Spatial integration in European cross-border metropolitan regions: A comparative approach

This article analyses the process of spatial integration in ten European cross-border metropolitan regions. On the basis of three indicators, relating to flows of cross-border commuters, gross domestic product and the housing market, it suggests that spatial integration can be viewed as a process of convergence between distinct territories, resulting from the intensification of interaction between social, political and economic actors. Our results allow, firstly, confirmation of the hypothesis that the greater the economic disparities, the greater the level of interactions measured by cross-border commuting. Our work also shows that strong economic interactions have an impact on the cross-border integration of communities, measured by the proportion of residents based on the other side of the border. Finally, this article leads to three models of cross-border integration being proposed: by specialisation, by polarisation and by osmosis.cross-border; metropilitan regions; spatial integration; commuters; gross domestic product; housing market; Europe

Le rôle des héros des tribus sportives dans l'offre des équipementiers de la glisse

International audienc

Internal friction investigation of phase transformation in nearly stoichiometric LaMnO3+δ

Rhombohedral LaMnO3+δ powders, prepared by two different soft chemistry routes (co-precipitation and hydrothermal synthesis), are sintered at 1400 °C for 2 h in air. Measurements of internal friction Q−1(T) and shear modulus G(T), at low frequencies from −180 to 700 °C under vacuum, evidence three structural transitions of nearly stoichiometric orthorhombic LaMnO3+δ. The first one, at 250 or 290 °C, depending on the processing followed, is associated to either a Jahn–Teller structural transition or a phase transformation from orthorhombic to pseudo-cubic. The second one at 610 or 630 °C is related to a phase transformation from pseudo-cubic or orthorhombic to rhombohedral. Below the Neel temperature, around −170 °C, a relaxation peak could be associated, for samples prepared according to both processing routes, to the motion of Weiss domains

Comparative Reactivity of the Three Glucosyl -OH Positions -2, -3 and -6 during esterification and saponification of starch by nmr spectroscopy of partially Deutero-acetylated material

International audienceThe individual reactivity of the three hydroxyle groups, (OH-2, OH-3, OH-6) of the glucosyl monomer residue in starch, under esterification and saponification conditions, were analyzed by 1H nmr spectroscopy. A first sample, obtained by direct acetylation, led to an intermediate DS of 1.5, leaving half of hydroxyle positions untouched. These free -OH groups were then esterified with deuterated acetic anhydride. In order to analyse the reactivity under saponification conditions, a second sample was fully acetylated, then, half of the acetate groups were removed by saponification with ethanolic KOH. These regenerated OH groups were then re-esterified with deuterated acetic anhydride as per the previous sample. The proton nmr spectra of each sample was recorded in deuterated chloroform. Integration of the (CH3) peaks in the 1 to 2 ppm region allowed the measurement of the relative (1H) acetate level on each of the three hydroxyle positions

Les outils pour acquérir et transformer la matière ligneuse dans les chaînes opératoires techniques des artisanats forestiers en Provence et Haut-Dauphiné au Moyen Âge

International audienceThe interweaving of historical (charters and notarial sources, literary sources, iconography), archaeological and ethnoarchaeological data focuses on three major questions : how are tools made partially from wood made to work this same material, how can they be identified and recognized in technical processes, and what are the technical gestures used . The results underline the great variability in the way of using the same Tools in different stages of different technical processes. Technical innovation and intensive change in craft production during the late Middle Ages is also discussed.Le croisement des données historiques (actes de la ratique, littérature savante, iconographie), archéologiques et thnoarchéologiques s'organise autour de trois questions principales : celle de la fabrication même des outils qui sont façonnés pro parte dans la matière qu'ils ont vocation à travailler, le bois ; celle de l'identification des outils et de leur mise en oeuvre dans les chaînes opératoires techniques liées à l'acquisition et à la transformation de la matière ligneuse et enfin celle des gestes techniques. Les résultats soulignent une grande polyvalence des outils qui interviennent à des stades précis d'opérations de chaînes différentes. La question de l'innovation technique et de l'" industrialisation " au Bas Moyen Âge est abordée

