bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk of Depression and Suicidality among Diabetic Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Elamoshy Rasha , Bird Yelena , Thorpe Lilian , Moraros John
Published: November 2018

The purpose of this study is to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the risk of depression and suicidality among diabetic patients. Methods: Medline, PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane library, and Psych INFO were searched for studies published from 2008 onwards. Meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the pooled effect size. Sources of heterogeneity were investigated by subgroup analysis and meta-regression. Results: In total, 5750 articles were identified and of those, 17 studies on suicidality and 36 on depression were included in this study. Our analysis suggests a positive relationship between diabetes and depression (cohort studies odds ratio (OR) 1.49, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.36–1.64 and cross-sectional studies OR 2.04, 95% CI, 1.73–2.42). Pooled OR values for suicidal ideation, attempted suicide, and completed suicide were 1.89 (95% CI: 1.36–2.63), 1.45 (95% CI: 1.07–1.96), and 1.85 (95% CI: 0.97–3.52), respectively. All findings were statistically significant except for completed suicide. Conclusions: The increased risk of depression and suicidality in diabetic patients highlights the importance of integrating the evaluation and treatment of depression with diabetes management in primary healthcare settings. Further research in this area is needed.
Biomedical Applications of Graphene-Based Structures
Authors: Tadyszak Krzysztof , Wychowaniec Jacek K. , Litowczenko Jagoda
Published: November 2018

Graphene and graphene oxide (GO) structures and their reduced forms, e.g., GO paper and partially or fully reduced three-dimensional (3D) aerogels, are at the forefront of materials design for extensive biomedical applications that allow for the proliferation and differentiation/maturation of cells, drug delivery, and anticancer therapies. Various viability tests that have been conducted in vitro on human cells and in vivo on mice reveal very promising results, which make graphene-based materials suitable for real-life applications. In this review, we will give an overview of the latest studies that utilize graphene-based structures and their composites in biological applications and show how the biomimetic behavior of these materials can be a step forward in bridging the gap between nature and synthetically designed graphene-based nanomaterials.
Associations among High-Quality Protein and Energy Intake, Serum Transthyretin, Serum Amino Acids and Linear Growth of Children in Ethiopia
Authors: Tessema Masresha , Gunaratna Nilupa S. , Brouwer Inge D. , Donato Katherine , Cohen Jessica L. , McConnell Margaret , Belachew Tefera , Belayneh Demissie , De Groote Hugo
Published: November 2018

Limited evidence is available on the associations of high-quality protein and energy intake, serum transthyretin (TTR), serum amino acids and serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) with linear growth of young children. Data collected during the baseline of a randomized control trial involving rural Ethiopian children aged 6–35 months (n = 873) were analyzed to evaluate the associations among height/length-for-age z-scores, dietary intakes, and these biomarkers (i.e., serum level of TTR, IGF-1, tryptophan and lysine, and inflammation). The prevalence of stunting was higher for children >23 months (38%) than ≤23 months (25%). The prevalence of inflammation was 35% and of intestinal parasites 48%. Three-quarters of the children were energy deficient, and stunted children had lower daily energy intake that non-stunted children (p < 0.05). Intakes of tryptophan, protein, and energy, and serum levels of tryptophan and IGF-1 were positively correlated with the linear growth of children. Controlling for inflammation, intestinal parasites, and sociodemographic characteristics, daily tryptophan (b = 0.01, p = 0.001), protein (b = 0.01, p = 0.01) and energy (b = 0.0003, p = 0.04) intakes and serum TTR (b = 2.58, p = 0.04) and IGF-1 (b = 0.01, p = 0.003) were positively associated with linear growth of children. Linear growth failure in Ethiopian children is likely associated with low quality protein intake and inadequate energy intake. Nutrition programs that emphasize improved protein quantity and quality and energy intake may enhance the linear growth of young children and need to be further investigated in longitudinal and interventional studies.
Impact of a Healthy Dietary Pattern on Gut Microbiota and Systemic Inflammation in Humans
Authors: Telle-Hansen Vibeke H. , Holven Kirsten B. , Ulven Stine M.
Published: November 2018

Gut microbiota have recently been suggested to play a part in low-grade systemic inflammation, which is considered a key risk factor for cardiometabolic disorders. Diet is known to affect gut microbiota; however, the effects of diet and dietary components on gut microbiota and inflammation are not fully understood. In the present review, we summarize recent research on human dietary intervention studies, investigating the effects of healthy diets or dietary components on gut microbiota and systemic inflammation. We included 18 studies that reported how different dietary components altered gut microbiota composition, short-chain fatty acid levels, and/or inflammatory markers. However, the heterogeneity among the intervention studies makes it difficult to conclude whether diets or dietary components affect gut microbiota homeostasis and inflammation. More appropriately designed studies are needed to better understand the effects of diet on the gut microbiota, systemic inflammation, and risk of cardiometabolic disorders.
Genes and Dietary Fatty Acids in Regulation of Fatty Acid Composition of Plasma and Erythrocyte Membranes
Authors: Lankinen Maria , Uusitupa Matti , Schwab Ursula
Published: November 2018

