Showing papers by "Paris West University Nanterre La Défense published in 2017"

Predictors of stress in college students.

Abstract: University students often face different stressful situations and preoccupations: the first contact with the university, the freedom of schedule organization, the selection of their master’s degree, very selective fields, etc The purpose of this study is to evaluate a model of vulnerability to stress in French college students. Stress factors were evaluated by a battery of six scales that was accessible online during three months. A total of 483 students, aged between 18 to 24 years (Mean = 20.23, standard deviation =1.99), was included in the study. The results showed that 72.9%, 86.3% and 79.3% of them were suffering from psychological distress, anxiety and depressive symptoms respectively. More than half the sample was also suffering from low self-esteem (57.6%), little optimism (56.7%), and a low sense of self-efficacy (62.7%). Regression analyses revealed that life satisfaction, self-esteem, optimism, self-efficacy and psychological distress were the most important predictors of stress. These findings allow us to better understand stress-vulnerability factors in students and drive us to substantially consider them in prevention programs.

Electronic control of linear-to-circular polarization conversion using a reconfigurable metasurface

Abstract: A reflective metasurface enabling linear-to-circular polarization (LP-to-CP) conversion is proposed. The metasurface polarizer is composed of active unit cells incorporating voltage-controlled varactor diodes, where the dispersion responses of the cells can be tailored. When illuminated by an incident wave, the metasurface converts the LP wave from the source to a CP one. Moreover, in a single voltage configuration, two circular polarized waves with different handedness can be obtained at distinct frequencies. Such operation can be tuned in frequency by changing the applied voltage along the metasurface. Simulations are performed to verify the concept, and measurements done on a fabricated prototype validate the polarization conversion performances at microwave frequencies.

Effects of Pomegranate Juice Supplementation on Oxidative Stress Biomarkers Following Weightlifting Exercise

Abstract: The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that pomegranate juice supplementation would blunt acute and delayed oxidative stress responses after a weightlifting training session. Nine elite weightlifters (21.0 ± 1 years) performed two Olympic-Weightlifting sessions after ingesting either the placebo or pomegranate juice supplements. Venous blood samples were collected at rest and 3 min and 48 h after each session. Compared to the placebo condition, pomegranate juice supplementation attenuated the increase in malondialdehyde (−12.5%; p < 0.01) and enhanced the enzymatic (+8.6% for catalase and +6.8% for glutathione peroxidase; p < 0.05) and non-enzymatic (+12.6% for uric acid and +5.7% for total bilirubin; p < 0.01) antioxidant responses shortly (3 min) after completion of the training session. Additionally, during the 48 h recovery period, pomegranate juice supplementation accelerated (p < 0.05) the recovery kinetics of the malondialdehyde (5.6%) and the enzymatic antioxidant defenses compared to the placebo condition (9 to 10%). In conclusion, supplementation with pomegranate juice has the potential to attenuate oxidative stress by enhancing antioxidant responses assessed acutely and up to 48 h following an intensive weightlifting training session. Therefore, elite weightlifters might benefit from blunted oxidative stress responses following intensive weightlifting sessions, which could have implications for recovery between training sessions.

Dynamic characteristics of curved nanobeams using nonlocal higher-order curved beam theory

Abstract: Here, an analytical approach for the dynamic analysis, viz., free and forced vibrations, of curved nanobeams using nonlocal elasticity beam theory based on Eringen formulation coupled with a higher-order shear deformation accounting for through thickness stretching is investigated. The formulation is general in the sense that it can be deduced to analyse the effect of various structural theories pertaining to curved nanobeams. It also includes inplane, rotary and coupling inertia terms. The governing equations derived, using Hamiltons principle, are solved in conjunction with Naviers solutions. The free vibration results are obtained employing the standard eigenvalue analysis whereas the displacement/stress responses in time domain for the curved nanobeams subjected to rectangular pulse loading are evaluated based on Newmarks time integration scheme. The formulation is validated considering problems for which solutions are available. A comparative study is done here by different theories obtained through the formulation. The effects of various structural parameters such as thickness ratio, beam length, rise of the curved beam, loading pulse duration, and nonlocal scale parameter are brought out on the dynamic behaviours of curved nanobeams.

The (Home) Bias of European Central Bankers: New Evidence Based on Speeches

Abstract: Speeches are an important vehicle for central bankers to convey individual views on the preferred policy stance. In this article, we employ an automated text linguistic approach to create an indicator that measures the tone of the 1,618 speeches delivered by members of the Governing Council (GC) during the period 1999M1–2014M4. We then relate this variable to euro area and national macroeconomic forecasts. Our key findings are as follows. First, inflation and growth expectations have a positive and significant impact on the hawkishness of a speech. Second, different growth expectations across the euro area and different preferences significantly explain discrepancies across speakers. Third, the voiced preferences of presidents of the national central banks (NCBs) largely coincide with the level of independence their central banks had at the time of the Maastricht Treaty. However, in general, there are not much differences between members of the Executive Board and the NCB presidents. Fourth, we fi...