Charcoal analysis of lime kiln remains in Southern France : an original process of mediaeval and modern traditional lime burning

In Southern France, little has been known concerning the techniques used for lime burning. Recent archaeological research (excavations and surveys) provides evidence of a new lime burning process using a little sole to shaft and high stokehole. These lime kiln elements have been recognized in sites such as Saint-Blaise-de-Bauzon (XIIIth century, Bollène, Vaucluse), earthenware factory Favier (XVIIth century, Montpellier, Hérault) and the Homme Mort Valley (XVIIth century, Peynier, Bouches-du-Rhône). These new archaeological data allow the re-evaluation of the development of this activity and associated firewood management. Several kilns have been excavated in the Lower Provence (France), especially in the high Arc Valley area, aiming at a better understanding of the links between kiln construction and architecture and fire control. A sampling protocol of charcoal has been defined, experimented and improved during excavation work. The careful excavation and sampling of the charcoal layers is followed by microtopography of the kiln in order to identify the morphology / pattern of the fireplace. Fine sieving (0,2 mm mesh) allows the recovery of even the smallest charred biological remains (twigs, spines, leafs) and the reconstruction of the technical process of supplying the fire with wood. Charcoal analysis has taken in account diverse factors. After the anatomical identification of the species, all the specimens have been calibrated; statistical results thus obtained testify to the use of kindling wood (from scrub vegetation). The bark is often preserved allowing us to identify the cutting season. Further charred botanical remains (leaves and spines) were studied in Montpellier (Institut de Botanique) and point to the use of a taper at the bottom of fireplace to light the fire, at the very begining of the burning. This process is well suited for a lime burning kiln provided with a high stokehole. This new conception of lime production leads to the re-interpretation of the results from old excavations all over the Northern-Western Mediterranean basin, especially in Tunisia and central Italy.Les techniques de fabrication de la chaux sont assez méconnues dans le Midi de la France. Des recherches récentes (fouilles archéologiques et prospections) ont mis en évidence l'existence d'un procédé de cuisson au moyen d'une petite voûte à cheminée et gueule haute. Cette disposition des éléments du four à chaux est désormais connue sur plusieurs sites de productions de chaux à Saint-Blaise-de-Bauzon (XIIIe siècle, Bollène, Vaucluse, France), à la faïencerie Favier (XVIIe siècle, Montpellier, Hérault, France) ou dans le vallon de l'Homme Mort (XVIIe siècle, Peynier, Bouches-du-Rhône, France). Elle vient renouveler la vision acquise par l'archéologie sur cet artisanat et implique une gestion du feu spécifique. Plusieurs fours ont été fouillés en basse Provence (France), notamment dans le secteur de la haute Vallée de l'Arc, afin de comprendre les liens qui existent entre la disposition des éléments techniques du four et la gestion de la cuisson. Un protocole de prélèvements anthracologiques a été élaboré et affiné au fil des opérations archéologiques. Après un décapage minutieux de la couche de charbons, un relevé microtopographique est réalisé pour saisir la morphologie des restes du foyer, puis les charbons sont prélevés à la manière des places de charbonnières. Un tamisage très fin est ensuite effectué, permettant de récolter les végétaux carbonisés les plus petits (brindilles, épines, feuilles) et de reconstruire la chaîne opératoire technique de l'alimentation en combustible du feu par les chaufourniers. L'analyse anthracologique a tenu compte de plusieurs paramètres. Outre la caractérisation des espèces, les charbons de bois ont été calibrés afin d'établir une étude statistique pour montrer l'utilisation de fagots de broussailles. La saison d'abattage a été déterminée grâce à la conservation fréquente de l'écorce. L'analyse anthracologique a été complétée par une identification botanique réalisée à l'Université de Montpellier II sur les feuilles et épines carbonisées, mettant en évidence l'utilisation d'une mèche à la base du foyer servant à allumer le feu au début de la cuisson, procédé tout à fait adapté à la cuisson de la chaux avec gueule haute. Cette nouvelle approche de l'artisanat de la chaux permet de réinterpréter les résultats de fouilles de ce type d'installations découvertes plus anciennement dans le Sud de la France, mais aussi dans d'autres régions du pourtour de la Méditerranée, comme en Tunisie ou en Italie centrale