The fatty acid compositions of plasma lipids and cell membranes of certain tissues are modified by dietary fatty acid composition. Furthermore, many other factors (age, sex, ethnicity, health status, genes, and gene × diet interactions) affect the fatty acid composition of cell membranes or plasma lipid compartments. Therefore, it is of great importance to understand the complexity of mechanisms that may modify fatty acid compositions of plasma or tissues. We carried out an extensive literature survey of gene × diet interaction in the regulation of fatty acid compositions. Most of the related studies have been observational studies, but there are also a few intervention trials that tend to confirm that true interactions exist. Most of the studies deal with the desaturase enzyme cluster (FADS1, FADS2) in chromosome 11 and elongase enzymes. We expect that new genetic variants are being found that are linked with the genetic regulation of plasma or tissue fatty acid composition. This information is of great help to understanding the contribution of dietary fatty acids and their endogenic metabolism to the development of some chronic diseases.
Natural Polymers for Organ 3D Bioprinting
Authors: Liu Fan , Chen Qiuhong , Liu Chen , Ao Qiang , Tian Xiaohong , Fan Jun , Tong Hao , Wang Xiaohong
Published: November 2018

Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting, known as a promising technology for bioartificial organ manufacturing, has provided unprecedented versatility to manipulate cells and other biomaterials with precise control their locations in space. Over the last decade, a number of 3D bioprinting technologies have been explored. Natural polymers have played a central role in supporting the cellular and biomolecular activities before, during and after the 3D bioprinting processes. These polymers have been widely used as effective cell-loading hydrogels for homogeneous/heterogeneous tissue/organ formation, hierarchical vascular/neural/lymphatic network construction, as well as multiple biological/biochemial/physiological/biomedical/pathological functionality realization. This review aims to cover recent progress in natural polymers for bioartificial organ 3D bioprinting. It is structured as introducing the important properties of 3D printable natural polymers, successful models of 3D tissue/organ construction and typical technologies for bioartificial organ 3D bioprinting.
New Representations of Religion and Belief in Schools
Authors: Shaw Martha
Published: November 2018

Discussions around the future of Religious Education (RE) in England have focused on the need to address the diversity of religion and belief in contemporary society. Issues of the representation of religion and belief in Religious Education are central to the future of the subject. This article draws on research into key stakeholders’ views and aspirations for RE to map an alternative representation of religion and belief to that found in existing approaches that universalise, sanitise and privatise religion. The data reveal a thirst for the study of a broader range and a more nuanced understanding of religion and belief. This incorporates a focus on religion and belief as identity as well as tradition, the study of the role of religion in global affairs as well as the controversies and challenges it can pose for individuals and the exploration of religion and belief as fluid and contested categories. What may be described as a contemporaneous and sociological turn, moves beyond the existing binaries of religious/secular, public/private, good/bad, fluid/static that shape much existing representation, towards a representation of the ‘real religion and belief landscape’ in all its complexity.
Object-Based Plastic-Mulched Landcover Extraction Using Integrated Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 Data
Authors: Lu Lizhen , Tao Yuan , Di Liping
Published: November 2018

Plastic mulching on farmland has been increasing worldwide for decades due to its superior advantages for improving crop yields. Monitoring Plastic-Mulched Land-cover (PML) can provide essential information for making agricultural management decisions and reducing PML’s eco-environmental impacts. However, mapping PML with remote sensing data is still challenging and problematic due to its complicated and mixed characteristics. In this study, a new Object-Based Image Analysis (OBIA) approach has been proposed to investigate the potential for combined use of Sentinel-1 (S1) SAR and Sentinel-2 (S2) Multi-spectral data to extract PML. Based on the ESP2 tool (Estimation of Scale Parameter 2) and ED2 index (Euclidean Distance 2), the optimal Multi-Resolution Segmentation (MRS) result is chosen as the basis of following object-based classification. Spectral and backscattering features, index features and texture features from S1 and S2 are adopted in classifying PML and other land-cover types. Three machine-learning classifiers known as the—Classification and Regression Tree (CART), the Random Forest (RF) and the Support Vector Machine (SVM) are carried out and compared in this study. The best classification result with an overall accuracy of 94.34% is achieved by using spectral, backscattering, index and textural information from integrated S1 and S2 data with the SVM classifier. Texture information is demonstrated to contribute positively to PML classifications with SVM and RF classifiers. PML mapping using SAR information alone has been greatly improved by the object-based approach to an overall accuracy of 87.72%. By adding SAR data into optical data, the accuracy of object-based PML classifications has also been improved by 1–3%.
Mobile Helical Capacitive Sensor for the Dynamic Identification of Obstructions in the Distribution of Solid Mineral Fertilizers
Authors: Dalacort Ricardo , Stevan Sergio Luiz
Published: November 2018

