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First, an inventory routing problem for a perishable product with stochastic demands is considered and different ... [more ▼]We explore three problems in this thesis and develop solution methods for each problem. First, an inventory routing problem for a perishable product with stochastic demands is considered and different approximate solution methods are developed to solve. Based on computational experiments, the solution methods are compared in terms of average profit, service level, and actual freshness. The impact of relevant parameters on the performance of the solution methods is investigated. Managerial insights are drawn by analyzing the impact of shelf life and store capacity on the profit. The value of considering uncertainty and the value of accessing full information are measured. The computational results highlight that a simple ordering policy can often replace a more sophisticated solution method, while preserving the same efficacy. Second, we introduce a vehicle routing problem (VRP) where a set of stores places deterministic orders to a logistics service provider (LSP) for two successive periods. Deliveries requested in each period can be shifted by the LSP to the other period, possibly with modified quantities. The LSP incurs a penalty for any diversion from the initial delivery period. The data regarding shifted delivery quantities and penalties are provided by the stores. From the perspective of the LSP, diversions could be beneficial if savings in the routing costs outweigh the penalties. In this work, we introduce a new two-period VRP model where the LSP seeks to improve its total cost, compared to solving two independent VRPs with fixed delivery periods, by allowing deliveries to be shifted. We solve this model to optimality by an efficient branch-and-price algorithm implementing several cutting-edge techniques. We draw algorithmic and managerial insights based on our test instances. Third, a two-period VRP is considered where the orders placed by stores for each period can be partially shifted to the other period, given that the sum of the delivery quantities in two periods to each customer is fixed. A linear penalization of delivery shifts is assumed based on the quantity shifted. We represent two mixed integer linear programming (MILP) formulations for the problem. A column-row generation algorithm to solve the LP-relaxation of the first formulation is developed. To solve the LP-relaxation of the second formulation, we develop a column generation algorithm. Details of two label-setting algorithms to solve the pricing problems of the column-row generation and column generation algorithms are discussed. Numerical results can be compared with a similar model in which only full delivery shifts are allowed. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 70 (5 ULg) Evaluation de l'impact socio-économique en aval des aménagements hydroélectriques : exemple du barrage hydroélectrique de Nam Mang 3 au LaosKouangpalath, Phimthong Doctoral thesis (2016)Since two decades, hydropower projects are multiplying in Laos. These projects are often criticized in the media and civil society organizations for their negative social and environmental impacts, which ... [more ▼]Since two decades, hydropower projects are multiplying in Laos. These projects are often criticized in the media and civil society organizations for their negative social and environmental impacts, which can also generate regional geopolitical tensions in Southeast Asia. In this sensitive context, our interest has focused on rural populations downstream of hydropower dams; these populations are often ignored by compensation programs reserved for displaced populations from upstream. The objective of the research is to identify and assess the socio-economic effects in the Nam Nyam Valley (Vientiane Province, Lao PDR), downstream of the Nam Mang 3 hydropower dam. A current diagnostic-analysis of the agrarian system of the valley, together with a characterization of the recent evolution was conducted by household surveys in different villages. The diachronic study of agrarian dynamics and understanding the links of causality enabled us to model a counterfactual scenario to isolate, by difference with the current situation (scenario "with project"), the specific effects of the dam. In parallel, a similar approach was employed downstream of the Nam Lik 1-2 hydropower dam in the Meuang Feuang basin (Vientiane province, Lao PDR) in order to compare with the results of the Nam Nyam Valley, to better characterize the specific effects of hydropower infrastructure developments. As a result, the evolution of agrarian systems in the valleys downstream depends on the combination, variable over time, of several political, economic, demographic, environmental, technical, social, etc. factors. A hydropower dam, like the one of Nam Mang 3 is part of complex and continuous dynamics of transformation; its impact is not only the sole cause of changes affecting the communities. The socio-economic effects influence over time a much larger population downstream than upstream, even if the media attract the attention on punctual displacement of villages (and their compensation) to fill the reservoir. The hydropower dam project effects differ according to phases (construction, reservoir filling, operation) and social categories, depending on the investment capacities, adaptation and networks of each category. The socio-economic impact downstream is not assumed to be correlated with the size of hydropower dam, but its design and mode of water management are the key criteria of the importance of negative externalities. The massive investments in these projects have also positive effects for the local population, such as the development of local infrastructure, which open up villages and provide access to public services and markets. However, these positive externalities mainly concern well-off villagers disposing of capital and networks to benefit of new opportunities, while poor families are more vulnerable to changes in the political, environmental, technical and socio-economic context. Thus, hydropower dams contribute to increased socio-economic differentiation in villages downstream, with the poor left out of the profits from the energy export. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 57 (12 ULg) Belgian Heterosexuals’ Attitudes towards Gay and Lesbian Couples and Same-sex ParentingScali, Thérèse Doctoral thesis (2016)The legal situation of Belgian gay men and lesbians may be perceived as one of the best in Europe. Indeed, the Belgian Parliament has legalized marriage and parenting for same-sex couples, has enacted ... [more ▼]The legal situation of Belgian gay men and lesbians may be perceived as one of the best in Europe. Indeed, the Belgian Parliament has legalized marriage and parenting for same-sex couples, has enacted anti-discrimination laws, and has designed and funded several action plans to combat homophobia. Since the opening up of marriage to same-sex couples in 2003, around a thousand gay and a thousand lesbian marriages are celebrated each year in Belgium (Direction Générale Statistique et Information Économique, 2015). Moreover, since the legalization of parenthood for gay men and lesbians, more and more same-sex couples adopt children or resort to artificial insemination, and the total number of children growing up with same-sex parents is growing steadily. Thus, a new reality is emerging: the reality of same-sex headed families. However, in spite of the civil rights granted to gay men and lesbians, the issue of social acceptance of same-sex couples and their children still remains and Belgium continues to record increasing levels of violence against homosexual people. Therefore, the main objective of the present thesis was to explore Belgian heterosexuals’ attitudes towards same-sex marriage and same-sex parenting. The first goal was to investigate the social and personal factors that may be associated with positive and negative attitudes towards same-sex marriage and those towards same-sex parenting (Study 1). The results of self-report questionnaires (N = 1168) revealed that the general attitude towards gay men and lesbians, gender-role traditionalism, beliefs in the origin of homosexuality, representations about child well-being and contact are major predictors of attitudes towards gay and lesbian civil rights. Moreover, results revealed that attitudes differed according to participant’s gender (heterosexual men are less supportive of both same-sex marriage and same-sex parenting than heterosexual women). The respective role of several variables was also discussed (gender-role traditionalism, beliefs in the origin of homosexuality, general attitudes towards gay men and lesbians, representations of child well-being and contact). We demonstrated that increasing intergroup contact can help diminish the impact of some personal beliefs on attitudes towards same-sex parenting. Moreover, results revealed that the degree of support differed in regard to the different types of parenthood. Moreover, several authors in the field of social psychology highlighted the role of beliefs and social representations upon attitudes (Dardenne, 2006). Specifically, attitudes towards gay men and lesbians as parents seem to be somehow beliefs-based (Costa, 2013). Our next objectives were to explore the arguments in favour and against same-sex parenting, both in the general population through the comments posted on social networks (Study 2) and with health-care professionals working in family counselling centres (Study 3). Both studies highlighted positive and negative arguments, each linked to one of the following category: societal and legal context, religiosity, contact, representations of homosexuality, gender-role traditionalism, general attitudes towards gay men and lesbians and representations about child well-being. Moreover, a comparative analysis of the two samples allowed us to state that the arguments held by the social workers are quite similar to those held by the citizens in the general population. Thus, we concluded that health-care professionals’ attitudes are based on naïve knowledge rather than on scientific knowledge, and this lack of scientific knowledge on same-sex parenting has an impact not only on social workers’ attitudes but also on their interventions. To conclude, our work demonstrated that, in Belgium, the barriers to accepting rainbow couples and families are no longer legal, but social. Nearly ten years after the law on adoption for same-sex couples, the country remains relatively conservative and traditional in some regards. Therefore, by demystifying and deconstructing ill-conceived ideas, it will be possible to move towards greater acceptance. Thus, more positive attitudes may be reached when in-depth work has taken place on social perceptions, particularly around questions of gender-role traditionalism, the representations of homosexuality and same-sex lifestyle, and around the child’s well-being. In particular, it is important to deconstruct stereotypes about gay men and lesbians and open minds to other possible forms of families. To achieve those goals, the role of intergroup contact is very important. It is, consequently, also down to psycho-social trainers to create homophobia prevention programmes based on tailor-made training sessions, taking into account the specificities of each group and their beliefs. Finally, we recommend that future research focuses upon same-sex parent families, in order to enrich the scientific data available on these families and their experiences. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 67 (5 ULg) Quand le plan zonal de sécurité rencontre la police locale Analyse sociologique du processus de traduction d'un artefact d'action publiqueCroquet, Alice Doctoral thesis (2016)The thesis examines the implementation of a security policy introduced by the 1998 Belgian police reform through the public policy instrument that declines the latter on local level, that is the area ... [more ▼]The thesis examines the implementation of a security policy introduced by the 1998 Belgian police reform through the public policy instrument that declines the latter on local level, that is the area security plan. The thesis is based on four case studies and crossed inputs from the Actor-Network Theory and the Sociology of organized action. It traced the career of the area security plan in the local police organizations as the construction of a “sociotechnical system”. We analyze the work of mutual translation that occurs between the instrument and the police environment around four “events” making them progressively irreversible. On the one hand, we discover the “turbulent” nature of the regulatory control within police organizations. On the other hand, we settle the performative nature of the area security plan, of which we consider the introduction in the police landscape as an artifact at the service of the structural compromise that has been stabilized since the reform. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 66 (12 ULg) Xérogels de carbone comme matériaux modèles pour l'étude du comportement électrochimique en tant qu'anodes de batteries Li-ionPiedboeuf, Marie-Laure Doctoral thesis (2016)The main goal of this thesis aims at shedding some light on how the textural and surface chemistry properties of porous carbons influence their electrochemical behavior when used as anodes for Li-ion ... [more ▼]The main goal of this thesis aims at shedding some light on how the textural and surface chemistry properties of porous carbons influence their electrochemical behavior when used as anodes for Li-ion batteries. In this respect, carbon xerogels (XC) have been used as model materials, since their tunable pore texture and surface chemistry have made it possible to perform a systematic study, where each variable could be modified independently. The first target consisted in obtaining a series of carbon xerogels with controlled meso- or macropore textures. These materials are made of interconnected nearly spherical microporous nodules, delimiting meso- or macroporous voids. Several series of carbon xerogels with controlled pore textures have been prepared. As a result, materials with a wide range of meso- or macropore sizes have been obtained and the influence of the aqueous formaldehyde precursor solution on the final textural characteristics could be highlighted. Additional post-synthesis treatments have been performed in order to tune the microporosity as well as the surface chemistry of selected materials. The second aim was to control and set several variables other than the pore texture and the surface chemistry of XC, that could influence their behavior as active materials for Li-ion batteries, such as the particle sizes or the electrode characteristics. In this respect, an in-depth study of the ball-milling process of carbon xerogels has allowed to determine the conditions leading to materials with a well-defined particle size distribution centered on 10 µm. The specific surface area, as well as the meso- or macroporosity remain identical from the monolithic form to the final powder. This work has also shown the possibility of using mercury intrusion porosimetry as a tool to assess the mean particle sizes of a XC powder. Several methods for the coating of active materials on current collectors (bar-coating and spray) have been investigated for different ink formulations (organic- or water-based). This study has shown that XC-binder composites resulting from aqueous-based inks preserve the porosity of the starting materials, whereas the microporosity is strongly reduced in the case of the organic pathway. As a result, the method of spraying a water-based ink, with xanthan gum as a binder, seems to be the most appropriate in terms of precision, ease of processing and safety in this case. The third goal consisted in performing detailed electrochemical characterizations of the electrodes produced with carbon xerogels displaying various defined pore textures and surface chemistries. In the case of electrodes obtained upon using an organic ink, a linear relationship is observed between the relative irreversible losses and i) the external surface area of the nodules as well as ii) the specific surface area of the XC-binder composites. In the case of the aqueous electrode processing method and upon using carbon xerogels with tuned microporosity, a linear relationship could be established between the total specific surface area of the starting materials (including micropores) and the irreversible as well as reversible capacities at the first charge-discharge cycle, if the maximum potential is set at 3 V vs. Li+/Li. Finally, after modulation, the surface chemistry has shown to have a significant effect on the accessibility of the surface by the electrolyte as well as on the SEI formation at the first charge-discharge cycle. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 45 (8 ULg) Caractérisation multi-échelle des bandes riveraines des cours d’eau wallons par télédétection active et passiveMichez, Adrien Doctoral thesis (2016)Les bandes riveraines des cours d’eau constituent des milieux d’une richesse exceptionnelle aux multiples facettes, comportant les habitats parmi les plus variés, dynamiques et complexes de la surface ... [more ▼]Les bandes riveraines des cours d’eau constituent des milieux d’une richesse exceptionnelle aux multiples facettes, comportant les habitats parmi les plus variés, dynamiques et complexes de la surface terrestre. Elles sont au cœur des stratégies des politiques de préservation et de restauration de l’environnement qui impliquent la mise en place de suivis multi-échelles devant être répétés dans le temps. La télédétection peut fournir des informations fines tant sur la végétation qui compose les bandes riveraines que sur la structure et les paramètres physiques de celles-ci. Le présent projet de doctorat est articulé autour de l’évaluation de la télédétection en tant qu’outil pour la gestion des cours d’eau ; tant au niveau local (<20 km de cours d’eau, usage de drone) qu’au niveau de l’ensemble du réseau hydrographique wallon (> 12 000 km de cours d’eau). Au niveau local, les drones civils tendent à émerger comme outils de caractérisation environnementale depuis le début des années 2000. Leurs principales caractéristiques sont relatives à leur résolution spatiale et temporelle, permettant d’obtenir des données très fines (résolution au sol ≤ 10cm) au sein d’une fenêtre temporelle très restreinte. Leur usage a été évalué avec succès afin de localiser les plantes invasives des bandes riveraines et de caractériser la composition spécifique et l’état sanitaire de l’aulne glutineux (Alnus glutinosa) en Ardenne. Des résultats satisfaisants ont été atteints dans le cas de l’étude de la détection des trois principales espèces végétales invasives des bandes riveraines wallonnes : balsamine de l'Himalaya (I. glandulifera), berce du Caucase (H. mantegazzianum) et renouée du Japon (F. sachalinensis et F. japonica et hybrides). Les meilleures précisions globales obtenues sont de 97% pour la berce du Caucase. A l’échelle régionale, l’approche développée est basée sur l’usage de données 3D (LiDAR et photogrammétriques) afin de caractériser les bandes riveraines associées à l’ensemble du réseau hydrographique wallon (> 12 000 km) à partir de 6 paramètres. Ces paramètres sont descriptifs de composantes physiques de l’hydromorphologie mais également de la structure des forêts riveraines. Une évaluation des patrons spatiaux de ces paramètres en lien avec différentes informations (occupation du sol, régions naturelles) a été réalisée. S’appuyant sur différentes techniques d’agrégation permettant des visualisations à l’échelle régionale, les résultats obtenus reflètent la connaissance a priori des cordons rivulaires, notamment le constat négatif relatif à la fonctionnalité des bandes riveraines en région limoneuse. Les principales perspectives d’application au domaine de la gestion des cours d’eau sont relatives au développement d’outils d’aide à la décision pour les gestionnaires. A l’échelle locale, une adaptation des solutions développées pour l’usage des drones est nécessaire tant en matière de plateforme (couverture d’un linéaire plus important) qu’en tant qu’outil d’analyse (simplification des chaînes de traitement). A l’échelle régionale, la construction d’indicateurs de gestion nécessitera un travail spécifique quant à la comparaison de la valeur observée à une valeur référence. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 96 (30 ULg) Design, Synthesis and Single Molecule Force Spectroscopy of Biosynthetic PolypeptidesAsano, Marie Doctoral thesis (2016)Detailed reference viewed: 13 (3 ULg) Influences of electric charges on an isolated dropBrandenbourger, Martin Doctoral thesis (2016)Research such as the famous Millikan experiment or the studies concerning thunderclouds have shown that droplets can be considerably influenced by an excess of electric charges. Indeed, an excess of ... [more ▼]Research such as the famous Millikan experiment or the studies concerning thunderclouds have shown that droplets can be considerably influenced by an excess of electric charges. Indeed, an excess of charges can affect the intrinsic properties of a droplet, such as its natural oscillation frequency or its internal pressure. Moreover, the electric charges in excess in droplets can also interact with external electric fields. In this thesis, we investigated the influence of electric charges on millimetric droplets that are electrically isolated. In literature, research on isolated charged droplets are mainly focused on droplets with a micrometric size. The lack of studies concerning millimetric charged droplets is explained by the difficulty storing them while avoiding charge leakage. In order to answer to this issue, we examined three storage systems limiting the charge leakage: the microgravity, the vibrating bath method and the Leidenfrost effect. Through these systems, we studied the influence of electric charges on the droplet physical properties, but also the interaction between the charged droplet and its storage system. Furthermore, we investigated the interaction of charged droplets with external electric fields. More precisely, we studied the interaction between two electrically charged droplets and the interaction between one charged droplet and an external homogeneous electric field. A first set of experiments on electrically charged droplets allowed us modeling the charge migration process in liquids and the charge leakage from a millimetric droplet. In particular, we identified and modeled a new mechanism of charges leakage occurring at a time scale of several minutes. Moreover, we confirmed the influence of the electric charges on the droplet surface energy previously deduced from experiments on micrometric droplets. Concerning the three storage systems, the experiments performed in microgravity allowed us describing the influence of the electric interaction on the impact between two charged droplets. The diverse behaviors observed were compared to the cases of impacts between two neutral drops. On a different note, the study of a charged droplet moving on the surface of a vibrating bath because of the influence of an external electric field gave new insights on the interaction between a bouncing droplet and a viscous liquid bath. For example, we observed a go-stop" motion during which the droplet horizontally moves when it bounces away and is stopped during its interaction with the liquid bath. We showed that this motion occurs when large droplets are influenced by a weak electric field. Droplets with this kind of motion move with a constant average speed, which makes them easily manoeuvrable. Therefore, the control of the droplet motion led to the development of a new microfluidic prototype. Via this new setup, basic microfluidic tasks can be performed without polluting droplet via contacts with solids or liquids. With these results in mind, we also examined the interaction between two charged droplets bouncing on the vibrating bath. This study brought new insights on the interaction between two charged droplets. Indeed, we observed that two drops with the same charges tend to remain at an equilibrium distance. Our study showed that this equilibrium distance is due to the compensation of the electric repulsion by capillary attraction at the surface of the vibrating bath. Finally, our study of charged droplet in Leidenfrost state on a liquid bath led to a better understanding of the interaction between charged liquid interfaces. Indeed, we showed that electric charges cause the early coalescence of charged droplet because of an increase in the vapor layer drainage. We conclude from our results that an excess of electric charges influences ostensibly the intrinsic behavior of a droplet and its interaction with the environment. Furthermore, each storage system studied brought answers to specific issues. The study of the impact between charged droplets in microgravity outlines new explanations on the behavior of thunderclouds. The results accumulated on the micromanipulation of charged droplet bouncing on a vibrating bath opens the way to a new kind of microfluidic system. Finally, the study on the charged Leidenfrost droplets describes new ways to investigate the influence of electric charges on liquid interfaces. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 61 (5 ULg) Controlled synthesis of polyvinylamine-based (co)polymers for gene transfectionDréan, Mathilde Doctoral thesis (2016)Detailed reference viewed: 37 (10 ULg) Les enregistrements infirmiers : un outil d'efficience. Du RIM aux DI-RHM dans les hôpitaux belges.Thonon, Olivier Doctoral thesis (2016)Le Résumé Infirmier Minimum existe depuis 1988 et un certain nombre des objectifs initiaux ont été atteints. A la fin des années 90, la question de l’actualisation du RIM s’est posée avec acuité étant ... [more ▼]Le Résumé Infirmier Minimum existe depuis 1988 et un certain nombre des objectifs initiaux ont été atteints. A la fin des années 90, la question de l’actualisation du RIM s’est posée avec acuité étant donné l’évolution des soins de santé en général et de l’art infirmier en particulier. Dorénavant intégré dans une base de données unique, le Résumé Hospitalier Minimal, ce Résumé Infirmier Minimum actualisé, implanté officiellement depuis janvier 2008, a sans aucun doute métamorphosé l’environnement des soins infirmiers. Le chapitre 1 décrit ce processus d’actualisation du RIM. Le cadre conceptuel du RIM « actualisé » définit un tremplin international, en référence à la Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC) utilisée pour sa conception. La visualisation de la variabilité des soins infirmiers se fera dorénavant à travers un langage plus riche et plus précis en passant de 23 à 78 items. La première composante de l’efficience, est abordée dans le chapitre III. Il concerne l’évaluation du niveau de preuve des interventions répertoriées dans les DI-RHM. L’approche justificative de l’outil est abordée dans le chapitre IV de ce travail. Le chapitre V examine dans quelle mesure il serait possible d’allouer les moyens infirmiers de façon plus rigoureuse aux hôpitaux. Le chapitre VI se consacre à l’élaboration de profils de soins infirmiers sur base des DI-RHM et à la mise en évidence de leur potentiel d’utilisation. Nous concluons par une discussion générale reprenant les divers éléments abordés dans ces différentes approches à la lumière du contexte actuel de l’outil. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 101 (14 ULg) Etude des déterminants de l'efficacité organisationnelle des associations sans but lucratif bénéficiaires de microcrédits au Burundi: une approche d'alignement stratégiqueNduwayo, Marie Goreth Doctoral thesis (2016)Even if the Henderson and Venkatraman (1993) works on the strategic alignment have paved the way for several research to determine the impact of strategic alignment on companies’ organizational ... [more ▼]Even if the Henderson and Venkatraman (1993) works on the strategic alignment have paved the way for several research to determine the impact of strategic alignment on companies’ organizational performance, there is absence of consensus in the literature regarding how companies can align. In addition, while the question of the effectiveness of non-profit organizations remains an important topic for researchers, empirical studies of their organizational effectiveness remain rare. We address this issue by taking on account a specific attribute of a difficult economic environment: the threat of survival of Burundian's Non-Profit Associations (ASBL) beneficiaries of microcredits. Thus, our study shows that the strategic alignment of these ASBL is realize through on their adjustment (taken in the sense of finality or condition that is different from the process) to the constraints of their donors. This approach articulate on three registers: in positioning us in the field of research of company strategies, we base on strategic alignment in the context of survival, and then we address survival issues. We demonstrate that the strategic adjustment is the basis of the survival strategies of these microstructures in a Burundian context dominated by insecurity and extreme poverty. The primary needs of these entities are indeed at the root of the adjustment response to key resources provided by microfinance institutions. Thus, the objective of our study is to explain how the strategic alignment of these ASBL to the constraints of the donors can have a decisive influence on their organizational effectiveness (a facet of performance). To this end, we build a model and we test it empirically with 150 ASBL beneficiaries of microcredits created from 1992 to 2011. We prove that their internal organization is an important determinant of their organizational effectiveness and is the basis of their efficiency. This organizational asset has certain particular features and is the result of strategic alignment. