Le palmier et la palmeraie à Marrakech. Que reste-t-il de l’espace vert qui a fait de la ville une oasis ?

Marrakech, ville impériale marocaine, est l\u27une des plus grandes cités amazigho-arabe de l\u27occident musulman. Edifiée par Youssef Ibn Tachafine en 1062, elle s’est développée sur le modèle classique de la cité jardin (El Faïz, 1996 et 2000). Cette cité jardin s’insère également dans une oasis, la seule dans cette région au nord du Haut Atlas. L\u27origine et l\u27histoire de cette enveloppe végétale, la palmeraie, paysage artificiel, sont encore très mal connues. Pourtant, dans la plupart des représentations iconographiques et des descriptions d\u27écrivains et voyageurs qui concernent la ville de Marrakech, elle en est indissociable (Chevrillon, 2002 ; Tharaud, 1920). La ville de Marrakech, première destination touristique du Maroc, a su mettre en avant son cadre paysagé, associant le minéral et le végétal, dont l’élément identitaire le plus fort est la palmeraie.  Cette image, qui perdure depuis la période coloniale, est de plus en plus déconnectée de la réalité, la cité-jardin et l’oasis s\u27estompant au fur et à mesure de l’extension et la densification de la ville dès la période coloniale et depuis l\u27indépendance du pays. Délimitée et classée patrimoine historique par plusieurs dahirs dès 1929, la palmeraie  n’a pas cessé de reculer sous la pression de l’urbanisation et l’empiètement par les infrastructures touristiques (golfs, complexes) et les villas de luxe, particulièrement ces dernières décennies. La palette de végétaux utilisée dans ces lieux, révélant un changement qualitatif dans l\u27évolution des paysages végétaux de la ville, est aussi le reflet d\u27une classe sociale et d\u27une population dont les goûts et les choix remettent en cause "l\u27identité" de la ville ocre, basée historiquement sur un subtil équilibre entre le végétal et le minéral. La composition et l’origine de cet important héritage végétal reflète les différentes influences culturelles qui ont façonné l’identité actuelle de la ville. Le phénomène de gentrification s’accompagne d’un abandon des fonctions nourricières de la palmeraie au profit des fonctions récréatives et paysagères. C’est le palmier qui est protégé et non la palmeraie, qui est devenue un simple décor à haute valeur paysagère et ne renvoie plus à sa première fonction d\u27origine ; celle d\u27un système agricole urbain

LR characterization of chirotopes of finite planar families of pairwise disjoint convex bodies

We extend the classical LR characterization of chirotopes of finite planar families of points to chirotopes of finite planar families of pairwise disjoint convex bodies: a map \c{hi} on the set of 3-subsets of a finite set I is a chirotope of finite planar families of pairwise disjoint convex bodies if and only if for every 3-, 4-, and 5-subset J of I the restriction of \c{hi} to the set of 3-subsets of J is a chirotope of finite planar families of pairwise disjoint convex bodies. Our main tool is the polarity map, i.e., the map that assigns to a convex body the set of lines missing its interior, from which we derive the key notion of arrangements of double pseudolines, introduced for the first time in this paper.Comment: 100 pages, 73 figures; accepted manuscript versio

Developing an integrated BIM/LCA framework to assess the sustainability of using earthen architecture

The construction industry is responsible for one-quarter of the solid waste generated globally, much of which is excavated soil. Repurposing this soil for the use of earthen architecture (EA) will reduce a considerable amount of this waste. However, little research has been conducted on how to assess the use of EA within the architectural, engineering, environmental and economic context, and in comparison with other construction system solutions. This paper presents the development of an integrated building information modelling (BIM) and life cycle assessment (LCA) framework to explore what advantages EA may have, based on the client's needs and the building's requirements. The decision-making conditions and criteria for the use of EA are firstly identified in an extensive literature review supported by interviews with decision-makers. A workflow is secondly proposed to apply a LCA evaluating the decision criteria in a BIM tool at the early-design stages. This method allows for the evaluation and comparison of choice criteria as functional requirements of the building and objectives set by the decision-makers. The flexibility of setting input parameters in this tool increases the visibility of the potential benefits of EA over other construction systems. Along with this approach, upcoming applications on case studies will aim to be replicable by designers, based on their practices and design tools, to support clients in their choice of using EA

Embodied GHG emissions of buildings – The hidden challenge for effective climate change mitigation