Modern agriculture uses techniques and technologies that have provided farmers with increased yield and a possible reduction in costs. Optimizing the use of inputs by applying exact and accurate doses, which match the real needs of the soil, in addition to supplying the necessary nutrients for the correct development of the crops, enables a reduction in costs and environmental impacts caused by the incorrect use of products such as fertilizers and pesticides. With this background, this paper presents a study on the development of a capacitive sensor to identify the absence, presence or variations in the distribution of solid mineral fertilizers. To evaluate this sensor, eight different formulations were tested in distribution analysis with an overflow dosing mechanism, both statically and dynamically, with 2% maximum moisture variation between all samples. The identification of an absence or presence of fertilizers was successful in 100% of the experiments. Tests to identify variations in the fertilizer distribution were carried out through simulated obstruction. The sensor identified a reduction in the fertilizer flow in all experiments, obtaining numeric variations above 55%. In the fertilizer formulation identification test, only the formulations 02-28-20 and 06-21-12 in experiments carried out with the overflow dosing mechanism did not differ statistically one from another, while all other formulations presented a statistically significant difference in the ANOVA analysis and the Tukey test at 5% significance.
A Survey of LoRaWAN for IoT: From Technology to Application
Authors: Haxhibeqiri Jetmir , De Poorter Eli , Moerman Ingrid , Hoebeke Jeroen
Published: November 2018

LoRaWAN is one of the low power wide area network (LPWAN) technologies that have received significant attention by the research community in the recent years. It offers low-power, low-data rate communication over a wide range of covered area. In the past years, the number of publications regarding LoRa and LoRaWAN has grown tremendously. This paper provides an overview of research work that has been published from 2015 to September 2018 and that is accessible via Google Scholar and IEEE Explore databases. First, a detailed description of the technology is given, including existing security and reliability mechanisms. This literature overview is structured by categorizing papers according to the following topics: (i) physical layer aspects; (ii) network layer aspects; (iii) possible improvements; and (iv) extensions to the standard. Finally, a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis is presented along with the challenges that LoRa and LoRaWAN still face.
Location Information Quality: A Review
Authors: Ranasinghe Champika , Kray Christian
Published: November 2018

The quality of location information is an important factor for location-based services (LBSs). In the literature, the quality of location information has been defined in different ways based on varying sets of aspects. The objectives of this paper are to review existing literature discussing location information quality and to provide a consistent framework for describing and dealing with location information quality. In particular, we review existing literature on different aspects of location information quality and on factors that affect location sensing technologies (and thus location information quality). Based on this review, we also propose a simple model for describing location information quality and a classification of the strategies for dealing with variations in the quality of location information. Designers of location sensing systems can use this model as a standard vocabulary for describing the quality of location information. The classification of strategies can be used by developers of LBSs apps to design alternative strategies for dealing with location information quality on three levels: sensor-level, algorithm-level, and application-level, which are aligned with the Location Stack model.
An Efficient Algorithm for Partial Discharge Localization in High-Voltage Systems Using Received Signal Strength
Authors: Khan Umar , Lazaridis Pavlos , Mohamed Hamd , Albarracín Ricardo , Zaharis Zaharias , Atkinson Robert , Tachtatzis Christos , Glover Ian
Published: November 2018

The term partial discharge (PD) refers to a partial bridging of insulating material between electrodes that sustain an electric field in high-voltage (HV) systems. Long-term PD activity can lead to catastrophic failures of HV systems resulting in economic, energy and even human life losses. Such failures and losses can be avoided by continuously monitoring PD activity. Existing techniques used for PD localization including time of arrival (TOA) and time difference of arrival (TDOA), are complicated and expensive because they require time synchronization. In this paper, a novel received signal strength (RSS) based localization algorithm is proposed. The reason that RSS is favoured in this research is that it does not require clock synchronization and it only requires the energy of the received signal rather than the PD pulse itself. A comparison was made between RSS based algorithms including a proposed algorithm, the ratio and search and the least squares algorithm to locate a PD source for nine different positions. The performance of the algorithms was evaluated by using two field scenarios based on seven and eight receiving nodes, respectively. The mean localization error calculated for two-field-trial scenarios show, respectively, 1.80 m and 1.76 m for the proposed algorithm for all nine positions, which is the lowest of the three algorithms.
A Portable Smartphone-Based Sensing System Using a 3D-Printed Chip for On-Site Biochemical Assays
Authors: Wu Feiyi , Wang Min
Published: November 2018

Recently, smartphone-based chromogenic sensing with paper-based microfluidic technology has played an increasingly important role in biochemical assays. However, generally there were three defects: (i) the paper-based chips still required complicated fabrication, and the hydrophobic boundaries on the chips were not clear enough; (ii) the chromogenic signals could not be steadily captured; (iii) the smartphone apps were restricted to the detection of specific target analytes and could not be extended for different assays unless reprogrammed. To solve these problems, in this study, a portable smartphone-based sensing system with a 3D-printed chip was developed. A 3D-printed imaging platform was designed to significantly reduce sensing errors generated during signal capture, and a brand-new strategy for signal processing in downloadable apps was established. As a proof-of-concept, the system was applied for detection of organophosphorus pesticides and multi-assay of fruit juice, showing excellent sensing performance. For different target analytes, the most efficient color channel could be selected for signal analysis, and the calibration equation could be directly set in user interface rather than programming environment, thus the developed system could be flexibly extended for other biochemical assays. Consequently, this study provides a novel methodology for smartphone-based biochemical sensing.
Quaternion-Based Local Frame Alignment between an Inertial Measurement Unit and a Motion Capture System
Authors: Lee Jung Keun , Jung Woo Chang
Published: November 2018

