What urban government for a sustainable urban planning? Conceptual analysis based on the case study of tunisian cities and their local agenda 21

A Tunis, comme dans la majorité des villes en développement, le système de pouvoir centralisé se présente comme l’unique pourvoyeur-régulateur de l’urbanisation et de sa durabilité. Dans de pareils contextes qui sous-intègrent la participation citoyenne dans la gestion des villes, des notions telles que « gouvernement urbain » et « gouvernance » peuvent apparaître tout particulièrement inappropriées face aux fonctionnements en « réseaux » des acteurs dans leurs structures sociales et politiques. L’étude des villes tunisiennes révèle l’émergence de nouvelles formes de gouvernement local dont les actions et les décisions demeurent fortement fragilisées par les pouvoirs extra-locaux. Ce paradoxe dans les formes de pouvoirs et dans leur manière d’agir amène à s’interroger, pour ainsi partir d’une confrontation entre contextes et « concepts », sur les enjeux de la démocratisation de l’action locale et leurs répercussions sur l’urbanisme durable.In Tunis, as in most developing cities, the highly centralized system of authority can be seen as the single supplier-regulator of urban development and sustainability. In such contexts in which citizen participation in urban management is undervalued, concepts such as “urban government” and “governance” may appear to be particularly irrelevant to the “networking” practices of actors within their own social and political structures. With a focus on the system of local power in Tunisian cities, this study shows that actions and decisions taken by emerging forms of local government remain highly vulnerable due to extra-local forces. Such a paradox in the forms of power and their manner of conduct, by comparing contextual and conceptual frameworks, draws attention to the issues of democracy in action at the local level and the overall impact of these issues on sustainable urban planning

L’agenda 21 local en Tunisie : des tentatives de démocratisation de la planification du développement durable

À partir d’une approche transversale et comparée, et à travers l’étude de différentes expériences qui ont marqué le processus de réalisation des Agendas 21 locaux tunisiens durant la période 2000-2011, cette contribution tente de repositionner les projets réalisés dans les logiques des acteurs intervenant dans la fabrique des Agendas 21 locaux. Elle vise à dresser un bilan sur les différents projets qui seront replacés dans les thématiques croisées des initiatives participatives locales et du rôle des Agendas locaux dans la prospective territoriale. Cette question centrale sera repositionnée dans un contexte de révolution sociale et de crise de légitimité dont les effets ont frappé de plein fouet, à partir de 2011, les structures représentatives et décisionnelles des villes tunisiennes.Through a cross-sectional and comparative approach, this contribution aims to study the different experiences that have marked the process of tunisian local Agendas 21 during the period of 2000-2011. It tries to reposition projects in the logic of the stakeholders involved in the fabric of local Agendas 21. The balance sheet drawn up through various projects will be, then, returned to the cross-thematic of local participatory initiatives and the role of the local Agendas in the territorial prospecting. This central question would be repositioned in a context of social revolution and of legitimacy crisis, whose effects have hit full force, from 2011, the representative and the decision-making of tunisian cities structures

Quality Criteria and Metrics for Business Process Models in Higher Education Domain: Case of a Tracking of Curriculum Offers Process

AbstractThe quality of business processes has been recognized as an important factor for modeling success in several domains, especially in higher education.In fact, quality of business process model could be the object to various interpretations; it must be treated in the most objective way, by using measures.Consequently, this paper presents an overview of the criteria and measures for quantifying the various aspects of business process models quality by citing the concepts that have been used for defining quality software programs. After that, these measures have been applied to a real business process model related to the tracking of curriculum offer process more commonly named “habilitation process”

Microstructure and mechanical behavior in dissimilar 13Cr/2205 stainless steel welded pipes

Thiswork aims to investigate the microstructure and themechanical behavior of dissimilar 13Cr Supermartensitic/2205 Duplex stainless steelwelded pipes. A wide variety ofmicrostructures resulting fromboth solidification and solid state transformation is induced by the fusion welding process across the weld joint. The tensile tests show that the deformation process of the dissimilarweld joint ismainly controlled by the two basematerials: the duplex steel at the beginning of the deformation and the supermartensitic one at its end. This is confirmed by the microtensile tests showing the overmatching effect of the weld metal. The fatigue tests conducted on dissimilar welded specimens led us to conclude that the weld metal is considered as a weak link of the weld joint in the high cycle fatigue regime. This is supported by its lower fatigue limit compared to the two basematerials that exhibit a similar fatigue behavio

