Real scenario and simulations on GLOSA traffic light system for reduced CO2 emissions, waiting time and travel time

Cooperative ITS is enabling vehicles to communicate with the infrastructure to provide improvements in traffic control. A promising approach consists in anticipating the road profile and the upcoming dynamic events like traffic lights. This topic has been addressed in the French public project Co-Drive through functions developed by Valeo named Green Light Optimal Speed Advisor (GLOSA). The system advises the optimal speed to pass the next traffic light without stopping. This paper presents results of its performance in different scenarios through simulations and real driving measurements. A scaling is done in an urban area, with different penetration rates in vehicle and infrastructure equipment for vehicular communication. Our simulation results indicate that GLOSA can reduce CO2 emissions, waiting time and travel time, both in experimental conditions and in real traffic conditions.Comment: in 22nd ITS World Congress, Oct 2015, Bordeaux, France. 201

Methodological considerations in cost of illness studies on Alzheimer disease

Cost-of-illness studies (COI) can identify and measure all the costs of a particular disease, including the direct, indirect and intangible dimensions. They are intended to provide estimates about the economic impact of costly disease. Alzheimer disease (AD) is a relevant example to review cost of illness studies because of its costliness.The aim of this study was to review relevant published cost studies of AD to analyze the method used and to identify which dimension had to be improved from a methodological perspective. First, we described the key points of cost study methodology. Secondly, cost studies relating to AD were systematically reviewed, focussing on an analysis of the different methods used. The methodological choices of the studies were analysed using an analytical grid which contains the main methodological items of COI studies. Seventeen articles were retained. Depending on the studies, annual total costs per patient vary from $2,935 to$52, 954. The methods, data sources, and estimated cost categories in each study varied widely. The review showed that cost studies adopted different approaches to estimate costs of AD, reflecting a lack of consensus on the methodology of cost studies. To increase its credibility, closer agreement among researchers on the methodological principles of cost studies would be desirable

Plataformas para prospecciones petrolíferas en el mar

The increasing consumption of petroleum makes it necessary to seek new producing areas, especially in the neighbourhood of the main consumption districts. The rock layers containing petroleum often extend beneath the sea, and in such cases the method of extraction of the petroleum involves specialised techniques, which depend on the nature of the site. The first tests were out in the Gulf of Mexico, where the sea is shallow and mainly calm. In Europe the problem is different, since the sea is usually deeper and more agitated, so that the classical drilling methods cannot be applied. To overcome these difficulties the floating platforms were introduced. These are taken to a given site, and fixed there. The French firm Neptune has two such platforms: «Neptune I» and «Neptune-Gascogne», whose functional features are described in this article. These platforms have three fixed points of support on the soil, but in the near future, to be able to reach depths of 200 to 300 m, it will be necessary to do without the fixed points of support, as they greatly limit the use of the platforms. Submergible platforms, with static or dynamic anchorage systems, are being studied, and it is hoped to carry out trials fairly soon.El aumento creciente en el consumo del petróleo obliga a buscar nuevas zonas productoras que amplíen la capacidad de reserva existente y que, por otra parte, se encuentren próximas a las principales zonas de consumo. Las capas sedimentarias que contienen los mantos petrolíferos se prolongan frecuentemente bajo el mar; en este medio su extracción presenta problemas muy diferentes según las características de la zona. Los primeros ensayos se realizaron en el Golfo de Méjico con profundidades pequeñas y mares calmados. En Europa el problema es distinto, puesto que generalmente se trata de mares profundos y muy agitados en los que no se puede utilizar normalmente los dispositivos clásicos de perforación. Para salvar esta limitación aparecieron las plataformas flotantes, que eran remolcadas y fijadas en el lugar elegido. La Sociedad francesa Neptune dispone de dos de estas plataformas: la Neptune I y la Neptune-Gascogne, cuyas características de funcionamiento se describen en el presente artículo. Estas plataformas presentan tres puntos de apoyo fijos sobre el suelo; pero, en un futuro próximo, para poder alcanzar mayores profundidades —200 a 300 m— será necesario eliminar estos puntos de apoyo por la servidumbre que representa. Están en estudio plataformas semisumergibles con sistemas de anclaje estáticos o dinámicos y se espera poder realizar pruebas experimentales en breve plazo

The Cost of Cochlear Implantation: A Review of Methodological Considerations

Objectives. Cost studies can provide useful guidance, so long as they adhere to accepted methodology. Cochlear implants (CIs) are electronic devices introduced surgically into the inner ear. It is a relevant example to review cost study analyses because of its costliness. The aim of this study was to review relevant published cost studies of CI to analyze the method used. Methods. First, we described the key points of cost study methodology. Cost studies relating to CI were systematically reviewed, focussing on an analysis of the different methods used. Results. The methods, data sources, and estimated cost categories in each study varied widely. The paper showed that cost studies adopted significantly different approaches to estimate costs of CI, reflecting a lack of consensus on the methodology of cost studies. Conclusion. To increase its credibility, closer agreement among researchers on the methodological principles of cost studies would be desirable