Interest margins and bank regulation in Central America and the Caribbean

Abstract: This paper examines empirically the determinants of bank interest margins in Central America and the Caribbean over the period 1998–2014. A particular focus is set on the impact of differences in the regulatory environment and market structure across countries in explaining the interest margins of individual banks. Our results suggest that bank market power, operating costs, credit risk, and liquid asset holdings increase the margin between loan and deposit rates, while increased income diversification and GDP growth are associated with lower loan-deposit spreads. When considering information on banking regulation, we find strong evidence to support our main hypothesis that improvements in market quality and liberalization have a significant effect on interest margins. More specifically, reductions in entry requirements to banking, higher involvement of foreign banks, and increased financial statement transparency are associated with significant reductions in interest margins.

I hate my workplace but I am very attached to it: workplace attachment style: An exploratory approach

Abstract: Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether different patterns of workplace attachment exist and to explore the relations between adult attachment styles and the level of workplace attachment. Design/methodology/approach Participants were 351 Italian employees who completed a questionnaire composed of the Workplace Attachment Scale and the Relationship Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using correspondence analysis. Findings The results showed that high scores on workplace attachment correlated significantly with secure attachment style, while low scores correlated with insecure attachment styles. These results shed light on different workplace attachment styles. Research limitations/implications The limitation in this study mostly concern the use of self-reporting instruments to measure the participants’ attachment style, since they may be susceptible to distortions. However, the distribution of attachment styles in this sample is similar to the worldwide distribution, which supports the authors’ choice. Practical implications To the extent that it is possible to identify a specific workplace attachment style, it should also be possible to change some of the human resource management practices inducing employees to develop a workplace secure attachment style. Originality/value Researchers tended to ignore the extension of the adult attachment behavioral system to examine core environmental relationships. The present study, applying attachment theory to workplace attachment, provides theoretical support that the bonds that an individual forms with workplace can be classified as attachment bonds.

Pet-directed speech draws adult dogs' attention more efficiently than Adult-directed speech.

Abstract: Humans speak to dogs using a special speech register called Pet-Directed Speech (PDS) which is very similar to Infant-Directed Speech (IDS) used by parents when talking to young infants. These two type of speech share prosodic features that are distinct from the typical Adult-Directed Speech (ADS): a high pitched voice and an increased pitch variation. So far, only one study has investigated the effect of PDS on dogs’ attention. We video recorded 44 adult pet dogs and 19 puppies when listening to the same phrase enounced either in ADS or in PDS or in IDS. The phrases were previously recorded and were broadcasted via a loudspeaker placed in front of the dog. The total gaze duration of the dogs toward the loudspeaker, was used as a proxy of attention. Results show that adult dogs are significantly more attentive to PDS than to ADS and that their attention significantly increases along with the rise of the fundamental frequency of human’ speech. It is likely that the exaggerated prosody of PDS is used by owners as an ostensive cue for dogs that facilitates the effectiveness of their communication, and should represent an evolutionarily determined adaptation that benefits the regulation and maintenance of their relationships.

Effect of interaction type on the characteristics of pet-directed speech in female dog owners

Abstract: Recent studies focusing on the interspecific communicative interactions between humans and dogs show that owners use a special speech register when addressing their dog. This register, called pet-directed speech (PDS), has prosodic and syntactic features similar to that of infant-directed speech (IDS). While IDS prosody is known to vary according to the context of the communication with babies, we still know little about the way owners adjust acoustic and verbal PDS features according to the type of interaction with their dog. The aim of the study was therefore to explore whether the characteristics of women's speech depend on the nature of interaction with their dog. We recorded 34 adult women interacting with their dog in four conditions: before a brief separation, after reuniting, during play and while giving commands. Our results show that before separation women used a low pitch, few modulations, high intensity variations and very few affective sentences. In contrast, the reunion interactions were characterized by a very high pitch, few imperatives and a high frequency of affectionate nicknames. During play, women used mainly questions and attention-getting devices. Finally when commanding, women mainly used imperatives as well as attention-getting devices. Thus, like mothers using IDS, female owners adapt the verbal as well as the non-verbal characteristics of their PDS to the nature of the interaction with their dog, suggesting that the intended function of these vocal utterances remains to provide dogs with information about their intentions and emotions.

