Saint-Gobain (France)

This study stems from the growing relevance of migration as a demographic, economic, and social phenomenon that directly impacts the population structure of communities. This led to the design of linear models, useful in stable scenarios, and exponential models, suitable for migration crisis contexts characterized by abrupt reductions. The results show that the linear model reflects a constant and predictable decline, while the exponential model captures the accelerated dynamics of migration, with a sharp initial drop followed by stabilization. The combination of both approaches, along with the inclusion of mixed models and additional variables (public policies, employment, international agreements), allows for a more analytical representation of migration dynamics. The use of computer simulations with software such as R and Python is also highlighted, as they facilitate scenario projection and parameter validation. The findings reveal the academic and practical value of the research, guiding urban planning, the formulation of inclusive policies, and the management of demographic crises. This underscores the urgent need to adopt interdisciplinary approaches that integrate mathematics, sociology, and economics to understand the complexity of migration and its socioeconomic repercussions

The sintering consolidation and thermal damage of an alumina mullite zirconia refractory is modelled during a thermal cycle. The dynamic Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) of the material is assumed to be a function of two variables representing sintering and damage degrees. Two evolution laws are proposed for these internal variables and the model is calibrated to describe properly the MOE of the refractory during a reference thermal cycle. The model is then validated by experimental confrontation for other thermal treatments. The model predicts reasonably well the evolution of the dynamic MOE for thermal cycles with different sintering temperatures, dwell times or heating/cooling rates. This phenomenological model provides the variation of the associated sintering and damage degrees and could be used in thermomechanical simulations to account for the thermal history dependence of the material mechanical behaviour.

We have investigated the electric field (E-field) induced modulation of perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) in both amorphous and crystalline W/CoFeB/MgO/HfO2 ultra-thin films. We find that in the amorphous state, the E-field effect is volatile and reversible, which is consistent with the conventional electrostatic effect through charge accumulation and depletion. In the crystallized system annealed at 370 °C, we find that two effects are at play: a non-volatile and reversible voltage-induced effect on PMA and an electrostatic response. We discuss these results in terms of higher oxygen mobility at the crystallized CoFeB–MgO interface, which induces a non-volatile magneto-ionic response. Modulating PMA in crystallized CoFeB–MgO materials through ionic migration opens the path to integrating magneto-ionics in full magnetic tunnel junctions.

BackgroundThere are limited data on functional and patient-reported outcomes after acute upper-extremity deep vein thrombosis (UEDVT) caused by compression syndromes.ObjectivesThis study examined patient-reported functional impairment, quality of life, and treatment satisfaction after UEDVT.MethodsWe did a retrospective multicenter cohort study of patients with confirmed UEDVT due to compression syndromes not related to central lines. Patients were included at 5 centers in 4 countries and completed a standardized patient-reported outcome survey. The primary outcome was upper-limb function measured via the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) score (range, 0-100; higher scores indicate worse function) during follow-up. Quality of life was assessed using a Visual Analogue Scale. Additional outcomes included persistent symptoms, treatment satisfaction, mental health impact, and perception of unmet needs.ResultsWe included 82 patients (median age, 38 years; Q1-Q3, 26-48 years); 44% were women. All patients received anticoagulation, and 66% underwent catheter-directed therapy. First-rib resection was performed in 24% of patients. After a median follow-up of 16 months, 63% reported ≥1 persistent symptom, most commonly swelling (30%) and heaviness (29%). The median QuickDASH score was 8 (Q1-Q3, 2-20), indicating mild overall disability. QuickDASH correlated negatively with quality of life (Spearman ρ = −0.82; P < .001) and across QuickDASH items and countries. Symptom persistence emerged as the main predictor of residual functional impairment. Patient-reported priorities included maintaining adequate arm function (78%) and avoiding recurrent UEDVT (73%).ConclusionUEDVT can have lasting functional and psychosocial effects. Patient-reported outcomes reveal a burden that is not captured by traditional clinical metrics and should be integrated into routine care as well in the setting of interventional trials.

