Liquidity Shocks and Global Imbalances

Conference (2012, December 04)

Survival analysis: finding relevant epistatic SNP pairs using Model- Based Multifactor Dimensionality Reduction

Conference (2012, December 03)

Analyzing the combined effects of genes (and/or environmental factors) on the development of complex diseases is quite challenging, both from the statistical and computational perspective, even using a ... [more ▼]

Analyzing the combined effects of genes (and/or environmental factors) on the development of complex diseases is quite challenging, both from the statistical and computational perspective, even using a relatively small number of genetic and non-genetic exposures. Several data-mining methods have been proposed for interaction analysis, among them, the Multifactor Dimensionality Reduction Method (MDR). Model-Based Multifactor Dimensionality Reduction (MB-MDR), a relatively new dimensionality reduction technique, is able to unify the best of both nonparametric and parametric worlds, and has proven its utility in a variety of theoretical and practical settings. Until now, MB-MDR software has only accommodated traits that are measured on a binary or interval scale. Time-to-event data could therefore not be analyzed with the MB-MDR methodology. MB-MDR-3.0.0 overcomes this shortcoming of earlier versions. We show the added value of MB-MDR for censored traits by comparing the implemented strategies with more classical methods such as those based on a parametric regression paradigm. The simulation results are supplemented with an application to real-life data. [less ▲]

Nonparametric regression with right-censored and generalized selection biased data

Conference (2012, December 02)

Influence of temperature for carbon nanotube synthesis by the CCVD method in a continuous inclined mobile bed reactor

Conference (2012, December)

THREE-DIMENSIONAL RECONSTRUCTION OF LIQUID PHASES CONFINED IN DISORDERED POROUS MEDIA: AN IN SITU SYNCHROTRON SAS ANALYSIS

Conference (2012, December)

We use Synchrotron Small-Angle X-ray Scattering to investigate temperature-induced morphological changes in binary hexane/nitrobenzene solutions confined in the pores of disordered mesoporous solids. The ... [more ▼]

We use Synchrotron Small-Angle X-ray Scattering to investigate temperature-induced morphological changes in binary hexane/nitrobenzene solutions confined in the pores of disordered mesoporous solids. The scattering data is analyzed with a plurigaussian model, which enables us to reconstruct the 3D morphology of the phases with a nanometer resolution. The reconstructions bring to light wetting transitions whereby the morphology of the nitrobenzene passes from a nanometer-thin layer that uniformly covers the solid surface to plugs that locally occlude the pore space. Our analysis enables us to quantitatively analyze the SAS data in terms of changing interface areas and wetting angles. The present contribution offers unprecedented insight into nanometer-scale wetting transitions. It also presents a novel SAS data analysis methodology that is applicable to a host of experimental situations involving disordered mesoporous materials. [less ▲]

Comoment risk and stock return

Conference (2012, December)

Higher-moment risk exposures in hedge funds

Conference (2012, December)

Martian thermospheric temperatures retrieved from CO2 + SPICAM dayglow measurements

Conference (2012, December)

A large dataset of dayside grazing limb CO2+ observations performed by the SPICAM (Spectroscopy for Investigation of Characteristics of the Atmosphere of Mars) instrument on board Mars Express is analyzed ... [more ▼]

A large dataset of dayside grazing limb CO2+ observations performed by the SPICAM (Spectroscopy for Investigation of Characteristics of the Atmosphere of Mars) instrument on board Mars Express is analyzed to retrieve Martian thermospheric temperature, as well as its variation with solar activity, season and latitude. The method permits to retrieve the temperature from the scale height of the CO2+ emission. We also present puzzling features such as limb profiles exhibiting multiple peaks and their characteristics. We furthermore study the behavior of the main emission peak of the CO2+ vertical emission profiles. The CO2+ emission at 289 nm arises from the relaxation of the CO2+* molecule in the B2Σ+ state to the X2Π state. CO2+* molecules are mainly produced in the Martian dayside through photoionisation and photoelectron impact. The CO2+ emission exhibits features that constrain the temperature and density vertical profiles of CO2. Comparisons of retrieved temperatures are made with corresponding simulations from the coupled MGCM-MTGCM. We also use a Monte-Carlo code to model the observed intensity limb profiles. [less ▲]