Local frame alignment between an inertial measurement unit (IMU) system and an optical motion capture system (MCS) is necessary to combine the two systems for motion analysis and to validate the accuracy of IMU-based motion data by using references obtained through the MCS. In this study, we propose a new quaternion-based local frame alignment method where equations of angular velocity transformation are used to determine the frame alignment orientation in the form of quaternion. The performance of the proposed method was compared with those of three other methods by using data with different angular velocities, noises, and alignment orientations. Furthermore, the effects of the following three factors on the estimation performance were investigated for the first time: (i) transformation concept, i.e., angular velocity transformation vs. angle transformation; (ii) orientation representations, i.e., quaternion vs. direction cosine matrix (DCM); and (iii) applied solvers, i.e., nonlinear least squares method vs. least squares method through pseudoinverse. Within our limited test data, we obtained the following results: (i) the methods using angular velocity transformation were better than the method using angle transformation; (ii) the quaternion is more suitable than the DCM; and (iii) the applied solvers were not critical in general. The proposed method performed the best among the four methods. We surmise that the fewer number of components and constraints of the quaternion in the proposed method compared to the number of components and constraints of the DCM-based methods may result in better accuracy. Owing to the high accuracy and easy setup, the proposed method can be effectively used for local frame alignment between an IMU and a motion capture system.
Measuring Linewidth Enhancement Factor by Relaxation Oscillation Frequency in a Laser with Optical Feedback
Authors: Ruan Yuxi , Liu Bin , Yu Yanguang , Xi Jiangtao , Guo Qinghua , Tong Jun
Published: November 2018

This paper presents a new method for measuring the linewidth enhancement factor (alpha factor) by the relaxation oscillation (RO) frequency of a laser with external optical feedback (EOF). A measurement formula for alpha is derived which shows the alpha can be determined by only using the RO frequencies and no need to know any other parameters related to the internal or external parameters associated to the laser. Unlike the existing EOF based alpha measurement methods which require an external target has a symmetric reciprocate movement. The proposed method only needs to move the target to be in a few different positions along the light beam. Furthermore, this method also suits for the case with alpha less than 1. Both simulation and experiment are performed to verify the proposed method.
Dictionary Learning Phase Retrieval from Noisy Diffraction Patterns
Authors: Krishnan Joshin P. , Bioucas-Dias José M. , Katkovnik Vladimir
Published: November 2018

This paper proposes a novel algorithm for image phase retrieval, i.e., for recovering complex-valued images from the amplitudes of noisy linear combinations (often the Fourier transform) of the sought complex images. The algorithm is developed using the alternating projection framework and is aimed to obtain high performance for heavily noisy (Poissonian or Gaussian) observations. The estimation of the target images is reformulated as a sparse regression, often termed sparse coding, in the complex domain. This is accomplished by learning a complex domain dictionary from the data it represents via matrix factorization with sparsity constraints on the code (i.e., the regression coefficients). Our algorithm, termed dictionary learning phase retrieval (DLPR), jointly learns the referred to dictionary and reconstructs the unknown target image. The effectiveness of DLPR is illustrated through experiments conducted on complex images, simulated and real, where it shows noticeable advantages over the state-of-the-art competitors.
Autonomous Robot-Guided Inspection System Based on Offline Programming and RGB-D Model
Authors: Bedaka Amit Kumar , Mahmoud Alaa M. , Lee Shao-Chun , Lin Chyi-Yeu
Published: November 2018

Automatic optical inspection (AOI) is a control process for precisely evaluating the completeness and quality of manufactured products with the help of visual information. Automatic optical inspection systems include cameras, light sources, and objects; AOI requires expert operators and time-consuming setup processes. In this study, a novel autonomous industrial robot-guided inspection system was hypothesized and developed to expedite and ease inspection process development. The developed platform is an intuitive and interactive system that does not require a physical object to test or an industrial robot; this allows nonexpert operators to perform object inspection planning by only using scanned data. The proposed system comprises an offline programming (OLP) platform and three-dimensional/two-dimensional (3D/2D) vision module. A robot program generated from the OLP platform is mapped to an industrial manipulator to scan a 3D point-cloud model of an object by using a laser triangulation sensor. After a reconstructed 3D model is aligned with a computer-aided design model on a common coordinate system, the OLP platform allows users to efficiently fine-tune the required inspection positions on the basis of the rendered images. The arranged inspection positions can be directed to an industrial manipulator on a production line to capture real images by using the corresponding 2D camera/lens setup for AOI tasks. This innovative system can be implemented in smart factories, which are easily manageable from multiple locations. Workers can save scanned data when new inspection positions are included based on cloud data. The present system provides a new direction to cloud-based manufacturing industries and maximizes the flexibility and efficiency of the AOI setup process to increase productivity.
Balancing Gender and Power: How Disney’s Hercules Fails to Go the Distance
Authors: Primo Cassandra
Published: November 2018