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 45 (5 ULg) Isolement et caractérisation de mutants affectés dans le transport d'électrons photosynthétique en anoxie chez la microalgue verte Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Photoproduction d'hydrogène et Voie de biosynthèse de la phylloquinone.Emonds-Alt, Barbara Doctoral thesis (2016)La microalgue verte Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, qui a contribué de façon remarquable à la compréhension de nombreux mécanismes biologiques tels que la photosynthèse, intéresse aujourd’hui plus ... [more ▼]La microalgue verte Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, qui a contribué de façon remarquable à la compréhension de nombreux mécanismes biologiques tels que la photosynthèse, intéresse aujourd’hui plus particulièrement le secteur des énergies renouvelables pour sa capacité à produire de l’hydrogène moléculaire (H2) à la lumière. Cette photoproduction d’H2 est liée à la présence en anoxie d’hydrogénases qui sont connectées via la ferrédoxine à la chaîne de transport d’électrons photosynthétique. On distingue deux voies de transfert d’électrons: la première dépendant de la photolyse de l’eau par le PSII (voie PSII-dépendante), la seconde de l’action d’une NAD(P)H déshydrogénase de type II (NDA2, voie PSII-indépendante). En raison de la sensibilité des hydrogénases à l’oxygène, cette production n’est que transitoire. Bien que ce processus puisse potentiellement réduire notre dépendance aux énergies fossiles, il est à l’heure actuelle économiquement inexploitable compte tenu de sa faible productivité. L’amélioration génétique des microalgues pourrait partiellement remédier à ce problème mais cette stratégie nécessite toutefois de posséder une connaissance fondamentale de toutes les voies métaboliques impliquées dans ce processus spécifique de l’anoxie. Afin d’identifier de nouvelles enzymes clés contrôlant la photoproduction d’H2 et de manière plus générale le métabolisme anaérobique, chez l’algue modèle Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, nous avons cherché dans un premier temps à comprendre la fonction de la protéine NDA3, une NAD(P)H déshydrogénase de type II chloroplastique. A l’instar de NDA2, celle-ci pourrait potentiellement participer à la réduction non-photochimique du pool de plastoquinones. Dans un deuxième temps, nous avons contribué au développement d’une nouvelle technique de criblage «haut débit» basée sur l’enregistrement de la cinétique d’induction de fluorescence des algues lors d’une transition de l’obscurité à la lumière en anoxie. Grâce à l’efficacité et à la rapidité de cette méthode nous avons pu identifier au sein d’une large collection de mutants insertionnels (~ 23 000) quatre mutants déficients pour le facteur d’assemblage HYDG (essentiel à la maturation des hydrogénases) et quatre autres mutants déficients pour la voie de biosynthèse de la phylloquinone. La caractérisation subséquente de ces mutants par des méthodes génétiques, moléculaires, biochimiques et biophysiques, nous a ainsi permis de comprendre in fine l’impact négatif de la perte du facteur HYDG ou de la phylloquinone sur le transfert d’électrons photosynthétique en anoxie. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 35 (5 ULg) MANAGEMENT OF MICROBIAL COMMUNITIES ON THE BASIS OF SINGLE CELL TECHNOLOGIES: APPLICATION TO CELLULOSE DEGRADATION AND BIOFILM FORMATIONKinet, Romain Doctoral thesis (2016)Detailed reference viewed: 33 (10 ULg) Identification de mécanismes moléculaires d’induction de la réponse immunitaire de type Th2 par les cellules dendritiques conventionnelles CD11b+ du poumonJanss, Thibaut Doctoral thesis (2016)Currently, the activation mechanisms of type 2 helper T cells (Th2) by dendritic cells are not yet fully understood. In recent years, more and more evidences show that there is a functional specialization ... [more ▼]Currently, the activation mechanisms of type 2 helper T cells (Th2) by dendritic cells are not yet fully understood. In recent years, more and more evidences show that there is a functional specialization of the different dendritic cells populations. Therefore, in our laboratory, it was demonstrated that lung CD11b+ conventional dendritic cells (cDC) are the cells responsible for the allergic sensitization after an inhalation of house dust mite extracts in mice. Because this population is responsible for priming Th2 response, we decided to study them in an allergic context as a model in order to identify new mechanisms involve in Th2 induction. So far, few transcription factors required for the pro-Th2 activity of dendritic cells have been identified. Their discovery could considerably improve the understanding of Th2 activation by dendritic cells. Transcriptomic profiling of lung CD11b+ cDCs exposed to HDM in vivo revealed first that HDM triggered an antiviral defence-like response and second that the majority of HDM-induced transcriptional changes depended on the transcription factor Inresterferon Response Factor-3 (Irf3). Validating the functional relevance of these observations, Irf3-deficient CD11b+ cDCs displayed reduced pro-allergic activity. Indeed, Irf3-deficient CD11b+ cDCs induced less Th2, more regulatory T cell, and similar Th1 differentiation in naïve CD4+ T cells compared to their wild-type counterparts. The altered APC activity of Irf3 CD11b+ cDCs was associated with reduced expression of CD86 and was phenocopied by blocking CD86 activity in wild-type CD11b+ cDCs. Altogether, these results establish Irf3, mostly known for its role in antiviral responses, as a transcription factor involved in the induction of Th2 responses through the promotion of pro-Th2 costimulation in CD11b+ DCs. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 137 (5 ULg) Detection and characterization of transiting hot JupitersDelrez, Laetitia Doctoral thesis (2016)Detailed reference viewed: 72 (30 ULg) Épissage alternatif des ARN pré-messagers induit par les agents chimiothérapeutiques génotoxiques: un nouveau rôle pour c-JunDeward, Adeline Doctoral thesis (2016)Detailed reference viewed: 28 (2 ULg) La viande des uns, la faune des autres. Analyse anthropologique de la conservation de la faune dans trois villages Badjoué de la zone forestière de l'Est-CamerounDieudonné, Mélodie Doctoral thesis (2016)The Cameroonian forestry and environmental policies adopted in 1994 come within the scope of a will to manage forests sustainably and to involve local populations in the management of their environment ... [more ▼]The Cameroonian forestry and environmental policies adopted in 1994 come within the scope of a will to manage forests sustainably and to involve local populations in the management of their environment. The aim of this doctoral thesis is to take an anthropological look at the wildlife conservation at the “microsociological” level of three Badjoué villages from the East region while putting these observations in the larger context of Cameroonian forest governance. In what way are wildlife community management measures appropriated, transformed and distorted by the actors? How do interactions between local populations and conservation organizations help transform local contexts and relations to wildlife? By applying an approach at the crossroads of the anthropology of conservation, the anthropology of development and an anthropology of nature which considers human-animal relations in an interactive and dynamic perspective, this thesis aims at paying a particular attention to the relations that the Badjoué of the Dja entertain with their environment, the intertwining of these relations in the local social, economic and political dynamics as well as to the evolution of these problems in the context of the community management of forest resources in Cameroon. The thesis so allows a reflection on the place of participation and local community autonomy in the management of natural resources and a questioning of the impact of coercive models on the environmental practices and conceptions. It finally raises the question of the intertwining between global environmental issues and the necessary consideration of peoples’ right to self-determination. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 84 (32 ULg) Level set optimization of bimaterial structures and microstructures considering stress and damage resistanceNoël, Lise Doctoral thesis (2016)Detailed reference viewed: 63 (33 ULg) L'apprentissage des conversations de conception. Analyse exploratoire des pratiques discursives et graphiques médiées par ordinateur.Joachim, Guillaume Doctoral thesis (2016)A large proportion of architects’ educational and professional activities take place in the form of informal and formal discussions revolving around design artefacts, such as blueprints, sketches and ... [more ▼]A large proportion of architects’ educational and professional activities take place in the form of informal and formal discussions revolving around design artefacts, such as blueprints, sketches and models. However, there has been little investigation into the multimodal resources mobilized by designers in order to collectively simulate experiments on their projects. In this thesis, we focus on remote mediated-by-computer design conversations in which architects jointly mobilise speech, inscription practices and artefacts handling for the purpose of examining how these function in the negotiation and joint development of architectural design knowledge. On the basis of a cross-cutting theoretical appraisal to the design conversation and on-field observations of remote synchronous meetings between professional designers, this exploratory study aims to describe and define the interactional processes implemented by architects in order to develop a shared reasoning on their project. The cross-disciplinary approach developed in the course of this research results in the formulation of a theoretical and analytical framework for studying the interactional organization behind jointly constructing the meaning of an architectural design. It also offers a better understanding of the fundamental links between graphical and discursive activities in communication between architects, while examining their digital mediations. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 68 (5 ULg) "Favorites of the Gods". The Seleucid Kings coping with the divine. A qualitative and quantitative approach of the numismatic evidence attesting the "discreet" divinization of the Seleucids"Iossif, Panagiotis Doctoral thesis (2016)Les Séleucides ont hérité de la plus grande partie du territoire légué par Alexandre le Grand. Leur empire, dans son extension maximale, s’étendait de la Chersonèse de Thrace à l’ouest jusqu’à la ... [more ▼]Les Séleucides ont hérité de la plus grande partie du territoire légué par Alexandre le Grand. Leur empire, dans son extension maximale, s’étendait de la Chersonèse de Thrace à l’ouest jusqu’à la Bactriane à l’est. Des études récentes ont montré que la population de l’empire a pu atteindre un maximum de 30 millions d’habitants appartenant à différents groupes ethniques et culturels. L’administration de ce vaste territoire multiethnique constituait un véritable défi pour les Séleucides. Il ne fait pas de doute que l’essentiel de leur structure administrative la plus grande part de leur structure administrative provenait directement des Achéménides, mais d’autres aspects plus innovants étaient des créations ad hoc visant à résoudre des problèmes particuliers de la Cour royale et de l’administration. Les deux premiers Séleucides, Séleucos Ier et Antiochos Ier, développèrent une politique coloniale intensive en fondant de nouvelles cités dans l’ensemble des territoires nouvellement conquis. Les nouvelles colonies visaient à marquer physiquement et idéologiquement le territoire et les populations indigènes. Certaines de ces nouvelles fondations devinrent des cités importantes de l’empire, tandis que d’autres restèrent simplement des postes militaires protégeant des zones sensibles. Parmi les premières, Séleucie du Tigre et Antioche devinrent d’importants centres urbains et sont souvent, bien que de manière incorrecte, qualifiées de « capitales ». OBJECTIFS DE LA RECHERCHE La ligne idéologique reliant les différents territoires, populations et groupes ethniques de ce vaste empire n’était autre que le roi lui-même et sa dynastie. Dans cet état de la recherche, nous avons considéré que la figure du roi séleucide était sous-étudiée et relativement marginalisée. Les récentes études ont rarement (voire jamais) posé la question du rôle de la personne royale elle-même en tant que constituant idéologique de l’empire. Son rôle vis-à-vis de et avec le divin est virtuellement ignoré, et le culte royal séleucide n’a jamais fait l’objet d’une étude approfondie. L’analyse iconographique des représentations des rois séleucides n’est jamais allée au-delà de la simple description. Pour ces raisons, dans notre thèse nous avons tenté de répondre aux questions suivantes : quel est le rôle du roi (et de la famille royale en général) dans la création idéologique de ce que nous appelons l’empire séleucide ? Comment ces rois ont-ils envisagé leur relation avec le divin ? Quels dieux ont-ils privilégiés et pour quelles raisons ? Ont-ils jamais tenté de devenir eux-mêmes des dieux, ainsi qu’on peut parfois le lire dans des manuels généraux d’histoire et d’art hellénistiques ? Quels médias les rois (et leur administration) ont-ils de préférence utilisés pour communiquer leur image ? Quels étaient les publics visés ? LA MÉTHODOLOGIE Cette étude est avant tout numismatique, iconographique et religieuse. Cela ne signifie pas que d’autres sources soient exclues de l’analyse, et nous utilisons un large éventail de données archéologiques, épigraphiques et philologiques. La méthode que nous avons adoptée pour répondre aux questions ci-dessus est simple et directe: une analyse exhaustive des données numismatiques établissant un lien entre les rois et le divin et témoignant de la position particulière de la hiérarchie entre les hommes et les dieux. Ces sources numismatiques sont analysées à la fois « quantitativement » et « qualitativement ». Dans un premier temps, nous proposons une analyse détaillée d’une série de questions numismatiques liée à la position des rois en relation avec le divin et/ou leur volonté d’établir une idéologie royale commune. L’impact de ces analyses est ensuite évalué quantitativement à partir de deux bases de données qui ont été établies spécifiquement en vue de cette recherche et se trouve in extenso dans les annexes de la thèse. La première, la « Seleucid Hoard Database » (SHD), réunit virtuellement tous les trésors séleucides, c’est-à-dire tous les trésors contenant au moins une monnaie séleucide. Les données/pièces de monnaie sont étudiées dans les moindres détails afin de permettre à la SHD d’être utilisée pour examiner un large éventail de questions telles que la « quantité relative » de monnaies portant les types d’Apollon ou de Zeus, ou celles présentant le roi avec des attributs divins. La seconde base de données, la « Seleucid Excavations Database » (SED), rassemble le matériel numismatique provenant de fouilles archéologiques et de trouvailles isolées, c’est-à-dire les monnaies trouvées dans des fouilles mais aussi celles qui sont rapportées sans contexte archéologique précis. La structure des deux bases de données est comparable et permet d’obtenir une image représentative de la production monétaire originelle des rois. Ceci dit, nous nous sommes appliqué à démontrer méthodologiquement et statistiquement la représentativité des deux bases de données. Dans ce but, nous avons essayé d’aller au-delà de la simple réunion du « maximum de données possible » afin d’obtenir un échantillon fiable. En ce sens, cette étude s’inspire de la numismatique romaine, et tout particulièrement des analyses proposées par des spécialistes de la (Grande-) Bretagne romaine STRUCTURE DE LA THÈSE La thèse est divisée en quatre parties. Dans la première, nous analysons ce que nous appelons le « contexte du culte royal », c’est-à-dire les sources archéologiques et épigraphiques témoignant d’un culte royal et/ou des relations des Séleucides avec le divin. Le premier chapitre examine les données archéologiques liées au culte royal des Séleucides: naoi (temples), temenoi (enceintes consacrées), autels ou statues des rois. Notre analyse se concentre sur les cultes offerts aux rois par les cités grecques, principalement en Asie Mineure. Le second chapitre analyse les témoignages épigraphiques du prétendu culte « étatique », c’est-à-dire de la façon dont les rois (et leur Cour) se conféraient à eux-mêmes des τιμαὶ (honneurs). Nous examinons en détail le cadre méthodologique des études antérieures concernant la distinction entre culte « civique » et « étatique » avant de nous concentrer sur les fameux prostagmata (ordonnances) de 193 av. n. è. instaurant le culte de la reine Laodicée dans les satrapies du royaume. Le dernier chapitre de la première partie propose une analyse nouvelle de la documentation babylonienne relative au culte du roi et de sa famille. Cette analyse témoigne de l’influence des pratiques grecques sur les rituels locaux en Babylonie et explique pourquoi les rois séleucides participaient activement (et parfois en personne) au festival de l’Akitu. La conclusion de cette première partie introductive est que l’association des Séleucides au divin reste discrète, tant dans les contextes grecs que dans les contextes indigènes. La seconde partie de la thèse introduit l’analyse numismatique et iconographique des données. Il faut toutefois noter que les monnaies ne sont que le point de départ d’analyses plus approfondies dès lors que l’ensemble de données disponibles sont mises à contribution. Dans cette partie nous testons notre thèse principale quant à la « discrétion » des Séleucides lorsqu’ils traitaient avec le divin. Cette thèse est mise à l’épreuve des données visuelles tout en étant discutée à la lumière d’autres sources d’information relatives au rôle du roi séleucide. L’ordre des chapitres est à la fois chronologique et thématique: le premier chapitre examine les toutes premières émissions monétaires de Séleucos Ier portant des attributs divins, i. e. les monnaies de Suse que l’on appelle communément « au trophée ». L’étude de ce monnayage produit par le fondateur de la dynastie dans un atelier monétaire important mais périphérique introduit une série de questions qui seront posées à travers la thèse : pour quelle raison les représentations du roi comportaient-elles des attributs divins ? Quelles étaient la signification et l’importance de ces attributs dans l’idéologie royale ? Comment le roi se positionnait-il en relation avec le divin au moyen de ses représentations numismatiques ? Une grande attention est portée aux détails (par exemple l’episemon du bouclier macédonien au revers, la clef pour comprendre ce monnayage), mais le problème est également envisagé sur le long terme en comparant les données des bases de données SHD et SED. Le second chapitre reste dans le domaine des cornes et introduit la politique taurine et cornue des Séleucides. Nous examinons toutes les données disponibles et arrivons, une fois de plus, à la « discrète » des Séleucides. La même conclusion est obtenue suite à l’analyse d’une petite émission d’un atelier incertain sous Séleucos Ier qui va élargir l’imagerie dionysiaque de la numismatique séleucide. Le chapitre suivant s’intéresse à la signification de l’association du roi avec la représentation d’Apollon assis sur l’omphalos, une image généralement considérée comme la marque déposée de la dynastie. Ce chapitre joue un rôle central dans notre démonstration car il se concentre sur l’ancêtre divin de la dynastie, son archégète, et sur les moyens par lesquels les Séleucides introduisirent et envisagèrent cette filiation au travers de différents médias. Même si une filiation divine semble impressionnante, les rois (et leur administration) s’en servirent d’une façon plutôt « discrète », à la fois dans les sources visuelles et épigraphiques, ce qui suggère que les implications de cette filiation divine étaient discrètes dans l’idéologie royale. Les rois apparaissent comme les « favoris » des dieux, ils sont eusebès (pieux) et jouissent de l’eunoia (bienveillance) divine; ceci est également démontré dans le chapitre suivant où nous focalisons sur un détail un peu marginal : une barbe apparaissant temporairement sur les portraits de certaines émissions monétaires. Ces séries sont liées à des vœux faits par les rois ; une fois de plus, le roi s’associe et se rattache au divin d’une façon « discrète », que nous osons aussi dire « personnelle ». Cette discrétion est aussi discutée lorsque nous considérons une série de monnaies montrant le buste royal drapé. Les chapitres précédents ont insisté sur le caractère subtil de l’association de Séleucos Ier et Antiochos II avec le divin. L’analyse de l’imagerie céleste d’Antiochos IV et de ses successeurs démontre que la situation change sous le règne de l’Epiphane. Antiochos IV s’associe en effet avec le divin d’une manière plus flagrante, usant (et abusant)des attributs divins sur ses portraits. La suite de l’étude suggère cependant que sa politique était beaucoup plus nuancée par rapport à ce qu’affirment certaines études. L’analyse de la circulation et du volume des émissions monétaires nous permettent en effet de réévaluer la politique d’Antiochos IV, et de comprendre que le roi n’était pas, après tout, moins « discret » que ses progonoi, mais qu’il tentait simplement de s’adapter au problème critique de son époque, c’est-à-dire l’arrivée d’un nouveau et important compétiteur en Méditerranée orientale, Rome. Le dernier chapitre de la seconde partie de notre thèse examine la relation des reines avec le divin au travers de l’analyse d’une émission de petits bronzes frappés dans l’est et l’ouest de l’empire. Il apparait que les reines séleucides étaient associées de manière préférentielle avec la déesse Aphrodite, une divinité autrement marginale parmi les types monétaires séleucides. Le chapitre suivant introduit la troisième partie de la thèse, laquelle correspond à l’analyse quantitative des données numismatiques (et sigillographiques). Notre analyse offre une démonstration méthodologique de la fiabilité, de l’utilité et des perspectives futures des bases de données SED et SHD. Les analyses de ces deux bases de données sont les plus détaillées possibles, car il s’agit d’une toute nouvelle méthode en numismatique grecque. C’est pourquoi les bases de données sont testées au moyen de méthodes statistiques. Cela mène l’analyse à quelques conclusions surprenantes concernant, par exemple, le volume des productions monétaires et le niveau de monétarisation des Séleucides et des Ptolémées, ou le rapport étroit observé en comparant la SED et la SHD aux plus grandes collections numismatiques du monde. En vue de ces études comparatives, plus de 25.000 pièces de monnaie appartenant à cinq collections majeures ont été examinées, ce qui donne à nos bases de données et à leur usage dans le futur un poids supplémentaire. Après la démonstration de la fiabilité des bases de données, les trois chapitres suivants se concentrent sur la question principale de la thèse: à quel point la relation des Séleucides avec le divin était-elle « discrète » ? Nous y répondons d’abord en analysant les monnaies appelées « divines », c’est-à-dire les pièces où le roi est décrit portant un ou plusieurs attributs divins. Le résultat est surprenant : pas plus de 30 pourcents des monnaies séleucides portent un type divin. Ce pourcentage est même plus faible lorsque l’on prend en considération les paramètres du métal, de la circulation et de la chronologie. En tout cas, une fois de plus, nous constatons que les Séleucides hésitèrent à s’associer au divin de manière plus ostentatoire. Ce résultat, un simple nombre, a des conséquences importantes pour la compréhension de l’idéologie royale et religieuse, et pour déterminer les publics visés par ces médias visuels. L’analyse comparative des données numismatiques et des données sigillographiques de Séleucie du Tigre sert d’étude de cas pour identifier les différentes audiences visées par les différents types de communication visuelle. Dans tous ces cas, il est évident que les rois séleucides n’affirmèrent jamais réellement un statut divin ; ils restèrent des rois eusebès, les « favoris des dieux », voulant simplement afficher soit leur piété, soit la faveur divine dont ils bénéficiaient, plutôt que leur (supposé) statut divin. L’étude comparative et diachronique des représentations d’Apollon et de Zeus montre également que les monnaies, en tant que documents officiels, étaient l’expression de politiques précises, déterminées et ciblées. L’évolution de l’iconographie numismatique de Zeus à Apollon et puis de nouveau à Zeus ne fut pas une question de goût personnel, mais l’expression visuelle de la naissance d’une dynastie et des luttes internes de cette dynastie, tout particulièrement après la défaite de Magnésie du Méandre en 189 av. n. è. Le court chapitre suivant vise à démontrer les possibilités offertes par les bases de données SED et SHD. Dans cette optique, nous avons choisi, d’une manière assez provocante, de comparer la vitesse de circulation de la monnaie dans la zone Euro et l’empire séleucide. Le résultat est surprenant mais montre clairement les nombreuses perspectives offertes par la création de grandes bases de données. Le chapitre de conclusion est consacré à ce que nous considérons comme la scène idéale pour l’étalage de la magnificence royale séleucide: la procession de Daphné organisée par Antiochos IV. L’analyse de ce cortège met en évidence la manière dont ce roi voulait être perçu par ses sujets et par les représentants étrangers (les theoroi) et désirait se positionner dans la dichotomie entre l’humain et le divin. En conclusion, dans cette thèse, nous examinons le roi séleucide face au divin en nous concentrant sur les expressions visuelles des médias produits par le roi lui-même (et son administration). C’est la démarche du sommet vers la base (top-to-bottom) qui nous intéresse. Le roi et sa Cour mirent en scène une idéologie et une politique communes : la façon dont le roi doit être vu et perçu par ses sujets et les dynasties hellénistiques rivales. Au cours de ce processus, le roi (et sa Cour et son administration) restèrent très prudents ; ils ne franchirent jamais la ligne rouge séparant les sphères humaine et divine. Ils préférèrent toujours mettre en valeur leur piété envers le divin plutôt que leur hypothétique nature divine. Les rois préférèrent afficher leur position en tant que favoris des dieux plutôt que prétendre être des dieux eux-mêmes. Il leur importait plutôt de revendiquer leur victoire (espérée ou obtenue) en exprimant leur position unique de « favoris des dieux ». C’est cela que les données numismatiques donnent à voir et c’est ce qu’Antiochos IV mit en scène lors de la procession de Daphné. La thèse porte le titre parlant de « Favoris des dieux ». La raison en est simple: être les préférés des dieux était la seule position que revendiquaient les rois séleucides. Ils étaient les fils d’Apollon, mais par-dessus tout, ils exprimaient leur piété envers le divin ; et comme ils étaient des rois pieux, ils pouvaient être les favoris des dieux. C’est là le message politique, idéologique et religieux qu’ils élaborèrent et communiquèrent. On peut observer que c’était un message plutôt subtil, discret et efficace, puisque la piété est une valeur commune à toutes les religions et que pour cette raison elle devait être comprise par les différents sujets de leur immense empire. Nous avons soutenu la thèse que le roi séleucide n’est pas dieu, que jamais il n’a souhaité exprimer sa propre divinité et/ou ne s’est présenté comme tel. Il se servait des attributs divins comme de marqueurs visuels de son eusebia, sa piété, et pour afficher sa position de « favori des dieux ». [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 27 (4 ULg) PRODUCTION D’UNE PROTEINE CD40L BOVINE RECOMBINANTE SOLUBLE : UN ADJUVANT VACCINAL POTENTIEL CONTRE LES MAMMITES A STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUSPujol, Julien Doctoral thesis (2016)Staphylococcus aureus est le principal agent responsable des mammites chroniques chez la vache laitière. Malgré les lourdes pertes économiques engendrées et les décennies de recherche sur le sujet, aucun ... [more ▼]Staphylococcus aureus est le principal agent responsable des mammites chroniques chez la vache laitière. Malgré les lourdes pertes économiques engendrées et les décennies de recherche sur le sujet, aucun vaccin réellement efficace n’a encore été mis au point. Cet échec pourrait être dû à la capacité de survie du pathogène dans les cellules épithéliales mammaires et les phagocytes, où il échappe à l’immunité humorale induite par les vaccins. Les études semblent en effet unanimes sur l’importance majeure de la réponse immune cellulaire, particulièrement la réponse cytotoxique des lymphocytes TCD8+, dans la lutte contre S. aureus. Il a par ailleurs été prouvé, chez les animaux de laboratoire comme chez l’homme, que l’administration de CD40 ligand est un moyen efficace de stimuler cette réponse. Nous avons alors produit, dans un système bactérien et dans des cellules de mammifères, plusieurs formes de CD40L recombinants bovins multimériques. Nous avons ensuite montré leur capacité à activer in vitro le récepteur CD40 de différentes cellules bovines. Enfin, nous avons observé que l’immunisation de bovins avec notre CD40L produit en bactéries, combiné à des bactérines de S. aureus, augmentait significativement le nombre et la réactivité des lymphocytes TCD4+ et TCD8+ spécifiques de celles-ci dans les noeuds lymphatiques. L’évaluation de la protection conférée par l’adjuvant GST-CD40L lors d’une infection intramammaire expérimentale a malheureusement montré l’incapacité de ce nouvel outil moléculaire à prévenir les mammites bovines à S. aureus. Il pourrait cependant rester utile au développement de stratégies vaccinales contre d’autres maladies bovines causées par S. aureus ou d’autres pathogènes intracellulaires. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 28 (6 ULg) On the GMP production of [18]FUCB-H : Imaging neurotransmissionWarnier, Corentin Doctoral thesis (2016)We herein describe the straightforward synthesis of a stable pyridyl(aryl)iodonium salt and its [18F]radiolabelling within a one-step, fully automated and cGMP compliant radi-osynthesis of [18F]UCB-H, a ... [more ▼]We herein describe the straightforward synthesis of a stable pyridyl(aryl)iodonium salt and its [18F]radiolabelling within a one-step, fully automated and cGMP compliant radi-osynthesis of [18F]UCB-H, a PET tracer for the imaging of Synaptic Vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A). Over the course of one year, 40 automated productions provided 34±2% of injectable [18F]UCB-H from up to 7.7 Ci of [18F]fluoride in 50 minutes (uncorrected radiochemical yield. Specific Activity = 22±5 Ci/µmol). The successful implementation of our synthetic strategy within routine, high-activity and cGMP productions attests to its practicality and reliability for the production of large doses of [18F]UCB-H. In addition to enabling efficient and cost-effective clinical research on a range of neurological pathologies through the imaging of SV2A, this work further demonstrates the real value of iodonium salts in the cGMP 18F-PET tracer manufacturing industry and their ability to fulfill practical and regulatory requirements in that field. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 65 (12 ULg) Mécanismes moléculaires associés à l’induction de la pathogénicité chez Streptomyces scabiesJourdan, Samuel Doctoral thesis (2016)Streptomyces are filamentous soil-dwelling bacteria that actively participate in the mineralization of dead organic matter. Members of this bacterial genus are commonly known for the plethora of secondary ... [more ▼]Streptomyces are filamentous soil-dwelling bacteria that actively participate in the mineralization of dead organic matter. Members of this bacterial genus are commonly known for the plethora of secondary metabolites of interest they secrete. Predominantly saprophytes, some Streptomyces species have been proved to be phytopathogenic. The most widespread and best characterized of these species is Streptomyces scabies which is the causative agent of the common scab disease that affects the underground organs of many plants with a preference for storage organs such as potato tubers or pivot roots (beet, turnip, carrot, etc.). Common scab is characterized by brown and corky lesions on the infected organs and causes significant economic losses around the world. The pathogenicity of S. scabies is directly related to its ability to produce the phytotoxin thaxtomin. Unveiling when, how and why S. scabies triggers the production of its phytotoxin is therefore of major interest to understand phytopathogenicity and the virulence associated with this bacteria. Previous works identified cellobiose as the main elicitor of thaxtomin production. However, no signaling pathway from the sensing of the eliciting signal to the biosynthesis of thaxtomin has been proposed so far. The aim of this work is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved in the onset of thaxtomin production in the model species S. scabies. In this work we highlighted the central role of the cellulose utilization transcriptional repressor CebR in S. scabies pathogenicity. Indeed, we showed that this regulator directly controls the expression of thaxtomin biosynthesis genes, but also the expression of genes involved in sensing, transport and catabolism of cellooligosaccharides. Together, our results allow to propose a first signaling pathway from cellooligosaccharide transport to the production of thaxtomin in S. scabies, with each step of the cascade controlled by CebR. The results obtained in the course of this thesis extended well beyond the fundamental research scope of elucidating the mechanisms associated with the onset of virulence of S. scabies. Indeed, assessed if/how our findings could propose solutions to current industrial biotechnology iapplications, i.e. i) to provide a mutant that constitutively produce thaxtomine could improve the production yields of this promising bioherbicide, and ii) to assess the enzymatic characteristics of a Beta-glucosidase of S. scabies as possible candidate in lignocellulose saccharification processes. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 60 (9 ULg) Hydrodynamics and bed stability at smooth-to-rough transitions. Experiments based on acoustic flow measurementsDuma, Diana Doctoral thesis (2016)As reflected in the scale of large contemporary hydropower schemes, flowing water may carry huge amounts of energy. If not mastered properly, this energy may cause impressive channel erosion and local ... [more ▼]As reflected in the scale of large contemporary hydropower schemes, flowing water may carry huge amounts of energy. If not mastered properly, this energy may cause impressive channel erosion and local scour. Therefore, one lasting concern in hydraulic engineering has been the stability of structures, riverbeds and riverbanks against flow erosion. Two main limitations of current understanding of riverbed and riverbank stability are highlighted: the first one is directly linked to the evaluation of the flow action, while the second one relates to the conceptual framework in which stone stability is evaluated. Since the standard approaches use the mean bed shear stress to quantify the flow forces, they may only apply under uniform flow conditions, for which the ratio of turbulence intensity to the bed shear stress remains almost constant and the influence of turbulence is therefore implicitly incorporated. For non-uniform flow, correction factors have been conventionally applied to account for the turbulence fluctuations; but this approach does not reproduce the physical influence of turbulence higher in the water column and can only be used as a rule of thumb. A new approach was initiated recently in literature. Instead of using the standard Shields parameter, it quantifies the flow forces by means of a new set of parameters which combine explicitly the velocity and turbulence distributions over a certain water depth above the riverbed, while remaining reasonably accessible for engineering applications. Next, this quantity is related to a mobility parameter, which describes the bed damage. This new approach requires additional high quality experimental data to confirm its validity for a wider range of non-uniform flow. In this research, the focus was set on a single canonical configuration, namely a smooth-to-rough transition. We take a preventive perspective by focusing on the flow and bed stability conditions before a scour hole starts to develop and we are interested in characterising the flow conditions to ensure bed stability, i.e. prevent the dislodging of bed material downstream of the structure. As a second specific objective of the thesis, we aimed at evaluating the feasibility of using acoustic techniques to properly estimate the new bed stability parameters proposed in literature in the last decade and draw conclusions on stone mobility at smooth-to-rough transitions. The experimental tests were conducted in two laboratory flumes, a horizontal bottom flume (6 m long and 15 cm wide) and a tilting flume (up to 4% slope, 20 m long and 50 cm wide), in which we measured the flow velocity at a 100 Hz frequency, using two different acoustic instruments: an Ultrasound Velocity Profiler (UVP) and a 3D Acoustic Doppler Velocity Profiler (ADVP). The measurements were done immediately downstream of the transition from smooth-to-rough. Two types of tests were undertaken. In the first type, the stones were glued with silicone on the flume bottom and velocity measurements were performed without stone motion. This enables measurements of the flow characteristics both below and above the threshold for inception of sediment motion, without perturbations induced by stone displacements. In the second type, the stones in the measurement area were laid on the bottom of the flume (i.e. not glued) and the number of entrained stones was recorded. The tests were conducted by varying (i) the grain size of the bed material (8 mm, 15 mm and 30 mm), (ii) the flow velocity (between 0.74 m/s and 1.16 m/s), (iii) the sediments density (1410 kg/m³, 1690 kg/m³ and 2650 kg/m³) and (iv) the configuration (quasi-uniform vs. smooth-to-rough transition). Indeed, for the purpose of comparison, a uniform rough bed (quasi-uniform configuration) was considered also, by replacing the smooth part of the bed with similar sediments as in the measurement area. After a specific signal processing, flow variables were derived from the measurements and were next exploited to evaluate several bed stability parameters, with the aim of correlating them with bed damage data obtained from dedicated experiments. The results showed no correlation between the bed damage and the bed shear stress or between the bed damage and flow turbulent kinetic energy. In contrast, when the flow action is described by both mean velocity and turbulence characteristics, a relative good correlation with the bed damage was observed. Nonetheless, these correlations appear only per subset of points corresponding to the same grain size and/or same material density or flume geometry. With a total of 45 hydraulic configurations for which the flow characteristics were measured and 66 (times four repetitions) tests in which the bed damage was observed, the present research ends up with a unique dataset, which may prove useful in various research such as for the validation of 2D-vertical and 3D turbulent flow and morphodynamic simulations. Another key outcome of the present doctoral research is a systematic comparison between measurements conducted with the UVP and the ADVP. The ADVP is deemed generally more accurate and reliable. Nonetheless, both instruments remain somehow complementary. We showed that, under certain conditions, the considered instruments have the potential to contribute to the assessment of bed stability in the considered configurations. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 17 (4 ULg) Monitoring of the chemical composition of comets in the framework of the TRAPPIST surveyOpitom, Cyrielle Doctoral thesis (2016)Detailed reference viewed: 34 (12 ULg) Development of alternative methods to control aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae): from wheat-pea intercropping to the use of semiochemical dispensersChevalier Mendes Lopes, Thomas Doctoral thesis (2016)Increasing the sustainability of food production is a major challenge in today’s agriculture. Several practices can be implemented to reduce the use of external inputs such as agrochemicals. In terms of ... [more ▼]Increasing the sustainability of food production is a major challenge in today’s agriculture. Several practices can be implemented to reduce the use of external inputs such as agrochemicals. In terms of insect pest control, the concept of integrated pest management (IPM) has been exploited to minimize the application of chemical insecticides. The idea is to limit pest infestations while promoting their control by natural enemies. One possibility is to increase within crops plant diversity namely by intercropping. Semiochemical dispensers may also be used to attracted natural enemies into crops. Focusing on wheat (Triticum aestivum Linnaeus), several types of intercropping can be practiced with variable effects on pests and natural enemies. This PhD thesis focuses on the potential of wheat-pea (Pisum sativum Linnaeus) intercropping as a way to reduce aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae) infestations. We firstly assessed the diversity of aphid and their parasitoid species in wheat and pea fields using yellow pan traps and in situ observations on plants. Whether several aphid species were trapped, only Sitobion avenae (Fabricius), Metopolophium dirhodum (Walker), Rhopalosiphum padi (Linnaeus) and Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris) were found on wheat tillers and pea plants respectively. Regarding parasitoids, some species can use wheat and/or pea aphids as hosts. The first Belgian parasitoid species checklist was established, with the inclusion of four Aphidiinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) and three Aphelinus (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) species as new records. In terms of abundance, we firstly compared the effect of two types of wheat-pea intercropping (mixed and alternate strip cropping) on aphids and their natural enemies with pure stands of both crops. The mixture was particularly efficient to reduce pea aphid populations, while alternate strips were more suitable for the control of wheat aphids. However, natural enemies were more abundant in the pure stands, showing that additional methods may be needed to attract them more efficiently. One possibility is the use of semiochemicals dispensers. In another field study, we combined a wheat-pea mixture with methyl salicylate (MeSA) dispensers. This substance was selected due to its known attractive effect towards some aphid beneficials. Even though adult hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae) were not particularly attracted by the mixture combined with MeSA dispensers, they may have stimulated their oviposition behaviour. Also, mummified aphids were significantly more abundant in the pure stand of pea compared with the mixture (with and without MeSA). However, parasitism rates did not differ significantly between treatments. Beneficial effects of wheat-pea intercropping were clearly demonstrated for aphid control. Other agronomic aspects make this practice particularly interesting in low-input farming systems. These are discussed, along the limitations related to the use semiochemicals in field conditions. Perspectives for further research works are also proposed. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 66 (25 ULg) Structure and Dynamics of Ge-Se Liquids and Glasses under PressureYildirim, Can Doctoral thesis (2016)Among network forming glasses, chalcogenide glasses are of great importance not only for their optoelectronic applications, but also for the network structure that displays enhanced structural variability ... [more ▼]Among network forming glasses, chalcogenide glasses are of great importance not only for their optoelectronic applications, but also for the network structure that displays enhanced structural variability due to the covalent bonding network. In this project, we study the Ge-Se binary alloy as the target system in order to investigate the structure and dynamics of the liquid and glassy phases under pressure by using a combination of ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations and X-ray scattering experiments. The wide glass forming range of the GexSe100􀀀x system allows one to tune the stiffness of the network structure by increasing the mean coordination number with the Ge content which affects the macroscopic material properties such as resistance to aging, hardness, conductivity, and fragility. In this respect, we study 10 different AIMD generated and 5 experimentally produced (i.e melt quenching) compositions spanning the flexible-to-rigid elastic phase transitions according to Maxwell’s isostatic stability criterion. As for the liquid state, after having validated the structural models by comparing the experimental findings available, we examine the dynamics of Ge-Se melts at ambient pressure. The investigations on the diffusion coefficients and viscosity at 1050 K showed clear anomalies, departing from the expectation that atomic mobility should decrease as the system becomes more and more rigid. Furthermore, the relaxation behavior at 1050 K also shows similar anomalies when intermediate scattering factors are examined at q vector corresponding to the principal peak position of the total structure factor. To elucidate this anomaly, we discuss the effect of the topological constraints on the dynamics in liquid state. The results show that the isostatic systems have slower dynamics as compared to flexible and stressed rigid phases. Moreover, we speculate that the reason of this anomaly may originate from the distribution of the topological bond bending constraints of the higher coordinated species (i.e. Ge) results. In particular, the flexible, and stressed rigid compositions showed a high variance in the Ge bond bending constraints whereas the isostatic composition forms a network in which the bond bending constraints are homogeneously distributed. We link this behavior with a global fragility concept for network forming liquids in such a way that fragility minima are obtained both by experimental findings and the calculated fragility values of the AIMD generated compositions (i.e. VFT or MYEGA fits) when scaled to the isostatic composition for a number of different systems. As for the glassy phase, the AIMD generated structural models show good agreement in both real and reciprocal space. The equation of state and normalized stress-strain curves are compared to the available experiments in order to verify the pressure behavior of the simulations. The results show a good agreement. In addition to the simulations under pressure, we show results of X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) experiments under pressure. Both simulations and the experiments show that there are no sign of crystallization during compression up to 42 GPa. One of the main important finding is the evolution of the Ge-Se bond length for the compositions studied. We observe a bond compression in the early stages of densification in the phase identified as low density amorphous (LDA), which is followed by an abrupt jump starting in pressures around 10-15 GPa, both in simulations and experiments. Furthermore, a semiconductor to metal transition is identified with the red shift in Ge K edge energy. The features of polyamorphism was also detected from the pressure evolution of the principal peak position of the structure factor which show two distinct slopes indicating different structural response to the applied pressure. In order to have a deeper understanding of the densification mechanisms, we apply neighbor analyses to our atomic trajectories and show that the tetrahedral to octahedral transformation (i.e LDA to HDA) starts to take place when the fifth and sixth neighbors effectively become the part of first shell neighbors, where the bond angles adapt themselves to 90 degrees. We furthermore speculate the effect of network rigidity of the glasses at ambient conditions onto the kinetics of the amorphous-amorphous transitions. It appears that the polyamorphic transitions are more sluggish as the network rigidity (i.e Ge content) increases. Finally we show that there is a universal threshold value in coordination change from LDA to HDA phases GexSe100􀀀x (where x 25) when scaled to reduced densities. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 71 (5 ULg) REFINEMENT OF PERI-ANAESTHESIA PRACTICES FOR LABORATORY ANIMAL CAREThomas, Aurélie Doctoral thesis (2016)Life sciences (i.e. fundamental science, translational medicine, pharmaceuticals) represent a major strategic market in Europe. The industry is highly innovative and dynamic but continues to rely on the ... [more ▼]Life sciences (i.e. fundamental science, translational medicine, pharmaceuticals) represent a major strategic market in Europe. The industry is highly innovative and dynamic but continues to rely on the use of laboratory animals to model most human diseases. Russell and Burch first enounced the principles of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement) in 1959. The 3Rs summarise the ethical compromises appended to the use of any laboratory animal for medical of scientific advancements and have as such been thoroughly quoted in all contexts relating to the use of animals in research—e.g., in laws, policies, ethical statements, textbooks. The work presented in this thesis is especially concerned with the concept of refinement, defined as “any decrease in the incidence or severity of inhumane procedures applied to those animals which still have to be used”. The control of pain and distress by appropriate use of anaesthetic and analgesic agents represents a major aspect of the refinement of research procedures. This last statement, while simple, does not fully translate into the reality of pain and distress management for laboratory animals. While anaesthesia is near-always used when indicated, chosen anaesthetic agents or inappropriate per-anaesthesia monitoring might indirectly contribute to increasing morbidity, mortality, or inter-individual variations. An inevitable consequence is an increase in the required sample size, contradicting the principle of reduction. Additionally, only a minority of small mammals receives appropriate analgesia after experimental surgical procedures. Pain, or the lack of standard pain relief strategy would further exacerbate unwanted variations between subjects. Perceived technical difficulties, fear of unwanted interactions of anaesthetic and analgesic agents with the primary aims of the procedure, and failure to identify animals in pain are commonly quoted to justify such sub-optimal refinement of scientific procedures. The objectives of the present thesis were to: (1) Describe the impact of non-binding guidelines on peri-anaesthesia practices in laboratory animal care; (2) Document the practicality and efficiency of refined anaesthesia, analgesia and euthanasia techniques routinely performed in laboratory animal procedures; (3) Contribute to the development of a pain assessment method for laboratory animals. The scientific contributions from this thesis are:  Non-binding guidelines such as the Stroke Therapy Academic Industry Roundtable (STAIR) guidelines did not succeed in changing peri-anaesthesia practice in rat stroke models.  The vast majority of rats undergoing surgery for cerebral ischemia models are not intubated or mechanically ventilated. Abstract of the thesis 10  Endotracheal intubation of small mammals such as marmosets is straightforward and can be performed with readily available materials (over-the-needle catheter and Silastic tubing); it should be part of standard anaesthetic care.  When concerns surround the use of systemic opioids for analgesia, the intrathecal route could be considered in rodents. Transcutaneous administration of morphine (L6-S1) is easily performed (82% success at 1st attempt) in anaesthetised rats using cheap and readily-available material (hypodermic 25G needle and syringe), and provides analgesia for up to 8 h (acute surgical pain).  Adding N2O to a rising concentration of CO2 (60 % and 20 % of the chamber volume per minute) shortens the time to loss of consciousness by 10 % in mice being euthanised, without any behavioural sign of distress. Nitrous oxide may therefore reduce the duration of any stress or distress to which mice are exposed during euthanasia.  Rabbits experience pain during the tattooing process. Variation of facial expressions can be used as a means to identify acute pain in rabbits using a Rabbit Grimace Scale. The refinement of peri-anaesthesia techniques is both possible and effective (Studies II-VI), and their impact on the welfare and quality of life of laboratory animals is discussed. Given that attempts to improve animal welfare by merely adopting legislation and guidelines (Study I), and hoping for their implementation at a scientific level have only returned disappointing results, other approaches are further discussed as perpective for future refinement of laboratory animal use. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 28 (14 ULg) Synthesis of poly(ionic liquid)-type nanogels, by cobalt-mediated radical cross-linking copolymerization for coating applicationsWeiss-Maurin, Mathilde Doctoral thesis (2016)To answer the increasing demand for long-lasting antibacterial polymeric coatings, this thesis explores a straightforward synthetic approach to cationically charged nanogels by cobalt-mediated radical ... [more ▼]To answer the increasing demand for long-lasting antibacterial polymeric coatings, this thesis explores a straightforward synthetic approach to cationically charged nanogels by cobalt-mediated radical cross-linking copolymerization (CMRCcP), thus expanding previous works on the cobalt-mediated radical polymerization of poly(ionic liquid)s, or PILs. This method involves a vinyl monomer and a divinyl cross-linker, in presence of a complex of Cobalt(III) playing the role of both the initiator and the controlling agent. The syntheses of globular nanogels were first investigated under mild conditions, using a mono- and a divinyl co-monomer with similar reactivities. CMRCcP was implemented on either neutral (vinyl acetate (VAc) and divinyl adipate (DVA)) co-monomers, or hydrophilic (bromide-containing) ionic liquid co-monomers. Control over each polymerization was ascertained, and dormant cobalt-carbon chain-ends could be re-activated to form “second-generation” nanogels. CMRCcP of N-vinyl-3-ethyl imidazolium bromide (VEtImBr) and 1,13-divinyl-3-decyl diimidazolium bromide (DVImBr) was achieved in water at 30 °C, leading to hydrophilic poly(VEtImBr-co-DVImBr) nanogels. The antibacterial activity of these cross-linked structures was investigated, and an effect of architecture is detected. The hydrophobic pendants of these PIL-based nanogels were synthesized via direct CMRCcP in ethyl acetate, using bis(trifluromethanesulfonyl)imide (NTf2-) counter anions. An array of these poly(VEtImNTf2-co-DVImNTf2) nanogels was then investigated as possible coatings for porous patterned surfaces. Thin films of hydrophobic PIL-based nanogels were also evaluated in ionic conductivity tests. “Second-generation” nanogels exhibited better ionic conductivity, and were able to form better organized porous patterned surfaces than “first-generation” nanogels. Different cross-linked architecture were approached, using a mono- and a divinyl co-monomers of completely different reactivities: synthesizing poly(VEtImBr-co-DVA) nanogels met limited success, while copolymerizing VAc and DVImBr yielded too low conversion. A two-step arm-first process was implemented to form star-like poly(VEtImNTf2-co-DVImNTf2) nanogels with PVAc arms. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 48 (9 ULg) Dealing with storm impacts on the forest sector through integrated and systemic approaches at the regional levelRiguelle, Simon Doctoral thesis (2016)Wind is one the most damaging natural hazard that forests are facing worldwide and in Europe. Destructive storms lead to severe forest damage and consequently cause disruptions in daily forest management ... [more ▼]Wind is one the most damaging natural hazard that forests are facing worldwide and in Europe. Destructive storms lead to severe forest damage and consequently cause disruptions in daily forest management and timber supply chains. Major dysfunctions can happen at each step of forest-wood chains and at each level of management, leading to huge economic losses and long-lasting crises within public organisations and private companies. In this context, the first part of this work aims at handling those complex and multi-facetted storm-related issues with new approaches in order to mitigate economic, environmental and societal impacts of storms on the forest-based sector. In a first step, an overview of risk management practices in forestry is presented, as well as major determinants of storm damage risk management. SWOT analyses are also used for highlighting main issues and opportunities in current windthrow management process. In a second step, an integrated framework is proposed for tackling those strategic issues and seizing opportunities arising from the uncertain decision-making context. A systemic perspective is also presented for managing storm damage risk at regional, national or supranational level with a holistic perspective. In regards to those original approaches, the thesis also highlights some of the crucial challenges public authorities might address for enhancing their affectivity in this process. In the second part of the manuscript, three particular aspects of storm damage management are considered: contingency planning, the development of decision-supporting tools for the forest community, and timber storage planning at the regional level. Those topics are illustrated by case studies taking place in Wallonia, Belgium. In particular, the development of a model-based decision support system (DSS) illustrate how systemic analysis can help on the one hand designing balanced strategies for the regional forest-based sector in case of severe wind damage and on the other hand identifying bottlenecks that should be solved before the next huge storm to enhance systemic resilience and resistance. Regarding timber conservation, a GIS-based methodology for locating optimal areas for sprinkling storage at the regional scale is presented, together with an applied study on the influence of anaerobic storage process on the quality of spruce logs. From a wider perspective, this thesis reveals that taking decision under uncertainty will remain a key challenge to address in forestry, especially in the context of climatic change. However, original methodologies focusing on systemic and integrated risk management approaches can help in this effort. Finally, the work emphasises the urgent need of effective risk management policies at regional, national, and international levels to guide researchers, forest managers and industrials. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 60 (8 ULg) Development and validation of analytical methods for quantifying isoflavones and equol in biological matricesDaems, Frédéric Doctoral thesis (2016)Isoflavones are natural plant substances that attract widespread interest because of their association with a large variety of beneficial effects on human health. When they are ingested by animals or ... [more ▼]Isoflavones are natural plant substances that attract widespread interest because of their association with a large variety of beneficial effects on human health. When they are ingested by animals or humans, most of these compounds are metabolized by bacteria present in the digestive system. Among the isoflavone microbial metabolites, equol is probably the most widely studied because it seems to have numerous health benefits. In the human population, however, not everyone is able to produce equol. Equol enrichment of some food, such as cow's milk, could be an alternative strategy for making equol’s health benefits available to everyone. The main objective of the present thesis was to develop analytical tools for quantifying these compounds in several biological matrices, thus contributing to the feasibility study being conducted on producing milk naturally enriched with equol. For this purpose, four analytical procedures, using ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC®-MS/MS), were developed and fully validated. The analytical tools were then applied successfully in two original exploratory studies that sought to quantify equol concentrations in commercial cow's milk in Belgium and study the evolution of isoflavone concentration in red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) silage in laboratory-scale silos. This thesis describes new and reliable analytical tools that will help to improve current knowledge about the feasibility of producing cow's milk naturally enriched with equol and to study isoflavone metabolization in dairy cow. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 79 (6 ULg) Performance de l'indicateur Azote Potentiellement Lessivable pour l'évaluation de la gestion du nitrate en agriculture et du risque pour la qualité de l’eauVandenberghe, Christophe Doctoral thesis (2016)Since the end of last century, the nitrate concentration in groundwater has steadily increased in Wallonia as in other parts of Europe, particularly in regions where agriculture is intensively practised ... [more ▼]Since the end of last century, the nitrate concentration in groundwater has steadily increased in Wallonia as in other parts of Europe, particularly in regions where agriculture is intensively practised. In response to this, Europe developed a ' Nitrates ' directive in 1991 that each member state had to transcribe in its legislation. In the Walloon region, the transcription took the form of a Sustainable Nitrogen Management Program (PGDA). This program provides among others control of farms through the analysis of nitrate nitrogen soil residue, in autumn, the beginning of the leaching period of nitrate. This measure is commonly referred to as APL for ‘Potentially Leachable Nitrogen’. The results are assessed by comparison to references established annually based on observations in plots where PGDA is applied and where fertilization recommendations are based on nitrogen balance. In case of non -compliance, the farmer has to follow an observation program, or even to pay a fine. The aim of the thesis is to evaluate the performance of the APL as agronomic (nitrogen management) and environmental indicator (risk to groundwater quality). On the agronomic side, through experimentations or treatment of field APL controls, it has been demonstrated that the indicator was well correlated with fertilization practices and intercrop management. The performance of the indicator has been validated. Some uncertainty factors (intra-plot variability, temporal variability, bulk density, stone content) were quantified. Finally, the influence of soil physicochemical properties on the APL was studied and discussed. The performance of the APL control was also discussed and improvements to regulation have been proposed. On the environmental side, through observations made during a decade in plots equipped with a lysimiter or in a small watershed, the dependence of the nitrate concentration in water (at the base of the root zone or in aquifer) to the APL has been demonstrated. It therefore appears that the APL can be used to firstly assess the reality of the sustainable nitrogen management in controlled farms and also to validate or, if necessary, complete the PGDA to make it more efficient for water quality preservation / restoration. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 90 (18 ULg) Radiosynthesis and preclinical development of [18F]labeled tryptophan for human indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase PET imagingHenrottin, Jean Doctoral thesis (2016)Nowadays, Cancer is probably the global incidence disease which is the most widespread, the most varied, still constantly rising and that can affect all levels and social classes of the population. Its ... [more ▼]Nowadays, Cancer is probably the global incidence disease which is the most widespread, the most varied, still constantly rising and that can affect all levels and social classes of the population. Its treatment and care of patients suffering from this disease made it undoubtedly a crucial medical and scientific challenge, but also and above all, a major political, economical and social challenge for the coming years. Since its early detection often leads to a positive prognostic for the future of the patient, numerous methods are currently being developed to make easier its screening and improve its treatment. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is one of the best techniques used to diagnose and bring out the presence of tumor cells, but also to study enzymatic activities within them, allowing therefore the prescription of a more adequate treatment and better tailored to each individual patient. That’s in this spirit that a novel specific radiotracer of the human indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase enzyme (hIDO) has been developed during this PhD thesis. This enzyme, highly expressed in numerous human tumors, is also currently subject to the development of various inhibitors. This report presents the development of N1-(2-[18F]fluoroethyl)-L-tryptophan (1-[18F]FE-L-Trp), a novel PET radiotracer derived from L-tryptophan and bearing a radioactive atom of fluorine-18 ([18F]F). This “story” starts with the synthesis of this compound and its selection as a specific substrate of hIDO among several potential candidates, and continues until its in vivo PET imaging on mice, while including also its enantiomerically pure and automated radiosynthesis, and numerous in vitro enzymatic and cellular assays, demonstrating the properties and the characteristics (specificity and selectivity) of this radiotracer with respect to hIDO. According to this study, in vitro cellular uptake have demonstrated that 1-[18F]FE-L-Trp is a radiotracer of choice to facilitate the development and the preclinical validation of novel potential inhibitors of hIDO (e.g. 1-methyl-L-tryptophan). Additionally, some in vivo PET imaging on mice bearing one tumor in each flank have shown that this radiotracer allows the in vivo detection of tumors expressing this enzyme. Nevertheless, in the conditions tested until now, only very small preferential uptake was observed with this radiotracer, in hIDO expressing tumors as compared to hTDO and control tumors. As a result, this radiotracer cannot be yet considered as a PET contrast agent in this animal model. Therefore, further additional investigation will be required to understand and characterize this animal model, to improve these in vivo results, and finally reach this objective. However, this PhD research constitutes the first step towards the preclinical development of radiopharmaceutical compounds allowing the molecular cancer imaging through the intermediary of hIDO enzyme. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 35 (8 ULg) Monitoring water and pollutant leaching at an industrial site using geophysics and a vadose zone monitoring system.Fernandez de Vera, Natalia Doctoral thesis (2016)The development of protection and remediation plans for contaminated soil and groundwater require a detailed understanding of water flow dynamics and contaminant distribution in the subsurface. However ... [more ▼]The development of protection and remediation plans for contaminated soil and groundwater require a detailed understanding of water flow dynamics and contaminant distribution in the subsurface. However, the retrieval of such information across the vadose zone is challenging, as most field technologies have limited accessibility beyond the first meters of subsoil and industrial environments pose additional technical difficulties for installation. The research presented here aims to provide effective in situ characterization tools that are capable of providing information about water flow dynamics, contaminant distribution and chemistry across the vadose zone of industrial contaminated sites. The Vadose Zone Monitoring System (VMS) was selected in conjunction with geophysical methods (Electrical Resistivity Tomography), given their adaptability for installation in polluted industrial sites. The VMS allows retrieval of in situ continuous hydraulic and chemical information of infiltrated water at different depths of the vadose zone through customized sensors installed in a slanted borehole. The spatial resolution of the subsurface is improved with geophysical methods, which are used to characterize structural heterogeneities in the subsurface and the spatial distribution of solutes therein. The setup containing both the VMS and a geophysical system was installed at a former industrial contaminated site in the west of Belgium. Soil and groundwater at the study site are contaminated with heavy metals, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) and inorganic contaminants, among others. Upon installation, the site was monitored under natural recharge conditions. Results from water content sensors installed in the VMS reveal quick rises in water content as a response to rainfall events to depths reaching 3.65m. From such water fluctuations, macropore, micropore, matrix and preferential flow mechanisms are identified. At greater depths, slower flow dynamics and matrix mechanisms are dominant. Results from sampled waters across the vadose zone reveal the existence of two predominant chemical facies at different depths, which are related with water infiltration flow mechanisms. Ni is identified as the main contaminant that is leaching across the vadose zone. Subsequent to such initial monitoring period, a saline tracer test was infiltrated on site and monitored via surface, cross-borehole ERT methods and the VMS to simulate the transport of a contaminant across the vadose zone. Results from a short term monitoring period (5 days) reveal the formation of a plume in the first meter of the subsurface. Slow vertical flow through matrix is found to be dominant. Measurements carried out 105 days after tracer infiltration vertical transport of the tracer towards depths that reached 4m. Results obtained from the VMS indicate that the tracer has reached such depths through the activation of matrix and fracture flow mechanisms following frequent rainfall episodes. The implementation of the setup has provided detailed information about water flow dynamics and chemistry across the vadose zone, as well as the spatial characterization of structures and tracer distribution in the subsurface. From such outcome, it can be concluded that this setup could be used to improve site conceptual models which are essential for developing risk assessments and remediation plans. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 36 (12 ULg) Mix and match: Essays on collective dynamics in nascent social entrepreneurshipDufays, Frédéric Doctoral thesis (2016)Social entrepreneurship is increasingly recognized both in research and practice as a form of entrepreneurship that is inherently hybrid as it combines a social-welfare logic with a commercial logic at ... [more ▼]Social entrepreneurship is increasingly recognized both in research and practice as a form of entrepreneurship that is inherently hybrid as it combines a social-welfare logic with a commercial logic at its core. Collective dynamics, whether they point at an networked individual or a team, appear particularly salient both in the discourse on social entrepreneurship and in its practice. These would constitute a distinguishing feature of social entrepreneurship, which this dissertation examines through a set of four related research papers. First, social entrepreneurship as generically collective is taken as a starting point to review the literature. In particular, it identifies how the social network concept is used in relation to social entrepreneurship and develops research proposals aiming to explain social entrepreneurship emergence through this lens. Considering the entrepreneurial team as a crystallized social network that allows for bridging distinct logics constitutes one of these proposals, which is further explored in the second paper. Grounded in institutional theory, it develops a processual model describing how hybridity emerges and sustains throughout the entrepreneurial process and suggests that the entrepreneurial team may be a carrier of hybridity. The empirical part of the dissertation examines particular moments of this process. The third paper questions the collective dimension by seeking individuals’ meanings of entrepreneuring in team in the context of social entrepreneurship. Located a bit further in time in the entrepreneurial process, the fourth paper looks at organizational tensions in social entrepreneurial teams and nascent social enterprises and seeks to portray the manifestations of hybridity. Overall, this dissertation contributes to institutional theory by exploring the emergence of hybrid organizations; to team entrepreneurship literature by unravelling its antecedents and by explaining tensions in a context of institutional complexity; and to knowledge on social entrepreneurship by examining its collective dynamics at the early stages of the process. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 134 (21 ULg) Methods and models for brain connectivity assessment across levels of consciousnessAmico, Enrico Doctoral thesis (2016)The human brain is one of the most complex and fascinating systems in nature. In the last decades, two events have boosted the investigation of its functional and structural properties. Firstly, the ... [more ▼]The human brain is one of the most complex and fascinating systems in nature. In the last decades, two events have boosted the investigation of its functional and structural properties. Firstly, the emergence of novel noninvasive neuroimaging modalities, which helped improving the spatial and temporal resolution of the data collected from in vivo human brains. Secondly, the development of advanced mathematical tools in network science and graph theory, which has recently translated into modeling the human brain as a network, giving rise to the area of research so called Brain Connectivity or Connectomics. In brain network models, nodes correspond to gray-matter regions (based on functional or structural, atlas-based parcellations that constitute a partition), while links or edges correspond either to structural connections as modeled based on white matter fiber-tracts or to the functional coupling between brain regions by computing statistical dependencies between measured brain activity from different nodes. Indeed, the network approach for studying the brain has several advantages: 1) it eases the study of collective behaviors and interactions between regions; 2) allows to map and study quantitative properties of its anatomical pathways; 3) gives measures to quantify integration and segregation of information processes in the brain, and the flow (i.e. the interacting dynamics) between different cortical and sub-cortical regions. The main contribution of my PhD work was indeed to develop and implement new models and methods for brain connectivity assessment in the human brain, having as primary application the analysis of neuroimaging data coming from subjects at different levels of consciousness. I have here applied these methods to investigate changes in levels of consciousness, from normal wakefulness (healthy human brains) or drug-induced unconsciousness (i.e. anesthesia) to pathological (i.e. patients with disorders of consciousness). [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 33 (1 ULg) L'injonction de payerBerthe, Aude Doctoral thesis (2016)Detailed reference viewed: 19 (5 ULg) Professionalization of Human Resource Management in Social EnterprisesMoreau, Charlotte Doctoral thesis (2016)Social enterprises put the human being at the heart of their functioning. But managing human beings, and consequently managing human resources, remains poorly developed and studied in social enterprises ... [more ▼]Social enterprises put the human being at the heart of their functioning. But managing human beings, and consequently managing human resources, remains poorly developed and studied in social enterprises. However, the social enterprise sector is currently undergoing important changes: increased complexity of legal and institutional frameworks; focus on impact evaluation; transformation of public funding schemes; increased competition, etc. Those evolutions question the functioning of social enterprises and strongly impact their human resource management (HRM) practices. A movement towards professionalization of social enterprises is observed. In this doctoral thesis, we focus on the topic of HRM professionalization in social enterprises. First, we clarified our understanding of the black box of professionalization. We developed a conceptual model composed of three dimensions, the HR tools, the HR function and the HR philosophy, which together allowed apprehending HRM professionalization. Then, the data collection was achieved through a methodology mixing quantitative and qualitative approaches. Indeed, a large quantitative survey was conducted by sending a questionnaire to the Belgian French-speaking social enterprises working with at least ten workers. In parallel, in-depth case studies were performed in four voluntary very different social enterprises, as the objective was to observe the diversity of the HR practices. The results of those mixed-methodologies offer a wealth of learning opportunities and allow for a better apprehension of HRM and its evolution in social enterprises. An important diversity in the HR practices is observed. A certain level of formalization has to be highlighted but the real stakes lay elsewhere. The deeper issues in terms of HRM professionalization occur around the HR function, i.e. the roles of the HR actors, but above all around the philosophy underlying the HR evolutions. Indeed, social enterprises seem constructed, even implicitly, around a critical choice that impacts the whole organization and its functioning. That critical choice can be conceived as the internal concretization of the organization’s larger mission and is thus specific to each social enterprise. The paths of HRM professionalization and its different dimensions are strongly influenced by these critical choices. In social enterprises, the critical choices act as a filter toward the potential external pressures. Furthermore, critical choices are the results of an evolving compromise between different logics. If new logics arise, the critical choice is challenged, leading to strong questionings of HR issues among others. Critical choices are subject to an important legitimization and power stakes between the actors. Finally, these different elements let us think that the classic perspectives on HRM (universalistic, contingency and configurational) are hardly appropriate here. Consequently, we offer a new approach, a “processual” perspective to study the paths of HRM professionalization by considering the contexts surrounding the social enterprise, their internal characteristics, the power stakes around those questions and the evolution of all these elements through time. The contributions of this work include the “processual” approach, the conceptual model or the analysis of a poorly studied phenomenon. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 106 (45 ULg) Dynamics of ligands on gold surface to obtain Janus nanoclusters: A theoretical and experimental investigationLugo Preciado, Jesús Gustavo Doctoral thesis (2016)We performed a joint computational – experimental investigation of the dynamics of ligand exchange on gold nanoclusters (GNC) surface with the aim to understand how to control the structural and optical ... [more ▼]We performed a joint computational – experimental investigation of the dynamics of ligand exchange on gold nanoclusters (GNC) surface with the aim to understand how to control the structural and optical properties of GNC through the design of their ligand shell. Our computational studies were carried out in the framework of the Kohn – Sham implementation of density functional theory in quantum chemistry. We analyzed the main features of UV – Vis spectra computed at the TD – DFT / CAM – B3LYP level for the Au13, Au25, and Au28 metallic cores protected by thiolate, chloride, and phosphine ligands. Our results show that it is possible to tune the energy of the lowest absorption band of gold clusters by ligand shell engineering in order to control the charge redistribution between ligand shell and metallic core. In parallel we synthesized a set of Au25(ATP)x(TP)18 – x clusters with different ATP/TP ratios using an adapted Demessence protocol by combining 4ATP (4 – aminothiophenol) and TP (thiophenol) ligands. ESI – MS measurements evidence that for these mixed ligand shells the Au25 nuclearity is preserved. However, the addition of the DDT (1 – dodecanethiol) ligand in the mixture leads to nanoparticle formation. FT – IR spectroscopy confirms the absorption of two different ligands on the gold surface and SAXS shows that we have a good correlation between the distance between two clusters and the length of the ligand protecting them. Furthermore, we collaborated with the Institut Charles Gerhardt in the Université de Montpellier, France whose experimental results show that several n – heterocyclic carbenes (NHC) bearing different groups on the N atoms exhibit similar reactivity when protecting a gold nanosurface. The formation of the bis(NHC) AuI gold complexes is evidenced by 13C NMR. In order to complement and interpret the experimental results, we carried out a computational study of the adsorption of a single NHC on Au38 which acts as a model for the gold surface, as well as of the fully NHC ligated Au38 cluster. The joint experimental – theoretical study, in particular the comparison between computed and 13C NMR spectra allows proposing a possible mechanism explaining the formation of [NHC – Au – NHC]+ complexes and the erosion experienced by the nanoparticle. Finally, we carried out a comparison of the mode of binding and the structural and optical properties of the fully ligated PH3 and NHC GNC with metallic cores of different nuclearities. Our computations show that the Au – P bond is weaker than the Au – NHC one. Additionally, our study confirms that the ligand – to – metal charge transfer is an important parameter for understanding the electronic transitions and the UV – Vis spectra in these clusters. Our computations on the PH3 – Au38 set of complexes show that there is a site selectivity for the reactivity for the PH3 interacting on the Au38 surface which allows predicting where the PH3 is likely to be adsorbed. This selectivity is not observed in the case of the binding of a single NHC ligand on the surface of the Au38 cluster. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 38 (5 ULg) Caractérisation multiscalaire de contaminations en éléments traces dans les sols : distribution spatiale et verticale, évaluation du transfert sol-plante-vers de terre et gestion potentielle par amendements organiquesLiénard, Amandine Doctoral thesis (2016)Human economic and technological development has a negative impact on the environment. The soil is not spared from this growing threat through its role in the environmental interface. Once degraded as a ... [more ▼]Human economic and technological development has a negative impact on the environment. The soil is not spared from this growing threat through its role in the environmental interface. Once degraded as a result of contamination, it can no longer fulfill its ecosystem functions such as the protection of ecosystems, food production or preservation of the quality of surface water and groundwater. The studies presented in the thesis are on soil contaminated by atmospheric fallouts enriched by trace elements. This type of contamination increases the natural levels of contaminants in soils and particularly in surface horizons to exceed the maximum levels set by legislation. The first axe of research concerns the assessment of contamination at a landscape scale around a former zinc-lead ore-treatment plant. The spatial distribution of cadmium, lead and zinc in the topsoil (0-20 cm) was characterized using 247 samples taken in crop, grassland and forest on three major types of loam soils representative of the study area Sclaigneaux (Wallonia, Belgium). The distribution of contaminants is explained by the distance to the source of contamination, direction of dominant winds, land use and soil type. Subsequently, 22 soil profiles were sampled within the study area to estimate the vertical transfer of contaminants. Based on various indexes of contamination, no migration along the profiles has been demonstrated. Only some more clay horizons presented contaminant levels that increased relative to their upper horizons. The second approach studied the soil-plant transfer and soil-plant-worm transfer of contaminants. First, a field study of the quality of grains of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) harvested in the study area Sclaigneaux was performed. It appears that the concentration of cadmium in the grain meets quality standards for placing the cereals on the market. However, 78% and 94% of zinc and cadmium, respectively, concentrations measured in grains exceed the expected levels of a non-impacted environment by human activity. Secondly, a study on microcosms was conducted with soils of agricultural parcels around Sclaigneaux on which two crops (faba bean, Vicia faba L. and corn, Zea mays L.) were grown and where earthworms (Eisenia fetida (Savigny)) were introduced. The life traits of E. fetida such as mortality and adult weight were not affected by the levels of contaminants unlike the presence of plants which limit their reproduction (weight and number of cocoons). Moreover, the presence of E. fetida in microcosms influenced the mobility and bioavailability of contaminants. The third approach deals with metal contaminations in vegetable gardens and their management using organic amendments. This method of stabilization aims to decrease the labile fraction of soil contaminants and further reduce their transfer to plants. To do so, two vegetables (spinach, Spinacia oleracea L. and lettuce, Lactuca sativa L.) were grown on contaminated garden soils enriched in various amendments sold in garden centers. The major finding of this study is that management by amendments does not allow a systematic decrease in the soluble fraction contaminants. This is mainly due to the direct intake of rapidly mobilized trace elements produced by the addition of some of the studied amendments. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 108 (14 ULg) Les dépôts sédimentaires de la Formation de Lukeino, enregistreurs des fluctuations environnementales, associées aux premiers hominidés est-africains (Collines Tugen, Rift Gregory, Kenya)Dericquebourg, Perrine Doctoral thesis (2016)Detailed reference viewed: 21 (2 ULg) ETUDE FONCTIONNELLE DES FACTEURS D’ÉPISSAGE SR D’ARABIDOPSIS THALIANAStankovic, Nancy Doctoral thesis (2016)Dans ce travail, nous avons montré que la protéine RSZ22, est une protéine hautement dynamique. Cette protéine fait partie de la sous-famille des protéines RSZ d’Arabidopsis et est l’homologue de la ... [more ▼]Dans ce travail, nous avons montré que la protéine RSZ22, est une protéine hautement dynamique. Cette protéine fait partie de la sous-famille des protéines RSZ d’Arabidopsis et est l’homologue de la protéine SRSF7 humaine. Elle possède un domaine RRM, un domaine RS et entre les deux un domaine de liaison au RNA Zn-knuckle de type CCHC. L’utilisation des approches de FRAP (Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching) et de FLIP (Fluorescence Loss In Photobleaching) ont permis d’étudier la dynamique de cette protéine mais aussi sa capacité de navette entre le noyau et le cytoplasme comme son homologue humain SRSF7. Ces études ont été réalisées avec RSZ22 fusionnée à la GFP et surexprimée transitoirement dans des cellules foliaires mais aussi en transformation stable chez Arabidopsis (Rausin et al., 2010; Tillemans et al., 2006). Dans cette étude, nous avons montré que RSZ22, comme les protéines de la famille SR, est une protéine navette. Par analyses de FLIP-shuttling nous avons pu établir des cinétiques d'exportation et confirmer que les protéines SR végétales utilisent le récepteur CRM1/XPO1 comme voie d’exportation. Sa mobilité dépend du niveau de phosphorylation et de la concentration en ATP de la cellule. La complémentarité des techniques de surexpression en transformation transitoire et de l’expression stable ayant été démontrée (Rausin et al., 2010), nous nous y sommes référés pour notre étude de dynamique des protéines nucléaires. Nous avons également cherché à évaluer les rôles des domaines d’accrochage au RNA de RSZ22 dans sa localisation et sa dynamique. Par mutagenèse dirigée, nous avons modifié les acides aminés conservés connus pour jouer un rôle dans les interactions avec le RNA (Clery et al., 2008; Hargous et al., 2006; Lunde et al., 2007; Maris et al., 2005; Phelan et al., 2012). Nos résultats montrent que les domaines Zn-knuckle et RRM fonctionnels ne sont pas nécessaires à la localisation nucléaire de la protéine RSZ22, ni à sa localisation en speckles. La dynamique nucléocytoplasmique de la protéine RSZ22 n’est pas altérée par la mutation des motifs Zn-knuckle et RNP1. Cependant, les protéines mutées de RSZ22 répondent différemment aux traitements par la LMB. En effet, celles-ci ne sont plus « retenues » dans le noyau après un tel traitement et continuent d’être exportées vers le cytoplasme. Sachant que la LMB est un inhibiteur spécifique de la voie CRM1/XPO1, ce dernier récepteur est impliqué dans l’exportation des protéines SR en interaction avec le RNA (Williams et al., 2008). Dans la suite des recherches réalisées au sein du laboratoire, nous avons étudié la dynamique nucléo-cytoplasmique des protéines SR, en étudiant la sous-famille SRSF1-like. Chez Arabidopsis thaliana, cette famille se compose des protéines SR34, SR34a, SR34b et SR30 et possède deux domaines RRM et un domaine RS. Comme RSZ22, SR34 et SR34a font la navette entre le noyau et le cytoplasme. Nous formulons ainsi l’hypothèse que comme son homologue humain SRSF1, SR34 pourrait être impliquée dans l’exportation du mRNA vers le cytoplasme. Nous avons analysé les rôles des différents domaines de SR34 par mutagénèse dirigée. Nous avons montré que le domaine RS de la protéine SR34 est nécessaire pour la localisation nucléaire et la stabilité de la protéine. Les motifs de liaison au RNA sont impliqués dans l’exportation de SR34 par la voie CRM1/XPO1. Par la technique du double hybride en levure, une interaction entre SR34 et SR45 a pu être mise en évidence et confirmée par FLIM-FRET (Fluorescence-Lifetime Imaging Microscopy - Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfert). L’analyse des interactions entre SR45 et les protéines SR34 mutantes montre l’importance des différents domaines de la protéine dans les interactions protéine-protéine. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 31 (6 ULg) Caractérisation biochimique et structurale des tagatose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolases de classe I d’origine procaryotiqueFreichels, Régine Doctoral thesis (2016)La réaction d’addition catalysée par la D-tagatose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase (TBPA) de classe I n’est pas spécifique. A partir du dihydroxyacétone phosphate et du D-glycéraldéhyde-3-phosphate, la TBPA ... [more ▼]La réaction d’addition catalysée par la D-tagatose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase (TBPA) de classe I n’est pas spécifique. A partir du dihydroxyacétone phosphate et du D-glycéraldéhyde-3-phosphate, la TBPA génère quatre D-cétohexoses-1,6-bisphosphate qui diffèrent au niveau des carbones 3 et 4 : D-tagatose-1,6-bisphosphate, D-fructose-1,6-bisphosphate, D-psicose-1,6-bisphosphate et D-sorbose-1,6-bisphosphate. Dans le cadre de ce travail, nous contribuons à la compréhension du contrôle stéréochimique de cette enzyme en identifiant des acides aminés impliqués dans sa spécificité. Pour ce faire, une analyse in silico a été réalisée afin de sélectionner des TBPA présentant des particularités dans le site actif. Des alignements de séquences montrent que la lysine à la position 125, décrite comme importante pour la catalyse, est remplacée par une arginine dans une seule TBPA : celle de Streptococcus porcinus. Les paramètres cinétiques révèlent que cette arginine entraine un changement de spécificité en faveur du D-tagatose-1,6-bisphosphate alors que la lysine correspondante est importante pour une spécificité élargie. Cependant, l’arginine diminue fortement l’activité de clivage et de formation des D-cétohexoses-1,6-bisphosphate. La détermination de la structure par cristallographie des rayons-X aide à comprendre le rôle de l’arginine dans la TBPA de S. porcinus. Finalement, des études HPLC révèlent que toutes les TBPA synthétisent principalement du D-tagatose-1,6-bisphosphate et du D-fructose-1,6-bisphosphate. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 31 (9 ULg) Brain connectivity and sensory stimulation in disorders of consciousnessHeine, Lizette Doctoral thesis (2016)This thesis explores brain connectivity and sensory stimulation in patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC). These are serious conditions where massive brain damage can lead to a dissociation ... [more ▼]This thesis explores brain connectivity and sensory stimulation in patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC). These are serious conditions where massive brain damage can lead to a dissociation between arousal and awareness (e.g., UWS and MCS). Part I explores brain connectivity. We highlight that brain function and structure are intimately related to each other, and to consciousness. The decrease in brain function can be used to distinguish between the clinically indicated states of consciousness. Part II evaluates passive sensory stimulations. Preferred stimuli may have the power to momentarily enhance brain function, and behavioral responses. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 30 (2 ULg) ETUDE SUR LA REALISATION ET LES COMPLICATIONS DE LA CESARIENNE DANS LA RACE BLANC BLEU BELGEDjebala, Salem Master of advanced studies dissertation (2016)La césarienne est une chirurgie importante en Wallonie. Pour faire le point sur cette intervention chirurgicale et les complications post-opératoires qui en découlent ; deux enquêtes ont été adressées aux ... [more ▼]La césarienne est une chirurgie importante en Wallonie. Pour faire le point sur cette intervention chirurgicale et les complications post-opératoires qui en découlent ; deux enquêtes ont été adressées aux vétérinaires ruraux et aux éleveurs de Blanc-bleu Belge exerçant dans cette région. Ces deux enquêtes traitent différents points, notamment : la détection et la surveillance des vêlages, la préparation de la césarienne (box à césarienne, tonte ou rasage, asepsie), les différentes techniques, les matériaux et les médicaments utilisés pour réaliser une césarienne ainsi que les soins et les complications postopératoires observées. Les résultats de ces deux enquêtes ont permis de constater la diversité des pratiques, mais également, le fait qu’un certain nombre d’entre elles s’écartent des recommandations académiques ou bibliographiques habituelles. Ces deux enquêtes ont permis aussi de mettre en relation les différentes pratiques des éleveurs et des vétérinaires avec les complications post-opératoires observées. A l’issus de ces enquêtes, des recommandations ont été formulées afin d’exclure les mauvaises pratiques habituelles des vétérinaires et des éleveurs et de réduire le pourcentage des complications postopératoires recensées sur le terrain. Ces enquêtes nous ont permis aussi de pointer du doigt certains points obscurs qui feront l’objet de nouvelles perspectives de recherche. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 272 (22 ULg) Les conséquences civiles des polices administratives sur la vente immobilière. Etude comparée des droits wallon, flamand et bruxelloisOnclin, François Doctoral thesis (2016)On observe une influence grandissante des polices administratives sur le droit des contrats. La police administrative désigne l'ensemble des pouvoirs qui sont accordés, par ou en vertu d'une disposition ... [more ▼]On observe une influence grandissante des polices administratives sur le droit des contrats. La police administrative désigne l'ensemble des pouvoirs qui sont accordés, par ou en vertu d'une disposition législative, aux autorités administratives et qui permettent de restreindre les droits et libertés des individus en vue d'assurer le maintien de l'ordre public. A côté de la police administrative générale qui tend à assurer le maintien de la sécurité, de la salubrité et de la tranquillité publiques, de nombreuses polices administratives spéciales se sont développées. Ces dernières visent à prévenir des troubles spécifiques, dont l'objet est défini par chaque législation particulière. Lors de la mise en œuvre de sa compétence, le législateur de police recourt à différents procédés. Il en résulte que de nombreuses contraintes de police encerclent les opérations contractuelles qui portent sur des biens immeubles. La recherche entreprise a toutefois limité son champ d’étude à la vente immobilière étant donné qu’il s’agit de l’acte de droit civil le plus fréquent et le plus souvent encadré par les polices administratives des biens. La législation de police renforce parfois la violation des exigences qu’elle impose d’une sanction administrative ou pénale. L’exercice se complique lorsqu’il s’agit d’apprécier les conséquences civiles des polices administratives. Dans ce cas, il convient à la fois de se référer à la théorie générale des obligations et à l’éventuelle sanction civile qui est aménagée par la législation de police. Tel est précisément l’objet de cette thèse, à savoir l’étude des conséquences, sur le plan civil, des polices administratives sur la vente immobilière. La thèse se structure en deux parties. La première a examiné la situation dans laquelle les polices administratives influencent la formation de la vente. La seconde avait, quant à elle, pour objet d’apprécier la mesure dans laquelle ces mêmes polices ont un impact sur les effets de la vente. Le système de répartition des compétences mis en place au sein du fédéralisme belge impose une recherche comparée. Celle-ci est entreprise en droit interne. De nombreuses polices administratives ont été, pour d’importantes parties, régionalisées. Elles ressortissent dès lors à la compétence du législateur régional. Pour cette raison, la recherche a été étendue aux droits wallon, flamand et bruxellois. Le droit des obligations et des contrats demeure, sous réserve de certaines exceptions, de la compétence de l’autorité fédérale. Lorsque la sanction civile est étudiée, il en résulte une tension entre, d’une part, la compétence du législateur fédéral et, d’autre part, celle du législateur de police. La rigidité de cette division des compétences engendre des difficultés. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 61 (15 ULg) « Le courtage associatif en développement et l’émergence de nouvelles élites rurales dans le Sud-Est marocain. Le cas de la région Drâa-Tafilalet »Benidir, Mohammed Doctoral thesis (2016)Cette recherche appréhende le renouvellement des élites sur fond de courtage associatif en développement dans les arènes locales de la région de Drâa-Tafilalet dans le Sud-Est du Maroc. Sur la base d’une ... [more ▼]Cette recherche appréhende le renouvellement des élites sur fond de courtage associatif en développement dans les arènes locales de la région de Drâa-Tafilalet dans le Sud-Est du Maroc. Sur la base d’une enquête ethnographique, nous tenterons de comprendre les processus individuels et collectifs du courtage associatif dans le domaine du développement local. Dans cette région présaharienne, le courtage associatif s’avère être un phénomène composite et imbriqué avec des structures tribales, notabiliaires, associatives, bureaucratiques et politiques. Par ailleurs, le courtage associatif prend deux formes principales : la première est liée à la rétribution matérielle qui favorise la mobilité socioprofessionnelle grâce à l’intermédiation pour la mise en œuvre projets de développement. La seconde est relative à la rétribution symbolique et politique, qui permet aux courtiers associatifs de négocier des positions de leadership en vue d’accéder au rang d’élite. Les profils sociologiques et politiques des courtiers associatifs attestent de l’émergence d’un nouveau groupe élitaire homogène. Celui-ci adopte une stratégie de redéploiement qui emprunte de nouvelles voies d’intermédiation lors de la conduite de projets de développement. L’étude révèle enfin l’existence de conflits à en juger par l’affrontement entre de nouvelles élites rurales et les élites politiques en place lors de la gestion des affaires publiques villageoises. Il s’ensuit de ce qui précède une recomposition des relations de pouvoir dont notamment le renforcement des capacités de l’État en matière de cooptation et de régulation des arènes compétitives entre courtiers. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 62 (6 ULg) L'ENSEIGNEMENT DU FRANÇAIS AUX ANGLOPHONES AU CAMEROUN : ANALYSE ET PROPOSITIONS DIDACTIQUESMouto Betoko, Christiane Doctoral thesis (2016)Au Cameroun, l’école est la garante de la politique du bilinguisme officiel qui vise à faire de tous les citoyens camerounais des individus parfaitement bilingues, afin de garantir leur intégration sur ... [more ▼]Au Cameroun, l’école est la garante de la politique du bilinguisme officiel qui vise à faire de tous les citoyens camerounais des individus parfaitement bilingues, afin de garantir leur intégration sur l’ensemble du territoire national. Les élèves anglophones apprennent donc le français, leur deuxième langue officielle (LO2), comme toutes les autres disciplines, tout au long de leur cursus secondaire. En classes terminales, l’un des objectifs prioritaires de l’enseignement de la LO2 (French) est de préparer les élèves à intégrer les milieux universitaires et/ou socioprofessionnels majoritairement implantés en zone francophone. Néanmoins, dans ce contexte, l’atteinte des objectifs scolaires du bilinguisme constitue une problématique imputable à de nombreuses inadéquations inhérentes au sous-système éducatif anglophone. C’est dans cette optique que nous nous sommes demandé comment allier « objectifs scolaires du bilinguisme » et « méthodologie de l’enseignement du French» pour une préparation effective de notre public cible à son intégration dans son milieu de vie au sortir du secondaire. Ainsi, nous avons inscrit cette étude dans le champ épistémologique de la didactique du français langue étrangère, domaine disciplinaire qui fait de la connaissance des publics le point de départ de tout projet de formation en langues étrangères. Ceci dit, nous défendons la thèse selon laquelle la prise en compte des besoins réels des principaux acteurs devrait constituer l’étape préalable à la mise au point des projets de réforme tels la réforme du système éducatif et par ricochet, des programmes de formation que connaît actuellement l’éducation au Cameroun. Ayant constaté que l’environnement sociolinguistique où se déroulent l’enseignement et l’apprentissage du French n’est pas sans conséquence directe sur la mise en application du bilinguisme scolaire, nous avons jugé nécessaire de comprendre les politiques linguistique et éducative du milieu d’étude. Ainsi, dans la première partie de ce travail, il convenait de s’interroger sur le mode d’emploi réel des langues officielles, particulièrement en ce qui concerne l’usage de la langue française dans la société camerounaise ; de comprendre la problématique de la formation bilingue au Cameroun ; de questionner la place des langues maternelles à l’école ; d’analyser les failles du sous-système éducatif anglophone en matière d’enseignements des langues officielles ; et enfin, de mener une réflexion didactique sur les programmes de français II. Dans la deuxième partie de ce travail, nous avons mis en exergue l’importance de la prise en compte des caractéristiques des principaux acteurs de la salle de classe dans l’élaboration des programmes de formation. Les profils de ces acteurs étant absents des directives institutionnelles, nous les avons questionnés pour mettre leurs caractéristiques au grand jour. Pour ce faire, nous avons mené une enquête de terrain dans les deux régions qui constituent la zone anglophone (Nord-Ouest et Sud-Ouest) et, dans une région de la zone francophone (Centre). La récolte des données s’est faite par le biais de deux questionnaires (un pour les enseignants et un pour les élèves en classes terminales) et d’une grille d’observation des pratiques de classe. La méthode utilisée est l’analyse quantitative et descriptive des données statistiques. À travers la discussion des résultats obtenus sur la terrain d’enquête, nous avons validé l’hypothèse générale émise au départ, stipulant qu’il y a actuellement une inadéquation entre les objectifs scolaires du bilinguisme et la méthodologie mise en œuvre pour les atteindre en classes terminales du sous-système éducatif anglophone. À travers cette démonstration, nous avons tout simplement touché du doigt la réalité selon laquelle l’atteinte des objectifs visés dans le cadre du bilinguisme ne peut se faire sans avoir établie, au préalable, les besoins réels des principaux acteurs de la salle de classe. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 115 (3 ULg) Nietzsche & la neurologieJEDIDI, Haroun Master of advanced studies dissertation (2016)Detailed reference viewed: 20 (0 ULg) Pertes et Reconstructions Identitaires des Foyers Post-DivorceBullens, Quentin Doctoral thesis (2016)La présente étude s’intéresse au parcours des foyers post-divorce via deux objectifs. Premièrement, nous voulons mettre en avant les éléments organisateurs permettant à ces foyers de passer d’un état à un ... [more ▼]La présente étude s’intéresse au parcours des foyers post-divorce via deux objectifs. Premièrement, nous voulons mettre en avant les éléments organisateurs permettant à ces foyers de passer d’un état à un autre. Pour ce faire, nous recourons à la méthode par théorisation ancrée, bien qu’en nous en écartant partiellement. Deuxièmement, nous cherchons à savoir quels sont les champs lexicaux qui peuvent être extraits des transcriptions d’entretiens avec ces foyers. Pour ce second objectif, nous recourons à la méthode Alceste, via le logiciel Iramuteq. Celui-ci nous permet un croisement des données d’entretiens avec des métadonnées issues notamment du FACES-III et du Jeu du Pique-Nique. Tous ces éléments sont discutés au regard des apports de la littérature scientifique. Mais aussi, au regard de la clinique du deuil, à laquelle il est fait appel pour éclairer ces parcours. En outre, nous contextualisons les notions de famille, mariage et divorce dans une perspective historique prenant ses bases au Moyen Âge. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 36 (9 ULg) Rôle du climat et de la compétition interspécifique dans la limitation de l'aire d'invasion d'Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. en Europe de l'OuestOrtmans, William Doctoral thesis (2016)The invasion process is classically described from a temporal point of view, where a species overcomes a defined number of barriers. First, a species has to get through the geographical barrier, i.e., be ... [more ▼]The invasion process is classically described from a temporal point of view, where a species overcomes a defined number of barriers. First, a species has to get through the geographical barrier, i.e., be introduced in the new area. Once introduced, the species has to survive new environmental conditions and reproduce successfully. When the environmental barrier is overcome, i.e. when the species is able to reproduce and its populations are self-sufficient, it is considered as naturalized. To finally be considered as invasive, the species has to overcome the dispersal barrier and spread across landscapes. Within a given continent, a species could have overcome a variable number of barriers depending on the considered area. At a given moment, depending on the geographical area, one can observe non-naturalized populations, naturalized populations that are not invasive, and invasive populations. This geographical variation may be the result of an environmental variation across the continent. The common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.) invasion in Western Europe is a good opportunity to study this aspect of invasion biology. The invasion history and the species distribution are well documented, and highlight a geographical variation of the invasion dynamics. This is particularly clear in Western Europe, where there is a contrast between the highly invaded zone of the Rhône valley in France, and more northern areas such as the North of France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. In this work, we tested the hypothesis that the current invasion area is limited northwards, because of an unfavorable local climate or a too strong interspecific competition. In order to answer this general objective, four different questions were asked: 1) Is the climate and/or the interspecific competition causing a variation in plant performances across Western Europe?; 2) In an agricultural context north to the current invaded range, is the local climate allowing the establishment and the reproduction of newly introduced populations?; 3) What is the role of seed morphological variability in the invasion of areas with rigorous climatic conditions?; and 4) What is the role of the priority effect in the species establishment within a ruderal community? No clear limit to the colonization of areas beyond the current invaded range was found in this study. The local climate and the interspecific competition did not appear to limit the naturalization or spread of the species north to the current invaded range, be it in agricultural or ruderal situations. Results showed that once introduced in an agricultural habitat outside the current invaded range, the species was able to establish self-sustaining populations. On average, each plant produced a number of descendants equal to 273 ± 18.4 (mean ± standard error). In ruderal habitats, populations already exist in Belgium and in Southern Netherlands, and are able to produce a high quantity of seeds: on average, the measured plants carried 222 ± 32.0 seeds. The measured plant performances were similar to those measured within the invaded area. The findings of this work are consistent with those of other authors that questioned the “non-naturalized” species status in Belgium, and illustrate how temporally dynamic invasions are. The results showed the importance of the timing in the colonization of disturbed habitats. When the species started its development a few weeks before the rest of the community, its performance gain was higher than that of other ruderal Asteraceae species: its above ground biomass was 30.5 ± 1.94 times higher, and the number of flower heads 570 ± 160 times more important. The high variability of the species observed all along this work is probably playing an important role in the invasion success. The high morphological variability of the seeds seems to widen the range of environmental conditions the species is able to colonize. This study suggests a great invasion potential north to the current invaded area in Western Europe. In this uncertain situation, it appears critical to create an early detection system of the species in Belgium. Early detection may allow the eradication of the species before the invasion becomes as problematic as in France. Awareness campaigns should be encouraged in Belgium in order to avoid that new occurrences of the species remain unnoticed. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 314 (158 ULg) Contribution to the study of the mineral hypothesis in relation to the Kashin-Beck disease in Tibet Autonomous RegionDERMIENCE, Michael Doctoral thesis (2016)A little known disease called Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) plagues the poor and rural populations in the Tibet Autonomous Region (T.A.R.) and in other provinces of the People’s Republic of China. It is an ... [more ▼]A little known disease called Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) plagues the poor and rural populations in the Tibet Autonomous Region (T.A.R.) and in other provinces of the People’s Republic of China. It is an endemic and chronic osteochondropathy affecting long bones and joints, sometimes as soon as of the early childhood. Although the etiology of this disease is not clearly established, little doubt remains as to the implication of multiple environmental factors. Intoxication by mycotoxins in cereals and by organic acids in water, deficiencies in selenium and iodine, are all factors having a place in the multifactorial etiology hypothesized. In T.A.R., diet, notably, differentiates the rural community, affected by KBD, from the other communities (nomads and city-dwellers), who remain unaffected. Because more than one chemical element is essential to a healthy bone metabolism, and because there is scarce data, if not any, on the topic, this thesis had to primary objective to investigate the mineral and trace element dietary status of young Tibetan children living in areas endemic for KBD. The first logical action step led us to determine which elements are involved in bone and joints metabolism through an exhaustive review of the scientific literature. Thirty elements were highlighted, and a dozen was deemed relevant in this context. An exploratory study on the Tibetan food composition concluded on a high risk of introducing important bias by using the existing food composition tables for nutritional assessment in T.A.R. Being inescapable tools, a specific food composition table was elaborated for our area of investigation with the close collaboration of the China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment (CFSA). During a scientific internship of 7 month in the CFSA, 19 chemical elements were analyzed in not less than 1119 samples of sixteen traditional foods and beverages of rural T.A.R. In order to assess the nutritional status of the children, a cross-sectional study was implemented. 