Validación de los parámetros de refracción y segmento anterior mediante una nueva plataforma multi-diagnóstica (VX120)

Background: The VX120 (Visionix Luneau, France) is a novel multi-diagnostic platform that combines Hartmann–Shack based autorefraction, Placido-disk based corneal-topography and anterior segment measurements made with a stationary-Scheimpflug camera. We investigate the agreement between different parameters measured by the VX120 with accepted or gold-standard techniques to test if they are interchangeable, as well as to evaluate the repeatability and reproducibility. Methods: The right-eyes of healthy subjects were included in the study. Autorefraction of the VX120 was compared to subjective refraction. Agreement of anterior segment parameters was compared to the Sirius (CSO, Italy) including autokeratometry, central corneal thickness (CCT), iridiocorneal angle (IA). Inter and intra-test repeatability of the above parameters was assessed. Results were analyzed using Bland and Altman analyses. Results: A total of 164 eyes were evaluated. The mean difference between VX120 autorefraction and subjective refraction for sphere, spherical equivalent (SE), and cylinder was 0.01 ± 0.43 D, 0.14 ± 0.47 D, and −0.26 ± 0.30 D, respectively and high correlation was found to all parameter (r > 0.75) except for J45 (r = 0.61). The mean difference between VX120 and the Sirius system for CCT, IA, and keratometry (k1 and k2) was −3.51 ± 8.64 μm, 7.6 ± 4.2°, 0.003 ± 0.06 mm and 0.004 ± 0.04 mm, respectively and high correlation was found to all parameter (r > 0.97) except for IA (r = 0.67). Intrasession repeatability of VX120 refraction, CCT, IA and keratometry yielded low within-subject standard deviations. Inter-session repeatability showed no statistically significant difference for most of the parameters measured. Conclusions: The VX120 provides consistent refraction and most anterior segment measurements in normal healthy eyes, with high levels of intra and inter-session repeatability.Antecedentes: VX120 (Visionix Luneau, Francia) es una plataforma multi-diagnóstico novedosa que combina la auto-refracción basada en Hartmann–Shack, la topografía corneal mediante discos de Plácido, y las mediciones del segmento anterior realizadas mediante cámara de Scheimpflug. Analizamos la concordancia entre los diferentes parámetros medidos por VX120 con las técnicas aceptadas o de referencia, para probar si eran intercambiables, y evaluamos la repetibilidad y reproducibilidad. Métodos: Se incluyeron en el estudio los ojos derechos de sujetos sanos. Se comparó la auto-refracción de VX120 con la refracción subjetiva. La concordancia de los parámetros del segmento anterior se comparó con la del sistema Sirius (CSO, Italia), incluyendo autoqueratometría, espesor corneal central (ECC) y ángulo iridiocorneal (AI). Se valoró la repetibilidad inter e intra-prueba de los parámetros anteriores. Los resultados se analizaron mediante el método de Bland–Altman. Resultados: Se evaluó un total de 164 ojos. La diferencia media entre la auto-refracción de VX120 y la refracción subjetiva para esfera, equivalente esférico (EE), y cilindro fue de 0,01±0,43D, 0,14±0,47D y −0,26±0,3D, respectivamente, encontrándose una elevada correlación entre todos los parámetros (r>0,75) excepto para J45 (r=0,61). La diferencia media entre VX120 y el sistema Sirius para ECC, AI, y queratometría (k1 y k2) fue de -3,51±8,64 μm, 7,6±4,2°, 0,003±0,06 mm y 0,004±0,04 mm, respectivamente, encontrándose una elevada correlación entre todos los parámetros (r>0,97) excepto para AI (r=0,67). La repetibilidad intra-sesión de la refracción VX120, ECC, AI y queratometría reflejó desviaciones estándar bajas entre sujetos. La repetibilidad inter-sesión no reflejó una diferencia significativa para la mayoría de los parámetros medidos. Conclusiones: VX120 aporta medidas consistentes de refracción y de la mayoría de las mediciones del segmento anterior en ojos sanos normales, con elevados niveles de repetibilidad intra e inter-sesión

Effect of a Dynamic Keyboard and Word Prediction Systems on Text Input Speed in Patients with Functional Tetraplegia