Buildings are major sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and contributors to the climate crisis. To meet climate-change mitigation needs, one must go beyond operational energy consumption and related GHG emissions of buildings and address their full life cycle. This study investigates the global trends of GHG emissions arising across the life cycle of buildings by systematically compiling and analysing more than 650 life cycle assessment (LCA) case studies. The results, presented for different energy performance classes based on a final sample of 238 cases, show a clear reduction trend in life cycle GHG emissions due to improved operational energy performance. However, the analysis reveals an increase in relative and absolute contributions of so‐called ‘embodied’ GHG emissions, i.e., emissions arising from manufacturing and processing of building materials. While the average share of embodied GHG emissions from buildings following current energy performance regulations is approximately 20–25% of life cycle GHG emissions, this figure escalates to 45–50% for highly energy-efficient buildings and surpasses 90% in extreme cases. Furthermore, this study analyses GHG emissions at time of occurrence, highlighting the ‘carbon spike’ from building production. Relating the results to existing benchmarks for buildings’ GHG emissions in the Swiss SIA energy efficiency path shows that most cases exceed the target of 11.0 kgCO$^{2}$eq/m$^{2}$a. Considering global GHG reduction targets, these results emphasize the urgent need to reduce GHG emissions of buildings by optimizing both operational and embodied impacts. The analysis further confirmed a need for improving transparency and comparability of LCA studies

Embodied GHG emissions of buildings - Critical reflection of benchmark comparison and in-depth analysis of drivers

In the face of the unfolding climate crisis, the role and importance of reducing Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the building sector is increasing. This study investigates the global trends of GHG emissions occurring across the life cycle of buildings by systematically compiling life cycle assessment (LCA) studies and analysing more than 650 building cases. Based on the data extracted from these LCA studies, the influence of features related to LCA methodology and building design is analysed. Results show that embodied GHG emissions, which mainly arise from manufacturing and processing of building materials, are dominating life cycle emissions of new, advanced buildings. Analysis of GHG emissions at the time of occurrence, shows the upfront \u27carbon spike\u27 and emphasises the need to address and reduce the GHG \u27investment\u27 for new buildings. Comparing the results with existing life cycle-related benchmarks, we find only a small number of cases meeting the benchmark. Critically reflecting on the benchmark comparison, an in-depth analysis reveals different reasons for cases achieving the benchmark. While one would expect that different building design strategies and material choices lead to high or low embodied GHG emissions, the results mainly correlate with decisions related to LCA methodology, i.e. the scope of the assessments. The results emphasize the strong need for transparency in the reporting of LCA studies as well as need for consistency when applying environmental benchmarks. Furthermore, the paper opens up the discussion on the potential of utilizing big data and machine learning for analysis and prediction of environmental performance of buildings

The political economy of the Jospin government

This article explores the political economy of the French Socialist Party (PS), beginning with the neo-liberal U-turn of 1983. It then charts the re-evaluation of the PS's political economic foundations after the 1993 defeat, the rejection of the neo-liberal 'pensée unique', and the rehabilitation of a broadly Keynesian frame of reference. The article goes on to explore how this shift has fed through into the Jospin government's policy and positions at both the national and international level. It explores aspirations to reinvent the EU as a Keynesian social democratic 'policy space', and at the national level, employment, macroeconomic, and structural policies

Neural correlates of cognitive impairment in posterior cortical atrophy

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Effects of Monobutyl and Di(n-butyl) Phthalate in Vitro on Steroidogenesis and Leydig Cell Aggregation in Fetal Testis Explants from the Rat: Comparison with Effects in Vivo in the Fetal Rat and Neonatal Marmoset and in Vitro in the Human

BACKGROUND: Certain phthalates can impair Leydig cell distribution and steroidogenesis in the fetal rat in utero, but it is unknown whether similar effects might occur in the human. OBJECTIVES: Our aim in this study was to investigate the effects of di(n-butyl) phthalate (DBP), or its metabolite monobutyl phthalate (MBP), on testosterone production and Leydig cell aggregation (LCA) in fetal testis explants from the rat and human, and to compare the results with in vivo findings for DBP-exposed rats. We also wanted to determine if DBP/MBP affects testosterone production in vivo in the neonatal male marmoset. METHODS: Fetal testis explants obtained from the rat [gestation day (GD)19.5] and from the human (15–19 weeks of gestation) were cultured for 24–48 hr with or without human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or 22R-hydroxycholesterol (22R-OH), and with or without DBP/MBP. Pregnant rats and neonatal male marmosets were dosed with 500 mg/kg/day DBP or MBP. RESULTS: Exposure of rats in utero to DBP (500 mg/kg/day) for 48 hr before GD21.5 induced major suppression of intratesticular testosterone levels and cytochrome P450 side chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc) expression; this short-term treatment induced LCA, but was less marked than longer term (GD13.5–20.5) DBP treatment. In vitro, MBP (10(−3) M) did not affect basal or 22R-OH-stimulated testosterone production by fetal rat testis explants but slightly attenuated hCG-stimulated steroidogenesis; MBP induced minor LCA in vitro. None of these parameters were affected in human fetal testis explants cultured with 10(−3) M MBP for up to 48 hr. Because the in vivo effects of DBP/MBP were not reproduced in vitro in the rat, the absence of MBP effects in vitro on fetal human testes is inconclusive. In newborn (Day 2–7) marmosets, administration of a single dose of 500 mg/kg MBP significantly (p = 0.019) suppressed blood testosterone levels 5 hr later. Similar treatment of newborn co-twin male marmosets for 14 days resulted in increased Leydig cell volume per testis (p = 0.011), compared with co-twin controls; this is consistent with MBP-induced inhibition of steroidogenesis followed by compensatory Leydig cell hyperplasia/hypertrophy. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that MBP/DBP suppresses steroidogenesis by fetal-type Leydig cells in primates as in rodents, but this cannot be studied in vitro

