Aix-Marseille University Research Articles

Spring begins ? On ecopoetics at university

This text offers a collective reflection and feedback on five years of teaching in the Master écopoétique et création program at Aix-Marseille University. The duel of two highly whimsical pseudo-concepts – « Durassic Park » and « Descolatour Regime in literature » – serves to illustrate the double bind of a teaching and literary criticism inevitably torn between disciplinary solipsism and contextual urgency.

31st Annual GP2A Medicinal Chemistry Conference

The Group for the Promotion of Pharmaceutical Chemistry in Academia (GP2A) held its 31st annual conference in August 2023 at the Faculty of Pharmacy of Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France. There were 8 keynote presentations, 10 early career researcher oral presentations and 23 poster presentations. Among them, four awards were delivered, two for best oral communications and two for the best poster presentations.

Using the Delphi method to develop a clinical skills assessment tool for advanced practice nurses in psychiatry and mental health

In France, advanced practice for psychiatric and mental health nurses has been developing since 2019. The acquisition of clinical skills by advanced practice nursing students requires monitoring and evaluation. This article outlines the process for creating an internship logbook. To develop and verify a tool for assessing the skills of advanced practice nursing students specializing in psychiatry and mental health during the internship stage. The Delphi method described by Hasson was used, with the aim of obtaining a consensus of over 80% of the experts consulted. A panel of ten experts, all internship tutors at partner healthcare establishments of Aix Marseille University, was consulted twice. The internship logbook was composed of 68 items. This tool is the product of a multidisciplinary process including nurses and psychiatric nurses. It can be adapted to a variety of learning environments and helps tutors track the acquisition of clinical skills during the internships, both through external and self-assessment. A new Delphi consultation will foster uptake of this tool. Advanced practice nurses in psychiatry and mental health will be included in the group of experts.

The Poverty of Radical Ecological Economics: A Critique of Clive Spash from the Viewpoint of the Austrian School

Abstract This paper delves into the work of Clive L. Spash, a British radical ecological economist well-known in his field who currently holds a professorship at the Vienna University of Economics and Business. We start with an examination of the principles of his “social ecological economics.” We then critically evaluate his attack on economic growth and his perspective on the standard economic models of climate change. Lastly, we explore his approach to science as a theoretical pursuit and his policy recommendations. The first version of this paper was given as a keynote lecture at the 7th Austrian Economics Meeting Europe, May 12-13, 2023, Université Catholique de l’Ouest, Angers, France, and a second version at the Summer University in Political Economy, July 20-22, 2023, Aix-Marseille University, France. I wish to thank the organizers of these conferences, and also the anonymous referees whose remarks have been taken into account to improve the paper.

Forward to the Past: Short-Term Effects of the Rent Freeze in Berlin

In 2020, Berlin introduced a rigorous rent-control policy responding to soaring prices by capping rents: the Mietendeckel (rent freeze). The German Constitutional Court revoked the policy only one year later. Although successful in lowering rents during its duration, the consequences for Berlin’s rental market and close-by markets are per se not clear. This article evaluates the short-term causal supply-side effects in terms of prices, quantities, and landlords’ strategic behavior. We develop a theoretical framework capturing the key features of first-generation rent control policies and Berlin-specific aspects. Using a rich pool of detailed rent advertisements, predictions are tested, and further empirical causal inference techniques are applied for comparing price trajectories of dwellings inside and outside the policy’s scope. Mechanically, advertised rents drop significantly upon the policy’s enactment. A substantial rent gap along Berlin’s administrative border emerges, and rapidly growing rents in Berlin’s (unregulated) adjacent municipalities are observed. Landlords started adopting a hedging strategy insuring themselves against the risk of contractually long-term fixed low rents following a potentially unconstitutional law. Whereas this hedge was beneficial for landlords, the risk was completely borne by tenants. Moreover, the number of available properties for rent dropped significantly, a share of which appears to be permanently lost for the rental sector. This hampers a successful housing search for first-time renters and people moving within the city. Overall, negative consequences for renters appear to outweigh positive ones. This paper was accepted by Victoria Ivashina, finance. Funding: This research benefits from funding by the FNR Luxembourg National Research Fund [CORE Grant 3886] (ASSESS) and the OeNB Anniversary Fund [Grant 18767] (LocHouse). M. Fongoni further thanks the Department of Economics at the University of Strathclyde for support and acknowledges funding from the French government under the “France 2030” investment plan managed by the French National Research Agency [Reference ANR-17-EURE-0020] and from the Excellence Initiative of Aix-Marseille University - A*MIDEX. Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.4775 .

