pinecone/core-2020-05-10-deduplication huggingface dataset:
Can polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) signatures and enantiomer fractions be used for source identification and to age date occupational exposure?

Detailed polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) signatures and chiral Enantiomer Fractions (EFs) of CB-95, CB-136 and CB-149 were measured for 30 workers at a transformer dismantling plant. This was undertaken to identify sources of exposure and investigate changes to the PCB signature and EFs over different exposure periods. Approximately 1.5g of serum was extracted and PCB signatures were created through analysis by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC-TOFMS) and EFs calculated following analysis by gas chromatography with high resolution mass spectrometry (GC-HRMS). A total of 84 PCBs were identified in the serum samples with concentrations of the 7 indicator PCBs ranging from 11-350ngg(-1) of serum (1.2-39μgg(-1) lipid). The PCB signatures were interpreted using principal component analysis (PCA) which was able to distinguish workers with background or recent minimal exposure from those with prolonged occupational exposure. Occupationally exposed individuals had a similar PCB profile to Aroclor A1260. However, individuals with prolonged exposure had depleted proportions of several PCB congeners that are susceptible to metabolism (CB-95, CB-101 and CB-151) and elevated proportions of PCBs that are resistant to metabolism (CB-74, CB-153, CB-138 and CB-180). The results also identified a third group of workers with elevated proportions of CB-28, CB-60, CB-66, CB-74, CB-105 and CB-118 who appeared to have been exposed to an additional source of PCBs. The results show near complete removal of the CB-95 E2 enantiomer in some samples, indicating that bioselective metabolism or preferential excretion of one enantiomer occurs in humans. By considering PCB concentrations along with detailed congener specific signatures it was possible to identify different exposure sources, and gain an insight into both the magnitude and duration of exposure
Meeting the Sustainable Development Goals leads to lower world population growth

Here we show the extent to which the expected world population growth could be lowered by successfully implementing the recently agreed-upon Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs include specific quantitative targets on mortality, reproductive health, and education for all girls by 2030, measures that will directly and indirectly affect future demographic trends. Based on a multidimensional model of population dynamics that stratifies national populations by age, sex, and level of education with educational fertility and mortality differentials, we translate these goals into SDG population scenarios, resulting in population sizes between 8.2 and 8.7 billion in 2100. Because these results lie outside the 95% prediction range given by the 2015 United Nations probabilistic population projections, we complement the study with sensitivity analyses of these projections that suggest that those prediction intervals are too narrow because of uncertainty in baseline data, conservative assumptions on correlations, and the possibility of new policies influencing these trends. Although the analysis presented here rests on several assumptions about the implementation of the SDGs and the persistence of educational, fertility, and mortality differentials, it quantitatively illustrates the view that demography is not destiny and that policies can make a decisive difference. In particular, advances in female education and reproductive health can contribute greatly to reducing world population growth
Low-lying states and structure of the exotic $^8$He via direct reactions on the proton

International audienceThe structure of the light exotic nucleus 8He was investigated using direct reactions of the 8He SPIRAL beam on a proton-rich target. The (p,p') scattering to the Click to view the MathML source state, the (p,d)7He and (p,t)6He transfer reactions, were measured at the energy Elab=15.7 A.MeV. The light charged particles (p,d,t) were detected in the MUST Si-strip telescope array. The excitation spectrum of 8He was extracted from the (p,p') reaction. Above the known Click to view the MathML source excited state at 3.6 MeV, a second resonance was found around 5.4 MeV. The cross sections were analyzed within the coupled-reaction channels framework, using microscopic potentials. It is inferred that the 8He ground state has a more complex neutron-skin structure than suggested by previous α+4n models assuming a pure (1p3/2)4 configuration
New Insight Into the Size Tuning of Monodispersed Colloidal Gold Obtained by Citrate Method

International audienceWe study the effect of citrate to gold molar ratio (X) on the size of citrated gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). This dependence is still a matter of debate for X ≥ 3 where the polydispersity is yet minimized. Indeed, there is no consensus between experiments proposed so far for comparable experimental conditions. Nonetheless, the sole available theoretical prediction has never been validated experimentally in this range of X. We show unambiguously using 3 techniques (UV-Vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering and transmission electronic microscopy), 2 different synthetic approaches (Direct, Inverse) and 10 X values for each approach that AuNPs’ size decay as a monoexponential with X. This result is, for the first time, in agreement with the sole available theoretical prediction by Kumar et al. on the whole studied range of X
A Logical Pattern for Integrating Business Intelligence into Information Systems Design