Seasonal change of Lymnaeid snails intermediate host of Fasciola gigantica in North and Central Vietnam

Conference (2012, December)

Objective: The present study was undertaken to investigate the population dynamics of the intermediate hosts of Fasciola gigantica and the levels of infection in the snails. This would allow identifying ... [more ▼]

Objective: The present study was undertaken to investigate the population dynamics of the intermediate hosts of Fasciola gigantica and the levels of infection in the snails. This would allow identifying the most important transmission periods and suggesting optimal snail control for the area. Methods: Lymnaeid snails were monthly collected by hand picking in Ha Noi (Northern Vietnam) during the period from March 2010 to December 2011 and in Binh Dinh province (Central Vietnam) during the period May and September 2012. Collected snails from different sites were identified based on morphology and the partial 16S rDNA sequence and ITS-2 sequence. Snails were examined for the presence of Fasciola larval by the crushing method and confirmation by multiplex PCR analyses with PCR primer for Fasciola gigantica cathepsin L in parallel with the snail rDNA species specific primer. Result: The density of Lymnaeid populations underwent great changes in relation to the geographical locations and seasons. In Central Vietnam, the Lymnaeid populations reached the peak in the dry/rainy season (May) and decreased sharply in rainy/dry season (September). In contrast, in Hanoi, it reached the peaks in 2 periods (February to April and August to November) of rice cultivation or early stage of growing of rice, and greatly deceased when the rice becomes fully developed. Transmission of fascioliasis in Ha Noi were high when rice cultivation is performed, while the permanent transmission can takes place through the year in Binh Dinh with peak transmission during the dry season. [less ▲]

Automatic X-ray fluorescence scanning mobile system for 2D chemical analysis

Conference (2012, December)

La famine Ruzagayura au Rwanda (1943-1944) et ses effets dans les campagnes

Conference (2012, November 30)

La famine Ruzagayura, survenue au Rwanda entre 1943 et 1944, s’inscrit dans une longue série de famines ayant frappé le pays depuis la période précoloniale. La présente communication revient sur ses ... [more ▼]

La famine Ruzagayura, survenue au Rwanda entre 1943 et 1944, s’inscrit dans une longue série de famines ayant frappé le pays depuis la période précoloniale. La présente communication revient sur ses causes, son domaine d’extension, sa durée, son ampleur et ses conséquences. De plus, elle aborde les mesures prises par l’administration mandataire belge au moment de cette catastrophe. Ces mesures impliquent, sur le long terme, aussi bien la plantation du manioc et des patates douces que la construction et l’aménagement des greniers collectifs sur chaque colline du pays. Elles incluent également des mesures anti-érosives comme le reboisement et l’implantation des haies aux abords des champs. Elles comprennent enfin la culture et l’exploitation des marais et des fonds de vallées. De ce fait, cette communication tentera de répondre aux différentes questions liées à cette thématique : de quelle manière ces mesures ont-elles modifié l’aspect du monde rural ? Y a-t-il eu un impact sur l’environnement et le bien-être de la population rwandaise ? Quelle a été la réaction de cette population ? [less ▲]

La photosynthèse: aujourd'hui, hier et demain

Conference (2012, November 30)

Le chargé de relations partenariales et ses clients : significations et usages de la confiance

Conference (2012, November 29)

Sensations corporelles et contenus représentationnels

Conference (2012, November 28)

Cet exposé porte sur un problème qui a été très débattu ces dix dernières années dans la philosophie de l’esprit. La question litigieuse est de savoir s’il est possible de rendre compte de façon ... [more ▼]