Contribution of artificial intelligence and left atrial strain in the prediction of sudden cardiac death in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Results of a multicentric cohort

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) remains a serious outcome in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), with an estimated incidence of 1%/year. Its risk prediction stays challenging for clinicians. Implantation of cardioverter-defibrillator is recommended with a strong level of evidence when the HCM risk score is over 6%. However, the ESC HCM risk score is criticized for its moderate diagnostic performance (C-index 0,70), and its low sensibility. Recent studies suggest that low PALS (peak atrial longitudinal strain) is associated with poor prognosis in HCM. Artificial intelligence, wich is experiencing an unprecedented boom, may be an interesting tool in association to left atrial strain in Prognostication. This preliminar study aimed to evaluate the value of the left atrial strain coupled with artificial inteligence algorythm in the prediction of suddent cardiac death in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This restrospective multi-center cohort (Marseille la Timone, Bordeaux and Rennes) included 431 patients with sarcomeric HCM from 2007 to 2018. The average follow-up time was 57 months. The primary endpoint was all cause death, ventricular arythmias, recovered SCD and internal electric shock. Analyses were entrusted to the LIS laboratory specialized in Computer Science at Aix-Marseille University. Sixty-six percent of men composed the cohort with a mean age of 52 ± 16 yo. Sarcomeric mutations were found in 52% of them, the mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 63 ± 16, 23% had significant ventricular obstruction. The mean PALS was 25 ± 12%. In the multivariate analysis, PALS 4 chamber, left ventricular global longitudinal strain and syncope were associated with the primary endpoint, (respectivly HR 2,48 IC95% [1,09–5,63]; P 0,030; HR 1,13 IC95% [1,03–1,25]; P 0,012; HR 0,95 IC95% [0,92–0,99]; P: 0.023). The random Forrest algorithm was able to successfully classify the patient (occurrence of primary endpoint or not) in 92,2% of the cases. Left atrial strain coupled with the Random Forrest algorithm could offer an interesting implementative value for the prediction of sudden cardiac death in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Further analysis are required to define its sensibility and specificity.

Investigating health services for sexual and gender minorities in France: a qualitative study protocol

IntroductionDiscrimination and structural violence experienced by sexual and gender minorities are the source of social inequalities in health. The last decade has been marked by major developments in the provision...

Fatherless: The Long-Term Effects of Losing a Father in the U.S. Civil War

Yannick Dupraz and Andreas Ferrara Yannick Dupraz is a research assistant professor at Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, AMSE. Contact: yannick.dupraz{at}univ-amu.fr. Andreas Ferrara is an assistant professor at the University of Pittsburgh. Contact: a.ferrara{at}pitt.edu

Flux and Nuclear Heating Rate Calculations for CALORRE Irradiation in MITR

This work summarizes neutronic calculations performed for the CALORRE differential calorimeter specifically designed by Aix Marseille University to inform the irradiation campaign planning for testing in MITR within the framework of the CALOR-I research program. MCNP software was used to predict the neutron and gamma flux spectrum, and total nuclear heating rate to the components of the calorimeter in a variety of positions. Results were compared to evaluate spatial bias, core loading effects, optimization for axial position, and provide input data for thermal multi-physics modelling.