Perseverative Thinking Questionnaire (PTQ): French Validation of a Transdiagnostic Measure of Repetitive Negative Thinking.

Abstract: Repetitive negative thinking (RNT) is a transdiagnostic process involved in the onset and maintenance of many psychological disorders. The Perseverative Thinking Questionnaire (Ehring et al., 2011) is a content-independent scale composed of 15 items that assesses RNT from a transdiagnostic perspective in both clinical and general populations. The aim of the current research was to translate and validate the French version of the PTQ through two studies (total N = 1016) following the steps for the trans-cultural validation of psychometric instruments (Hambleton et al., 2006). An exploratory factor analysis conducted on a first community sample revealed a latent structure composed of 10 items distributed on one common factor, labeled RNT, and three subfactors that evaluated the repetitive characteristic of RNT, the intrusiveness of RNT and the effect of RNT on mental resources. This factorial structure was confirmed in two confirmatory factor analyses in community and clinical samples. Scale score reliability indices were good and confirmed the validity of the instrument. The French version of the PTQ is a good content-independent instrument to assess RNT in general and clinical populations of French speakers.

Petri Nets Repository: A Tool to Benchmark and Debug Petri Net Tools

Abstract: For a given scientific community, being able to use a common and rich accepted benchmark for the evaluation of algorithms and prototypes is an added value. The goal of this paper is to present Petri Nets Repository, an open Petri nets models database. It offers two main ways to navigate through the benchmark using criteria related to Petri net properties: a Web interface, and a Web service API (REST). So far, this database embeds the models from the Model Checking Contest, as well as those of the discontinued Petriweb.

International Migration and Regional Housing Markets: Evidence from France

Abstract: This article examines the causal relations between non-European immigration and the characteristics of the housing market in host regions. We constructed a unique database from administrative records and used it to assess annual migration flows into France's 22 administrative regions from 1990 to 2013. We then estimated various panel VAR models, taking into account GDP per capita and the unemployment rate as the main regional economic indicators. We find that immigration has no significant effect on property prices, but that higher property prices significantly reduce immigration rates. We also find no significant relationship between immigration and social housing supply.

Validation and Factor Structure of the French-Language Version of the Emotional Appetite Questionnaire (EMAQ)

Abstract: The concept of Emotional Eating (EE) is increasingly considered to be implicated in overeating and obesity, and in different subtypes of eating disorders. Among the self-report questionnaires assessing EE, the Emotional Appetite Questionnaire (EMAQ) includes recent advances in this area: it evaluates a broad range of emotions and situations both positive and negative, and the way they modulate food intake (decrease, stability or increase). The main objective of our study was to further investigate the psychometric properties of the French version of the EMAQ in a large sample of students. Participants completed the EMAQ (n=679), the DEBQ (Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire) (n=75) and the CIDI-eating disorders screening (Composite International Diagnostic Interview) (n=604). Factorial structure, reliability and validity of the EMAQ were tested. Factorial analyses supported a two-factor (Positive and Negative) structure. The internal consistency indices were satisfactory and results suggest good test-retest reliability for the scale. Convergent and discriminant validity were confirmed from the significant correlations observed between the EMAQ scores and the DEBQ-EE subscale scores. Regarding associations with weight, whereas EMAQ negative scores were positively correlated with BMI, EMAQ positive scores were negatively correlated with BMI. Finally, EMAQ scores differed significantly depending on gender and risk for bulimia nervosa. This study supports the validity and the reliability of the EMAQ, which appears to be a promising instrument to better understand individual differences that could modulate food intake.

VBPMN: Automated Verification of BPMN Processes (Tool Paper)

Abstract: Business process modeling is an important concern in enterprise. Formal analysis techniques are crucial to detect semantic issues in the corresponding models, or to help with their refactoring and evolution. However, business process development frameworks often fall short when it comes to go beyond simulation or syntactic checking of the models. In this paper, we present our VBPMN verification framework. It features several techniques for the automatic analysis of business processes modeled using BPMN, the de facto standard for business process modeling. As such, it supports a more robust development of business processes.

Information Flow on Digital Social Networks during a Cultural Event: Methodology and Analysis of the "European Night of Museums 2016" on Twitter

Abstract: In this paper, we first present a representation of message flows and their contents on Twitter, then an instrumented methodology to describe and analyze these flows and their distribution among the various stakeholders. The aim is to explore the engagement and interactions between different types of stakeholders. We apply our methodology and tools to the 12th edition of the cultural event "European Night of Museums" (NDM16).