Part 6: Decision Making and Knowledge ManagementInternational audienceIn this paper, we review, literature concerning the relationship between the requirements for information systems design and business intelligence (BI). This is to provide a basis for discussion on the need for the integration of BI into information systems design. Literature on the current design patterns for information systems and BI were reviewed to identify design trends that are contributing to the use of BI that are based on only the data extracted from source information systems. We observe three main layers of logical design pattern for computer-supported information systems, namely, information presentation layer, domain model layer and information source layer. We classified according to the design purpose of each layer, which are, purposeful use of information presentation (Pragmatics design layer), meaning and understanding of information within particular business domains (Semantics design layer) and storage of signs for information captured and encoded into data (Syntactic design layer). We propose LOPIBIS as a logical pattern for integrating BI into information systems design, which is to support the use of a single version of business rules (SVOBR) to capture, process and recall same sets of data in source information systems. Subsequently enabling to the use of BI that are based on not just the data extracted from source information systems, but data with the contexts of business actions
A Comprehensive Evaluation Approach that Highlights the ’Equilibrium’ and Its Application in Evaluation on Regional Innovation Capability

Part 5: Modelling and SimulationInternational audienceIn this paper we proposed a novel method that aggregates the “Functionality” and the “Equilibrium” to calculate the weight of comprehensive evaluation problem, The method calculate the weight coefficient according to the principle of “variance drive” firstly, then considering the development of the system balance with relative equilibrium coefficient to arrive at the comprehensive evaluation results of various systems. The method reflects the scientificity, impartiality and rationality. So it can avoid the phenomenon “one swallow make a summer”, which can promote the healthy development of the whole system. Finally, a numerical example was given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method
Social ecology and language history in the northern Vanuatu linkage: A tale of divergence and convergence

International audienceThis study describes and explains the paradox of related languages in contact that show signs of both linguistic divergence and convergence. Seventeen distinct languages are spoken in the northernmost islands of Vanuatu. These closely related Oceanic languages have evolved from an earlier dialect network, by progressive diversification. Innovations affecting word forms — mostly sound change and lexical replacement — have usually spread only short distances across the network; their accumulation over time has resulted in linguistic fragmentation , as each spatially-anchored community developed its own distinctive vocabulary. However, while languages follow a strong tendency to diverge in the form of their words, they also exhibit a high degree of isomorphism in their linguistic structures, and in the organization of their grammars and lexicons. This structural homogeneity, typically manifested by the perfect translatability of constructions across languages, reflects the traditions of mutual contact and multilingualism which these small communities have followed throughout their history. While word forms are perceived as emblematic of place and diffuse to smaller social circles, linguistic structures are left free to diffuse across much broader networks. Ultimately, the effects of divergence and convergence are the end result, over time, of these two distinct forms of horizontal diffusion
What Drives Fitness Apps Usage? An Empirical Evaluation

Part 3: Creating Value through ApplicationsInternational audienceThe increased health problems associated with lack of physical activity is of great concern around the world. Mobile phone based fitness applications appear to be a cost effective promising solution for this problem. The aim of this study is to develop a research model that can broaden understanding of the factors that influence the user acceptance of mobile fitness apps. Drawing from Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM), we conceptualize the antecedents and moderating factors of fitness app use. We validate our model using field survey. Implications for research and practice are discussed
Firms and the global crisis: French exports in the turmoil

International audienceGlobal trade contracted quickly and severely during the global crisis. This paper uses a unique dataset of French firms to match export data to firm-level credit constraints and shows that most of the 2008-2009 trade collapse was due to the unprecedented demand shock and to product characteristics. While all firms have been affected by the crisis, the effect on large firms has been mainly at the intensive margin and has resulted in a smaller portfolio of products being offered to export destinations. The effect on smaller exporters has been to reduce the range of destinations served or to stop exporting altogether. Credit constraints have been an added aggravation for firms active in high financial dependence sectors. However, the share of credit constrained firms is small and their number has not increased hugely during the crisis, with the result that the overall impact of credit constraints on trade has been limited
Is Having a Unique Equilibrium Robust?