International audienceInformation technology plays a very important role in society. People with disabilities are often limited by slow text input speed despite the use of assistive devices. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a dynamic on-screen keyboard (Custom Virtual Keyboard) and a word-prediction system (Sibylle) on text input speed in participants with functional tetraplegia. Ten participants tested four modes at home (static on-screen keyboard with and without word prediction and dynamic on-screen keyboard with and without word prediction) for 1 mo before choosing one mode and then using it for another month. Initial mean text input speed was around 23 words per minute with the static keyboard and 12 words per minute with the dynamic keyboard. The results showed that the dynamic keyboard reduced text input speed by 37% compared with the standard keyboard and that the addition of word prediction had no effect on text input speed. We suggest that current forms of dynamic keyboards and word prediction may not be suitable for increasing text input speed, particularly for subjects who use pointing devices. Future studies should evaluate the optimal ergonomic design of dynamic keyboards and the number and position of words that should be predicted

Vision 2020: Where are We?

Purpose of review: To describe the VISION 2020: The Right to Sight, global initiative for the elimination of avoidable blindness, the contribution of glaucoma to the magnitude of global blindness and priorities going forward. Recent findings: Although the target of the World Health Organization's Global Action Plan (2014–2019) has not been met in terms of 25% reduction in avoidable blindness, there is evidence that the contribution of glaucoma to blindness and vision impairment is reducing. Yet this focus on a threshold of visual acuity by which to measure prevalence underestimates the true burden of glaucoma. Recent population-based studies demonstrate the scale of the unmet need. Summary: Scaling up of integrated people-centered eye care, by embedding glaucoma detection and care pathways in health systems with a strong focus on primary healthcare, is necessary. Solutions include reinforcing existing pathways while emphasizing high-quality glaucoma care, in addition to novel solutions such as self-testing, digital portable technology, artificial intelligence, and multilevel care pathways that extend to the most underserved parts of the global community

Detection of IL28B SNP DNA from Buccal Epithelial Cells, Small Amounts of Serum, and Dried Blood Spots

Background & Aims: Point mutations in the coding region of the interleukin 28 gene (rs12979860) have recently been identified for predicting the outcome of treatment of hepatitis C virus infection. This polymorphism detection was based on whole blood DNA extraction. Alternatively, DNA for genetic diagnosis has been derived from buccal epithelial cells (BEC), dried blood spots (DBS), and genomic DNA from serum. The aim of the study was to investigate the reliability and accuracy of alternative routes of testing for single nucleotide polymorphism allele rs12979860CC. Methods: Blood, plasma, and sera samples from 200 patients were extracted (400 mL). Buccal smears were tested using an FTA card. To simulate postal delay, we tested the influence of storage at ambient temperature on the different sources of DNA at five time points (baseline, 48 h, 6 days, 9 days, and 12 days) Results: There was 100 % concordance between blood, plasma, sera, and BEC, validating the use of DNA extracted from BEC collected on cytology brushes for genetic testing. Genetic variations in HPTR1 gene were detected using smear technique in blood smear (3620 copies) as well as in buccal smears (5870 copies). These results are similar to those for whole blood diluted at 1/10. A minimum of 0.04 mL, 4 mL, and 40 mL was necessary to obtain exploitable results respectively for whole blood, sera, and plasma. No significant variation between each time point was observed for the different sources of DNA. IL28B SNPs analysis at these different time points showed the same results using the four sources of DNA

Trends in prevalence of blindness and distance and near vision impairment over 30 years: an analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study