Re: “Rezūm therapy for ≥ 80 mL benign prostatic enlargement: a large, multicentre cohort study”

BJU InternationalVolume 130, Issue 5 p. 696-696 Letter to the Editor Re: “Rezūm therapy for ≥ 80 mL benign prostatic enlargement: a large, multicentre cohort study” Michael Baboudjian, Corresponding Author Michael Baboudjian [email protected] orcid.org/0000-0001-6935-3873 Department of Urology, Fundació Puigvert, Autonoma University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain Department of Urology, La Conception Hospital, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille Correspondence: Michael Baboudjian, Department of Urology, Fundació Puigvert, Autonoma University of Barcelona, Service d'urologie et de transplantation rénale, 147 boulevard baille, 13005 Marseille, France. e-mail: [email protected]Search for more papers by this authorMarc Fourmarier, Marc Fourmarier Department of Urology, CH Aix-Pertuis, Aix-en-Provence, FranceSearch for more papers by this author Michael Baboudjian, Corresponding Author Michael Baboudjian [email protected] orcid.org/0000-0001-6935-3873 Department of Urology, Fundació Puigvert, Autonoma University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain Department of Urology, La Conception Hospital, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille Correspondence: Michael Baboudjian, Department of Urology, Fundació Puigvert, Autonoma University of Barcelona, Service d'urologie et de transplantation rénale, 147 boulevard baille, 13005 Marseille, France. e-mail: [email protected]Search for more papers by this authorMarc Fourmarier, Marc Fourmarier Department of Urology, CH Aix-Pertuis, Aix-en-Provence, FranceSearch for more papers by this author First published: 20 October 2022 https://doi.org/10.1111/bju.15813Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume130, Issue5November 2022Pages 696-696 RelatedInformation

The Effect of Room Temperature on the Spread of the Covid-19 Virus by Creating a Special Isolation Room with a Hot Temperature for Those Indicated as Medical Service Facilities

During the Covid-19 pandemic, there were many alternatives to anticipate or anticipate through certain tools and media with less effectiveness and endanger the users, for example, a device that can be called a disinfecting chamber or "disinfection chamber". Quoted from CNN Indonesia, sourced from the WHO Indonesia Twitter account that not to spray alcohol or chlorine directly on the body, spraying such chemicals can be dangerous if exposed to clothing or mucous membranes (example: eyes, mouth) . Alcohol and chlorine can be used on the surface of the body with instructions or user guides. With an official statement from the world health organization directly that it can endanger health, there must be a breakthrough in new media that is safer for users . According to scientists from Aix-Marseille University in France, if the corona virus is exposed to high temperatures it can reduce the life span of the virus itself or can kill the virus itself at 92 degrees Celsius within 15 minutes (quoted from DetikHealt.com) . Giving heat to the room itself using heating by providing steam as in the sauna room and the interior elements are also applied special heat-resistant materials without compromising the safety and health of the users of the room . Then this room will be in health centers that move to handle patients who are examined and also useful for medical practitioners who treat patients . With a room that has a high temperature is expected to minimize the spread of the virus on an ongoing basis and neutralized our bodies outside of the virus in a safe way , because reported by various news , the specialists in internal medicine provide a statement that the virus that is outside the host or can be called a part of our body can last within 3 hours without handling such as washing hands using a handsanitizer or other treatments . The output of the research itself is a room with a hot temperature with wood material and the shape of the room adapts to the needs and existing literature, Then the benefits of this research can be realized a tool to inhibit the spread of the Covid-19 virus and can be used as much as possible for health workers and people who need it.
 Key Word : Covid-19, Disinfection Chamber , Isolation Room

