Objective Function & Selection of Constraints (WP2 and WP3)

Report (2011)

The aim of this report is to present, define and explain the objective function used in the optimization process of the trimaran regarding some specific constraints. Therefore, Tasks 2.0(selection of ... [more ▼]

The aim of this report is to present, define and explain the objective function used in the optimization process of the trimaran regarding some specific constraints. Therefore, Tasks 2.0(selection of constraints) and 3.0 (defining objective functions) are resumed herein. [less ▲]

Quality indicators for district heating networks

in Proceedings of the International Conference CISBAT 2011 - Clean Tech for sustainable buildings - From Nano to urban scale (2011)

District heating networks are very common energy systems all over the world but only few studies have been carried out to assess their performances through quality indicators. These indicators express ... [more ▼]

District heating networks are very common energy systems all over the world but only few studies have been carried out to assess their performances through quality indicators. These indicators express district heating performances through different points of view. Four ones are developed in this study: energy sources, efficiencies, heat delivering equipments characteristics and environmental efficiency as a sum up. First, the only energy indicator generally used is the primary energy factor (PEF), which quantifies the primary energy use of a device. However it does not give a complete insight of the whole energy use of district heating networks. Two other parameters have to be stated for this purpose: primary energy efficiency and the energy share. Second, district heating efficiencies are generally not been taken into account unless sometimes the only amount of heat losses. A first indicator is defined to quantify networks heat losses relatively to the amount of heat delivered to customers. To take heat plant efficiencies into account, a more global indicator is defined. Its definition is close to a seasonal efficiency and it permits comparisons with other heating systems. Third, indicators have been defined for heat plants equipments. Their aim is to permit stakeholders to check networks management of district heating companies. Two indicators are defined: one measures subscripted power relatively to network length and the other one represents the fictitious number of plants working hours while maximum plants power was delivered all the year. Finally, environmental efficiency is stated. This analysis can include different aspects: green house gas emissions, water use and other pollutants emissions. For both design and management of district heating networks, an indicator representing CO2 emissions appears to be the most suitable one. Expressed relatively to delivered energy, it can be seen as a sum up of previous indicators because result of bad performances increases these emissions. In this paper, these eight indicators are defined and their use is highlighted by a comparison of four different Finnish district heating networks. [less ▲]

Effets secondaires sexuels des antidépresseurs

in Revue Médicale de Liège (2011)

Etude des perceptions d’équité des candidats dans une situation de sélection: influence de la justice procédurale et distributive.

in EPTO (2011), 17

Which are the applicants fairness perceptions with regard to a situation of selection in which they are involved? The study has been carried out with 97 applicants through promotion and selection ... [more ▼]

Which are the applicants fairness perceptions with regard to a situation of selection in which they are involved? The study has been carried out with 97 applicants through promotion and selection examinations set up by the Walloon Public Service (Belgium). Based on the model of reactions of the applicants (Gilliland, 1993), their perceptions of equity have been assessed. To this end, a questionnaire has been set up based on the SPJS scale (Bauer & al., 2001). The results indicate that applicants in a promotional process (based on a situational interview) perceive higher equity than applicants in a selection process (based on a classical structured interview). Recruited applicants also perceive higher equity than the other applicants. Equity perceptions are more favourable after publication of the results than at the end of the examination. [less ▲]

Finite Element Computational Homogenization of Nonlinear Multiscale Materials in Magnetostatics

in 18th Conference on the Computation of Electromagnetic Fields (COMPUMAG2011) (2011)

This paper deals with the modelling of nonlinear multiscale materials in magnetostatics by means of a finite element computational homogenization method. The method couples a macroscale problem with many ... [more ▼]

This paper deals with the modelling of nonlinear multiscale materials in magnetostatics by means of a finite element computational homogenization method. The method couples a macroscale problem with many microscale problems. During the upscaling step, the homogenized magnetic permeability and its derivative with respect to the magnetic field are calculated from the microscale solution and transferred to the macroscale. The downscaling step consists in imposing proper boundary conditions for the microscale problems from the macroscale solution. Results are validated by comparison with those obtained with classical finite element brute force approach. [less ▲]

Questionner le tourisme rural

Book published by Société géographique de Liège (2011)

Questionner le tourisme rural, c’est se poser la question des particularités de celui-ci notamment liées à sa dispersion, à ses difficultés d’organisation en une « destination », à ses représentations ... [more ▼]

Questionner le tourisme rural, c’est se poser la question des particularités de celui-ci notamment liées à sa dispersion, à ses difficultés d’organisation en une « destination », à ses représentations idylliques, à ce patrimoine plus ou moins commun, plus ou moins privatisé, que le touriste consomme, aux difficiles questions du partage des revenus du développement touristique, aux problèmes des équipements et surtout de l’accessibilité par transports individuels et collectifs de ces zones excentrées. Autour de quelques collègues soucieux de partager leur enthousiasme pour la recherche, nous avons convié des doctorants à partager dans le cadre d’une journée de l’école doctoral thématique en géographie auprès du Fonds National de la Recherche Scientifique, leurs interrogations et leurs premières investigations. Ce numéro thématique rassemble les principales contributions à cette réflexion commune, en proposant une étude de l'utilisation de l’autoroute pour développer des produits touristiques à proximité d’un flux important de personnes (Malet, 21-35), une analyse de la mise en tourisme d'un produit de terroir et de la manière d'en faire une ressource clé du tourisme régional (De Myttenaere, 37-51), une recherche sur les images et représentations d'une destination rurale et leur utilisation pour développer l’accueil et la promotion (Mazuel et Bonniot, 7-19), une enquête sur le rôle des associations intercommunales et des municipalités dans le développement des entreprises touristiques en milieu rural (Vanneste et Ryckaert 53-71), une réflexion sur la complexité des polémiques autour des loisirs motorisés (Haye et Mounet, 73-84) et enfin une lecture critique de textbooks anglais qui permet de constater le chemin fait et le chemin qui reste à faire pour réellement passer des monographies à des théories du tourisme sensibles aux particularités du milieu rural (Dubois, 85-94). [less ▲]