Mouse testis development and function are differently regulated by follicle-stimulating hormone receptors signaling during fetal and prepubertal life

It is currently admitted that Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) is physiologically involved in the development and function of fetal/neonatal Sertoli cells in the rat but not the mouse. However, FSH is produced by both species from late fetal life onwards. We thus reinvestigated the role of FSH in mouse testis development at day 0 (birth) 6, 8 and 10 post-partum (dpp) by using mice that lack functional FSH receptors (FSH-R(-/-)). At birth, the number and proliferative index of Sertoli cells were significantly lower in FSH-R(-/-) mice than in wild type neonates. Claudin 11 mRNA expression also was significantly reduced in FSH-R(-/-) testes at 0 and 8 dpp, whereas the mRNA levels of other Sertoli cell markers (Transferrin and Desert hedgehog) were comparable in FSH-R(-/-) and wild type testes. Conversely, AMH mRNA and protein levels were higher at birth, comparable at 6 dpp and then significantly lower in FSH-R(-/-) testes at 8-10 dpp in FSH-R(-/-) mice than in controls. Although the plasma concentration of LH and the number of Leydig cells were similar in FSH-R(-/-) and control (wild type), testosterone concentration and P450c17 mRNA expression were significantly increased in FSH-R(-/-) testes at birth. Conversely, at 10 dpp when adult Leydig cells appear, expression of the steroidogenic genes P450scc, P450c17 and StAR was lower in FSH-R(-/-) testes than in controls. In conclusion, our results show that 1) like in the rat, signaling via FSH-R controls Sertoli cell development and function during late fetal life in the mouse as well; 2) paracrine factors produced by Sertoli cells are involved in the FSH-R-dependent regulation of the functions of fetal Leydig cells in late fetal life; and 3) the role of FSH-R signaling changes during the prepubertal period

Improving rammed earth walls' sustainability through life cycle assessment (LCA)

The main objective of the BTP1000 project was to design (and build) an office building (€coffice) that would comply to the PassivHauss principles, offer a very high comfort and integrate different sustainability features, but cost no more than a traditional building. In order to achieve those objectives, an integrated iterative design approach was followed. From the beginning of the project, all stakeholders and various building specialists contributed to the decision making process, and design alternatives where evaluated from various perspectives (e.g. energy performance, comfort, life cycle cost and impact,…). The present paper focuses on how life cycle analysis (LCA) and life cycle costing (LCC) were used to integrate environmental and economic dimensions in the design process of the building envelope and how the results influenced final design options. LCA and LCC studies first compared different types of façades. The best compromise between LCC and LCA results, practical implementation, and thermal comfort were then selected for implementation. Subsequently, parametric energetic simulation results (combining heating, cooling, lighting, and ventilation) were used as input for LCA and LCC studies in order to optimise the insulation level of the building fabric elements (outer walls, roof, ground floor, glazing). In conclusion, LCC and LCA were very useful in the integrated design process and results showed the importance of taking into account not only the energy use for heating and cooling, but also for lighting into the building fabric optimisation.The main objective of the BTP1000 project was to design (and build) an office building (€coffice) that would comply to the PassivHauss principles, offer a very high comfort and integrate different sustainability features, but cost no more than a traditional building. In order to achieve those objectives, an integrated iterative design approach was followed. From the beginning of the project, all stakeholders and various building specialists contributed to the decision making process, and design alternatives where evaluated from various perspectives (e.g. energy performance, comfort, life cycle cost and impact,…). The present paper focuses on how life cycle analysis (LCA) and life cycle costing (LCC) were used to integrate environmental and economic dimensions in the design process of the building envelope and how the results influenced final design options. LCA and LCC studies first compared different types of façades. The best compromise between LCC and LCA results, practical implementation, and thermal comfort were then selected for implementation. Subsequently, parametric energetic simulation results (combining heating, cooling, lighting, and ventilation) were used as input for LCA and LCC studies in order to optimise the insulation level of the building fabric elements (outer walls, roof, ground floor, glazing). In conclusion, LCC and LCA were very useful in the integrated design process and results showed the importance of taking into account not only the energy use for heating and cooling, but also for lighting into the building fabric optimisation