Evaluation of two indicators according to the objectives of the Sustainable Use of pesticides Directive (SUD). A French case study

The European agricultural protests of 2023/2024 have prompted a reassessment of public policies at the EU level with the SUR put on a stand still. In France, in early 2024, the government replaced the historical monitoring indicator "NoDU'' with the European Harmonized Risk Indicator HRI1 to monitor the progress in the use of Plant Protection Products (PPP) in its National Action Plan (NAP). This study aimed to assess the relevance of these two indicators regarding the objectives outlined in the Sustainable Use of pesticides Directive (“SUD”) that defines the framework within which they operate. To this effect, we analyzed the PPPs they consider, the official calculation formulas, but also their past evolution and possible future evolutions through putative scenarios of changes in PPP use and regulation: ban or not; substitution or not; for the top 5 synthetic insecticides; all synthetic insecticides; glyphosate; mancozeb; and the top five active ingredients from HRI1 risk group 3 (candidates for substitution). French PPP sales data from 2011 to 2021 were used for past evolutions and we used the last available figures in France, 2021, for simulations. Designed to monitor the use of PPPs by farmers, the NoDU mostly monitors achievement with regards to one aim of the SUD: to "reduce dependency on the use of pesticides" and promote "the use of Integrated Pest Management". Its value does not change with the mere substitution of a product by another, even if the second is deemed less toxic. This limits its ability to assess the "risks and impacts of pesticide use on human health and the environment", the first aim of the directive. The HRI1 indicator is not supposed to strictly quantify the use of PPP and was found to inadequately reflect significant changes in PPP use, but also in the induced risk: 1) changes of use without a ban on a substance are limited and as such, past correlation of HRI1 with the QAI of the fourth group (banned PPPs) is very high (0.90); 2) the impact of variations of low-dose active ingredients is minimal, independently of their toxicity/ecotoxicity, even in the case of a ban. Thus, the putative withdrawal of all insecticides sold, even without substitution by other PPPs, would reduce HRI1 by only 4 in percentage points (from 67.1 % to 63.1 %), while NoDU would drop by 16 percentage points (from 94.5% to 78.5%), thus better reflecting both the paradigm shift in PPP use for farmers and the large diminution of the risk induced for the environment. On the opposite end, banning only glyphosate, a high dose active ingredient, even with full substitution with another herbicide, would bring the HRI1 down to 43.8% of its value in 2011-2013 and sells of glyphosate in 2021 would represent 47.8% of the HRI1 before the ban, when it is only 4.3% of the use of PPPs as measured by the NoDU. Finally, 2022 ban of mancozeb, even if fully substituted by other PPPs, might be enough to bring the HRI1 very near to the 50% target of the Ecophyto plan (56.9%), while the NoDU would remain at 94.5% of its average value in 2011-2013. Our results strongly suggest that HRI1 fails to adequately monitor the objectives of the SUD. We accordingly recommend that the European Commission reconsider the design of Harmonized Risk Indicators. NAP monitoring indicators at national and European level should encompass three primary features. First, the indicators should be founded on robust scientific and technical evidence. Second, they should consider toxicity and ecotoxicity profiles of PPPs. Last, they should be computable for each member state and allow comparisons in absolute values between member states to account for “the risk or use reduction" targets already achieved prior to the application of this Directive

Le tambourin et le galoubet en Pays Basque et dans la Péninsule Ibérique

Descripción de los tamboriles vascos, bernaeses y provenzales que constan de una caja con cuerdas que se golpean con un palillo. Se sujeta con la izquierda junto con la chirula, y se golpea con la derecha. Se describen tamboriles y chirulas que hay en otras regiones, y la historia de estos instrumentosDescription of the Basque, Bearnais and Provenzal timbrels, that consist of a box with cords that is beaten with a drumstick. It is held with the left hand, together with the "chirula", and is beaten on with the right hand. The author describes the timbrels and "chirulas" that exist in other regionsand the history of such instrument

Les théories paléo-égyptiennes de la circulation, de la respiration, de la phonation et de l'audition, dans leurs rapports avec la théorie du pneuma

Garnault P. Les théories paléo-égyptiennes de la circulation, de la respiration, de la phonation et de l'audition, dans leurs rapports avec la théorie du pneuma. In: Bulletins de la Société d'anthropologie de Paris, V° Série. Tome 2, 1901. pp. 43-54