Universal relaxation function in nonextensive systems

We have derived the dipolar relaxation function for a cluster model whose volume distribution was obtained from the generalized maximum Tsallis nonextensive entropy principle. The power law exponents of the relaxation function are simply related to a global fractal parameter $\alpha$ and for large time to the entropy nonextensivity parameter $q$. For intermediate times the relaxation follows a stretched exponential behavior. The asymptotic power law behaviors both in the time and the frequency domains coincide with those of the Weron generalized dielectric function derived from an extension of the Levy central limit theorem. They are in full agreement with the Jonscher universality principle. Moreover our model gives a physical interpretation of the mathematical parameters of the Weron stochastic theory and opens new paths to understand the ubiquity of self-similarity and power laws in the relaxation of large classes of materials in terms of their fractal and nonextensive properties.Comment: Two figures. Submitted for publicatio

INTERCULTURATION AND INYERCULTURAL SENSITIVITY: IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MAJOR CONCEPTS FOR A BETTER MANAGEMENT OF CULTURAL OTHERNESS

This study aimed to explore the relationship between intercultural sensitivity, namely, the ability to apprehend cultural difference, and interculturation. Specifically, this study investigated the effect of nationality (French, Brazilian, Bolivian, Sri Lankan) and individual characteristics (e.g., number of spoken foreign languages, socioeconomic status, age and gender) on intercultural sensitivity and interculturation. An intercultural sensitivity scale and demographic questions about individual characteristics were administered to a sample of 434 participants. The results showed that intercultural sensitivity depends on the number of spoken foreign languages, which is a strong asset for a better understanding of cultural otherness. Nationality, socioeconomic status and gender had significant effects on ethnocentrism and ethnorelativism aspects of intercultural sensitivity

Characterization of Wild Corsican Hops and Assessment of the Performances of German Hops in Corsican Environmental Conditions through a Multidisciplinary Approach

Hops (Humulus lupulus L.) is a species that grows spontaneously in Corsica, but the characterization of this species in this territory has not yet been investigated. The main objectives of this study are to explore the features of wild hops from Corsica and to determine the effect of the island terroir on some cultivars in the first year of growth. A multidisciplinary approach consisting of the genetic analysis, morphological comparison and chemical characterization of essential oils was carried out on four wild Corsican hops and three hop cultivars grown in Tettnang, Germany and Corsica, France. The morphological and GC-MS analysis of Corsican wild hops, set cluster coastal samples apart from the one far from the coast. This dissimilarity is supported by the SSR analysis by two of the three coastal accessions. The genetics demonstrate a proximity between the European noble cultivar Tettnanger and the mountain Corsican wild hop from Corte. The morphological comparison between German hops cultivated in Tettnang and in Corsican soil, and the GC-MS characterization of their essential oils’ chemical profiles, show different features between year 0 and year +1 for each sample. This multidisciplinary approach highlights an acclimatization of hop cultivars to the Corsican terroir one year after planting

A high-affinity antibody against the CSP N-terminal domain lacks Plasmodium falciparum inhibitory activity

Malaria is a global health concern and research efforts are ongoing to develop a superior vaccine to RTS,S/AS01. To guide immunogen design, we seek a comprehensive understanding of the protective humoral response against Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein (PfCSP). In contrast to the well-studied responses to the repeat region and the C-terminus, the antibody response against the N-terminal domain of PfCSP (N-CSP) remains obscure. Here, we characterized the molecular recognition and functional efficacy of the N-CSP-specific monoclonal antibody 5D5. The crystal structure at 1.85 Åresolution revealed that 5D5 binds an α-helical epitope in N-CSP with high affinity through extensive shape and charge complementarity, and the unusual utilization of an N-linked glycan. Nevertheless, functional studies indicated low 5D5 binding to live Pf sporozoites, and lack of sporozoite inhibition in vitro and in mosquitoes. Overall, our data on low recognition and inhibition of sporozoites do not support the inclusion of the 5D5 epitope into the next generation of CSP-based vaccines.Summary Statement The Plasmodium falciparum sporozoite surface protein, PfCSP, is an attractive vaccine target, but the antibody response against the CSP N-terminal domain has remained understudied. Here, to guide immunogen design, Thai et al. provide insights into the binding motif and functional efficacy of the N-terminal domain-specific monoclonal antibody, 5D5

Transformation kinetics and microstructures of Ti17 titanium alloy during continuous cooling