Disney’s Hercules (1997) includes multiple examples of gender tropes throughout the film that provide a hodgepodge of portrayals of traditional conceptions of masculinity and femininity. Hercules’ phenomenal strength and idealized masculine body, coupled with his decision to relinquish power at the end of the film, may have resulted in a character lacking resonance because of a hybridization of stereotypically male and female traits. The film pivots from hypermasculinity to a noncohesive male identity that valorizes the traditionally-feminine trait of selflessness. This incongruous mixture of traits that comprise masculinity and femininity conflicts with stereotypical gender traits that characterize most Disney princes and princesses. As a result of the mixed messages pertaining to gender, Hercules does not appear to have spurred more progressive portrayals of masculinity in subsequent Disney movies, showing the complexity underlying gender stereotypes.
Research on Mixed and Classification Simulation Models of Medical Waste—A Case Study in Beijing, China
Authors: Liu Hao , Yao Zhong
Published: November 2018

Medical waste has strict classification standards. However, in reality, the process of collection and disposal of most medical waste does not strictly follow the corresponding standards, thus resulting in great potential risks to people’s health. Our research analyzed existing problems with medical waste classification management, optimized the medical waste recycling business model, and then used the simulation software AnyLogic to design mixed and classification simulation models based on current literature regarding the standards of medical waste classification and composition in China. Furthermore, we simulated and calculated the generation of nonrecyclable medical waste, recyclable medical waste, and domestic waste in the three models based on 30,000 tons of medical waste generated in Beijing in 2015. We compared and analyzed the output, generation rate, disposal cost, recycling revenue, and cost–benefit based on the disposal cost standards of the Beijing Municipal Commission of Development and Reform and the China Renewable Resources Price Index in Beijing. The importance of strengthening the classification and recycling of medical waste was further validated by modeling and simulation. The study provides an important reference to hospitals, disposal plants, and government regulatory departments in their decision-making.
Sustainable Peach Compote Production: A Life Cycle Thinking Approach
Authors: Nanaki Evanthia A. , Koroneos Christopher J.
Published: November 2018

Peach production as well as the fruit canning industry is one of the most important agricultural supply chain sectors in Greece. In 2016 Greek canned peach production reached 300,000 tones. In this study we perform an environmental analysis of a peach compote production system in Greece, using Life Cycle Assessment. The system studied includes the stages of cultivation, transportation of peaches to the peach compote plant, the canning and finally packaging. The data used were collected directly from an orchard located in Larissa, in central Greece, and covers the production year of 2016. The functional unit adopted is the production of one paper box containing 24 cans of peach compotes. The Life Cycle Analysis results indicate that 48.41%, 25% and 20.98% of the environmental burdens are attributed to the acidification potential, global warming potential and particular matter formation impact categories, respectively; whereas eutrophication impact potential and photochemical oxidation formation impact accounted for 5.38% and 0.23%, respectively. The results of this study provide an understanding of the key environmental impact issues related to peach compote production in Greece.
A Systematic Literature Review of Bio, Green and Circular Economy Trends in Publications in the Field of Economics and Business Management
Authors: Ferreira Gregorio Valeria , Pié Laia , Terceño Antonio
Published: November 2018

The concepts of bioeconomy, green economy and circular economy share the common objective of developing a sustainable economy, and they attract enormous political, academic, social and business interest. However, an analysis of these concepts in the fields of economics and business management is lacking. The objective of this article is to classify the publications on these topics by subject of study, to analyse trends in publications and to guide researchers interested in selecting articles. The review was performed using Scopus for the period 1960 to 2017. Four hundred and forty-nine publications were obtained and classified into 17 categories. The results show that the existing literature is rich in analysing implemented policies and issues related to the strategies and organizational models of companies looking for a more sustainable path, and research in China and the European Union is highlighted. However, there is still a long way to go in researching implemented case studies and evaluating the economic impact of these concepts. For this to happen, the need to promote, encourage and support companies to implement cleaner production and approach a more sustainable path must be prioritised. Possible gaps in current research that allow future lines of work are also identified.
TMT’s Attention towards Financial Goals and Innovation Investment: Evidence from China
Authors: Chen Shouming , Xu Kaidi , Nguyen Luu Thi , Yu Guangsheng
Published: November 2018