Scheduling and Resource Management Allocation System Combined with an Economic Model

Abstract: This paper presents a new scheduling and resource management allocation system based on an economic model related to different classes for SLAs (Service Level Agreements). The goal is to address the problems of companies that manage a private infrastructure of machines, and would like to optimize the scheduling of several requests submitted online by users. Each request is an application which is executed using a set of computing resources. Our economic model has two SLAs classes (a qualitative one and a quantitative one). The qualitative class represents the satisfaction time criteria, i.e. the user waiting time before the execution of its requests. Moreover, the quantitative class represents the number of resources that must be allocated to execute the user request. As a first contribution, our system allocates dynamically, for each selected request, a set of computing cores according to the quantitative SLA class and the load of the parallel machines across the infrastructure. To choose the machine that will execute a selected request, we propose to use a Bin Packing heuristic to minimize the number of used machines and reduce the cost of the infrastructure. As a second contribution, simulations of our system are conducted on Prezi and Google Cloud Data traces and they demonstrate the potential of our approach under different scenario.

Effect of an unrelated fluent action on word recognition: A case of motor discrepancy.

Abstract: It is now well established that motor fluency affects cognitive processes, including memory. In two experiments participants learned a list of words and then performed a recognition task. The original feature of our procedure is that before judging the words they had to perform a fluent gesture (i.e., typing a letter dyad). The dyads comprised letters located on either the right or left side of the keyboard. Participants typed dyads with their right or left index finger; the required movement was either very small (dyad composed of adjacent letters, Experiment 1) or slightly larger (dyad composed of letters separated by one key, experiment 2). The results show that when the gesture was performed in the ipsilateral space the probability of recognizing a word increased (to a lesser extent it is the same with the dominant hand, experiment 2). Moreover, a binary regression logistic highlighted that the probability of recognizing a word was proportional to the speed by which the gesture was performed. These results are discussed in terms of a feeling of familiarity emerging from motor discrepancy.

The poetics of automation

Abstract: This article compares two examples of industrial patronage in the late 1950s. The first is the 1958 filming of Le Chant du styrene by filmmaker Alain Resnais, with a voiceover of a poem by Raymond Queneau, with funding from the Pechiney firm. The second is the 1959 exhibition Forces et rythmes de l’industrie (“Forces and Rhythmes of Industry”) by painter Reynold Arnould, organized with funding from 12 major French companies. We show how similar these two operations were, from two perspectives: first, the logic behind arts patronage for major firms of the time, and second, the esthetic and social issues at stake for the representation of industry in the context of the debate on automation. An historic and esthetic analysis of Resnais’ film and Arnould’s canvases provides an opportunity to discuss the societal concerns of this period of accelerated industrial development in Europe in the 1950s. We then look at the perspective of these artists in light of the work of sociologists from this period, who were conducting fieldwork in the same factories that Resnais filmed and Arnould painted.

Non-monetary poverty in Togo: a multidimensional approach

Abstract: The monetary approach is not sufficient to understand the multiple dimension of poverty. The purpose of this research is therefore to measure and analyze multidimensional poverty reduced to a single non-monetary dimension and according to the characteristics of household heads. Based on the non-monetary variables provided by the most recent country survey (QUIBB 2006), we use Multidimensional Correspondence Analysis techniques to construct a Composite Poverty Indicator. The results of the non-poverty index suggest that the poorest are large families and households in rural areas. The deprivation is also more serious in households whose heads are male, aged between 51 and 99 and less educated. The findings are the same for the monetary approach at the poverty line, leading to the conclusion that both types of poverty are quite strongly and positively correlated. Finally, we propose some recommendations for socioeconomic policies.

Residential integration: towards a sending country perspective

Abstract: This chapter explores the key issues relating to how housing integration might be understood and further researched from a “country of origin” perspective. Residential integration is a key and perhaps even foundational dimension of the integration of migrants and minorities. Residential integration includes two key elements: the nature and quality of the housing that minorities occupy, assessed in terms of factors such as tenure, overcrowding and disrepair; and the patterns of migrant residence in receiving societies, including clustering or its absence. Residential integration in the second sense is usually seen as opposite to residential segregation, although, as we shall see below, segregation itself is defined in multiple ways, in terms of uneven distribution of settlement and low chances of inter-ethnic contact, as well as concentration, centralization and clustering. “Clustering” itself is a more neutral term, referring to the propensity of specific groups to live together, rather than to their separation from other groups.

Les Cahiers de Tunisie et les antiquités africaines (1953-2011) : bilan historiographique

Abstract: This paper aims deals with the place of ancient studies in Les Cahiers de Tunisie It traces their history and is interested in their place in this periodical Finally, after having justified the choice of the period (1953-2011), we attach in a final part, to give some elements of methodology and to present the main axes of the bibliographic search