Stratigraphic Forward Modeling Assists Carbonate-Reservoir Characterization

_ This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 202775, “Application of Stratigraphic Forward Modeling to Carbonate-Reservoir Characterization: A New Paradigm From the Albion Research and Development Project,” by Jean Borgomano, Aix-Marseille University, and Gérard Massonnat and Cyprien Lanteaume, TotalEnergies, et al. The paper has not been peer reviewed. _ Improving carbonate-reservoir prediction, field development, and production forecasts, especially in zones lacking data, requires novel reservoir-modeling approaches, including process-based methods. Classical geostatistic modeling methods alone cannot match this challenge, particularly if subtle stratigraphic architectures or sedimentary and diagenetic geometries not directly identified as properties with well data control the reservoir heterogeneity. Stratigraphic forward-modeling approaches can provide pertinent information to carbonate-reservoir characterization. The complete paper describes a modeling package tested and calibrated with high-resolution stratigraphic outcrop models. It allows valid prediction of carbonate facies associations mimicking the spatial distribution mapped along the Urgonian platform transects. Background Classical carbonate-reservoir characterization protocols rely mainly on 3D geostatistical models based on well data, allowing the realization of 3D numerical grids of reservoir properties. These geostatistic property models are supported by deterministic geological interpretations such as stratigraphic well correlations that are commonly based on sequenced stratigraphic concepts and carbonate sedimentological interpretations. The stratigraphic framework obtained from these deterministic interpretations has a critical effect on further static and dynamic reservoir models because it constrains the spatial stationarity of the geostatistic property simulations or imposes discrete flow units or barriers. These deterministic carbonate sequence stratigraphic and associated sedimentological interpretations, however, introduce significant biases, uncertainties, and imprecisions in reservoir models and furthermore are not validated by process-based modeling approaches as one should expect from any scientific protocol. This lack of validation represents a fundamental scientific gap in classical reservoir-characterization work flows that is generally avoided in other scientific domains such as physics by iterations combining experimentation and process-based models to verify deterministic interpretations and hypothesis. The paradox is that this virtuous scientific method is applied at the ultimate stage of the reservoir flow modeling with the classical “flow history matching,” implying the following strong hypothesis (Fig. 1a): If the dynamic model obtained from the upscaled static model matches the dynamic history and the flow records of the studied field and carbonate reservoir, then the geological model, including the deterministic stratigraphic and sedimentary interpretations, is validated. Reservoir flow and dynamic behavior certainly are controlled by initial geological conditions, but those are not dependent on flow processes. According to fundamental scientific principles, geological interpretations and deterministic models must be validated by geological process-based models. To fill this scientific gap in the presented carbonate-reservoir characterization approach, the authors introduce process-based stratigraphical and sedimentological models that are calibrated on pertinent, well-studied outcrop analogs.

Review of CALORRE Calorimeter Characterizations Under Laboratory and Irradiation Conditions

This article reviews the work to date on the CALOrimeter with Radial thermal transfers for nuclear REactors (CALORRE) differential calorimeter patented by Aix-Marseille University (AMU) and the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) in 2015. The article presents the results obtained with the first prototype of the CALORRE calorimeter qualified under real conditions during an irradiation campaign in the MARIA reactor in 2015, including previously unpublished details. Then, studies of different CALORRE calorimetric cells characterized by experiments under laboratory conditions are described. Several configurations were studied to determine the influence of cell height, horizontal fin geometry, and structural material composition on calorimeter response. These calculations provide for a calibration protocol by generating a heat source inside each cell, with evaluation of linearity, sensitivity, range, reproducibility, response time, and absolute temperatures. Finally, within the framework of a new research program called Compact-CALORimeter Irradiations inside the MIT research reactor (CALOR-I) and financed by AMU Foundation (A*Midex), a design optimization of the calorimeter assembly was carried out in order to remove contact thermal resistances and provide a new very compact CALORRE calorimeter suited for the in-core water loop of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) reactor (2 <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\text{W}\cdot \text{g}^{-1}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> peak nuclear heating rate). The response of this new very compact calorimeter is estimated using 3-D numerical thermal simulations under real conditions.