Will the top managers’ attention to financial goals such as profit targets, operating expenses or debt payback schedule affect the firm’s innovation investment? The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the attention that the top management team (TMT) allocate on financial goals and R&D investment in Chinese firms. The roles of ownership type and company size as moderating effects in the relationship were also analyzed. This study used a panel dataset of 484 firms listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange from 2010 to 2014. The results show that TMT’s attention to monetary objectives was negatively related to the R&D investment. In the state-owned and large-scale enterprises, the negative relationship between the TMT’s financial orientation and R&D investment is weak compared to that in private companies and smaller enterprises, respectively. Several conclusions have been drawn. First, the attention paid by TMT to financial goals significantly affects the innovation investment of the company. Specifically, when executives press the importance of monetary targets, they reduce innovation investment, given that the effects of firm-specific characteristics are controlled. Second, corporate ownership significantly moderates the relationship. Given the same degree of attention bias toward financial targets, compared with those in private companies, executives in state-owned companies tend to be more willing to invest in corporate innovation activities. Third, as the size of the company increases, the company’s comprehensive strength and ability to resist risks would increase, which in turn raises the willingness to undertake high-cost and long-term-to-realize-benefit innovation activities, thus alleviating the effect of TMT’s pressure on financial performance.
A Control Strategy for Driving Mode Switches of Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Authors: Zeng Yuping , Huang Zhikai , Cai Yang , Liu Yonggang , Xiao Yue , Shang Yang
Published: November 2018

Driving mode switches of hybrid vehicles are significant events. Due to the different dynamic characteristics of the engine, motor, and wet clutch, it is difficult to coordinate torque fluctuations caused by mode switches. This paper focused on a control strategy for driving mode switches of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) with a multi-disk wet clutch. First, the dynamic model of the PHEV was established, and a rule-based control strategy was proposed to divide the working mode regions and distribute the torque between engine and motor. Second, the dual fuzzy control strategy for a wet clutch and the coordinated torque control strategy for driving mode switches were proposed. The dual fuzzy logic control system consisted of the initial pulse-width modulation (PWM)’s duty cycle control and the changing rate of the PWM’s duty cycle control. Considering the difference in the dynamic characteristics between engine, motor, and wet clutch, a coordinated control strategy for the driving mode switches of PHEVs was put forward. Third, simulations of driving mode switches between pure electric driving mode and only engine driving mode were conducted. The results showed that the proposed control strategy could reduce the torque ripple and the jerk of the vehicle, completely satisfying the requirements of China. Finally, the control strategy for the motor-assisted engine starting process was tested on the bench. The experiment results indicated that the proposed control strategy was effective.
A Comparative Analysis of Coordination, Participation, and Training in Post-Disaster Shelter Projects
Authors: Opdyke Aaron , Javernick-Will Amy , Koschmann Matthew
Published: November 2018

The delivery of post-disaster shelter assistance continues to be fraught with challenges derived from the coordination of resources, involvement of project stakeholders, and training of households and builders. There is a need to better understand what project elements in the delivery of post-disaster shelter projects most influence resilience and sustainability. To address this need, we examined nineteen post-disaster shelter projects in the Philippines following Typhoon Haiyan. We first characterized coordination, participation, and training employed across the planning, design, and construction phases of shelter projects and then used fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to assess the influence of these elements, alone and in combination, on building resilient and sustainable community infrastructure systems. Findings show that early involvement of households in planning efforts, combined with subsequent training, was important in evolving recovery outcomes. Our results point to the importance of: (1) supporting household sheltering processes over delivering hard products; (2) strategically linking project processes across phases; and (3) aligning humanitarian actions with long-term development. Conclusions from this study contribute to theory of sheltering in developing communities and more broadly to theory of recovery processes that link to community resilience and sustainability.
Insight into Influenza: A Virus Cap-Snatching
Authors: De Vlugt Corey , Sikora Dorota , Pelchat Martin
Published: November 2018

The influenza A virus (IAV) genome consists of eight single-stranded RNA segments. Each segment is associated with a protein complex, with the 3′ and 5′ ends bound to the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and the remainder associated with the viral nucleoprotein. During transcription of viral mRNA, this ribonucleoprotein complex steals short, 5′-capped transcripts produced by the cellular DNA dependent RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) and uses them to prime transcription of viral mRNA. Here, we review the current knowledge on the process of IAV cap-snatching and suggest a requirement for RNAPII promoter-proximal pausing for efficient IAV mRNA transcription.
Structure chondritique dans des enclaves de roches basaltiques
Authors: Vilminot Jean-Claude
Published: November 2018

Une structure chondritique, semblable à celle des météorites pierreuses, apparaît dans certaines enclaves de péridotite des basaltes du Velay et d'Auvergne. L'étude des différents stades de l'évolution structurale de ces enclaves montre que leur structure chondritique est une structure acquise secondairement sous l'action d'un pyrométamorphisme. Un mécanisme analogue est proposé pour la naissance des chondres des météorites.
Comportement géochimique du Ta, Th, Co, Sc, U dans les laves de la chaîne des puys
Authors: Coulomb René , Goldsztein M.
Published: November 2018

Ce travail porte sur trente-cinq laves allant des basaltes aux domites en passant par le groupe des trachyandésites. Les auteurs étudient le comportement de quelques oligo-éléments lors de la différenciation magmatique.

