalité, et s’interroge sur les conditions dans lesquelles le paradigme actuel pourrait être modifié, et à l’avantage de qui.
La vision stratégique du diplomate d’entreprise
Authors: Valmage François
Published: March 2015

Le transport et l’énergie touchent aux questions d’intérêt général et d’aménagement du territoire. Les relations qu’une entreprise de ce secteur déploie avec ses parties prenantes sont donc inévitables, et nécessaires. L’ouverture de la décision publique à la gouvernance et à la délibération démultiplie le nombre d’interlocuteurs, placés à tous les niveaux de la société, dans tous les domaines influents, et à tous les niveaux de décisions, du plus local à l’international. L’entreprise, surtout lorsqu’elle est engagée dans la compétition mondiale, doit dès lors comprendre son environnement et développer une vision stratégique à moyen et long terme. Le diplomate d’entreprise est au cœur de cette analyse stratégique. Dans l’environnement mondialisé, il joue sur les différents niveaux de décisions publiques, économiques et politiques. Il évolue sur les différents théâtres de décisions en portant des stratégies innovantes pour son groupe. Stratège de la complexité, il déploie une vision stratégique.
Missions catholiques et padroado portugais
Authors: Prudhomme Claude
Published: March 2015

Les missions catholiques qui continuent à dépendre du padroado portugais, et échappent à l’autorité exclusive de Rome après la fondation de la congrégation Propaganda fide en 1622, sont présentées dans la littérature missionnaire sous un jour très défavorable, en particulier les diocèses indiens (Goa). Après avoir cherché à comprendre les raisons de cette critique sévère, l’article propose une évaluation plus équilibrée. Les chrétiens goanais constituent en Inde une modalité originale d’acculturation, née de la rencontre des influences portugaises et autochtones.
Dialogue du Docteur Freud avec son surmoi
Authors: Coutinho Jorge Marco Antonio
Published: March 2015

Un dialogue est mis en fiction entre Freud et son Surmoi pendant différents moments du développement de sa théorie. Freud répond par des mots d’esprit aux injonctions surmoiques.
Maternité et sexualité des femmes africaines vivant avec le VIH en France : préjugés et expériences
Authors: Pourette Dolorès
Published: March 2015

À partir d’une recherche qualitative menée en milieux hospitalier et associatif auprès de femmes originaires d’Afrique subsaharienne vivant avec le VIH/sida en France, cet article montre comment les discours et attitudes des professionnels de la santé et du secteur social sont orientés par des stéréotypes culturalistes et racistes sur la maternité supposée nécessaire des femmes africaines et sur leur sexualité présumée soumise. Ces stéréotypes structurent aussi leur insertion sur le marché de l’emploi, leur accès à la citoyenneté et leur place  dans  la  cité  et  influencent  leur  expérience  de  la  sexualité.  Le  confinement des femmes noires et des migrantes dans les secteurs dévalorisés de la domesticité et de la prostitution contribue à la reproduction des stéréotypes culturalistes et racistes sur leur sexualité et leur maternité, perçues et construites comme déviantes par rapport aux normes dominantes.