Surfactant Replacement Therapy in Preterm Infants: A European Survey

in Neonatology (2011), 100(1), 71-77

Background: Exogenous surfactant is an undisputed treatment for neonatal respiratory distress syndrome but its efficacy is highly dependent on the treatment strategy. International guidelines have ... [more ▼]

Background: Exogenous surfactant is an undisputed treatment for neonatal respiratory distress syndrome but its efficacy is highly dependent on the treatment strategy. International guidelines have published recommendations on the optimal surfactant replacement strategy. Objective: To determine how evidence-based guidelines on surfactant replacement therapy are implemented in daily clinical practice. Methods: Data on surfactant replacement therapy, including preparation, dosing and timing, were collected in 173 European neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) by questionnaire and in a cohort of preterm infants mechanically ventilated on two separate predefined dates in these units. Results: All NICUs used animal-derived surfactant in the treatment of respiratory distress syndrome, with Poractant being most widely used (86%). The most frequently used first dose was 100 mg/kg (58%) and 200 mg/kg (39%) and all NICUs allowed for repeat dosing. 39% of the NICUs claimed to use prophylactic treatment (<15 min of life). Data on surfactant treatment were collected in 338 infants, with a median gestational age of 27 weeks and a birth weight of 860 g. All infants were treated with animal-derived surfactant. The median first dose was 168 mg/kg in the Poractant group compared with 100 mg/kg in the Beractant and Bovactant groups. Prophylactic treatment was used in 23% of the infants and 28% of the infants received surfactant >2 h after birth. 43% of the infants received multiple doses. Conclusions: With the exception of surfactant timing, guidelines on surfactant replacement therapy seem to be implemented in daily clinical practice in European NICUs. [less ▲]

The original versus a modified inside-out transobturator procedure: 1-year results of a prospective randomized trial.

in International Urogynecology Journal & Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (2011), 22(2), 145-156

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this study is to compare a modified inside-out transobturator procedure with its original counterpart [inside-out transobturator (TVT-O)] for the treatment of ... [more ▼]

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this study is to compare a modified inside-out transobturator procedure with its original counterpart [inside-out transobturator (TVT-O)] for the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI). METHODS: A prospective, randomized trial in women suffering from SUI was used. The modified procedure consisted of a shorter tape whilst the scissors or guide no longer perforated the obturator membrane. The primary outcome was the resolution of subjective and objective SUI at 1 year. Secondary outcome measures included adverse events, quality of life measures, and groin pain. RESULTS: One hundred seventy-five patients were randomized. No intraoperative complications were recorded. The SUI cure rate was 91.7% versus 90.7% (original versus modified, respectively; p = 0.824). Incidence and intensity of groin pain was higher in the original TVT-O group on day 0 and 1 (p < 0.05), requiring more analgesics (p = 0.015) but not thereafter. CONCLUSIONS: At 1 year follow-up, the modified inside-out transobturator tape procedure was as efficient and safe as the original technique but associated with less immediate postoperative groin pain. [less ▲]

Alkylbetainate chlorides: Synthesis and behavior of monolayers at the air-water interface

in Thin Solid Films (2011), 520

In this study, cationic alkylbetainate chloride surfactants (CnBC, n = 10–16) are synthesized using more environment-friendly reagents (glycine betaine, thionyl chloride and primary alcohols) than in ... [more ▼]

In this study, cationic alkylbetainate chloride surfactants (CnBC, n = 10–16) are synthesized using more environment-friendly reagents (glycine betaine, thionyl chloride and primary alcohols) than in previous works (chloroacetyl chloride, trimethylamine and primary alcohols). The interfacial behavior of the CnBC monolayers is studied onto aqueous subphases at 20 °C using the Langmuir through technique. Different experimental conditions including pH, temperature, sodium salts and Na2SO4 ionic strength are investigated. The results obtained have shown that the CnBC with a hydrocarbon chain length ≥ 14 are able to form insoluble monolayers. The C16BC monolayer stability checked by the compression–expansion cycles has shown a superimposition of isotherms in the whole liquid-condensed region and an irreversible rearrangement of the molecules at high compression. The C16BC monolayer is not influenced by the pH and the presence of monovalent anions but it is influenced by the temperature, the divalent anions and the ionic strength. It has exhibited a great stability whatever the experimental conditions. [less ▲]

Rôle des cellules Th17 dans les maladies infectieuses et auto-immunes

in Annales de Médecine Vétérinaire (2011), 154