Certains d'entre eux présentent une affinité marquée pour un élément majeur entrant dans la composition des minéraux se formant lors de la différenciation ; il y a alors enrichissement vers un pôle. Dans d'autres cas, l'élément en trace n'entre dans aucune structure cristallographique et se trouve dispersé dans la pâte.
La silicification dans les calcaires de Las Cabesses (Ariège) et de Beni Tajit (Maroc)
Authors: Vincienne Henri , Machairas Georges
Published: November 2018

Les auteurs décrivent deux cas, particulièrement nets, de silicification dans des roches carbonatées : l'un dans les calcaires dolomitiques du Dévonien supérieur de Las Cabesses (Ariège), l'autre dans les calcaires oolithiques du Lias de Béni Tajit (Maroc). Les cristaux de quartz, néoformés, idiomorphes, montrent une zonation soulignée par des résidus de carbonates et aussi par des inclusions fluides. Le contour extérieur des cristaux est généralement limité par un «front », constitué par une association fine de carbonate et de quartz.
Application de méthodes physico-chimiques à l'étude de fossiles
Authors: Wyckoff Ralph Walter Graystone
Published: November 2018

Plusieurs méthodes physico-chimiques ont été employées pour déterminer le degré de préservation et les structures qui persistent dans les os et les dents fossilisés. Au moyen de la spectroscopie des rayons X on a retrouvé l'apatite originale et identifié les minéraux introduits au cours des siècles. Il a été possible de mettre en évidence une recristallisation qui aurait pu détruire les structures originales. Des microradiographies de sections polies très fines démontrent que les détails de microstructure sont souvent conservés jusqu'aux limites de résolution du microscope optique. Des structures encore plus fines ont été révélées par le microscope électronique, en utilisant les coupes minces faites avec un couteau de diamant. Des exemples provenant d'époques géologiques diverses sont présentés. Des protéines originelles, notamment le collagène, ont été trouvées dans les dents et dans les os. Elles ont été identifiées au microscope électronique et analysées. Une analyse des os de l'époque Pleistocène démontre que des composés organiques existent en mêmes proportions que dans les os récents, quoiqu'en quantités moins importantes.
Structure of oxide glasses : spectroscopic studies of local order and crystallochemistry. Geochemical implications
Authors: Calas Georges , Petiau Jacqueline
Published: November 2018

L'ordre à courte distance dans les verres peut être étudié par différentes spectroscopies, sensibles soit à des facteurs géométriques (coordinance, distance métal-oxygène) soit de nature plus chimique (degré d'oxydation, covalence métal-oxygène). Nous présentons les résultats obtenus principalement sur les verres silicatés, concernant les différents types de composants (formateurs de réseau, modificateurs, intermédiaires). Une des caractéristiques principales des verres silicatés — comme de nombreux amorphes avec lesquels ils peuvent être comparés — est de montrer un bon ordre à courte distance autour d'un élément alors que cet ordre n'est maintenu au-delà de la première couche de coordination que dans le cas de certains éléments formateurs (Germanium par exemple). Des variations importantes sont notées selon le type d'ion considéré : il est possible de montrer la présence soit d'ions occupant des sites similaires à ceux observés dans les matrices cristallisées, quoique plus distribués, soit de complexes moléculaires stables, directement mis en évidence par des techniques spectroscopiques. La formation de ces complexes ou l'évolution de paramètres tels que la covalence métal -oxygène ou la charge effective des ligandes permet d'expliquer les variations de certaines propriétés géochimiques des éléments traces, notamment des coefficients de partage minéral/liquide et des équilibres redox en fonction de la composition du liquide.
Raman spectroscopic studies of silicate and related glass structure : a review
Authors: McMillan Paul Francis , Piriou Bernard
Published: November 2018

La spectrométrie Raman a été largement utilisée afin d'étudier la structure moléculaire des verres silicatés. Une grande partie de ces travaux ont eu pour but d'élaborer des modèles structuraux susceptibles d'être appliqués aux liquides silicatés à intérêt géologique. Cet article procède au recensement de ces études afin de faciliter l'accès à la littérature pertinente, et présente quelques travaux des auteurs non publiés à ce jour. Les interprétations des diverses études sont commentées, et les modèles qui en résultent pour les structures des verres et liquides silicatés sont considérés afin de faire ressortir les domaines d'accord général, et ceux qui, sujet à controverse, nécessitent une étude approfondie.
Mesure de la vitesse du son sous pression dans les silicates liquides. Mise au point de la méthode sur un sel fondu
Authors: Denielou Lucien , Petitet Jean-Pierre , Tequi Christophe , Syfosse Gérard
Published: November 2018

An impulsional method is described for the measurement of sound velocity in liquids as functions of pressure and temperature. From sound velocities under pressure and heat capacities and molar volumes at atmospheric pressure, an iteration calculation yields the density, the compressities and the heat capacities as function of temperature and pressure. The method is applied to molten NaNO3.
L’abus de la liberté d’expression en droit de la responsabilité civile
Authors: Tardif Anthony
Published: November 2018