Cet exposé porte sur un problème qui a été très débattu ces dix dernières années dans la philosophie de l’esprit. La question litigieuse est de savoir s’il est possible de rendre compte de façon intégralement intentionnelle d’un certain groupe de sensations corporelles, dont l’exemple paradigmatique est la douleur. J’aborde cette question sous un angle descriptif au sens de Brentano, donc en mettant de côté tout ce qui relève des prises de positions explicatives et métaphysiques (physicalisme, naturalisme, etc.). De ce point de vue, l'enjeu est de savoir dans quelle classe d’états mentaux l’expérience de la douleur peut être rangée. Je dresse d'abord un état de la question dans la littérature actuelle, puis j'examine les arguments de Carl Stumpf d'après lequel les états comme le plaisir et la douleur sont des "sensations affectives" (Gefühlsempfindungen) et, à ce titre, forment une espèce du genre des représentations sensorielles - donc doivent être rangées dans la première classe de phénomènes psychiques distinguée par Brentano: celle des représentations (et non dans la troisième, celle des "affects" ou des "émotions"). [less ▲]

L'activisme des investisseurs institutionnels, l'asymétrie d'informations et la liquidité du marché

Conference (2012, November 28)

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of institutional investors’ ownership and their activism on informational asymmetry and stock market liquidity using a sample of 162 French-listed ... [more ▼]

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of institutional investors’ ownership and their activism on informational asymmetry and stock market liquidity using a sample of 162 French-listed companies over a 3-year period (2007-2009). The findings show that the proportion of institutional investors, and particularly, pension funds positively influence stock market liquidity, which confirms the signalling and trading hypotheses. These investors perform important trades among their portfolios, leading to favourable effects on the market liquidity. These shareholders’ real involvement in companies is considered as a governance mechanism that tends to contribute to a better liquidity. [less ▲]

Dynamics of the main/rotation aurora

Conference (2012, November 27)

L'organisation du statut et de la formation des kinésithérapeutes: des idées à prendre en Belgique

Conference (2012, November 26)

ENMG of Brachial Plexus

Conference (2012, November 24)

Intervention dans le cadre du Workshop Studien zur Struktur des Bewusstseins

Conference (2012, November 23)

Usefulness of electrophysiology in muscle channelopathies

Conference (2012, November 22)

Usages politiques du temps et visions de l'avenir, quelles conséquences sur l'action publique liée aux changements climatiques? Analyse de contenu sur plusieurs échelles politiques

Conference (2012, November 22)

A New State of Turbulence: Elasto-Inertial Turbulence

Conference (2012, November 20)

The elasticity of polymer solutions is found to generate a new state of turbulence, elasto-inertial turbulence (EIT), characterized by an interplay between elastic and flow instabilities. Experiments and ... [more ▼]

The elasticity of polymer solutions is found to generate a new state of turbulence, elasto-inertial turbulence (EIT), characterized by an interplay between elastic and flow instabilities. Experiments and direct numerical simulations (DNS) in pipe and channel flows demonstrate the emergence of EIT at Reynolds numbers much lower than the critical Reynolds number for transition to turbulence in Newtonian flows. EIT causes the friction factor to deviate from the laminar solution and subsequently transition to the maximum drag reduction asymptote around Re=1800. EIT is a self-sustained mechanism that arises from the interactions between fluctuations of extensional viscosity, velocity and pressure. The polymer solution elasticity controls the growth of flow instability, resulting in transitional-like flows at high Reynolds numbers. The existence of EIT is not limited to pipe, channel or boundary layer flows, and evidence of EIT will be discussed in other flows, including natural convection using DNS. [less ▲]

Usage de l’agriculture dans le social : perspective comparative Japon - Europe

Conference (2012, November 20)

Eco-efficacité et éco-efficience: un nouveau paradigme en construction(s)

Conference (2012, November 20)

La Transition à la parentalité chez les couples homosexuels : étude exploratoire

Conference (2012, November 17)

La transition à la parentalité est un processus-clé pour comprendre le développement des relations familiales selon une perspective systémique. Ce processus a surtout été étudié chez les familles ... [more ▼]