When Is Product Personalization Profit-Enhancing? A Behavior-Based Discrimination Model

This paper investigates duopoly competition when horizontally differentiated firms are able to make personalized product-price offers to returning customers, within a behavior-based discrimination model. In the second period, firms can profile old customers according to their preferences, selling them targeted products at personalized prices. Product-price personalization (PP) allows firms to retain all old customers, eliminating second-period customer poaching. The overall profit effects of PP are shown to be ambiguous. In the second period, PP improves the matching between customers’ preferences and firms’ offers, but firms do not make any revenues in the rival’s turf. In the Bertrand outcome, second-period profits only increase for both firms if the size of their old turfs are not too different or initial products are not too differentiated. However, the additional second-period profits may be offset by lower first-period profits. PP is likely to increase firms’ overall discounted profits when consumers’ (firms’) discount factor is low (high) and firms’ initial products are exogenous and sufficiently different. When the location of initial products is endogenous, profits are hurt because of an additional location (strategic) effect aggravating head-to-head competition in the first period. Likewise, when a fraction of active consumers conceals their identity, PP increases second-period profits at the cost of aggressive first-period price competition. Finally, we show that the room for profitable PP enlarges considerably if firms rely on PP as an effective device to sustain tacit collusive outcomes, with firms credibly threatening to respond to first-period price deviations with second-period aggressive relocations of their standard products. This paper was accepted by Matthew Shum, marketing. Funding: D. Laussel gratefully acknowledges support by the French National Research Agency [Grant ANR-17-EURE-0020] and the Excellence Initiative of Aix-Marseille University [Grant A*MIDEX]. J. Resende was supported by Portuguese public funds [Project Reference NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-028540] and through FCT (Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia) [Project Reference POCI-01-0145-FEDER-006890]. Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.4298 .

Quality of life of transplanted children and their parents: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundTransplantation is a saving therapeutic that has heavy consequences. The quality of life (QoL) of transplanted children and their parents has been little studied and should help physicians better manage these patients. The objectives of the study were to assess: (1) the QoL of transplanted children and parents and compare it with that of children with other chronic conditions associated with long-term consequences, and (2) potential variables modulating the QoL.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was performed in a multidisciplinary paediatric unit (Timone Hospital, Marseille, France). Children were less than 18 years old; had a liver, kidney or heart transplant; and had a time since transplantation of 1–10 years. Socio-demographics and clinical data were recorded from medical forms. The QoL was assessed using the VSP-A (Vécu et Santé Perçue de l’Adolescent et de l’Enfant) and the WhoQoL self-reported questionnaires.ResultsForty-five families were included (response rate: 76%). The transplanted organs were the liver for 20 children, the kidney for 15 children, and the heart for 10 children. The QoL of transplanted children reported by their parents was better than that of children with inborn errors of metabolism and similar to that of childhood leukaemia survivors. The QoL of parents of transplanted children was better than that of parents of children with inborn errors of metabolism and did not differ from French norms. The QoL did not differ according to the nature of the transplanted organ, sex or the main sociodemographic data. The main modulators decreasing QoL were residual treatment level, medications switch and the presence of another regular treatment.ConclusionTransplanted children and their families reported a fairly preserved QoL compared to children with other chronic health conditions. Special attention should be given to QoL modulators related to therapeutic management (medication switches, regular treatments) that might be amenable to improve the QoL.Trial registration Ethics committee of Aix-Marseille University, France (reference number: 2014-08-04-03, 24/4/2015; https://www.univ-amu.fr/fr/public/comite-dethique).

P–733 In infertile patients, risk factors for environmental reprotoxic exposure are widespread, limited in number and modifiable