L’attitude du juge civil face aux abus de la liberté d’expression a connu de profonds bouleversements depuis le début des années 1980, et ceci, dans un sens toujours plus favorable à l’exercice de cette liberté. C’est ainsi que les règles de la procédure civile furent, dans un premier temps, affectées par l’existence d’un abus de la liberté d’expression. Puis, ce fût le fond du droit, et tout particulièrement l’application de l’article 1382 du Code civil, qui allait connaître des modifications de premier ordre. Tout d’abord écarté pour les abus de la liberté d’expression prévus et réprimés par la loi du 29 juillet 1881, cet article se trouve aujourd’hui totalement évincé du domaine des abus de la liberté d’expression en raison d’une jurisprudence initiée par la première Chambre civile en 2013. Bien que critiquable à plusieurs égards, une telle jurisprudence n ’a toutefois rien d’inéluctable. C’est la raison pour laquelle il conviendra de proposer des alternatives à la méthode actuellement employée par le juge.
Contribution à un statut de l'éméritat
Authors: Calan Benoît de
Published: November 2018

Prévu par l’article L. 952-11 du code de l’éducation, l’éméritat est un titre qui permet à un enseignant-chercheur ou chercheur de continuer à exercer partiellement ses activités après son départ à la retraite. Des différentes sources juridiques disponibles, il ressort que l’universitaire émérite est un collaborateur occasionnel du service public de l ’enseignement supérieur et de la recherche, en ce qu ’il continue d’exercer ponctuellement des activités de service public (direction de séminaire et de thèse, participation à des jurys de thèse et d’habilitation, activités de recherche), sans contrepartie financière. Élément de la politique d’établissement, l’éméritat fait l’objet d’une procédure d’octroi, dont l’opportunité scientifique relève, en application du principe d’indépendance des enseignants-chercheurs, des conseils centraux en formation restreinte aux enseignants-chercheurs et chercheurs habilités à diriger des recherches. La large marge de manœuvre (durée, critères d’appréciation, etc.) dont bénéficie les conseils est encadrée par les trois critères d’octroi identifié par le Conseil d’Etat et centré sur les besoins de l’établissement. C’est à cet effet que peuvent également être pris en compte des motifs extrascientifiques posant la question du pouvoir d’opposition du président ou du directeur de l’établissement concerné.
La jurisprudence récente en matière d'expertise judiciaire
Authors: Khalak Osman
Published: November 2018

Lorsqu'un litige porte sur des questions de faits dont la résolution dépasse le champ de connaissances pratique du juge, Celui-ci, ne peut bien évidemment pas posséder toutes les connaissances techniques nécessaires à la compréhension des faits qui ont donné lieu au litige qui lui est soumis. C ’est la raison pour laquelle que, le juge a l’habitude de solliciter l’aide d’un expert spécialiste afin qu’il donne son avis qui a pour mission d’éclairer le choix du juge sur des questions techniques de pur fait. L ’expertise judiciaire est soumise au respect du principe du contradictoire aussi bien pendant son déroulement qu ’au stade de la discussion de ses résultats. En cas d’irrégularité affectant une expertise judiciaire, certaines sanctions encourues consistent dans la nullité ou l ’inopposabilité de ladite expertise. Toutefois, pour éviter l ’annulation de l ’expertise, le juge compétent dispose des pouvoirs mis à sa disposition afin de régulariser l 'expertise irrégulière. La jurisprudence considère que si la demande en nullité d’une expertise judiciaire ne constitue pas une exception de procédure mais une défense au fonde, elle demeure soumise en application de l ’article 1 75 du CPC aux dispositions régissant la nullité des actes de procédure. La jurisprudence admet que le juge puisse utiliser une expertise déclarée nulle pour l'établissement de la preuve ou à titre de simples renseignements. En cas d’erreur commise par l’expert causant la nullité de l’expertise, les parties ont la faculté de demander la mise en cause de sa responsabilité civile sur le terrain délictuel et non contractuelle puisque l ’expert judiciaire est désigné directement par le juge et non par les parties.
Le dérèglement institutionnel de la cinquième république au niveau du pouvoir exécutif
Authors: Ngameni Herman Blaise
Published: November 2018

Le président de la République française est considéré comme le monarque sans couronne d’une monarchie républicaine qualifiée de régime semi-présidentiel. Mais, cette réalité politique est-elle en phase avec l ’esprit des institutions de la Cinquième République ? Certainement pas ; car si le Chef de l ’Etat français a après la réforme constitutionnelle du 6 novembre 1962 pu bénéficier d’une légitimité démocratique du fait de son élection au suffrage universel direct, il n 'en demeure pas moins qu ’en réalité, c ’est au Premier ministre que la Constitution confie l ’essentiel du pouvoir exécutif.

Ainsi, la primauté du président de la République au sein de l’appareil exécutif n’est que la conséquence d’un dérèglement lié à un «hold-up » institutionnel qu’il a réalisé depuis quelques décennies. Au reste, la Cohabitation a révélé que le Chef du Gouvernement est en réalité la véritable clé de voûte des institutions d’une République qui depuis les origines et au regard du texte constitutionnel, n’a jamais cessé d’être un régime parlementaire.