La transition à la parentalité est un processus-clé pour comprendre le développement des relations familiales selon une perspective systémique. Ce processus a surtout été étudié chez les familles hétérosexuelles et très peu d’études portent sur les familles avec des parents de même sexe. Quelles sont les spécificités de la transition à la parentalité chez les familles homoparentales ? Quelles différences existe-t-il parmi elles selon leur mode de procréation ? Quelles ressources mais aussi quelles difficultés expérimentent-elles au cours de la transition à la parentalité ? Cette étude exploratoire analysera les passages clés de cette transition parmi un échantillon de 30 familles homoparentales (13 recomposées et 17 dont un parent a eu recours à l’insémination artificielle) et cela, à travers une analyse quantitative des données sociodémographiques, des informations relatives au coming-out, à la formation du couple, au projet d’enfant, à l’arrivée de l’enfant ainsi qu’aux pressions sociales et culturelles vis-à-vis de la famille et des facteurs stressants. Les résultats obtenus permettent de faire ressortir certaines lignes directrices dans la construction de la transition à la parentalité chez les familles homoparentales ainsi que des ressemblances et différences entre les familles homoparentales issues de recompositions familiales et d’inséminations artificielles. [less ▲]

De deux à trois... Transition à la parentalité et alliances familiales dans les familles lesboparentales.

Conference (2012, November 17)

Le présent travail s’intéresse au moment particulier du cycle de vie familial dénommé "transition à la parentalité". Les études ayant approfondi ce moment délicat ont souligné la nécessité d’adopter une ... [more ▼]

Le présent travail s’intéresse au moment particulier du cycle de vie familial dénommé "transition à la parentalité". Les études ayant approfondi ce moment délicat ont souligné la nécessité d’adopter une perspective multifactorielle et procédurale pour une meilleure compréhension du système en voie de développement (Belsky, 1984). Deux principaux facteurs d'étude ont été déterminés : a) le développement des compétences interactives de la famille, la capacité du couple à organiser des modèles interactifs triadiques pendant la grossesse et de les réorganiser successivement dans la relation avec l'enfant; b) les caractéristiques propre à l'enfant, par exemple le tempérament, sont des facteurs pouvant influencer le développement des compétences interactives précoces ainsi que le style de parenting. Ces aspects ont été amplement étudiés au sein des familles hétéroparentales (Fivaz et al. 2001, Favez et al. 2010, McHale et al. 2001) mais très peu au sein des familles homoparentales (D’Amore et al., 2011). La plupart des recherches se sont intéressées à une comparaison du développement de l'enfant dans de ces deux types de familles, et ce sur différentes dimensions telles que la qualité des relations parent-enfant; le développement cognitif; le développement psycho-social; et l'identité de genre (Vecho & Schneider 2005). Nous proposons ici de présenter la situation d’une famille, issue de la recherche longitudinale que nous effectuons actuellement au sein du Service de Clinique Systémique et Psychopathologie Relationnelle de l’Université de Liège. Notre exposé présentera deux étapes de la passation du Lausanne Trilogue Play: prénatale au 7° mois de grossesse et postnatale au 3° mois de vie de l’enfant (Fivaz-Depeursinge, & Corboz-Warnery, 1999). Nous observerons l’intérêt de cette procédure du LTP prénatal en tant qu’instrument prédictif des capacités parentales à agir leurs compétences interactives à la naissance de l'enfant, vérifiées par la procédure du LTP postnatal. [less ▲]

Quels patients risquent de ne pas reprendre le travail ?

Conference (2012, November 17)

Management Control, Strategy and Sustainability: A Review of the Literature

Conference (2012, November 16)

Shell cross-linked stimuli-responsive micelles as vehicles for biomedical applications

Conference (2012, November 16)

Anti-utopie, dystopie et contre-utopie : quelles traversées de l’utopie ? D’Émile Souvestre à Léon Daudet

Conference (2012, November 16)

Les récits anticipant des sociétés futures sous oppression ou sur le déclin sont régulièrement confondus sous les appellations génériques d’« anti-utopie », de « contre-utopie » et de « dystopie » ... [more ▼]

