Blockchain technology and IP – investigating benefits and acceptance in governments and legislations

The blockchain, as underlying technology of Bitcoins, has implications that reach far beyond the original intent as virtual currency. In this paper, we investigate how blockchain technology can be encompassed in the innovation process and bring huge benefits to the patent system as well as copyrights, trade secrecy, defensive publications, and open innovation. We further explore the institutional support for the technology necessary for a successful implementation, in form of legislations and governmental projects. We find out that numerous authorities have started voting favorable legislations and recognizing the technology as a valid public ledger. Ultimately, we confirm our findings by interviewing three actors involved in the innovation process.Keywords: Bitcoin, Blockchain, Intellectual property, Legislation, Innovatio

Vers des convergences interdisciplinaires dans le champ des études électorales ?

International audiencePour planter le décor à l'arrière-plan scientifique de ce numéro, il semble important de rappeler que le champ des études électorales françaises est affecté par un usage routinisé - largement lié aux cloisonnements disciplinaires - de certains types de données, la césure historique séparant d'une part les données dites agrégées ou " écologiques " issues des dépouillements effectifs des scrutins, et d'autre part les données dites " individuelles " le plus souvent issues de sondages pré/post-él..

Silicon based oxidation-resistant coatings on Ti6242 alloy by dynamic ion mixing

The influence of SixCy and SixNy amorphous coatings on the oxidation resistance of a Ti6242 (Ti–6Al–2Sn–4Zr–2Mo) alloy was investigated. They were produced at room temperature by the dynamic ion mixing technique combining physical vapour deposition with simultaneous bombardment with 120 keV Ar+ ions. Isothermal oxidation tests were carried out at 600 °C in 1 atm flowing synthetic air (80% N2, 20% O2) demonstrating a considerable reduction (not, vert, similartwo orders of magnitude) of the oxidation rate for at least 100 h. The structural modifications after oxidation were investigated by XPS, XRD, SEM, SIMS. The formation of SiO2 is detected as the main oxidation product in the coating and the formation of Ti–Si compounds is also observed in the coating/substrate interface region. The crystallisation of SixNy is not detected and for SixCy only some traces of β-SiC could exist. The improvement of oxidation resistance of Ti6242 is discussed in relation with the intrinsic properties of the coatings and with the interface mixing and ion beam densification

Can species richness be maintained in logged endemic Acacia Heterophylla forests (Reunion Island, Indian Ocean) ?

It is assumed that forests can serve multiple uses, including wood production and maintenance of high biodiversity level. We tested this hypothesis by studying eradication methods of invasive plants currently implemented in exploited endemic Acacia heterophylla forests located in a tropical highland forest region on the island of Réunion. We also compared species richness in logged (over time) and natural forests. Our results show that all individuals of the widespread alien invasive plant Rubus alceifolius were generated from cuttings. We quantifi ed the high growth capability of this species by comparing with those of Acacia heterophylla along with Rubus apetalus var. apetalus, a close non-invasive congener. The substantial multiplicative and vegetative growth ability of R. alceifolius enabled it to form monospecific patches in only 2.5 years. The species richness of the exploited Acacia heterophylla forest was thus very affected. Although the species richness increased over time after logging, the extent of the resulting richness was not as great as that in natural forests which, moreover, included numerous exotic plants. The authors assess the impact of highly disturbing logging operations and, based on the results of the comparisons, are very pessimistic about the possibility of maintaining species richness in logged forests. Nevertheless, the results indicate that the situation is not beyond hope and an eradication program specifi cally tailored to this kind of forest is proposed if exploitation will stop