Determinants of professional sports firm values in the United States and Europe: A comparison between sports over the period 2004-2011

Since the beginning of the nineties, professional sports firm values have been estimated by American newspapers. In 2004, Forbes proposed for the first time a list of the most valuable European soccer teams. In this article, we compare the determinants of firm values in MLB, the NBA, NFL, NHL, and European soccer over the period 2004- 2011. The results show only one variable for which the sign and significance are the same for all the leagues: historical sports performance, with a significantly positive impact in each league. The comparison between the United States and Europe reveals that a majority of differences seem to indicate that the determinants of team values in the United States are not the same as those in Europe. Lastly, we proposed avenues for future research: integrating an international dimension that could be measured through the number of fans on social media and player values

Continuous measurement of nitrate concentration in a highly event-responsive agricultural catchment in south-west of France: is the gain of information useful?

A nitrate sensor has been set up to measure every 10 min the nitrate signal in a stream draining a small agricultural catchment dominated by fertilized crops during a 2-year study period (2006–2008) in the south-west of France. An in situ sampling protocol using automatic sampler to monitor flood events have been used to assume a point-to-point calibration of the sensor values. The nitrate concentration exhibits nonsystematic concentration and dilution effects during flood events. We demonstrate that the calibrated nitrate sensor signal gathered from the outlet is considered to be a continuous signal using the Nyquist–Shannon sampling theorem. The objectives of this study are to quantify the errors generated by a typical infrequent sampling protocol and to design appropriate sampling strategy according to the sampling objectives. Nitrate concentration signal and flow data are numerically sampled to simulate common sampling frequencies. The total fluxes calculated from the simulated samples are compared with the reference value computed on the continuous signal. Uncertainties are increasing as sampling intervals increase; the method that is not using continuous discharge to compute nitrate fluxes bring larger uncertainty. The dispersion and bias computed for each sampling interval are used to evaluate the uncertainty during each hydrological period. High underestimation is made during flood periods when high-concentration period is overlooked. On the contrary, high sampling frequencies (from 3 h to 1 day) lead to a systematic overestimation (bias around 3%): highest concentrations are overweighted by the interpolation of the concentration in such case. The in situ sampling protocol generates less than 1% of load estimation error and sample highest concentration peaks. We consider useful such newly emerging field technologies to assess short-term variations of water quality parameters, to minimize the number of samples to be analysed and to assess the quality state of the stream at any time

L’émission des comportements inadaptés au travail : adaptation ou explication quant à la relation entre la perception de la justice organisationnelle et la santé psychologique des individus au travail

