New technologies and firm organization : the case of electronic traceability systems in French agribusiness

This paper considers the relationship between the adoption of electronic traceability systems (ETSs) and the organization of firms. More precisely, it analyzes the respective roles of a firm's organizational structure, and organizational changes, in the process of ETS adoption in agribusiness. We use data from the French "Organizational Changes and Computerization" survey from 2006. We test a probit model to demonstrate the organizational structure and organizational changes underlying the firm's ETS adoption choice. Results show that ETS adoption is strongly favored by organizations with heavy hierarchical structures, standardized managerial practices and contractual mechanisms with external partners. This adoption process seems to coevolve with the organization: firms that implemented an ETS during the observed period (2003-2006) have experienced the most important organizational changes in terms of managerial practices, information systems and contractual relations, as well as the strengthening of the intermediate levels in the hierarchy

Fourier ring correlation as a resolution criterion for super-resolution microscopy

Optical nanoscopy techniques using localization based image reconstruction, also termed super-resolution microscopy (SRM), have become a standard tool to bypass the diffraction limit in fluorescence light microscopy. The localization precision measured for the detected fluorophores is commonly used to describe the maximal attainable resolution. However, this measure takes not all experimental factors, which impact onto the finally achieved resolution, into account. Several other methods to measure the resolution of super-resolved images were previously suggested, typically relying on intrinsic standards, such as molecular rulers, or on a priori knowledge about the specimen, e.g. its spatial frequency content. Here we show that Fourier ring correlation provides an easy-to-use, laboratory consistent standard for measuring the resolution of SRM images. We provide a freely available software tool that combines resolution measurement with image reconstruction

When the Locus Coeruleus Speaks Up in Sleep: Recent Insights, Emerging Perspectives.

For decades, numerous seminal studies have built our understanding of the locus coeruleus (LC), the vertebrate brain's principal noradrenergic system. Containing a numerically small but broadly efferent cell population, the LC provides brain-wide noradrenergic modulation that optimizes network function in the context of attentive and flexible interaction with the sensory environment. This review turns attention to the LC's roles during sleep. We show that these roles go beyond down-scaled versions of the ones in wakefulness. Novel dynamic assessments of noradrenaline signaling and LC activity uncover a rich diversity of activity patterns that establish the LC as an integral portion of sleep regulation and function. The LC could be involved in beneficial functions for the sleeping brain, and even minute alterations in its functionality may prove quintessential in sleep disorders

Turning a Smartphone Selfie into a Studio Portrait

We introduce a novel algorithm that turns a flash selfie taken with a smartphone into a studio-like photograph with uniform lighting. Our method uses a convolutional neural network trained on a set of pairs of photographs acquired in a controlled environment. For each pair, we have one photograph of a subject's face taken with the camera flash enabled and another one of the same subject in the same pose illuminated using a photographic studio-lighting setup. We show how our method can amend lighting artifacts introduced by a close-up camera flash, such as specular highlights, shadows, and skin shine

DeepFlash: Turning a flash selfie into a studio portrait

We present a method for turning a flash selfie taken with a smartphone into a photograph as if it was taken in a studio setting with uniform lighting. Our method uses a convolutional neural network trained on a set of pairs of photographs acquired in an ad-hoc acquisition campaign. Each pair consists of one photograph of a subject's face taken with the camera flash enabled and another one of the same subject in the same pose illuminated using a photographic studio-lighting setup. We show how our method can amend defects introduced by a close-up camera flash, such as specular highlights, shadows, skin shine, and flattened images

Reconstruction From Multiple Particles for 3D Isotropic Resolution in Fluorescence Microscopy

International audienc

Collaborative Visual Environments for Evidence Taking in Digital Justice: A Design Concept

In recent years, Spatial Computing (SC) has emerged as a novel paradigm thanks to the advancements in Extended Reality (XR), remote sensing, and artificial intelligence. Computers are nowadays more and more aware of physical environments (i.e. objects shape, size, location and movement) and can use this knowledge to blend technology into reality seamlessly, merge digital and real worlds, and connect users by providing innovative interaction methods. Criminal and civil trials offer an ideal scenario to exploit Spatial Computing. The taking of evidence, indeed, is a complex activity that not only involves several actors (judges, lawyers, clerks, advisors) but it often requires accurate topographic surveys of places and objects. Moreover, another essential means of proof, the "judicial experiments"- reproductions of real-world events (e.g. a road accident) the judge uses to evaluate if and how a given fact has taken place - could be usefully carried out in virtual environments. In this paper we propose a novel approach for digital justice based on a multi-user, multimodal virtual collaboration platform that enables technology-enhanced acquisition and analysis of trial evidence

The effects of an electromechanical gait trainer on resistance, fatigue and quality of life in patients suffering from multiple sclerosis: a pilot study

Introduction: Gait impairments are considered as one of the most important factors limiting the activities in daily life in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Several articles demonstrated positive effect of an electromechanical gait trainer (Gang Trainer I GT-I) in patients with neurological diseases. Aims: To evaluate the feasibility of the GTI among persons with multiple sclerosis. To examine the effect on gait, fatigue and quality of life. Design: The study was a pilot randomized trial. Patients and methods: 24 patients were recruited during a 10-month period (March - December, 2011). Inclusion criteria: EDSS 3>x<6.5; age 30>x<65; ability to walk independently for minimum 15 meters. Exclusion criteria: relapses in the previous three months; rehabilitation training in the previous 6 months. The patients were randomly assigned to an experimental group, who received 30 minutes of locomotor training with the GTI, plus 10 minutes of passive joint mobilization and stretching exercises, and a control group who received conventional physiotherapy, for a total of 12 treatment sessions. Before and after treatment and then at 1 month, the patients were evaluated by mean of clinical scales (10MWT, 6MWT, Fatigue Severity Scale, MSQOL-54) and instrumental evaluation (gait analysis). Results: The experimental group showed significant post- treatment improvement on 6MWT. A statistically significant trend improvements were found in: 10MWT, gait speed, stride and step length. Conclusions: The GTI device could be a safe and feasible instrument that can be integrated into routinely rehabilitative programs with patients with MS and have a positive effect on endurance and gait parameters