Les récits anticipant des sociétés futures sous oppression ou sur le déclin sont régulièrement confondus sous les appellations génériques d’« anti-utopie », de « contre-utopie » et de « dystopie ». Rarement problématisés en tant que tels, ces appariements dénotent une certaine indécision dans l’appréhension de tout un pan de la tradition littéraire utopique. Réfèrent-ils vraiment à une diversité de représentations des conditions d’accès au bonheur et de réalisation d’un idéal en société ? [less ▲]

Green first ! ORBi, le choix d’une politique

Conference (2012, November 16)

Mapping overland flow hazard in order to enhance citizens’ awareness of head catchment hydrology

Conference (2012, November 15)

Between 1998 and 2004, Europe suffered from more than hundred major inundations, responsible for some 700 deaths, for the moving of about half a million of people and the economic losses of at least 25 ... [more ▼]

Between 1998 and 2004, Europe suffered from more than hundred major inundations, responsible for some 700 deaths, for the moving of about half a million of people and the economic losses of at least 25 billions Euros covered by the insurance policies. Within this context, EU launched the 2007/60/CE directive. This directive aims at a better evaluation of the risks and a better coordination of prevention, protection and crisis management. In most countries, inundation maps only include rivers’ overflowing. In Wallonia (southern part of Belgium), it was decided to include overland flows and mudflows in the flood hazard map. Indeed, the cleaning operations for a village after a storm can lead to an estimated cost of 11 000 €. Average construction cost of retention dams to control off-site damage caused by floods and muddy flows was valued at 380 000€, and yearly dredging costs associated with these retention ponds at 15 000€. A specific study in Gembloux (25 000 inhabitants) estimated the mean annual cost for the runoff damages to 20 000€. This cost only consists of the physical damages caused to the settlements and movable properties of the residents as well as the emergency operations of the firemen and the city. On top of damages to public infrastructure (clogging of trenches, silting up of retention ponds) and to private property, runoff and mud flows generate a significant loss of arable land. Yet, the soil is not an unlimited resource. Moreover, sediments’ transfer to watercourses alters their physical and chemical quality. And that is not to mention the increased psychological stress for people. But head catchment hydrology is not well known. Mapping the overland flood and mud flow hazard over a 17000 km² region is a real challenge. This contribution will present the pragmatic methodology used in Wallonia. In accordance with the Directive, different maps are produced (25, 50 and 100 years of return period and an extreme scenario). Local characteristics are taken into account: rainfall statistics, soil data, land use and relief. They are used to assess runoff production and transfer to an outlet identified as the point where runoff enters the permanent river network. Peak discharge values are used as basis for the mapping. The maps locate the water paths using a colour chart based on the peak discharge. Summer 2011 and spring 2012 storm events as well as a survey made at the municipalities’ level allowed us to validate in some ways the maps produced. Whereas this first approach at regional scale includes uncertainties, the aim of these maps is currently to prompt recognition of the runoff inundation hazard. It is of major importance for soil conservation and citizens’ protection. Above all, it should contribute to lower the damages by early prevention during the design of town-planning projects. [less ▲]

Nutritive value of four tropical forage legume hays fed to pigs in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Conference (2012, November 15)

The incorporation of fibrous feed ingredients such as legume forages in the diets of pigs can be economically interesting due to their low cost and the fact that they do not compete with human food ... [more ▼]

The incorporation of fibrous feed ingredients such as legume forages in the diets of pigs can be economically interesting due to their low cost and the fact that they do not compete with human food. Psophocarpus scandens and Vigna unguiculata are potential protein pig resources. Due to their negative effect on the overall digestibility of the diets, the contribution of tropical forage legumes to the diet should not exceed 25 %. TFL can be potential sources of protein for small scale tropical pig farms, preferably in adult pigs. [less ▲]

Pourquoi retourner à Brentano?