La présente thèse de doctorat porte sur la relation entre la perception de la justice organisationnelle, l’émission de comportements inadaptés au travail et la santé psychologique des individus au travail. En plus de développer un outil de mesure des comportements inadaptés au travail et d’entreprendre un processus de validation de celui-ci, le présent travail propose que les comportements inadaptés au travail puissent occuper un rôle soit protecteur ou explicatif dans la relation qui unit la perception de la justice organisationnelle avec la santé psychologique des individus au travail. Au sein de cette thèse, le premier article recense la documentation scientifique quant aux variables de la perception de la justice organisationnelle, de l’émission des comportements inadaptés au travail et de la santé psychologique des individus au travail, ainsi que les liens qui unissent ces variables. Aussi, les modèles conceptuels des rôles modérateur et médiateur des comportements inadaptés au travail sont proposés au sein de la relation entre la perception de la justice organisationnelle et la santé psychologique des individus au travail. Le deuxième article a pour objectif de développer un outil de mesure des comportements inadaptés au travail et de tester ses propriétés psychométriques. Ainsi, des analyses statistiques exploratoires et confirmatoires ont été effectuées. Afin d’appuyer la valeur critériée de l’outil proposé, une analyse corrélationnelle a été réalisée avec le critère de l’adaptation. Certaines valeurs psychométriques de l’outil sont validées par les résultats obtenus. Le troisième article examine empiriquement les modèles conceptuels des rôles anticipés des comportements inadaptés au travail dans la relation entre la perception de la justice organisationnelle et la santé psychologique des individus au travail. La perception de la justice organisationnelle a été vue sous les composantes distributive, procédurale, informationnelle et interpersonnelle. De son côté, la santé psychologique des individus a été observée par le biais des éléments du bien-être et de la détresse psychologique au travail. Les différentes analyses de régressions multiples hiérarchiques ont permis d’observer l’absence du rôle modérateur des comportements inadaptés au travail. Pour sa part, l’utilisation du test de Sobel a démontré la présence du rôle médiateur des comportements inadaptés au travail dans certaines relations. Plus exactement, celles-ci sont la relation entre la justice interpersonnelle et le bien-être psychologique au travail, la relation entre la justice interpersonnelle et la détresse psychologique au travail, ainsi que la relation entre la justice distributive et la détresse psychologique au travail. Finalement, la conclusion de la thèse présente une synthèse des résultats et expose les limites et pistes de recherches futures.The present doctoral thesis treats of the relation between perception of organizational justice, emission of misbehaviours at work, and individuals’ psychological health at work. In addition to developing and undertaking a validation process for a measuring scale of misbehaviours at work, the present thesis proposes that these behaviours may occupy either a protective or an explicative role in the relationship that unites the perception of organizational justice with individuals’ psychological health at work. Within the thesis, the first article lists scientific literature concerning the perception of organizational justice, the emission of misbehaviours at work, and individuals’ psychological health at work. This article also includes a revue of links that unite the variables presently at study. Following this review, two conceptual models about possible roles played by misbehaviours at work in the relationship between perception of organizational justice and individuals’ psychological health at work are developed. More precisely, these models are conceptualisation of the moderating and mediating roles of inadequate work behaviours. The second article’s goal is the development of a measuring scale for misbehaviours at work and testing its psychometric proprieties. In this context, exploratory and confirmatory statistical analyses were made. Also, in order to support the criterion value of the proposed tool, a correlation analysis was made with the criteria of adaptation. The results showed that certain psychometric values were validated. The third article empirically examines the conceptual models developed about the possible roles played by misbehaviours at work in the relationship between perception of organizational justice and individuals’ psychological health at work. Organisational justice perception was analysed under distributive, procedural, informational and interpersonal components. As for individuals’ psychological health at work, it was observed through the psychological well-being and distress elements. The different multiple hierarchical regression analyses helped observe the absence of a moderator role for misbehaviours at work. Using the Sobel test showed the presence of a mediator role for misbehaviours at work in the relationship between the interpersonal organizational justice component and well-being, as well as psychological distress at work. This same test highlighted the mediator role of misbehaviours at work in the relationship between the distributive component of organizational justice and the psychological distress at work of individuals. Finally, the conclusion of this thesis presents a synthesis of the results and highlights the limits and future research ideas

Structural characterization of dense reduced BaTiO3 and Ba0.95La0.05TiO3 nanoceramics showing colossal dielectric values

BaTiO3−x and Ba0.95La0.05TiO3−x nanoceramics showing colossal permittivity values have been characterized. While starting powders are of cubic symmetry, X-ray and Neutron Diffraction techniques and Raman Spectroscopy measurements show that the one-step processed ceramics obtained by Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) contain cubic and tetragonal phases. Rather large oxygen deficiency determined in such ceramics by Electron Micro Probe analysis and Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy analyzes is explained by the presence of Ti3+, as evidenced by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy measurements. Transmission Electron Microscopy and High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy show that these ceramics contain 50–300 nm grains, which have single-domains, while grain boundaries are of nanometer scale. Colossal permittivity values measured in our dense nanoceramics are explained by a charge hopping mechanism and an interfacial polarization of a large number of polarons generated after sample reduction in SPS apparatus