Recent studies have shown that classroom noise and reduced speech intelligibility negatively impact concentration and learning. Additionally, poor room acoustics can cause vocal strain for teachers. These issues can be mitigated with appropriate acoustic treatment, but determining the level of required treatment for a significant improvement remains a challenge. While room acoustic standards define just-noticeable differences (JNDs) for various parameters, research has shown that JNDs vary based on room usage, sound emissions, and specific acoustic conditions. Therefore, perceptual studies remain essential for assessing changes in classroom acoustics that significantly affect intelligibility. To support research in this area, this communication presents a freely available accurate dataset of impulse responses measured in a real classroom, capturing incremental changes in absorption and diffusion. This resource is intended to help researchers conduct perceptual tests evaluating the effects of small acoustic modifications in classroom acoustics. Unlike simulated data, this dataset-derived from actual material changes in a real classroom- reduces uncertainty and inaccuracies in perceptual experiments. Finally, an example application of the dataset is presented, demonstrating its use in a perceptual study on the influence of early reflections on perceived sound impression at different classroom positions.

Indoor environments may impact human health significantly since microbial diversity made of various bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms constitutes the habitat's microbiome. These microorganisms originate from diverse sources, such as the environment, humans, and pets. Understanding such microbial diversity is crucial for assessing related health impacts. The aim of this study was to investigate bacterial and fungal microorganisms from different surfaces in a set of houses on Corsica Island (southeastern France). We conducted sampling and high-throughput sequencing of PCR-amplified microbial DNA from 40 habitats (eight different surfaces tested for each) located on diverse regions of the island. Following nucleic acid recovery, we performed PCR targeting V3-V4 regions of 16S rRNA for bacteria and ITS1 region for fungi. Bioinformatics processing allowed the identification of distinct microbial species and the analysis of their distribution. Our findings highlighted that the most represented bacterial genera in the Corsican homes tested were Ralstonia (16.9%), Staphylococcus (4.8%), Corynebacterium (2.7%), Enhydrobacter (6.8%), and Methylorubrum (6.0%). Regarding fungal diversity, the most common genera identified were Dipodascaceae (21.6%), Rhodotorula (10.9%), Aspergillus (8.9%), Clavispora (7.3%), and Candida (6.8%). Our results also showed differences in microbial composition among the habitats studied, while a higher bacterial and fungal diversity was observed in rural habitats and in those with pets.IMPORTANCEThis study provides valuable insights into the microbial diversity present in indoor environments of Corsican homes, specifically highlighting bacterial and fungal communities on various household surfaces. By identifying the predominant microbial genera and revealing differences linked to habitat characteristics, such as rural settings and pet ownership, this research enhances our understanding of how indoor microbial communities vary.

Although inherited and acquired thrombophilia screening should ideally be performed outside of any direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) therapy, it is sometimes performed in patients who are anticoagulated. However, DOACs have been shown to interfere with many hemostasis tests, with a risk of false-positive/negative results in lupus anticoagulant testing and overestimation of natural coagulation inhibitor levels, which may lead to misdiagnosis. Devices have been developed to overcome DOAC interference but their role in thrombophilia testing is not clearly established. In this comprehensive review, we provide an in-depth overview of the literature on the impact of DOACs on thrombophilia assays, including lupus anticoagulant testing, antithrombin, protein C, and protein S assessment. DOACs can interfere with the results of thrombophilia testing even at low concentrations; therefore information on current or recently discontinued anticoagulant treatment should be provided when prescribing thrombophilia testing. Data on the usefulness of the most used DOAC removal systems based on activated charcoal to circumvent DOAC interference are heterogeneous. They are summarized in this critical review. Although activated charcoal could be useful to remove DOACs from plasma prior to thrombophilia testing, it may not be completely effective, particularly with apixaban. Hence, and in the light of the available literature, we provide 22 practical proposals for reliable thrombophilia testing and accurate result interpretation in samples from patients receiving DOACs and treated in vitro with activated charcoal.

Transition metal carbides and nitrides demonstrate very interesting electrocatalytic properties, close to those of noble metals. Indeed,platinum being a scarce and expensive element, carbides and nitrides could be an interesting alternative to make this technology economically viable. Recently, different authors reported promising (electro)catalytic properties of molybdenum carbides and nitrides. Herein we report the synthesis of Mo nitrides and carbides from original routes using transition metal cluster-based precursors or laser pyrolysis. The resulting nitrides and carbides were characterized by several complementary techniques (XRD, BET, SEM, etc.). These innovative modes of synthesis afford nanostructured compounds and the evaluation of Mo5N6 for the WGS reaction is reported.