Conference (2012, November 13)

What, if anything, can we expect to gain in adopting a Brentanian approach to the mind? Within the field of contemporary philosophy of mind, two distinct motivations are usually put forward in order to ... [more ▼]

What, if anything, can we expect to gain in adopting a Brentanian approach to the mind? Within the field of contemporary philosophy of mind, two distinct motivations are usually put forward in order to justify something like a return to Brentano: His intentionality thesis and his theory of inner perception. I suggest (a) that these two motivations are much more controversial than it is usually believed and (b) that there nevertheless exists another, more convincing reason for going back to Brentano, namely, his theory of mental analysis. [less ▲]

Introduction to advanced biomaterials

Conference (2012, November 13)

Study of a solar concentrator for space based on a diffractive/refractive optical combination

Conference (2012, November 12)

This paper presents a new design of a planar solar concentrator at 10× with spectral splitting focusing on two separated PV cells, allowing independent control. Optical elements, blazed diffraction ... [more ▼]

This paper presents a new design of a planar solar concentrator at 10× with spectral splitting focusing on two separated PV cells, allowing independent control. Optical elements, blazed diffraction grating and Fresnel lens, are optimized. [less ▲]

Experimental Results of Hybrid and Refractive Achromatic Doublets Made of PC and PMMA

Conference (2012, November 12)

To combine achromatic system with cost-effective technology, we propose the use or hybride (refractive/diffractive) and refractive doublets Fresnel lenses. These two technologies have been compared ... [more ▼]

To combine achromatic system with cost-effective technology, we propose the use or hybride (refractive/diffractive) and refractive doublets Fresnel lenses. These two technologies have been compared experimentally from an optical point of view [less ▲]

prevention of delirium in perioperatie cares in old persons

Conference (2012, November 10)

Función de la intertextualidad bíblica en "El retrato de la Lozana Andaluza" de Francisco Delgado

Conference (2012, November 09)

La Lozana andaluza describes the story of a gifted prostitute which adventures occur in Rome before the Sack of 1527. However, the writer, an Andalusian priest, fills his text with biblical references. As ... [more ▼]

La Lozana andaluza describes the story of a gifted prostitute which adventures occur in Rome before the Sack of 1527. However, the writer, an Andalusian priest, fills his text with biblical references. As the purpose of his Portrait gives rise to debate and is valued according to its (un)appropriateness to the Christian doctrine, we study the role of the biblical intertextuality in the determination of this purpose. Indeed, in La Lozana, the biblical hypotext presents its traditional function as an auctoritas but it also constitutes a favored tool of linguistic games, a source of comic effects, and supplies the framework of the Portrait. In this work we examine the mixed intertextuality used by an autor which anticlericalism was sometimes interpreted as an erasmist feature. Consequently, we highlight, always making links with the biblical marks of La Lozana, first some evidences that make an orthodox interpretation possible, and later some dissident tendencies that cross the story. The biblical intertextuality produces a duplicity of the discourse that prevents an univocal interpretation. In fact, this posture is understandable during a time which is disturbed by religious tensions. [less ▲]

Allaitement maternel : la place des pères

Conference (2012, November 09)

De nombreuses études montrent que les pères ont un rôle influent dans la prise de décision des femmes d’allaiter leur enfant, et que leur soutien est crucial pour le succès de l’allaitement dans la durée ... [more ▼]

De nombreuses études montrent que les pères ont un rôle influent dans la prise de décision des femmes d’allaiter leur enfant, et que leur soutien est crucial pour le succès de l’allaitement dans la durée. Or ils sont peu préparés à ce rôle et souhaiteraient davantage de soutien dans cette expérience. Les recherches menées montrent que si la plupart des pères, pendant la grossesse, ont une représentation positive de l’allaitement et veulent être impliqués, la confrontation avec la réalité est souvent difficile (difficultés d’allaitement inattendues, pression et contradictions de professionnels de santé tournés sur l’aspect technique de l’allaitement, place limitée auprès de l’enfant,…). Après le retour à domicile, les sentiments des pères vis-à-vis de l’allaitement sont très divers et semblent liés à la place qu’ils prennent dans la triade, modulée parfois par la place que leur laisse la mère de l’enfant. Certains pères vivent un sentiment d’exclusion, d’autres se voient comme un « membre de l’équipe allaitante », trouvant d’autres manières de s’impliquer avec leur enfant. Le soutien apporté aux mères prend différentes formes : direct et indirect, verbal et non-verbal, émotionnel et instrumental. Selon les mères ce soutien est essentiel, davantage encore dans certaines situations (primiparité, césarienne, difficultés d’allaitement, fatigue, retour au travail). De leur côté les pères ont besoin d’une reconnaissance de leur rôle par leur partenaire d’une part, par les professionnels de santé d’autre part. Un système de santé « ami des pères » doit impliquer les pères précocement et de manière effective, pour les aider à soutenir leur partenaire dans l’expérience de l’allaitement. [less ▲]

