Limits of the Appeal to Internet in Accessing Information and Training in the Exercise of Parenting Skills in Quebec

In this article, we define the concept of digital gap as a multidimensional construct, and account for the contradictory relations stated in the scientific literature concerning the appeal to Internet by the more or less privileged strata of society. We explore the state of the digital gap and analyze diverse policies implemented by federal and provincial governments to support accessibility to digital resources in Quebec. After presenting results of a survey with parents concerning access to information and training in the exercise of parenting skills, we analyze these data in accordance with factors associated with the digital gap. We conclude by underlining the danger of compensation policies for the most vulnerable strata of society when government services are placed online.     

Extended-dynamic-range measurements on transmitter noise and intermodulation

A measurement technique is reported for the investigation of intermodulation and noise spectra from VHF transmitters operating at full power and with controlled mutual coupling.     

Super twisting sliding mode approach applied to voltage orientated control of a stand-alone induction generator

To enhance the robustness and dynamic performance of a self-excited induction generator (SEIG) used in a stand-alone wind energy system (WES), a virtual flux oriented control (VFOC) based on nonlinear super-twisting sliding mode control (STSMC) is adopted. STSMC is used to replace the conventional proportional-integral-Fuzzy Logic Controller (PI-FLC) of the inner current control loops. The combination of the proposed control strategy with space vector modulation (SVM) applied to a PWM rectifier brings many advantages such as reduction in harmonics, and precise and rapid tracking of the references. The performance of the proposed control technique (STSMC-VFOC-SVM) is verified through simulations and compared with the traditional technique (PI-FLC-VFOC-SVM). It shows that the proposed method improves the dynamics of the system with reduced current harmonics. In addition, the use of a virtual flux estimator instead of a phase-locked loop (PLL) eliminates the line voltage sensors and thus increases the reliability of the system.     

Dominant and Priming Role of Waterlogging in Tomato at e[CO2] by Multivariate Analysis

The frequency of waterlogging episodes has increased due to unpredictable and intense rainfalls. However, less is known about waterlogging memory and its interaction with other climate change events, such as elevated CO₂ concentration (e[CO₂]). This study investigated the combined effects of e[CO₂] and two rounds of waterlogging stress on the growth of cultivated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and wild tomato (S. pimpinellifolium). The aim is to elucidate the interaction between genotypes and environmental factors and thereby to improve crop resilience to climate change. We found that two rounds of treatments appeared to induce different acclimation strategies of the two tomato genotypes. S. pimpinellifolium responded more negatively to the first-time waterlogging than S. lycopersicum, as indicated by decreased photosynthesis and biomass loss. Nevertheless, the two genotypes respond similarly when waterlogging stress recurred, showing that they could maintain a higher leaf photosynthesis compared to single stress, especially for the wild genotype. This showed that waterlogging priming played a positive role in stress memory in both tomato genotypes. Multivariate analysis showed that waterlogging played a dominant role when combined with [CO₂] for both the cultivated and wild tomato genotypes. This work will benefit agricultural production strategies by pinpointing the positive effects of e[CO₂] and waterlogging memory.