International audienceWe investigate whether having a unique equilibrium (or a given number of equilibria) is robust to perturbation of the payoffs, both for Nash equilibrium and correlated equilibrium. We show that the set of n-player finite games with a unique correlated equilibrium is open, while this is not true of Nash equilibrium for n>2. The crucial lemma is that a unique correlated equilibrium is a quasi-strict Nash equilibrium. Related results are studied. For instance, we show that generic two-person zero-sum games have a unique correlated equilibrium and that, while the set of symmetric bimatrix games with a unique symmetric Nash equilibrium is not open, the set of symmetric bimatrix games with a unique and quasi-strict symmetric Nash equilibrium is
Technological agglomeration and the emergence of clusters and networks in nanotechnology

http://www.nanoeconomics.eu/International audienceResearch and development at the nanoscale requires a large degree of integration, from convergence of research disciplines in new fields of enquiry to new linkages between start-ups, regional actors and research facilities. Based on the analysis of two clusters in nanotechnologies (MESA+ (Twente) and other centres in The Netherlands and Minatec in Grenoble in France), the paper discusses the phenomenon of technological agglomeration: co-located scientific and technological fields associated to coordinated technology platforms to some extent actively shaped by institutional entrepreneurs. Such co-location and coordination are probably a prerequisite for the emergence of strong nanoclusters. For more informations: http://www.nanoeconomics.eu
Hierarchical decomposition of handwritten<br /> manuscripts layouts

http://www.springerlink.com/content/k6741wt1028l7310/International audienceIn this paper we propose a new approach to improve electronic editions of literary corpus, providing an efficient estimation of manuscripts pages structure. In any handwriting documents analysis process, structure recognition is an important issue. The presence of variable inter-line spaces, of inconstant base-line skews, overlappings and occlusions in unconstrained ancient 19th handwritten documents complicates the structure recognition task. Text line and fragment extraction is based<br />on the connexity labelling of the adjacency graph at different resolution<br />levels, for borders, lines and fragments extraction
A perturbation-method-based a posteriori estimator for the planewave discretization of nonlinear Schrödinger equations

International audienceIn this Note, we propose a new method, based on perturbation theory, to post-process the planewave approximation of the eigenmodes of periodic Schrödinger operators. We then use this post-processing to construct an accurate a posteriori estimator for the approximations of the (nonlinear) Gross--Pitaevskii equation, valid at each step of a self-consistent procedure. This allows us to design an adaptive algorithm for solving the Gross-Pitaevskii equation, which automatically refines the discretization along the convergence of the iterative process, by means of adaptive stopping criteria
Probabilistic lifetime assessment of RC structures under coupled corrosion-fatigue deterioration processes

International audienceStructural deterioration is becoming a major problem when considering long term performance of infrastructures. The existence of a corrosive environment, cyclic loading and concrete cracking cause structural strength degradation. The interaction of these conditions can only be taken into account when modeling the coupled action. In this paper, a new model to assess lifetime of RC structures subject to corrosion-fatigue deterioration processes, is proposed. Separately, corrosion leads to cross section reduction while fatigue induces the nucleation and the propagation of cracks in steel bars. When considered together, pitting corrosion nucleates the crack while environmental factors affect the kinematics of crack propagation. The model is applied to the reliability analysis of bridge girders located in different chloride-contaminated environments. Overall results show that the coupled effect of corrosion-fatigue on RC structures affects strongly its performance leading to large reduction in the expected lifetime
Analysis of index modulation of doppler microembolic signals part II: in vitro discrimination.

International audienceThe purpose of this study was to validate through experiments that frequency modulation (FM) of microembolic signatures was principally due to the radiation force. Several experiments were required to prove that such a frequency modulation originates from microdisplacements induced by the radiation force acting on microbubbles. The first experiment was performed to verify that the diffraction effects due to the presence of a skull did not disturb the acoustic field appreciably and to validate that a radiation force in the brain was sufficient to create a detectable microdisplacement. A second in vitro experiment using a single gate transcranial Doppler (TCD) system was conducted to show discrimination feasibility and to check that microembolic frequency modulation signatures (FMS) and frequency modulation index (FMI) were the same as those observed in vivo and those calculated by simulation. A final in vitro experiment was performed using a multigate multichannel TCD system to confirm the second experiment by directly measuring the microdisplacement induced by the radiation force. A new parameter, to be known as the position modulation index (PMI), is proposed. We showed that the radiation force is sufficient to induce detectable microdisplacements despite the presence of the skull. We also showed that the diffraction effects due to the skull induced a decrease in the ultrasound beam of 7.6 dB. Finally, we showed by using FMI and PMI that it is possible to discriminate gaseous from formed elements (<100 microns) despite the presence of the skull. The discrimination based on the FMI is an off-line technique allowing the analysis of standard TCD recordings. However, discrimination based on the PMI requires recordings obtained exclusively from a multi-gate system
A New Characterization of Relevant Intervals for Energetic Reasoning