Role of γδ T cells in the tumoural progression of HPV-associated lesions

Conference (2012, November 09)

Spirou, une aventure du mouvement

Conference (2012, November 08)

Responsabilité sociale et management durable dans une école de gestion: le cas de HEC-ULg

Conference (2012, November 07)

Air Cavity ship as a solution to reduce frictional resistance

Conference (2012, November 06)

Frictional resistance is an important part of the total resistance of a ship, especially when the Froude number is small. There exists different ways to reduce it, like riblets, polymer injection, air ... [more ▼]

Frictional resistance is an important part of the total resistance of a ship, especially when the Froude number is small. There exists different ways to reduce it, like riblets, polymer injection, air lubrication and air cavity. The first two techniques are hard to implement for full-scale ships. The air lubrication is subjected to plenty of research for around twenty years and could lead to resistance reduction up to 80%. Unfortunately, full-scale tests do not present the same results. The principle of air cavity ships is quite different, in the sense that air is blocked under the hull. The system exists for more than 100 years, but does not seem to convince the naval architects, although it can reduce the resistance up to 20%. The problem is that it can increase the resistance. Better knowledge of the phenomena is then necessary. [less ▲]

Developing national health sector monitoring and accountability platforms. The opportunity of IHP+ in Benin, Burkina Faso, Mali and Senegal

Conference (2012, November 01)

There is now growing consensus about the importance of building and strengthening national monitoring platforms in order to facilitate the evaluation of large-scale health programmes and initiatives in ... [more ▼]

There is now growing consensus about the importance of building and strengthening national monitoring platforms in order to facilitate the evaluation of large-scale health programmes and initiatives in low- and middle-income countries [see the paper published in 2010 in The Lancet by Victora et al.]. This is also crucial for improving accountability, which is defined by the United Nations' Commission on Information and Accountability for Women's and Children's Health as a cyclical process of monitoring, review, and (remedial) action. The International Health Partnership and related initiatives (IHP+), World Health Organization and other partners have recently developed guidelines to support country-led platforms for monitoring, evaluation and review of national health strategies. The national Compacts promoted in the framework of IHP+ offer an excellent opportunity to foster the development of such country-led platforms for information and accountability. Indeed, a Compact formalises the commitments of the recipient government and health sector partners to increase financing efforts in the health sector, to respect aid effectiveness principles and to support the national health policy and strategies in a common planning, coordination, and monitoring & evaluation framework. IHP+ is also closely connected to initiatives such as the Health Metrics Network that aims to improve the quality of health information in developing countries. We propose to analyse how the Ministries of Health in four Francophone Western African countries (Benin, Burkina Faso, Mali and Senegal) have seized the opportunity of IHP+ to strengthen their monitoring and accountability platforms, and assess what further actions could be taken in the future. We present a comparative analysis grid filled on the basis of the experience of the co-authors in supporting the process in the four countries. This composes the first step of an on-going research and experience sharing project supported by GRAP-PA Santé. [less ▲]

Etude comparative de l'efficacité de tourteaux des graines de Moringa Oleifera et du sulfate d'aluminium dans le traitement des eaux de consommation en Afrique sub-saharienne : cas des eaux du Burkina Faso

Conference (2012, November)

Constant 2-labelling of weighted cycles

Conference (2012, November)