Published Online December 1, 2020Background: To contribute to the WHO initiative, VISION 2020: The Right to Sight, an assessment of global vision impairment in 2020 and temporal change is needed. We aimed to extensively update estimates of global vision loss burden, presenting estimates for 2020, temporal change over three decades between 1990–2020, and forecasts for 2050. Methods: We did a systematic review and meta-analysis of population-based surveys of eye disease from January, 1980, to October, 2018. Only studies with samples representative of the population and with clearly defined visual acuity testing protocols were included. We fitted hierarchical models to estimate 2020 prevalence (with 95% uncertainty intervals [UIs]) of mild vision impairment (presenting visual acuity ≥6/18 and <6/12), moderate and severe vision impairment (<6/18 to 3/60), and blindness (<3/60 or less than 10° visual field around central fixation); and vision impairment from uncorrected presbyopia (presenting near vision <N6 or <N8 at 40 cm where best-corrected distance visual acuity is ≥6/12). We forecast estimates of vision loss up to 2050. Findings: In 2020, an estimated 43·3 million (95% UI 37·6–48·4) people were blind, of whom 23·9 million (55%; 20·8–26·8) were estimated to be female. We estimated 295 million (267–325) people to have moderate and severe vision impairment, of whom 163 million (55%; 147–179) were female; 258 million (233–285) to have mild vision impairment, of whom 142 million (55%; 128–157) were female; and 510 million (371–667) to have visual impairment from uncorrected presbyopia, of whom 280 million (55%; 205–365) were female. Globally, between 1990 and 2020, among adults aged 50 years or older, age-standardised prevalence of blindness decreased by 28·5% (–29·4 to –27·7) and prevalence of mild vision impairment decreased slightly (–0·3%, –0·8 to –0·2), whereas prevalence of moderate and severe vision impairment increased slightly (2·5%, 1·9 to 3·2; insufficient data were available to calculate this statistic for vision impairment from uncorrected presbyopia). In this period, the number of people who were blind increased by 50·6% (47·8 to 53·4) and the number with moderate and severe vision impairment increased by 91·7% (87·6 to 95·8). By 2050, we predict 61·0 million (52·9 to 69·3) people will be blind, 474 million (428 to 518) will have moderate and severe vision impairment, 360 million (322 to 400) will have mild vision impairment, and 866 million (629 to 1150) will have uncorrected presbyopia. Interpretation: Age-adjusted prevalence of blindness has reduced over the past three decades, yet due to population growth, progress is not keeping pace with needs. We face enormous challenges in avoiding vision impairment as the global population grows and ages.Rupert R A Bourne ... Robert James Casson ... et al. (GBD 2019 Blindness and Vision Impairment Collaborators on behalf of the Vision Loss Expert Group of the Global Burden of Disease Study

Trends in prevalence of blindness and distance and near vision impairment over 30 years: an analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study

Background To contribute to the WHO initiative, VISION 2020: The Right to Sight, an assessment of global vision impairment in 2020 and temporal change is needed. We aimed to extensively update estimates of global vision loss burden, presenting estimates for 2020, temporal change over three decades between 1990–2020, and forecasts for 2050. Methods We did a systematic review and meta-analysis of population-based surveys of eye disease from January, 1980, to October, 2018. Only studies with samples representative of the population and with clearly defined visual acuity testing protocols were included. We fitted hierarchical models to estimate 2020 prevalence (with 95% uncertainty intervals [UIs]) of mild vision impairment (presenting visual acuity ≥6/18 and <6/12), moderate and severe vision impairment (<6/18 to 3/60), and blindness (<3/60 or less than 10° visual field around central fixation); and vision impairment from uncorrected presbyopia (presenting near vision <N6 or <N8 at 40 cm where best-corrected distance visual acuity is ≥6/12). We forecast estimates of vision loss up to 2050. Findings In 2020, an estimated 43·3 million (95% UI 37·6–48·4) people were blind, of whom 23·9 million (55%; 20·8–26·8) were estimated to be female. We estimated 295 million (267–325) people to have moderate and severe vision impairment, of whom 163 million (55%; 147–179) were female; 258 million (233–285) to have mild vision impairment, of whom 142 million (55%; 128–157) were female; and 510 million (371–667) to have visual impairment from uncorrected presbyopia, of whom 280 million (55%; 205–365) were female. Globally, between 1990 and 2020, among adults aged 50 years or older, age-standardised prevalence of blindness decreased by 28·5% (–29·4 to −27·7) and prevalence of mild vision impairment decreased slightly (–0·3%, −0·8 to −0·2), whereas prevalence of moderate and severe vision impairment increased slightly (2·5%, 1·9 to 3·2; insufficient data were available to calculate this statistic for vision impairment from uncorrected presbyopia). In this period, the number of people who were blind increased by 50·6% (47·8 to 53·4) and the number with moderate and severe vision impairment increased by 91·7% (87·6 to 95·8). By 2050, we predict 61·0 million (52·9 to 69·3) people will be blind, 474 million (428 to 518) will have moderate and severe vision impairment, 360 million (322 to 400) will have mild vision impairment, and 866 million (629 to 1150) will have uncorrected presbyopia. Interpretation Age-adjusted prevalence of blindness has reduced over the past three decades, yet due to population growth, progress is not keeping pace with needs. We face enormous challenges in avoiding vision impairment as the global population grows and ages