International audienceEnergetic Reasoning (ER) is a powerful filtering algorithm for the Cumulative constraint. Unfortunately, ER is generally too costly to be used in practice. One reason of its bad behavior is that many intervals are considered as relevant, although most of them should be ignored. In the literature, heuristic approaches have been developed in order to reduce the number of intervals to consider, leading to a loss of filtering. In this paper, we provide a sharp characterization that allows to reduce the number of intervals by a factor seven without loss of filtering
Identifying and exploiting problem structures using explanation-based constraint programming

International audienceIdentifying structures in a given combinatorial problem is often a key step for designing efficient search heuristics or for understanding the inherent complexity of the problem. Several Operations Research approaches apply decomposition or relaxation strategies upon such a structure identified within a given problem. The next step is to design algorithms that adaptively integrate that kind of information during search. We claim in this paper, inspired by previous work on impact-based search strategies for constraint programming, that using an explanation-based constraint solver may lead to collect invaluable information on the intimate dynamically revealed and static structures of a problem instance. Moreover, we discuss how dedicated OR solving strategies (such as Benders decomposition) could be adapted to constraint programming when specific relationships between variables are exhibited
Theoretical and experimental $\alpha$ decay half-lives of the heaviest odd-Z elements and general predictions

Theoretical decay half-lives of the heaviest odd-Z nuclei are calculated using the experimental Q value. The barriers in the quasimolecular shape path are determined within a Generalized Liquid Drop Model (GLDM) and the WKB approximation is used. The results are compared with calculations using the Density-Dependent M3Y (DDM3Y) effective interaction and the Viola-Seaborg-Sobiczewski (VSS) formulas. The calculations provide consistent estimates for the half-lives of the decay chains of these superheavy elements. The experimental data stand between the GLDM calculations and VSS ones in the most time. Predictions are provided for the decay half-lives of other superheavy nuclei within the GLDM and VSS approaches using the recent extrapolated Q of Audi, Wapstra, and Thibault [Nucl. Phys. A729, 337 (2003)], which may be used for future experimental assignment and identification
Extraction and Evolution of Architectural Variability Models in Plugin-based Systems

International audienceVariability management is a key issue when building and evolving software-intensive systems, making it possible to extend, confi gure, customize and adapt such systems to customers' needs and speci fic deployment contexts. A wide form of variability can be found in extensible software systems, typically built on top of plugin-based architectures that o ffer a (large) number of con figuration options through plugins. In an ideal world, a software architect should be able to generate a system variant on-demand, corresponding to a particular assembly of plugins. To this end, the variation points and constraints between architectural elements should be properly modeled and maintained over time (i.e., for each version of an architecture). A crucial, yet error-prone and time-consuming, task for a software architect is to build an accurate representation of the variability of an architecture, in order to prevent unsafe architectural variants and reach the highest possible level of flexibility. In this article, we propose a reverse engineering process for producing a variability model (i.e., a feature model) of a plugin-based architecture. We develop automated techniques to extract and combine di fferent variability descriptions, including a hierarchical software architecture model, a plugin dependency model and the software architect knowledge. By computing and reasoning about diff erences between versions of architectural feature models, software architect can control both the variability extraction and evolution processes. The proposed approach has been applied to a representative, large-scale plugin-based system (FraSCAti), considering diff erent versions of its architecture. We report on our experience in this context
The STICS model to predict nitrate leaching following agricultural pratices.

The aim of this paper was to develop an upscaling approach for the soil-crop model STICS in order to predict the impact of agricultural practices on nitrate leaching on both plot and regional scales. A case study was carried out on a "Nitrate Vulnerable Zone" located in central France. The performance of the spatial approach was evaluated by accounting for all the spatial and temporal variability existing within the studied area. The results indicate that N leaching and nitrate concentration in drainage water were slightly underestimated; by 3 kg N·ha-1 (16%) and 8 mg NO3-·L-1 (11%), respectively. The STICS scaling approach was used to assess the effectiveness of "Good Agricultural Practice" established within the area over a seven-year period. The simulation results provided evidence that such a practice had reduced the nitrate concentration by about 30% (36 mg NO3-·L-1). However, the rate of nitrate leaching remains too large and further improvements to agricultural practices are required