Abstract Study question What are the risk factors for environmental reprotoxic exposure in infertile patients? Summary answer The most represented categories of reprotoxic risk factors (RRF) were dietary exposures (86% of patients), overweight (46%), psychoactive substances (38%) and male occupational exposures (63%). What is known already Numerous studies have reported the deleterious effects of environmental reprotoxic exposures on male or female fertility. These studies most often focus on the impact of a limited number of reprotoxic risk factors (body mass index (BMI), dietary habits, tobacco or alcohol consumption) or a limited number of chemical or physical reprotoxic exposures: phthalates, occupational exposures, or pesticides. Despite the call of several reproductive health professional societies and public health agencies for taking environmental health into account in women of childbearing age, this approach remains little realized in current practice. Study design, size, duration We conducted a prospective, monocentric study between June 2018 and February 2020 in women and men visiting the fertility unit of our University Hospital for assisted reproduction technique (ART) treatment. Participants/materials, setting, methods Patients completed a self-questionnaire to collect information about i) the various types of exposure to RRF, and ii) frequency and intensity of exposures (qualitative and semi-quantitative approach). We performed a literature search in order to define the environmental factors and the exposure level thresholds associated with a “recognized” or “suspected” RRF and we analyzed their nature and number in patients. Main results and the role of chance During the inclusion period, we received 545 couples in consultation, and 405 were included in this study (810 patients/1090, participation rate: 74%). 65% of women and 68% of men self-reported at least one “recognized” RRF. In men, they were from exposure to solvents, heat, psychoactive substances and a BMI&amp;gt;25; in women, from exposure to poor indoor air quality, psychoactive substances and a BMI&amp;gt;25. A limited number of recognized risk factors were recorded in the majority of patients (one, two or three risk factors in 65% of patients). Men were more often exposed than women to occupational risk factors (63% of men versus 28% of women) such as solvents and ambient heat, and women were more often exposed than men to poor indoor air quality and volatile organic compounds (49% of women versus 30% of men). We note that the majority of the risk factors for reprotoxic exposure found were modifiable, specifically dietary, occupational, overweight and psychoactive substance exposures. Limitations, reasons for caution One limitation is the collection of data via a self-administered questionnaire, which makes it possible to estimate the risk factors for reprotoxic exposure, but not to detect them in a measurable way, for example, through exposure biomarkers. In addition, no data is available about all RRF in the general population. Wider implications of the findings: We suggest that if the individual screening of each infertile patient’s RRF was done before ART, most patients could act on a limited number of modifiable RRF, in the aim of increasing their chances of natural pregnancy and improving ART outcomes. Trial registration number N° 2018–13–06–004 (Ethics Committee of the University of Aix Marseille) and N° 2020–27 (Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Marseille General Regulation on Data Protection).

Ralentir la parole pour favoriser la compréhension verbale des enfants porteurs d’autisme ?

BackgroundThe aim of this study is to verify if slowing down the flow of speech facilitates verbal comprehension, in particular the comprehension of verbal concepts used by 4- and 6-years-old kids, and if it is even more effective when the stimuli are complex. Our second objective is to check whether slowing down can improve the child's ability to memorize a sentence faithfully in order to repeat it without error. Test groupsThe experimental sample was composed of 62 pupils aged 4 to 6 years split into two test groups in an elementary school in Meurthe-et-Moselle. One group was made of 22 children with ASD according to the CIM-10 (World Health Organization, 1994) and DSM-5 (American Psychiatric Association, 1985) criteria. The control group was made up of 40 typically-developing children. Test methodsThe first test focused on the understanding of 16 verbal concepts from the BOEHM 3 test; the second was a sentence repetition from the NEPSY-2 test. We compared the children's results when the teacher's speech was slowed down and when it was not. We slowed down the speech's speed by 30% without distorting the voice using the LOGIRAL app. This free time stretching software, developed by Tardif and Gepner from the University of Aix-Marseille, with the Auticiel company, is very easy to use in schools. The slowing down of audio-visual signals promotes attention and concentration. ResultsOur results show that the slowing down of speech is beneficial for all children, with or without autism. In our first task, we observed a significant improvement in the comprehension of verbal concepts, even more so as the word-concept evaluated was complex (the pair, the shortest, the last one…). In the task of repeating sentences, which exposed the child to higher levels of complexity, the slowing down was all the more effective as the level of complexity was not too far removed from what the pupil was able to repeat without the teacher's slowed down speech. PerspectiveAccording to our study, slowing down speech's speed by 30% improved comprehension and memorization for all children and is especially important for children with ASD. It makes verbal learning more accessible, mainly when it relates to concepts located in the zone of proximal development (Vygotski, 1985). Taking such results into consideration can improve the inclusion of young pupils with autism disorders in mainstream classes, effectively making verbal learning more achievable.