We introduce the concept of constant 2-labelling of a weighted graph and show how it can be used to obtain periodic sphere packing. Roughly speaking, a constant 2-labelling of a weighted graph is a 2 ... [more ▼]

We introduce the concept of constant 2-labelling of a weighted graph and show how it can be used to obtain periodic sphere packing. Roughly speaking, a constant 2-labelling of a weighted graph is a 2-coloring (black and white) of its vertex set which preserves the sum of the weight of black vertices under some automorphisms. In this manuscript, we study this problem on weighted complete graphs and on weighted cycles. Our results on cycles allow us to determine (r,a,b)-codes in Z^2 whenever |a-b|>4 and r>1. [less ▲]

Evaluation qualitative et quantitative des ressources en eau souterraine dasn le bassin de Dargol (Liptako – Niger)

Conference (2012, November)

Située dans la partie Sud-Ouest du Niger, le bassin de Dargol appartient à la région de socle précambrien du Liptako. L’étude du chimisme des eaux souterraines révèle trois types de faciès dont le plus ... [more ▼]

Située dans la partie Sud-Ouest du Niger, le bassin de Dargol appartient à la région de socle précambrien du Liptako. L’étude du chimisme des eaux souterraines révèle trois types de faciès dont le plus dominant est le type bicarbonaté calcique à magnésien (65%). Environ 47% d’ouvrages ont des teneurs en nitrates dépassant largement les normes OMS (50 mg/l). Les teneurs en isotopes stables (δ18O, δ2H) de la nappe indiquent deux mécanismes de recharge: une recharge directe par les eaux des pluies peu ou pas évaporées, et une recharge indirecte par les eaux évaporées issues des lits de koris et des eaux de surface. L’analyse des teneurs en tritium de la nappe indique que la recharge est récente pour la majorité des points investigués. En revanche, dans le secteur à faibles teneurs en tritium, le taux de renouvellement semble être faible voire nul. [less ▲]

Moisture equilibrium in straw bale walls

Conference (2012, November)

Straw bales technology for buildings is developing in Belgium as in many other countries. The market is growing but significant uncertainties are left concerning how to model its dynamical hygrothermal ... [more ▼]

Straw bales technology for buildings is developing in Belgium as in many other countries. The market is growing but significant uncertainties are left concerning how to model its dynamical hygrothermal performances and its long term behaviour. The present paper presents the preliminary analysis conducted on material parameters and component’s response to dynamic heat and moisture solicitations. The simulations use WUFI Pro software based on material parameters form literature and both reference climate files for Belgium and theoretical climates to analyse the interactions between straw bale walls and finishing materials and their influence on component performances and durability. A specific prefabricated wall element sold on Belgian market is detailed and introduced in simulations. The influence on comfort feelings and indoor air quality are discussed with a focus on component´s thermal inertia and moisture regulation capacity. The paper concludes with recommendations on wall composition to help straw bale technologies to develop in building market of Belgium and other countries. [less ▲]

Production of surface-active agents and antioxidants from renewable resources under microwave heating

Conference (2012, November)

The non-energetic valorization of renewable resources using efficient and eco-friendly methodologies is the central axis of the “green chemistry” concept. In particular, the chemical conversion of ... [more ▼]

The non-energetic valorization of renewable resources using efficient and eco-friendly methodologies is the central axis of the “green chemistry” concept. In particular, the chemical conversion of carbohydrates arising from the hydrolysis of non-edible vegetable feedstock (i.e., lignocellulosic biomass and streams) is a widely explored thematic for the production of new high-added value materials. In this context, we report here on the development of a microwave heating methodology for the efficient production of carbohydrate-based and lignin-based chemicals with relevant antioxidant and surface-active properties. New effective synthetic protocols minimizing wastes and energy-consumption are proposed. Enhanced yields and selectivities are achieved after a few minutes of microwave heating using heterogeneous catalysts. The benefits of this microwave approach are highlighted in terms of yields, atom efficiency, environmental factor, and carbon efficiency. Up-scaling assays are also discussed. [less ▲]