International audienceWe have investigated the microstructure evolutions in the Ti17 near Click to view the MathML source titanium alloy during heat treatments. The phase transformation has first been studied experimentally by combining X-ray diffraction analysis, electrical resistivity and microscopy observations. From a series of isothermal treatments, a IT diagram has been determined, which takes into account the different morphologies. Then, a Johnson–Mehl–Avrami–Kolmogorov (JMAK) model has been successfully used to describe the phase transformation kinetics during either isothermal or cooling treatments. Finally, the coupling of the JMAK model to the finite element software ZeBuLoN allowed us to investigate the evolution of the spatial distribution of the different morphologies during the cooling of an aircraft engine shaft disk after forging

Strategic Partnerships: MAVAs approach to scaling up conservation impact

The world faces big challenges for nature, society, and the economy. The coming decade is the time we have to find solutions that put us on the right path towards a better future. Today's interconnected and interdependent world requires people and organisations from multiple backgrounds and interests to find a better way to work together on shared objectives in order to find these solutions.MAVA Foundation, whose vision is to create a world where biodiversity thrives and the economy supports human prosperity and a healthy planet, had to step up and walk the talk. In 2016, MAVA embarked with its partners on a transformative journey, aimed at ambitious and sustainable impact through meaningful collaboration.We share our learnings on this approach in a publication collectively written by MAVA and FOS Europe staff, with inputs from MAVA partners

Characterization of suspended particulate matter using cascade impactor and X-ray fluorescence

Atmospheric pollution has become one of the biggest environmental and public health problems in large urban centers. The process of industrialization and urbanization of large cities together with population growth and motorized transport has caused an increase in the level of air pollution in these places. Thus, this work approaches the characterization of suspended particulates in the surroundings of the Duque de Caxias Refinery (REDUC) from the identification of the chemical elements present using the X-ray fluorescence technique - XRF. A PIXE 8-stage impactor was used to collect the particulate material (aerodynamic diameters of 16 – 0.12 µm). On the other hand, the experimental measurements of XRF were performed using a commercial system ARTAX 200 (Bruker) and under the following conditions: voltage of 45 kV, current of 500 µA, acquisition time of 300 s and no filter in the incident X-ray beam. The study allowed estimating the dimensions of the particulate materials, identifying the chemical elements present and pointing out possible sources, from samples collected in three residential points that are in the surroundings of REDUC in the region of Campos Elísios. The X-ray fluorescence technique proved to be efficient and it was possible to detect the following chemical elements: Silicon, Sulfur, Chlorine, Potassium, Calcium, Titanium, Manganese, Iron, Nickel and Zinc. Correlations were observed between some elements making it possible to identify possible sources of pollution

Volatile and Flavonoid Composition of the Peel of Citrus medica L. var. Corsican Fruit for Quality Assessment of Its Liqueur

U radu je ispitan sastav hlapljivih tvari i flavonoida u kori citrona (Citrus medica L. var. Corsican) uzgojenog na Korzici, različitog stupnja zrelosti izračunatog pomoću sume aktivnih temperatura. Razlike u stupnju razvoja plodova kvantitativno su određene plinskom kromatografijom, plinskom kromatografijom u kombinaciji s masenom spektrometrijom, te tekućinskom kromatografijom praćenom tandemskom masenom spektrometrijom. Identificirano je 30 hlapljivih komponenata eteričnog ulja dobivenog iz kore citrona, a najzastupljeniji su bili limonen i γ-terpinen. Komercijalno proizvedeni liker od citrona također je imao veliki udjel monoterpenskih ugljikovodika, među kojima su prevladavala ta ista dva spoja. Glavni su flavonoidi u citronu i likeru bili rutin i neohesperidin. Ovaj se postupak karakterizacije spojeva može primijeniti za procjenu kakvoće prehrambenih proizvoda dobivenih iz ploda citrona (C. medica var. Corsican).The volatile and flavonoid compositions of the peel of Citrus medica L. var. Corsican fruits cultivated in Corsica were studied according to the maturity of the citron fruits measured using growing degree-days. Quantitative variation with the stage of development of the fruit was observed using gas chromatography, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry. Thirty volatile compounds were identifi ed in the peel essential oil. Limonene and γ-terpinene were the major compounds. The volatile compositions of commercial citron liqueurs were also characterized by high amounts of monoterpene hydrocarbons with the same two major components. The main fl avonoid components of citron fruits and derived liqueurs were rutin and neohesperidin. This chemical characterization can be used for quality assessment of food products from C. medica var. Corsican