Beta-lactam allergy labeling in intensive care units: An observational, retrospective study.

This retrospective study aimed to describe the association between the “β-lactam allergy” labeling (BLAL) and the outcomes of a cohort of intensive care unit (ICU) patients.Retrospective cohort study.Seven ICU of the Aix Marseille University Hospitals from Marseille in France.We collected the uses of the label “β-lactam allergy” in the electronic medical files of patients aged 18 years or more who required more than 48 hours in the ICU with mechanical ventilation and/or vasopressors admitted to 7 ICUs of a single institution.We retrospectively compared the patients with this labeling (BLAL group) with those without this labeling (control group).The primary outcome was the duration of ICU stay. Among the 7146 patients included in the analysis, 440 and 6706 patients were classified in the BLAL group and the control group, respectively. The prevalence of BLAL was 6.2%. In univariate and multivariate analyses, BLAL was weakly or not associated with the duration of ICU and hospital stays (respectively, 6 [3–14] vs 6 [3–14] days, standardized beta −0.09, P = .046; and 18 [10–29] vs 15 [8–28] days, standardized beta −0.09, P = .344). In multivariate analysis, the ICU and 28-day mortality rates were both lower in the BLAL group than in the control group (aOR 0.79 95% CI [0.64–0.98] P = .032 and 0.79 [0.63–0.99] P = .042). Antibiotic use differed between the 2 groups, but the outcomes were similar in the subgroups of septic patients in the BLAL group and the control group.In our cohort, the labeling of a β-lactam allergy was not associated with prolonged ICU and hospital stays. An association was found between the labeling of a β-lactam allergy and lower ICU and 28-day mortality rates.Trial registration: Retrospectively registered.

The Paragan 1 shipwreck, Corsica: a 17th–18th century coaster

The wreck is located in the Bay of Paragan near Bonifacio, southern Corsica and was discovered in 2015. It has been dated by Ligurian faïence to the end of the 17th-beginning of the 18th century. Since 2016, the wreck has been the object of an underwater excavation within the framework of the MoMArch international training school (A*Midex, Aix-Marseille University, CCJ, DRASSM). The wreck displays several “architectural fingerprints” that are characteristic of the practices of Mediterranean frame-first construction and which have been attested archaeologically since the Middle Ages. One objective of the excavation is to provide answers relating to the architectural principles and building processes of the ship. Another objective is to restore the shape of the hull and rigging with the aim of identifying the architectural type of the Paragan 1 ship in the technical context of coasters of the western Mediterranean basin.

The European master of science in nuclear fusion and engineering physics (FUSION-EP): 15 years of experience

The aim of the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJMD) FUSION-EP is to provide a high-level research-oriented education and a well-integrated cultural experience within an international consortium of institutions leading the interdisciplinary field of magnetic fusion. The combined and harmonized teaching and research activities coordinated among eight partner universities in Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany and Spain offer a variety of competences in a field of crucial importance to the problem of world energy supply. Besides the ITER International Organization, there are 24 EU and non-EU academic and research associate partners. As the fusion community makes pace towards commercialization, the balance in research will shift from an academic-and-fundamental direction to a technology-and-industry-driven orientation. For this purpose, the programme offers two tracks: fusion science and fusion engineering. In addition, an advisory board keeps the curriculum in line with the research activities carried out by the associate and industrial partners. Internationalization, multidisciplinarity, and student mobility are inherent parts of the programme structure and philosophy. There exist several student and alumni initiatives leveraging meaningful connections within a global network. As a first step towards long-term sustainability, the consortium decided to transfer the programme coordination from Ghent University to Aix-Marseille University in 2019; the geographical, topical and professional proximity of ITER is expected to allow an optimal alignment of the programme with the professional needs of the emerging nuclear fusion industry.