The Baum-Connes Conjecture via Localisation of Categories

We redefine the Baum-Connes assembly map using simplicial approximation in the equivariant Kasparov category. This new interpretation is ideal for studying functorial properties and gives analogues of the assembly maps for all equivariant homology theories, not just for the K-theory of the crossed product. We extend many of the known techniques for proving the Baum-Connes conjecture to this more general setting

Physical properties of amorphous polyether networks

International audienceDynamical mechanical spectroscopy characterization has been made of cross-linked polyether electrolytes. A good correlation has been observed between the mechanical and thermal data on the glass transition and melting temperatures. Storage modulus dependence with temperature shows an elastomeric behavior of these elctrolytes. The mechanical analysis has shown a real plasticizing effect of the salt at very low concentration

The European Union and natural resources that fund armed conflicts: explaining the EU’s policy choice for supply chain due-diligence requirements

Natural resources can be an important source of funding for warring parties in armed conflicts. Curbing the trade in these so-called conflict resources is, therefore, part of the European Union’s (EU) conflict management policies. The article explores the EU’s policies in this field and asks, specifically, why the EU is using supply chain due diligence measures to achieve this goal. The author argues they are the response to enforcement problems of most existing multilateral and unilateral sanction regimes because of state weakness in the targeted regions. This approach results from a broader idea from the EU that transparency can improve resource governance and, therefore, safeguard both its political and economic interests in conflict zones, such as the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. However, when the issue became specific—as in the EU Conflict Minerals Regulation—translating this idea into concrete policies became more contentious as the different actors set different priorities for the final policy design.This work was supported by the EU’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program [grant number 660245]; and the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competiveness [grant number CSO2016-79205-P]