250 preschool children aged 3 to 5 years old from three rural counties around Lhasa were enrolled. They were interviewed twice, at six month of interval, via the 24-hour recall method. The results suggest several imbalances in their dietary mineral intakes compared to the Chinese recommendations. Sodium and manganese intakes are too high, while they are too low for potassium, calcium, zinc, copper and selenium. The Tibetan diet is rich in fiber and in phytic acid, which are susceptible to decrease the bioavailability and to aggravate the deficiencies of the later elements. For this reason, we conducted an animal experimentation on a rat model to assess the apparent digestibility, the fecal excretion and the urinary excretion of minerals and trace elements in the traditional Tibetan dish called tsampa pag. This traditional dish consisting of roasted barley flour mixed with yak butter tea is the mainstay of the Tibetan diet. The results of this experiment suggest low bone mineral density, a possible secondary copper deficiency, and a possible manganese excess in rats that consumed tsampa pag. In view of the results presented, it would be interesting to compare the mineral intake between children living in endemic areas and in non-endemic areas. It would also be interesting to include more of elements known to affect bone metabolism in future studies. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 44 (4 ULg) Le droit coutumier dans les ordres juridiques contemporains (19e-21e siècles). Étude comparative des pratiques judiciaires et de la doctrineBraillon, Charlotte Doctoral thesis (2016)The study questions the concept of customary law and its interventions in contemporary legal orders. From an historical perspective, it offers to approach this question at the light of a comparison ... [more ▼]The study questions the concept of customary law and its interventions in contemporary legal orders. From an historical perspective, it offers to approach this question at the light of a comparison between the legal doctrine (theory of customary law) and the judicial practice (decision on the content of customary law). After a preliminary part dedicated to a synthesis of the legal grounds of customary law in contemporary legal orders, the first part of the study analyses the developments of a theory of customary law in legal doctrines, after the era of the Ancien Regime. A second part compares doctrinal creations to contemporary practices, through a selection of case studies, mainly in the practice of colonial law in the Belgian Congo and in the case law of the International Court of Justice. These first case studies share an expression of the theory of customary law in practice: whereas the practictioner may unofficially step in the creation of customary law, the decision is grounded, at least to all appearances, on this theory. The third and last part of the study, on the other hand, presents several cases, also selected from the contemporary practice, where judicial decisions share the fact that they are grounded on moral elements – which are not considered in the theory –, and therefore illustrates a more explicit intervention of the magistrates. These cases originate in the case law of the public prosecutor’s court in the Belgian Congo and the International Criminal Tribunal for the ex-Yougoslavia. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 61 (17 ULg) Activation de la coagulation par la Transition Epithélio-Mésenchymateuse: impact sur la colonisation métastatiqueBourcy, Morgane Doctoral thesis (2016)Au cours de la cascade métastatique, des cellules tumorales quittent la tumeur primaire et envahissent le sang (Cellules Tumorales Circulantes, CTCs) pour former des métastases dans des organes ... [more ▼]Au cours de la cascade métastatique, des cellules tumorales quittent la tumeur primaire et envahissent le sang (Cellules Tumorales Circulantes, CTCs) pour former des métastases dans des organes secondaires. Le processus métastatique est hautement sélectif et seule une faible proportion de CTCs survit dans la circulation et colonise les sites secondaires pour former des métastases. Les cellules tumorales subissent des changements phénotypiques qui leur procurent des propriétés migratoires et invasives ainsi que des capacités de survie accrue leur permettant de franchir ces différentes étapes. A ce jour, il est largement accepté que les processus de Transition Epithélio-Mésenchymateuse (TEM) sont impliqués dans cette plasticité cellulaire et participent à la libération et à la biologie des CTCs. Des données de la littérature indépendantes ainsi que des résultats du laboratoire suggèrent, par ailleurs, que les processus de coagulation pourraient favoriser les étapes précoces de la dissémination métastatique (survie, persistance, arrêt et extravasation). Au cours de ce travail de doctorat, nous avons examiné l’acquisition potentielle de propriétés pro-coagulantes par les CTCs dérivées d’une TEM impliquant l’expression du Facteur Tissulaire (FT), l’initiateur cellulaire clé de la cascade de coagulation. De telles propriétés coagulantes permettraient la formation d’une matrice de fibrine protectrice autour des CTCs favorisant, ainsi, leur survie dans la circulation sanguine et la colonisation métastatique. A l’aide de divers modèles cellulaires in vitro, nous avons montré que les processus de TEM sont associés à une expression accrue du FT et à des propriétés pro-coagulantes. Ensuite, nous avons fonctionnellement lié les processus de TEM à ces régulations en y impliquant des facteurs de transcription de la TEM, ZEB1 et Snail. De plus, en utilisant des modèles de métastases expérimentales, nous avons montré que l’axe TEM/FT/coagulation procure aux CTCs des propriétés de survie et des capacités de colonisation métastatique accrues. Enfin, nous avons apporté une validation clinique à ces résultats en observant des CTCs positives pour le FT et la vimentine, un marqueur mésenchymateux, dans le sang de patientes atteintes d’un cancer du sein métastatique. L’ensemble de nos résultats met en évidence un nouvel axe de régulation TEM/FT permettant une activation locale de la coagulation par les CTCs TEM+ favorisant la colonisation métastatique précoce. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 24 (1 ULg) Isolation and characterization of anthropogenic particles in three planktivorous fishesCollard, France Doctoral thesis (2016)Detailed reference viewed: 45 (11 ULg) Impact of electron trap states on the transport properties of GeSn semiconducting heterostructures assessed by electrical characterizationsBaert, Bruno Doctoral thesis (2016)Detailed reference viewed: 28 (10 ULg) Entre traditions et innovations. La tête végétalisée dans les décors romains: origine, diffusion et signification d'un thème ornementalDerwael, Stéphanie Doctoral thesis (2016)La tête végétalisée est un témoin privilégié de la culture visuelle des Romains. Innovation de l’époque tardo-républicaine et proto-impériale, elle n’en demeure pas moins l’héritière du traitement formel ... [more ▼]La tête végétalisée est un témoin privilégié de la culture visuelle des Romains. Innovation de l’époque tardo-républicaine et proto-impériale, elle n’en demeure pas moins l’héritière du traitement formel de figures telles que la Rankenfrau et le Rankengott et d’un symbolisme végétal séculaire. Elle évoque une nature naissante ou renaissante qui ne possède pas encore les frontières du cosmos ordonné, et fonctionne comme une épithète iconographique permettant de mettre en évidence un aspect particulier d’un personnage, tel le dieu Oceanus. L’étude des spécificités culturelles et des traditions iconographiques des différentes régions de l’Empire romain, couplée à la mise en série et à l’analyse contextualisée des documents, permet de mettre en évidence les formes de diffusion, de réception et d’appropriation de ce thème ornemental, de sa naissance à son assimilation par le monde chrétien. A côté de tendances relativement homogènes communes à l’Empire, se dessinent quelques courants particuliers, comme l’enrichissement nord-africain de la forme océanique, le renouveau oriental de la bordure à rinceau peuplé héritée de la tradition picturalisante hellénistique, ou « l’humanisation du végétal » gallo-germanique. Entre traditions et innovations, la tête végétalisée du monde romain développe des spécificités iconographiques pérennes qui lui confèrent une signification inhérente à toute forme d’hybridité végétale, tout en permettant à différentes visions du monde de s’exprimer en elle sans se dissoudre. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 46 (7 ULg) Conception et évaluation de méthodes de détection d'insectes dans les matrices alimentairesGerard, Amaury Master's dissertation (2016)Worldwide, a lot of people eat insects for milleniums. Insects could also be an alternative source of proteins to feed breeding animals, but also as food substitute for humans; current agricultural and ... [more ▼]Worldwide, a lot of people eat insects for milleniums. Insects could also be an alternative source of proteins to feed breeding animals, but also as food substitute for humans; current agricultural and breeding systems being indeed unable to face population growth. As a consequence, a lot of companies have already started the production of insects, at diverse scales. Most of business models are based on the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) and the mealworm (Tenebrio molitor). In Europe, these novel foods are not yet fully allowed. Before an authorization in our regions, some points have to be checked concerning consumers’ safety. AFSCA tolerates 10 species of insects in Belgium, but opinions vary according to European countries (AFSCA, 2016). To allow an introduction of this food on the European marlet, it’s important to develop methods in order to detect and authenticate these insect-based ingredients. Regulation (CE) No 51/2013 has recognised the polymerase chain reaction as a reference method to detect animal-derived ingredients in feedingstuffs. In this work, several targets were evaluated in silico and by real-time PCR. So, 12 targets have been designed, classified into 4 categories: global targets detecting a wide variety of species (18s-INS, Duplex 1 and Duplex 2), targets specific to Diptera (1α-DIPT and 18s-DIPT) and targets specific to T. molitor (TM-WING, TM-COI, Cadherin-Genesig and Cadherin-CRAW) and H. illucens (COI-HERM, HI-MITO and HI-MITO2). For the first category, 3 targets were designed, based on the gene of 18s RNA. In a first time, 18s-INS was evaluated, able to recognise all insects except Diptera. The determination of the limit of detection confirmed the multicopy nature of the 18s RNA gene. In order to detect more species, it was decided to simultaneously use 2 probes: the first one specific to Diptera, and the other one able to recognise all other insects. These targets were named Duplex 1 and Duplex 2. Their specificity was assessed with at least 50 species of insects and 10 insect-bases commercial products. However, aspecificities were observed with some plants like wheat or tomato. Optimisation was unsuccessfully tried. Two targets for Diptera were also tested, based on 18s RNA gene and elongation factor 1α gene, but none of them gave interesting results. Concerning T. molitor, targeted genes were cytochrome C oxydase subunit I, wingless and the gene of cadherin, for which 2 PCR targets were evaluated. Cadherin-CRAW and TM-WING have shown a perfect specificity to T. molitor. For these 2 targets, the limit of detection was assessed to be lower than 20 copies. Finally, in the case of H. illucens, cytochrome C oxydase subunits I and III genes were targeted. However, only the target HI-MITO2 showed an interesting potential, 2 aspecificities having to be eliminated. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 34 (3 ULg) Impact de champignons entomopathogènes sur la biologie et le comportement de la punaise Halyomorpha halys Stål (Hemiptera : Pentatomidea)Fingu Mabola, Junior Corneille Master's dissertation (2016)Halyomorpha halys Stål is an invasive insect native to East Asia, whose distribution area is currently growing steadily. This insect is responsible of severe crop economic damages and can cause nuisance ... [more ▼]Halyomorpha halys Stål is an invasive insect native to East Asia, whose distribution area is currently growing steadily. This insect is responsible of severe crop economic damages and can cause nuisance when taking refuge in domestic dwellings. Currently, the use of entomopathogenic fungi constitutes the main control method towards which research are focusing. The aim of this study was to identify an effective strain of fungi that could impact on biological characteristics and behaviour of the above-mentioned insect. This could allow establishment of a control strategy based on host-pathogen interaction. Trials on the assessment of virulence effectiveness of two entomopathogenic fungi, Beauveria bassiana strain GHA and Metharizium acridum strain X (unidentified) were carried out. Individuals from the second instar were sprayed with a suspension of 107 conidia per milliliter and monitored during 60 days. Growth rate was established using molting dates that were daily recorded. The behavioural bioassay was conducted using the GHA strain at the same concentration as previously established. Nine healthy individuals and one individual sprayed with spores were kept in a circular arena and observed by video recording for three hours. The feeding behaviour was recorded using Giga-8d EPG device and fava bean plants served as support on which insects were fed. Results showed that the GHA strain was more virulent (LT50 = 18 days) than the strain X (LT50: not reached). A delay and acceleration of growth rate were observed respectively for the strain GHA and X. However, no significant variation of the insect behaviour has been observed. Nevertheless, some profiles on EPG insect's feeding behaviour have been identified. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 37 (10 ULg) Precision synthesis of poly(ionic liqui)s in aqueous media by cobalt-mediated radical polymerizationCordella, Daniela Doctoral thesis (2016)Poly(ionic liquid)s (PILs) are a subclass of polyelectrolytes that gained an enabling role in many fields of polymer chemistry and material science. PILs combine the unique properties of ionic liquids ... [more ▼]Poly(ionic liquid)s (PILs) are a subclass of polyelectrolytes that gained an enabling role in many fields of polymer chemistry and material science. PILs combine the unique properties of ionic liquids with the flexibility and properties of macromolecules, and provide novel attractive functions. Recently, the precision design of novel PILs by controlled/living polymerization (CLP) techniques was intensively searched for developing emerging applications, such as those based on the self-assembly of block copolymers (BCPs). Indeed, combining the physicochemical properties of PILs with the self-assembly of BCPs is a route to easily produce innovative functional nanostructures that have a huge potential for many applications, e.g. for electrochemical devices, gas membranes, nanostructures materials, etc. Among the panel of poly(ionic liquid)-based block copolymers (PIL BCPs) that is available, vinyl imidazolium-based derivatives are highly attractive due their high charge density, the possibility to easily tune their properties by the nature of the alkyl chain, etc. However, when this PhD thesis started, their synthesis by direct polymerization of N-vinyl imidazolium-type monomers was challenging for most of the CLP techniques. Only few examples of vinyl imidazolium-based PIL BCPs were accessible by Reversible Addition Fragmentation Transfer (RAFT) polymerization or Cobalt-Mediated Radical Polymerization (CMRP), and in organic media exclusively. The aim of this PhD thesis was to develop a controlled radical polymerization technique for N-vinyl imidazolium-type monomers in water that would facilitate the precision synthesis of PIL BCPs in this green solvent under non-demanding experimental conditions. Due to its compatibility to water and to its high versatility, the CMRP process was used for that purpose. The synthetic challenges that we address in this thesis are (1) to perform the CMRP of N-vinyl imidazolium type monomers in water, (2) to prepare hydrosoluble but also amphiphilic all PIL BCPs in this green solvent, and (3) to simplify the process to facilitate its scaling-up. The potential of the innovative PILs developed during this thesis was then explored for applications in energy (as solid electrolytes for battery applications) and environment (as antibacterial coatings/materials). [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 48 (12 ULg) Stochastic multi-scale modelling of MEMSLucas, Vincent Doctoral thesis (2016)When studying Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (or MEMS) made of poly-crystalline materials, as the size of the device is only one or two orders of magnitude higher than the size of the grains, the ... [more ▼]When studying Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (or MEMS) made of poly-crystalline materials, as the size of the device is only one or two orders of magnitude higher than the size of the grains, the structural properties exhibit a scatter at the macro-scale due to the existing randomness in the grain size, grain orientation, surface roughness... In order to predict the probabilistic behaviour at the structural scale, we investigated the recourse to a stochastic 3-scale approach in this thesis dissertation. Estimating the scatter in the response of the structure is studied at macro-scale based on stochastic finite elements along with Monte-Carlo simulations. To produce accurate results, the mesh size of the finite element approach should be small enough so that the heterogeneities can be captured. This can lead to overwhelming computation if the microstructure is directly considered, thus justifying the recourse to stochastic homogenisation to define a meso-scale random field. Based on a stochastic model of this random field, the variability of the response of the structure can be computed. In this work, the micro-scale uncertainties are modelled based on measurements provided by the IMT-Bucharest institute. These uncertainties are then propagated towards the macro-scale for 3 different problems. The first one serves the purpose of verification. The variability of the resonance frequency of a micro-beam is computed and compared to a reference numerical solution. The second problem extends the 3-scale approach to the thermo-elastic case. Thus the uncertainties of the quality factor of 3D beams are studied with a modelling of the anchor. Finally, the third problem aims at propagating surface roughness uncertainties on the resonance frequency of thin plates. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 81 (20 ULg) Electric current crowding effects in microstructured superconductorsAdami, Obaïd-Allah Doctoral thesis (2016)Many applications of modern electronic devices are based on thin film geometries including sharp turns, holes and exhibiting inhomogeneities. The inevitable detour of current streamlines around such ... [more ▼]Many applications of modern electronic devices are based on thin film geometries including sharp turns, holes and exhibiting inhomogeneities. The inevitable detour of current streamlines around such obstacles cause an inhomogeneous current density profile giving rise to current crowding. The goal of my research is to highlight the current crowding effects in micro and nanopatterned superconducting films. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 73 (18 ULg) Prévalence de l’hypovitaminose D chez la femme enceinte : quelle est la situation en région liégeoise ?VRANKEN, Laura Master of advanced studies dissertation (2016)Vitamin D deficiency is a worldwide health problem, also during pregnancy, especially in women with limited access to sunlight due to minimal outdoor activity or heavy use of sunscreen, cultural practices ... [more ▼]Vitamin D deficiency is a worldwide health problem, also during pregnancy, especially in women with limited access to sunlight due to minimal outdoor activity or heavy use of sunscreen, cultural practices or traditional clothing, and among women with dark skin pigmentation and poor dietary habits. Inadequate maternal vitamin D status in pregnancy is associated with poor fetal growth, impaired bone development and rickets in infants after birth. Furthermore, higher rates of preeclampsia and gestational diabetes are associated with low maternal vitamin D status during pregnancy. Toxicity of vitamin D is rare. Most countries recommend vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy but guidelines are controversial and inadequate compared to real mother’s and child’s needs. Wath’s the best strategy to follow and supplement mother during pregnancy? [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 39 (1 ULg) Etude des rôles du produit d'expression du gène M138L du virus Myxoma dans la pathogénie de la myxomatoseBoutard, Bérengère Doctoral thesis (2016)Myxoma virus belongs to the Poxviridae family and induces a severe and often lethal disease called myxomatosis in the European rabbit (Bertagnoli & Marchandeau, 2015). Numerous genes of the virus encode ... [more ▼]Myxoma virus belongs to the Poxviridae family and induces a severe and often lethal disease called myxomatosis in the European rabbit (Bertagnoli & Marchandeau, 2015). Numerous genes of the virus encode for proteins with immunomodulatory functions (Spiesschaert et al., 2011; Zuniga, 2002). Among them, it has been demonstrated that the virus encodes for an α-2,3-sialyltransferase (Jackson et al., 1999; Markine-Goriaynoff et al., 2004b) that catalyzes the transfer of sialic acid to the N and O-glycans of glycoproteins and glycolipids (Varki & Schauer, 2009). Glycans, and especially sialic acids, are known to play significant roles in interactions and recognition between cells and between cells and viruses (Cohen & Varki, 2010; Raman et al., 2005; Vigerust & Shepherd, 2007). The aim of this thesis was to better understand the roles played by the viral α-2,3-sialyltransferase in the pathogenesis of myxomatosis. Using the Lausanne strain as parental strain, we have constructed strains deficient for the M138L gene encoding the α-2,3-sialyltransferase, and a revertant strain. Although no difference could be detected between the strains in vitro, the M138L knockout strains were highly attenuated in vivo. Especially, we observed more neutrophils at the beginning of infection and then an important mononuclear cells infiltrate in the dermis of the primary sites of infection for rabbits infected with the M138L knockout strains. We then wanted to determine which viral and / or cellular proteins were affected by the viral α-2,3-sialyltransferase, to check if their modification could explain the phenotype that we observed. We showed that the viral M-T7 protein was sialylated by the viral enzyme. M-T7 is a homologue of the interferon-γ receptor (Mossman et al., 1995) which is also able to bind and inhibit several chemokines, to block the chemokine gradient formation and to inhibit the inflammatory cells attraction towards the site of infection (Alcami, 2003; Lalani et al., 1997). However, we could not detect any effect of sialylation on the secretion or the activity of the M-T7 proteins purified from the four strains, either in vitro or in vivo. Altogether , these results show that the viral α-2,3-sialyltransferase is a virulence factor of the virus that could act directly or indirectly on several immunomodulatory viral proteins, and so on the immune cells attraction and adaptive immunity development. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 26 (3 ULg) Etude des sémiochimiques volatils impliqués dans le mutualisme fourmis-puceronsFischer, Christophe Doctoral thesis (2016)For decades, the mutualistic relationship that ant and aphids may present has fascinated entomologists, as evidenced by the abundant literature on the subject. The principles of this interaction are ... [more ▼]For decades, the mutualistic relationship that ant and aphids may present has fascinated entomologists, as evidenced by the abundant literature on the subject. The principles of this interaction are simple: as long as their colony remains, aphids provide ants with a stable and abundant source of sugars, honeydew. In exchange, ants tend aphid colonies and provide them cleaning and protection against various natural enemies. Nevertheless, some aspects of this relationship remain misunderstood. This is for example the case of the factors influencing the search and the discovery of a potential partner, first step to any potential mutualistic interaction. The role held by volatile chemical cues, called semiochemicals, in this relationship is also misunderstood. The objective of this thesis is to improve understanding of the role played by volatile semiochemicals in this mutualistic relationship, especially during the partner search stage, both from the perspective of the ant and of the aphid. The black garden ant, Lasius niger L., and the black bean aphid, Aphis fabae Scop., constitute our biological model. The impact of volatile compounds on the search behavior of the ant has first been investigated. These compounds are from multiple origins, either directly emitted by the aphid or induced by its presence. First, the ability of ants to perceive E-β-farnesene, the main component of many aphid alarm pheromone, and to use it to locate aphid colonies has been highlighted. This compound has indeed shown attractiveness to ants, even at low doses corresponding to the emissions of an unstressed aphid colony. Then, the roles played by honeydew volatile compounds in ant attraction have been demonstrated. These compounds also allow ants to remotely discriminate different aphid species and to direct their searches accordingly. These semiochemicals are produced by honeydew microflora, and a particularly attractive bacterial strain, Staphylococcus xylosus, has been isolated from A. fabae honeydew. Finally, the active role of winged aphids, which are aphid’s dispersal form, in the search for a mutualistic partner was also studied. Aphids do not appear to be preferentially attracted toward a host plant frequented by ants or close an ant nest. Nevertheless, once a potential host plant reached, they remain longer on it in case of ant presence. This thesis highlights the importance of volatile semiochemicals and honeydew microflora in ant-aphid mutualistic relationships, thus completing by a new aspect an already well documented biological model. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 48 (8 ULg) MESURES INCITATIVES A LA PRODUCTION COTONNIERE ET PERSPECTIVES DE LA PRIVATISATION DES FILIALES CMDT AU MALIKoné, Bouréma Doctoral thesis (2016)Cotton is the first export crop in Mali with 84,370 billion Fcfa in 2010 (INSTAT, 2010), but the production of this crop has huge problems due to external factors (prices of inputs and seed cotton) and ... [more ▼]Cotton is the first export crop in Mali with 84,370 billion Fcfa in 2010 (INSTAT, 2010), but the production of this crop has huge problems due to external factors (prices of inputs and seed cotton) and internal (within payment to producers, internal debts of cooperatives). To boost cotton production during the years 2010/11 and 2011/12, the government had maintained the level of fertilizer subsidy at 50% of normal price on the market. In addition to this level of subsidy, the incentive price of 255Fcfa / kg was fixed to the producer and the National Union of Cotton Producers Cooperative Societies (NU-CPCS) facilitated the clearance of the internal debts of cooperatives. Despite the fall in world prices after 2011/12, the price of cotton seed remains little changed. The price stayed at 255 CFA francs / kg in 2012/13 and got back to 250 CFA francs / kg in 2013/14. The objective of this work is to analyze the effects of incentives factors cotton production with a view to the privatization of CMDT subsidiaries Surveys were conducted with a sample of 240 farms selected from the four zones of the CMDT zones based on two villages subsidiary during the years of 2008/09, 2010/11 and 2011/12. The results showed a positive trend in production (mainly due to an increase in the area) and in the income of cotton producers with a higher reimbursement rate of input credits under cultivation. The analysis of the Domestic Resource Cost (DRC) the Nominal protection coefficients (NPC) and the Effective (CPE) showed an improvement in thèse variables in 2011/12 with the incentive policy. An analysis of the determinants of the supply of cotton showed that only two variables were significant: the price cottonseed and payment period. The incentive factors are influenced by fiber market in 2011/12 which took a downward trend from the campaign. This incentive policy being favored by the market of fiber which is very unstable, it would be necessary to create conditions in which the producer can benefit from the price obtained on the quality of fiber to maintain the incentive policy for producers. For the privatization of Cotton Company, an upgrade of this company is necessary with the support of the Malian state. But this upgrade should not affect too much the selling price of sale of cotton that can bring new companies in a situation of too long term recovery of capital invested (long period of investment recovery). The privatization scheme as presented makes major companies more competitive. In order to reduce the operating costs a form of collaborative relationships among delivery companies would be required. Keywords: fertilizer subsidy, incentive price, cotton sector in Mali, privatization subsidiary, competitiveness. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 45 (11 ULg) Development of innovative and practical management tools to improve sustainability of milk production and quality of dairy productsArnould, Valérie Doctoral thesis (2016)In the current complex economical context, novel strategies are needed to help local dairy farmers to face the European dairy sector crisis. This thesis was initiated in the framework of ManageMilk ... [more ▼]In the current complex economical context, novel strategies are needed to help local dairy farmers to face the European dairy sector crisis. This thesis was initiated in the framework of ManageMilk project and was globally aimed to investigate the possibility to develop some innovative and practical management tools helping dairy farmers in their daily decisions. To develop such management tools, several conditions must be fulfilled. Firstly, used data must be relevant. According to the literature, the milk composition, and in particular, the milk fatty acid (FA) profile, appears to be a suitable trait allowing useful information about the dairy cow’s health status or about the management system efficiency. These data must also be easily available at low cost from milk recording organization. Recently, the MIR spectrometry offers the possibility to build routinely cheaper and more important databases. To develop management tools, milk samples have to be collected using comparable sampling methods. Unfortunately, in order to decrease the milk quality control costs, the International Committee for Animal Recording allows alternative sampling schemes including the collection of samples from morning or evening only milkings. This alternative sampling scheme can interact with phenotypic and genetic parameters. Therefore, additionally to the development of conversion equations, this thesis is establishing if morning or evening only milkings are genetically different traits. Last condition concerns a useful phenotypic and genetic variability. Milk FA profile is, among others, altered by genetics. So, one paper of this thesis concerns the setup of a useful genetic evaluation model able to estimate accurately the genetic part of milk fat composition variations. Routine genetic evaluation of production traits in dairy cattle commonly uses random regression model (RRM). Recently, “splines” have been advocated as a good alternative to Legendre polynomials (LP) for analyzing test-day yields in RRM. Therefore, several models are compared. Obtained results show the possibility to propose a practical and robust method for estimating accurate daily major FA production from single milking, useful for a further development of practical management tools helping dairy farmers in their daily decisions. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 85 (18 ULg) ANALYSE DE LA DEMANDE EN CHARBON DE BOIS PAR LES MÉNAGES URBAINS DE BUJUMBURA AU BURUNDISabuhungu, Emery Gaspard Doctoral thesis (2016)The objective of this study is to evaluate the demand for charcoal by urban households in Bujumbura in order to make recommendations ensuring the security of household energy and environmental protection ... [more ▼]The objective of this study is to evaluate the demand for charcoal by urban households in Bujumbura in order to make recommendations ensuring the security of household energy and environmental protection. To achieve this objective, the analysis of the related documentation and collection of secondary data were carried out in order to formulate specific objectives, hypotheses and the methodology used in the course of this study. The specific objectives are: to analyze the structure, operation and market performance of the charcoal market in the city of Bujumbura and to compare this market to the cities of Lubumbashi and Kigali; to determine the charcoal consumption pattern by urban households in Bujumbura; to identify the factors which influence the demand for charcoal by urban households in Bujumbura; to evaluate the demand for charcoal by urban households in Bujumbura. The assumptions made in this study are: the charcoal market in the city of Bujumbura is a competitive and effective market; charcoal is the dominating cooking fuel used by urban households in Bujumbura and is consumed exclusively or in combination with others; an urban household’s demand for charcoal in Bujumbura is essentially based on household income, the size of household, eating habits (preparation of food that requires a long cooking time), the frequency of use of carbon and the possession or not of improved cooking stoves; the demand for charcoal by urban households in Bujumbura is high and this leads to significant annual deforestation. Three surveys were conducted to collect primary data. The first survey, with the specific objective of analysing the charcoal market in Bujumbura, was conducted among the key players of the charcoal value chain produced in the communes of Mugamba and Muramvya and consumed in the city of Bujumbura. The remaining two surveys, with the specific objective of analysing the consumption of charcoal by households, were conducted among households-users of charcoal of different standards of living in three areas of the city of Bujumbura (areas Buterere, Cibitoke and Rohero). The results indicate that the charcoal market is competitive. The production, the commercialisation and the consumption of charcoal allow the creation of positive value added all along the charcoal value chain. The use of cooking fuels by households in Bujumbura shows that they have not yet achieved an energy transition. In fact, 83% of those surveyed only use charcoal; 12% combine charcoal and electricity and 5% combine charcoal and firewood. The results revealed that the main factors influencing households demand for charcoal are: household income, the price of charcoal, household size, number of cooking sessions per day, frequency of preparation of cassava leaves and the possession or not of improved braziers. To solve the energy and environmental problem, a rehabilitation of woodland, an implementation of the best techniques of woodland planting with the most adaptable species on productive land, a greater penetration of substitutable energy to wood fuel such as gas or electricity, a growth in the use of improved cooking stoves in households and greater efficiency in wood carbonisation will help reduce the number of hectares of deforestation for wood energy needs. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 74 (24 ULg) The Chemistry of New Garlic-Derived Organosulfur Compounds and the Molecular Basis of Olfaction »Dethier, Bérénice Doctoral thesis (2016)Garlic is a very popular condiment that has been used around the world for centuries. It is also a source of a remarkably extensive range of organosulfur compounds, whose chemistry is the focus of this ... [more ▼]Garlic is a very popular condiment that has been used around the world for centuries. It is also a source of a remarkably extensive range of organosulfur compounds, whose chemistry is the focus of this thesis. The central reaction in formation of these compounds is the enzymatic cleavage of alk(en)yl cysteine sulfoxides by alliinases, which leads to sulfenic acids. The latter can then undergo condensation and rearrangement into various organosulfur compounds. Three aspects of the chemistry of garlic have been investigated in this thesis. First, little studied, minor organosulfur compounds in extracts of freshly chopped garlic were studied. These higher molecular weight compounds (MW 150–550) can be conveniently studied using state-of-the-art Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) and Direct Analysis in Real Time-Mass Spectrometry (DART-MS) techniques. Novel garlic-derived compounds were studied and the structure of one representative compound containing a five-membered thiolane ring, ajothiolane, was determined by spectroscopic methods, using synthetic analogues as spectroscopic standards. The fate of compounds in a garlic extract over time was also studied, since the new, higher mass sulfur compounds are slowly formed by rearrangement of smaller metabolites a few days after maceration of the garlic. A second part of this thesis provides hands-on methods for the analysis and preparation of key garlic metabolites. The isolation and/or synthesis of alliin, alliinase and vinyldithiins have been optimized, and are proposed as turnkey procedures for future work. Finally, in an effort to explain the unique odor of garlic-related thiols and sulfides (in garlic breath, sweat, etc.), the interactions between odorants and olfactory receptors have been studied. Work described in this thesis contributed to this larger project by designing and synthesizing model macrocyclic odorants to resolve the mechanism of olfaction at the receptor level. The conclusions, arguing against the plausibility of the so-called “vibration theory of olfaction”, have been published as a foundation for future work on olfactory detection of thiols and other sulfur-containing compounds. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 56 (5 ULg) Canine idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis : improvement of the phenotype characterization and search for biomarkers and for etiologic agentsRoels, Elodie Doctoral thesis (2016)Canine idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (CIPF) is a progressive parenchymal lung disease of unknown origin, mainly described in old-aged West Highland white terriers (WHWTs). It is characterized by exercise ... [more ▼]Canine idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (CIPF) is a progressive parenchymal lung disease of unknown origin, mainly described in old-aged West Highland white terriers (WHWTs). It is characterized by exercise intolerance, cough and dyspnoea/tachypnea with a progressive deterioration until death from respiratory insufficiency. CIPF shares clinical features with human idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), while tomodensitometric and histopathological findings do not appear to be exactly the same. Over the past 10 years, several studies have been performed to improve our knowledge about CIPF. However, this disease is still misunderstood and clinicians are dealing with several challenges including the absence of clinical or biological markers for estimating the presence, severity or progression of the disease and related comorbidities such as pulmonary hypertension, the absence of etiologic agent, and the absence of targeted therapy. Consequently, the aims of the present project were (1) to investigate whether high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the lungs obtained under sedation can be used for the diagnosis and for the follow-up of the disease, (2) to study a new echocardiographic parameter for the diagnosis of precapillary pulmonary hypertension induced by CIPF, (3) to study the potential roles of 2 chemokines of interest, CCL2 and CXCL8, as biomarkers of fibrosis and as actors in the pathogenesis of the disease, (4) to determine breed variation of basal blood concentrations of the same chemokines, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and serotonin, and (5) to search for the presence of herpesvirus as a possible etiologic agent. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 26 (8 ULg) Étude des effets virucides de désinfectants sur le norovirus murin et le calicivirus félin, virus substituts du norovirus humainZonta, William Doctoral thesis (2016)Human noroviruses (HuNoV) are amongst the leading causes of acute non-bacterial gastroenteritis in humans and annually constitute a global public health problem involving numerous people with great ... [more ▼]Human noroviruses (HuNoV) are amongst the leading causes of acute non-bacterial gastroenteritis in humans and annually constitute a global public health problem involving numerous people with great medical, sanitary and economic consequences. The effects of disinfectants against viruses and more specifically against highly resistant viruses such as HuNoV in the environment are little known and data, sometimes empirically obtained, originate from effects observed with bacteria or enveloped viruses. The aim of this thesis is to evaluate disinfectant effects against HuNoV. Since in vitro culture of HuNoV remains difficult, genetically and morphologically similar viral surrogates, are utilised as indirect tools to obtain data about the virucidal effects of disinfectants. The murine norovirus (MNV) and feline calicivirus (FCV) are two frequently used HuNoV surrogates, for which an in vitro cell culture system and a plaque assay protocol exist. In the first study, the virucidal effect of seven disinfectants was evaluated in suspension tests and in two carriers tests (stainless steel and the latex gloves), using two parameters, the infectious viral titre and the genomic copy number. This first study demonstrated that three disinfectants were able to induce a viral titre reduction of more than three log10 for the two surrogates in all three kinds of tests. The disinfectants were halogen, an oxidizing agent and a mix composed of quaternary ammonium compounds (QAC), an alcohol and an aldehyde. The three disinfectants also showed a significant effect on the genomic copy number of MNV and FCV in all three kinds of tests. In conclusion, this first study demonstrates that the three disinfectants should be considered as disinfectants with likely efficiency against the HuNoV and that their use should be recommended for disinfection of surfaces or materials potentially contaminated by the HuNoV. The use of touchless disinfection technologies is gaining increasing importance due to their automatization (limited reliance on human factors), safe use and beneficial economic impact (staff is available for other work). It has been conclusively demonstrated that the environment and contaminated surfaces of health institutes and food processing industries can be a source of infection and have been involved in HuNoV transmission amongst the population in numerous instances. H2O2 nebulization is a system that aerosolizes a solution, causing it to form liquid droplets in the air. The goal of the second part of this thesis is to evaluate the effect of nebulization on the two main HuNoV surrogates, MNV and FCV, on two different surfaces, i.e. glass and stainless steel, representing the surfaces typically present in field conditions. The H2O2 nebulization was shown to be efficient, mediating a mean viral titre reduction of both surrogates of more than 4 log10, and shouldhenceforth be considered as virucidal. The reductions of genomic copies were relatively low, confirming that this parameter is not an adequate tool for the determination of virucidal efficiency of a system nebulizing H2O2. In order to reduce the risk of contamination and increase the security of consumers, patients and employees, the nebulization of H2O2 should be recommended for use as a disinfection system, complementing conventional disinfection processes in places potentially contaminated by HuNoV. After the evaluation of the effects of several disinfectants against the MNV and the FCV on the viral titre and the genomic copy number, investigation of the effect of disinfectants was continued by exploring the effect of these disinfectants on the binding step of MNV on RAW 264.7 cells. The aim of this third study was to identify whether the binding step, the first step of the viral replicative cycle, was modified after the use of disinfectants on MNV and whether this mechanism explained the virucidal effect observed in the previous studies. Via epifluorescent microscopy analysis and an indirect immunofluorescence assay, viral attachment was not observed after contact of MNV with alcohol (ethanol and isopropanol), H2O2, chlorhexidine, benzylammonium-chloride (BAC), didecyldimethyl-ammoniumchloride (DAC) at a concentration of 0.08 % or glutaraldehyde. Viral attachment was still partially observed after contact of MNV with the sodium hypochlorite or DAC at a concentration of 0.04 %. All tested disinfectants partially or totally inhibit the binding step, probably due a modification or a destruction of the MNV capsid. In conclusion, any disinfectants utilized in a disinfection process should include either a halogen product, oxidizing agents or a mix of QAC with an alcohol and an aldehyde in order to guarantee a virucidal effect against viruses such as the HuNoV. The nebulization of hydrogen peroxide should be employed both preventively and in the course of HuNoV outbreaks in places with HuNoV contamination. Amongst different mechanisms of action of virucidal disinfectants, one mechanism against MNV could be the inhibition of cellular receptor binding via structural modification of the viral capsid. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 29 (2 ULg) Public Participation in Science and Technology and its Normative Context. The Participatory Turn’s Legacy and the European ‘Responsible Research and Innovation’ Emerging FrameworkMacq, Hadrien Master's dissertation (2016)Over the last two decades in Europe, science and technology’s unforeseen impacts led many STS scholars to plead for a ‘participatory turn’ in order to make our democracies more able to handle ... [more ▼]Over the last two decades in Europe, science and technology’s unforeseen impacts led many STS scholars to plead for a ‘participatory turn’ in order to make our democracies more able to handle sociotechnical controversies. However, since the outset of this participatory turn, critiques sharing the common emphasize on the importance of taking into account the context in which public participation takes place have pointed to the risk of participation being either romanticized or instrumentalized. This thesis contributes to the critical scrutinizing of public participation in science and technology. By drawing on a set of qualitative data collection strategies and on a discourse analysis of collected materials, it investigates the normative context in which public participation is currently conceived and promoted at the European level and links it to historical perspectives in order to grasp the way in which the participatory turn’s legacy has been impacted. At it shows, far from being left opened-up, public participation is strongly closed-down by normative forces that lies in the context is which its promotion is currently taking place. As argued, public participation appears as instrumentalized in Horizon 2020 due to the increasing economization of policies and the steering of science and innovation toward tackling societal challenges. However, while acknowledging that these trends are characteristic of current developments, some longer ones are highlighted. Indeed, as this research suggests, the instrumentalization of public participation goes largely beyond the mere Horizon 2020. From the Sixth Framework Programme already, it appears that the normative context in which public participation in science and technology has been conceived and promoted has always tended to instrumentalized and to close down the deliberative governance of science. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 59 (5 ULg) Clostridium difficile a new zoonotic agent? Assessment of human transmission potential of hypervirulent strains of Clostridium difficile through food products consumptionRodriguez Diaz, Cristina Doctoral thesis (2016)Clostridium difficile is a spore-forming anaerobic bacterium recognised as a major human pathogen responsible for pseudomembranous colitis and nosocomial-antibiotic associated diarrhea. Traditionally ... [more ▼]Clostridium difficile is a spore-forming anaerobic bacterium recognised as a major human pathogen responsible for pseudomembranous colitis and nosocomial-antibiotic associated diarrhea. Traditionally, hospitals were considered the main reservoirs for infection. However, in the last years the incidence, deaths, complications and costs of C. difficile infection (CDI) have been rising, not only in healthcare facilities, but also within the community. In the community, it has been detected in a growing number of CDI cases in previously healthy individuals without antimicrobial exposure, hospital stay or any other classical risk factors. Furthermore, the disease has been repeatedly described in younger patients, including children. Some hypotheses have been proposed to explain this peak of community cases, the most obvious being that nowadays more attention is given to CDI surveillance. In the last years, diarrhea due to C. difficile disease might have gone undiagnosed, and in many cases went unreported, particularly in the community. Since 2004, severe outbreaks of CDI have been documented increasingly in the United States, Canada and in Europe. These outbreaks have been associated with the emergence of a novel strain, known as PCR-ribotype 027, characterised by higher than usual levels of toxins A and B production, and the presence of a third toxin named CDT or binary toxin. This strain type is also characterised by its resistance to both erythromycin and fluoroquinolones (i.e. moxifloxacin, gatifloxacin and levofloxacin). However, according to the latest hospital surveillance studies in Europe, since 2010 there is a decrease in the incidence rates of PCR-ribotype 027 while other PCR-ribotypes, including PCR-ribotypes 014, 020, 001, 002, 078 and 015 are increasing. Person to person contact is one source proposed for the spread in the community, occurring after visiting hospitalised patients or residents in long-term care facilities. Employees of these health-care settings can also carry spores and contaminate their entourage. The second hypothesis is contamination from the environment, following visits to a potentially contaminated place, such as hospitals or nursing homes. The two most important potential sources of CDI in the community, which have been demonstrated by investigations in the last decade are animals and foods. While C. difficile is also known as enteric pathogen in some food producing and companion animal species, there are several reports describing the presence of the bacterium in the intestinal contents of apparently healthy animals. Moreover, data published recently suggests animals as an important source of human CDI, which can spread disease through environmental contamination, direct or indirect contact, or food contamination, including carcass and meat contamination at slaughter or in the case of crops, through the use of organic animal manure. By definition, zoonoses are infectious diseases that can be transmitted directly or indirectly between animals and humans, through direct contact or close proximity with infected animals, or through the environment. Foodborne zoonotic pathogens are transmitted via the consumption of contaminated food or drink water. The first description of C. difficile in domestic animals and their environments dates from 1974 and possible foodborne transmission was reported for the first time in 1982. However, nowadays the importance of C. difficile as zoonotic disease remains largely unknown. The "One Health" concept is a worldwide strategy, which recognises that the health of humans and animals is connected and also depends on the environment. The present dissertation is a 5 year national study that has investigated the presence of C. difficile in animals and food, from “farm-totable”. The study was also extended to humans resident in a nursing home and in two hospitals in Belgium and in Spain. The characterisation of the isolates obtained has ultimately allowed comparison of the PCR-ribotype distribution in the different European hospitals, as well as with the PCR-ribotype distribution found in animals and foods. This work explores how C. difficile spreads among human patients, animals, foods and the environment to better understand the potential of the bacterium as a zoonotic or foodborne infectious agent. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 117 (6 ULg) From Statistical to Biological Interactions via Omics IntegrationBessonov, Kyrylo Doctoral thesis (2016)The XXI century opened a new ‘Big Data’ era in which, thanks to rapid technological advancements and appearance of high throughput technologies, vast amounts of unstructured omics data (e.g ... [more ▼]The XXI century opened a new ‘Big Data’ era in which, thanks to rapid technological advancements and appearance of high throughput technologies, vast amounts of unstructured omics data (e.g., transcriptomic, genomic, etc.) are generated every day. This thesis mainly focuses on solving the problems related diverse omics data integration and interaction identification tasks. Particular attention is given to useful knowledge extraction in the context of complex diseases including pathological mechanisms with the development of software tools and pipelines. The diseases covered included glioblastoma multiforme, asthma, and ankylosing spondylitis. Interactions detection in genomic data requires standardization of the protocols. In Chapter 3, we tested the impact of different settings in a genome-wide association interaction study (GWAIS). Some of the settings included marker selection strategy, the LD pruning, lower order effects adjustment, analytical tool. We were able to show that even small changes in each setting can have drastic impacts requiring careful assessment of proper settings and results comparisons across several analysis protocols. The greatest impact was attributed to the input dataset composition highlighting the importance of the marker selection strategy and use of prior knowledge. Expression of genes can be affected by nearby (‘cis’) or distant (‘trans’) genotypes. Thus, we developed methodology to identify complex trans/cis regulatory mechanisms between expression and genotype data in the context of asthma (CAMP data). Significant overlap between ‘trans’ and ‘cis’ gene regulatory components related to immune and signaling pathways was clearly identified matching asthma disease pathology. The semi-parametric Model-Based Multifactor Dimensionality Reduction (MB-MDR) method was applied for the first time in the context eQTL study achieving low false discovery and family-wise error rates (FDR and FWER). Identification of a meaningful data structure from omics data is a pressing topic nowadays. Gene regulatory networks (GRN) conveniently summarize large amounts of data allowing for useful knowledge generation. GRN inference is especially attractive for deciphering of complex diseases mechanisms allowing biologists to formulate a better hypothesis. We were able to generate GRNs from a single source (e.g., microarray expression data) using conditional inference forest (CIF) with more attractive features compared to classical Random-Forest (RF) including unbiased node variable selection even in the context of highly correlated variables particularly relevant in transcriptomics. The CIF methods provided attractive features and performance characteristics coupled to valuable pathological insights into type 1 diabetes. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 140 (33 ULg) CONTRIBUTION A L’ETUDE DE L’ECHOGRAPHIE INTERVENTIONNELLE DU RACHIS CHEZ LE CHIEN : MISE AU POINT DE TECHNIQUES ECHOGUIDEES POUR LES PONCTIONS SOUS-ARACHNOÏDIENNES ET ANALYSE DE LEUR APPLICATIONEtienne, Anne-Laure Doctoral thesis (2016)SUMMARY Percutaneous ultrasound guidance has become a routine procedure in veterinary medicine in domestic animals. It allows precise placement of the needle in the desired target. Punctures of the ... [more ▼]SUMMARY Percutaneous ultrasound guidance has become a routine procedure in veterinary medicine in domestic animals. It allows precise placement of the needle in the desired target. Punctures of the subarachnoid space in dogs are frequently carried out in veterinary practice for diagnostic purposes. In these procedures, the placement of the needle into the subarachnoid space (atlanto-occipital or lumbar) is commonly performed blindly by feeling the bony anatomical landmarks but this can be laborious or even impossible in some patients as reported in human medicine. The topic of this study is ultrasound guidance for the placement of the needle during puncture of the subarachnoid space. The needle placement can be done under ultrasound guidance according to two methods. The "indirect guidance" is a method of deferred ultrasound guidance. The "direct guidance" is a real time procedure in which the operator holds the needle in one hand and the ultrasound probe in the other. It allows direct visualization of the needle (if direct guidance), the target structure, adjacent tissues (including vascular structures) and potential injectate while minimizing the risk of complications. Punctures of the subarachnoid space are carried out by placing the needle in the cisterna magna or in the caudal lumbar subarachnoid space (between the fifth and sixth lumbar vertebrae). The cisternal puncture is most frequently used in practice but presents greater risk of iatrogenic lesions of the brain stem. The lumbar puncture is technically more difficult and is frequently contaminated by iatrogenic blood. Cerebrospinal fluid punctures have several clinical applications. They allow to collect cerebrospinal fluid for diagnostic testing, to realize myelograms or myeloscanners by injecting contrast medium and to perform spinal anesthesia or analgesia by injecting one or more substance(s) blocking the conduction of the spinal nerves. Subarachnoid lumbar puncture is used commonly in the dog for cerebrospinal fluid collection and/or myelography. Percutaneous ultrasound anatomy of the lumbar region in the dog and a technique for ultrasound-guided lumbar puncture were described in the first study. Ultrasound images obtained ex- vivo and in-vivo were compared with anatomic sections and used to identify the landmarks for ultrasound-guided lumbar puncture. The ultrasound-guided procedure was established on cadavers and then applied in-vivo on eight dogs. The anatomic landmarks for the ultrasound-guided puncture, which should be identified using the parasagittal oblique ultrasound image, were the articular processes of the fifth and sixth lumbar vertebrae and the interarcuate space. The spinal needle was directed under direct ultrasound-guidance toward the triangular space located between the contiguous articular processes of the fifth and sixth lumbar vertebrae and then advanced to enter the vertebral canal. Using these precise ultrasound anatomic landmarks, an ultrasound-guided technique for lumbar puncture is applicable to dogs. Cisternal puncture in dogs and cats is commonly carried out. Percutaneous ultrasound anatomy of the cisternal region in the dog and the cat and an indirect technique for ultrasound-guided cisternal puncture were described in the second study. Ultrasound images obtained ex-vivo and in-vivo were compared with anatomic sections and used to identify the landmarks for ultrasound-guided cisternal puncture. The ultrasound-guided procedure was established in cadavers and then applied in- vivo in seven dogs and two cats. The anatomic landmarks for the ultrasound-guided puncture were the cisterna magna, the spinal cord, the two occipital condyles on transverse images, the external occipital crest and the dorsal arch of the first cervical vertebra on longitudinal images. Using these ultrasound anatomic landmarks, an indirect ultrasound-guided technique for cisternal puncture is applicable to dogs and cats. The standard technique for placing a needle into the canine lumbar subarachnoid space is primarily based on the palpation of anatomic landmarks and the use of probing movements of the needle. However, this technique can be challenging for novice operators. The aim of the third observational, prospective, ex vivo, feasibility study was to compare ultrasound-guided versus standard anatomic landmark approaches for novices performing needle placement into the lumbar subarachnoid space using dog cadavers. Eight experienced operators validated the canine cadaver model as usable for training landmark and ultrasound-guided needle placement into the lumbar subarachnoid space based on realistic anatomy and tissue consistency. With informed consent, 67 final year veterinary students were prospectively enrolled in the study. Students had no prior experience in needle placement into the lumbar subarachnoid space nor use of ultrasound. Each student received a short theoretical training about each technique before the trial and then attempted blind landmark-guided and ultrasound-guided techniques on randomized canine cadavers. After having performed both procedures, the operators completed a self-evaluation questionnaire about their performance and self-confidence. Total success rates for students were 48% and 77% for the landmark- and ultrasound-guided technique, respectively. Ultrasound guidance significantly increased total success rate when compared to the landmark-guided technique and significantly reduced the number of attempts. With ultrasound guidance self-confidence was improved, without bringing any significant change in duration of the needle placement procedure. Findings indicated that the use of ultrasound guidance and cadavers is a feasible method for training novice operators in needle placement into the canine lumbar subarachnoid space after short theoretical training. Ultrasound-guided techniques for needle placement in the cisterna magna and in the lumbar subarachnoid space were described in the dog. The aim of the fourth observational, prospective, ex-vivo study was to compare the impact of ultrasound guidance for the cisternal versus lumbar needle placement using dog cadavers. With informed consent, 83 operators were prospectively enrolled in the study. They were divided in four groups depending on experience. Each operator received a short theoretical training about each technique before the trial and then attempted a cisternal and lumbar punctures with blind landmark-guided and ultrasound-guided techniques on randomized canine cadavers. The lumbar ultrasound-guidance was direct while the cisternal ultrasound-guidance was indirect. After having performed each procedure, the operators completed a self-evaluation questionnaire about their previous experience, their performance and their self-confidence. The ultrasound guidance significantly increased total success rate in both areas compared with the blind technique but more significantly in the lumbar region. The cisternal ultrasound guidance significantly improved the number of attempts, the time needed to perform the procedure and the self-confidence in inexperienced and experienced operators. The lumbar ultrasound guidance significantly increased the self-confidence in inexperienced and experienced operators and significantly decreased the number of attempts in inexperienced operators. The first cause of failure cited was different according to the location of the puncture and was related to the nature of ultrasound guidance. Findings indicated that the use of ultrasound guidance by novice and experienced operators improved different parameters according to the location of the needle placement. This study demonstrated that inexperienced operators are able to use ultrasound guidance after a short theoretical teaching session in an ex-vivo context and this supports the use of ultrasound-guidance for learning and teaching purposes. The study of the impact of ultrasound guidance for needle placement procedures described in this work could be developed and studied for other technically difficult or risky procedures on dogs. If the benefits of ultrasound guidance demonstrated ex-vivo in this work are transferable to the clinical conditions, punctures of the subarachnoid injections would be less « scary » for novice operators and become routine procedures applicable by a large numbers of veterinarians. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 44 (5 ULg) "Saisir l'État". Les conflits d’héritage, la justice et la place du droit à Cotonou.Andreetta, Sophie Doctoral thesis (2016)Tout comme de nombreux autres États sur le continent africain, le Bénin a entrepris, à partir des années 1990, une large réforme de ses services publics dans laquelle la justice occupe une place centrale ... [more ▼]Tout comme de nombreux autres États sur le continent africain, le Bénin a entrepris, à partir des années 1990, une large réforme de ses services publics dans laquelle la justice occupe une place centrale. Parmi les premiers textes à faire l’objet d’une révision figure le Code des personnes et de la famille, censé promouvoir l’égalité des sexes, contrairement au droit « coutumier » jusque-là applicable à la majorité des familles. Avec les conflits d’héritage comme porte d’entrée, cette recherche avait pour objectif de réfléchir à l’appropriation de ce nouveau texte par différents types d’acteurs. En effet, les questions liées à la gestion et à la répartition de l’héritage sont fréquemment source de conflits à Cotonou et dans les localités voisines. De nombreuses familles saisissent les cours et tribunaux. Dans un contexte où les services publics sont souvent associés à la corruption et aux pratiques informelles, cette thèse envisage les spécificités du système judicaire béninois, la question de la place du droit pour les citoyens, dans le travail des juges et le fonctionnement des tribunaux, démontrant ainsi que les règles officielles sont loin d’être systématiquement contournées dans les administrations africaines. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 81 (20 ULg) Global changes, human activities and (re-) emerging of mosquito-borne pathogens: diversity, ecology and control of potential vectorsBoukraa, Slimane Doctoral thesis (2016)Worldwide, mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) are known as potential vectors of pathogens that cause infectious diseases, affecting both humans and animals, such as malaria, dengue, chikungunya, West Nile ... [more ▼]Worldwide, mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) are known as potential vectors of pathogens that cause infectious diseases, affecting both humans and animals, such as malaria, dengue, chikungunya, West Nile fever and dirofilariasis. In terms of morbidity and mortality, mosquitoes are considered as the most dangerous animals confronting mankind. Indeed, over three billion people live at risk of becoming infected by a mosquito-borne disease. Focus on mosquitoes has greatly increased not only in the tropic areas but also in the Palearctic region like Europe and Mediterranean areas. Researches on re-emerging vector-borne diseases are become a major issue in human and animal health worldwide, both in the North and South hemisphere. The spread in space and time of these many vector-borne diseases is strongly influenced by environmental factors (landscape, location and abundance of hosts and vectors, etc.) and climate (temperature, humidity, etc.) that influence population dynamics of the vector and the reservoir hots of pathogens. The acquisition of bio-ecological and taxonomic knowledges of mosquitoes is nevertheless an essential step for the understanding, preventing and management of current risks of the (re)-emergence of mosquito-borne parasites and mainly the preparation and prevention against future threats. The absence of vaccine and treatments against most of mosquito-borne diseases implies efficient vector control strategies, which are up to date mainly based on the use of chemical insecticides. However, most vectors develop resistance against currently used products whereas new chemical compounds was limited firstly by financial costs in research and development, and secondly by the toxicity of derivatives to human population, biodiversity, and environment. The exploitation of new methods, such as the use of microbial communities (mainly bacteria or entomopathogenic fungi) for vector control, will be therefore a promoted strategy at the global level. This doctoral thesis focuses on five main objectives: (i) to inventory and identify mosquito fauna in the livestock areas and their surroundings, especially in the equestrian farms; (ii) to study the population genetic structure of the potential vector complex Cx. pipiens s.l.; iii) to study the phylogeny and the origin of exotic mosquito species (Ae. albopictus & Ae. koreicus) as well as the potential tracks of their introduction; (iv) to know the bioecology and spatiotemporal dynamic of potential vectors; and finally (v) to suggest a biocontrol tool that can prevent and fight the proliferation of mosquitoes especially potential vectors and those causing nuisance problems. Obtained results in this thesis allowed highlighting identification and record of new mosquito species in the studied areas. It also allowed updating the list of mosquito fauna in the two countries, Belgium (31 species including three invasive mosquitoes) and Algeria (53 species including four new records form this research: Culex brumpti, Coquillettidia richiardii, Cq. Buxtoni and Uranotaenia balfouri). The phylogenetic analyses (COI and ND4) performed during this thesis allowed to confirm that Aedes koreicus and Ae. japonicas complex constitute two distinct species. In addition, given the phylogenetic analyses (COI and ND5 genes) and information about the origin of used tires inspected during this study in Belgium, Ae. albopictus was very probably reintroduced from the United States. In both Belgium and Algeria, this work permitted identifying and confirming the presence of different molecular forms of the Cx. pipiens complex: Cx. pipiens form pipiens, Cx. pipiens f. molestus as well as their hybrid form. Medical and veterinary importance of identified mosquito species and the risk of (re-)emerging of mosquito-borne diseases in Belgium and Algeria are discussed. Finally, the endosymbiont bacteria Pseudomonas seemed to be an interesting candidate for paratransgenic bacteria in order to reduce and/or inhibit the transmission of pathogens by mosquito vectors. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 336 (15 ULg) Caractérisation phénotypique, morphologique et fonctionnelle des éosinophiles résidents du poumonRaulier, Stéfanie Doctoral thesis (2016)Eosinophils have long been considered as destructive effector cells implicated in parasitic infections and allergic reactions such as asthma. This traditional restrictive view of eosinophils has now been ... [more ▼]Eosinophils have long been considered as destructive effector cells implicated in parasitic infections and allergic reactions such as asthma. This traditional restrictive view of eosinophils has now been considerably extended. Indeed, beside their pro-inflammatory functions, eosinophils are also able to finely shape local innate and adaptative immune responses. Moreover, recent studies indicate that steady-state resident eosinophils are now thought to contribute to immune homeostasis at mucosal sites such as the gut. In the normal lung, resident eosinophils (rEOS) have been little-studied so far. Here, we report that in mice, steady-state pulmonary rEOS are parenchymal Siglec-Fint CD125int cells characterized by a ring-shaped nucleus. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 34 (5 ULg) Vers une transition durable des quartiers urbains. Formulation d'un modèle d'innovation applicable à la politique des quartiers.Ruelle, Christine Doctoral thesis (2016)La thèse démontre que la transition durable se produit de manière très inégale dans les quartiers urbains. Elle explore alors la question de l'action publique et de la manière dont les pouvoirs publics ... [more ▼]La thèse démontre que la transition durable se produit de manière très inégale dans les quartiers urbains. Elle explore alors la question de l'action publique et de la manière dont les pouvoirs publics pourraient soutenir cette transition durable dans les quartiers. En particulier, le potentiel de la "politique des quartiers" est analysé et des amélioration sont proposées. La recherche-action est ensuite mobilisée pour pour enrichir cette politique de nouveaux instruments d'action, plus adaptés pour engager les habitants dans la dynamique de transition durable de leur quartier. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 110 (27 ULg) Numerical Assessment of Non-Lethal Projectile Thoracic ImpactsNsiampa Ndompetelo, Doctoral thesis (2016)Anti-personnel Non-Lethal Weapons (NLW) are weapons that are designed to impart sufficient effect onto a person in order to deter uncivil, suspect or hazardous behaviour with a low probability of severe ... [more ▼]Anti-personnel Non-Lethal Weapons (NLW) are weapons that are designed to impart sufficient effect onto a person in order to deter uncivil, suspect or hazardous behaviour with a low probability of severe or fatal injury. They are used both by military and law enforcement in situations of low-intensity conflicts like riot control, access denial, peacekeeping missions i.e. situations where the use of lethal force is not appropriate nor desired. The most used of these weapons are the Kinetic Energy Non-Lethal Weapons (KENLW). The underlying principle of KENLW is to launch a projectile with a mass varying between 5 g and 140 g at initial velocity up to 160 m/s, which by a mechanical action on the target, will cause enough physical pain to incapacitate or repel the target. But their use is not without risk as in practice, the impacts of Kinetic Energy Non-Lethal (KENL) projectiles on the human thorax resulted in injuries, some of the them were severe even fatal. Therefore there is a need to develop methods of assessment. These assessment methods are essential in order to help deciders in charge of non- lethal weapon procurement with technical information so they can choose the best product (weapon or projectile) available on the market; to give relevant information to the manufacturers in either developing new weapons or projectiles that are more effective, or improving the existing ones, and finally to the end-users (military or police forces) of these weapons, information on operational distance of engagement. In practice, it has been observed that the thorax is the body region where the impacts of KNL projectiles led to more significant injuries than other parts of the body apart from the head which is never targeted at. Therefore in the present thesis, only assessment of thoracic impacts is investigated. Besides tests on PMHS (Post Mortem Human Subjects), animals or human surrogates, one powerful tool that is used nowadays to assess the thoracic impacts is the finite element method (FEM). It has many advantages like the capability of accounting for complex geometries or complex material modelling and its cost-effectiveness. It also gives insight into physical variables (stresses, strains,...) inside the material which are inaccessible by other means. It helps for a better understanding of the injury mechanism. Moreover, it helps to reduce cadavers or animal testings. In the present thesis, only FEM is considered as tool for injury risk assessment. On the one hand, a thorax finite element (FE) model, the SHTIM (Surrogate Human Thorax Impact Model) has been developed for the injury risk assessment. Number of assumptions has been made relative to the thorax geometry and the material characteristics are based on literature. The model has been validated thanks to the results of experiments carried out by professor C. Bir. A viscous injury criterion was defined as the parameter relevant for the occurrence of the thorax skeletal injury. This criterion is used in the present thesis for the prediction of the thoracic injury outcome. On the other hand, FE models of six projectiles have been developed where most of material characteristics were taken from the literature. For the 40 mm sponge grenades, a new method of characterizing the deformable nose has been developed. The projectile FE models were validated by comparing numerical results to experimental results obtained from real firing tests of the projectile against a rigid wall structure. These firing tests have been performed within the Department ABAL. Good correspondence was found. Once the thorax FE model and the projectile FE models validated, numerical simulations of the impact between the thorax and the projectile were performed. Using the viscous injury criterion, risk assessment of the thorax impacts was carried out. For each projectile, a critical velocity was determined which thanks to the retardation can be linked to a minimum firing distance, the safe distance. This is the distance below which an impact will result in a higher risk of skeletal thoracic injury. This information is very important for the end-users (military, police). Moreover comparison of the performance of different KENL projectiles was carried out. Few years ago, the Department ABAL acquired a thorax mechanical surrogate, the 3RBID (3 Rib Ballistic Impact Dummy) for the prediction of thoracic injury. It was an opportunity to compare both surrogates and to see if the SHTIM results are consistent with the 3RBID results. Good correspondence has been found especially for projectiles with larger diameter like the 40 mm sponge grenades. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 58 (1 ULg) Synthesis of precursor powders for preparation of YBa2Cu3O7 coatings by electrophoretic deposition on silver substratesCaubergh, Stéphane Master's dissertation (2016)Over the last years, our research group has been investigating the electrophoretic deposition of YBa2Cu3O7 (Y-123) on silver substrates with the aim to improve the magnetic shielding properties. For ... [more ▼]Over the last years, our research group has been investigating the electrophoretic deposition of YBa2Cu3O7 (Y-123) on silver substrates with the aim to improve the magnetic shielding properties. For synthesis purposes, a key characteristic of Y-123 is its peritectic decomposition into solid Y-211 and a Y-035 liquid phase. In this work, we aimed to synthesize the two precursor powders and proceed to electrophoretic deposition on silver substrates. The final Y-123 superconductor should be formed via peritectic recombination. The starting point of this master thesis was to adapt a synthetic procedure of the Y-123 phase to the stoichiometries of Y-211 and Y-035. In this procedure, Y-123 was obtained by self-combustion of sol-gel precursors followed by a final treatment. In this master thesis, the procedure was successfully adapted to the stoichiometry of Y-211. Stable aqueous solutions containing the metal-citrate complexes could be prepared. Dried residues containing these metal-citrate complexes were obtained via the spray-drying technique with a 95.4% yield. After combustion and complete optimization of the heat treatment, it was found that 880 °C for 6h with a heating rate of 300 °C/h was sufficient to form the desired Y-211 phase. A 250-gram batch of pure Y2BaCuO5 with a median particle size of 1.4 micron could be synthesized via a scaled-up production with a global yield of 86.9 %. Concerning the synthesis of the liquid phase Y-035, the preparation of the aqueous solutions of metal-citrate complexes was more challenging and did not permit to obtain dried residues via the spray-drying method. Since spray-drying of the EDTA-based solution did not succeed, the spray-drying route was abandoned in favor of the original sol-gel route. Homogeneous gels could be prepared and the stability issue encountered with metal-citrate complexes was solved. Moreover, the amount of organic additives used in the preparation of these gels could be reduced by 23%. Finally, a 125-gram batch of Y-035 could be synthesized in a scaled-up process but high purity could not be reached due to the high content of carbon residues still present after two heat treatments. Stable butanol-based suspensions could be prepared with each powder. Here, addition of branched poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI) as the dispersing agent permitted to reach optimal conditions of stability in terms of zeta potential. Electrophoretic deposition for 60 s at 50 V allowed to deposit 5.5 g/cm² of Y-211 on Ag substrates. These conditions are optimal to avoid the formation of macro-cracks during the heat treatment. Intermediate heat treatment had to be conducted between each deposition in order to avoid the coating to peel-off. Finally, peritectic recombination was tested on a mixture of Y-211 and Y-035 powders. By XRD, SEM and EDX analysis, we could prove the presence of Y-123 accompanied by Y-211 inclusions, CuO, BaCuO2 and Ag. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 44 (13 ULg) Cell death signaling in cancer cells treated by Photodynamic TherapyFettweis, Grégory Doctoral thesis (2016)Glioblastoma multiformes (GBMs) are an extremely aggressive and infiltrating type of brain cancer. Despite heavy therapies and extensive fundamental and applied research, the median survival of patients ... [more ▼]Glioblastoma multiformes (GBMs) are an extremely aggressive and infiltrating type of brain cancer. Despite heavy therapies and extensive fundamental and applied research, the median survival of patients remains about 15 months after diagnosis for over a decade. Therefore, there is an emergency to find new approaches and therapeutic targets for treating this cancer. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) recently demonstrated a high potential in the treatment of GBM. Moreover, GBMs induced cell death by PDT is dependent of an atypical RIP3-dependent programmed necrosis. In parallel, GBMs activate a pro-survival autophagic pathway in order to recycle PDT-damaged structures and organelles. In our PhD thesis, we investigated the regulation of this autophagic process and found that TSC2 protein had an important role in autophagy activation by PDT. Indeed, PDT treatment quickly activates the kinase MK2, which phosphorylates TSC2 on serine 1254. We then showed that phosphorylation of this serine was crucial for autophagy activation, which makes TSC2 a crucial pro-survival factor in GBMs treated with PDT. Finally, we demonstrated that protein 14-3-3 ζ (YWHAZ) interacts with TSC2 and protects TSC2 serine 1254 phosphorylation from phosphatase actions after PDT. In the same time we conducted a proteomic analysis on RIP3 immunoprecipitate. The major implication of this analysis is the demonstration that RIP3 interacts with TSC2 and YWHAZ. Finally, we showed that RIP3 interacts better with the non-phosphorylated form of TSC2 than with the phosphorylated form, suggesting a RIP3 interference in the TSC2-dependent autophagy activation process. These data were submitted for publication in "Scientific Reports". In the second part of this thesis, we also investigated the influence of RIP3 expression on osteosarcoma (U2OS) cell death. U2OS expressing or not RIP3 were treated with PDT and cell death mechanisms have been investigated. We first demonstrated that in both cell lines, apoptosis was the major cell death mechanism. Secondly, we noticed an over-activation of various caspases in cells expressing RIP3 despite a stronger resistance to PDT. This could be explained by a lower activation of autophagy in cells not expressing RIP3. Thirdly, we showed that in RIP3 expressing cells, residual necrosis was RIP1-dependent. We therefore suggest that RIP3 is able to influence the cell death process. These data were published in "Laser in surgery and medicine." [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 28 (9 ULg) Gestion et inclusion de la diversité : la notion du “handicap architectural”. Le cas des usagers atteints du syndrome de Down.Schelings, Clémentine Master's dissertation (2016)Mon intention, à travers ce travail, est d’analyser en quoi l’architecture peut être handicapante pour les usagers, qu’ils soient eux-mêmes porteurs d’un handicap ou non. Autrement dit, le handicap n’est ... [more ▼]Mon intention, à travers ce travail, est d’analyser en quoi l’architecture peut être handicapante pour les usagers, qu’ils soient eux-mêmes porteurs d’un handicap ou non. Autrement dit, le handicap n’est plus considéré ici comme une caractéristique individuelle, mais comme la conséquence d’un espace inadapté. Plus précisément, je m’intéresse à la manière dont les personnes atteintes de trisomie 21 réagissent à différents espaces. Etant donné leur hypersensibilité, leur comportement face à l’architecture nous donne des indications quant aux impacts de l’environnement architectural sur l’ensemble des usagers. Dès lors, ma réflexion porte sur les bénéfices possibles de l’inclusion des personnes atteintes du syndrome de Down dans le processus de conception, de manière à limiter ce phénomène de handicap architectural et de façon à intégrer de nouvelles perceptions. En pratique, la méthodologie mise en place consiste en deux phases d’observation in situ. Premièrement, je me suis rendue chez l’habitant afin de rencontrer des personnes atteintes du syndrome de Down dans leurs logements respectifs. Le but était d’observer la manière dont elles appréhendent et s’approprient leur espace personnel dans leur vie quotidienne. Deuxièmement, j’ai visité un bâtiment public en compagnie des personnes handicapées rencontrées auparavant, afin d’observer leur réaction face à un espace qu’elles ne connaissent pas. Mon objectif était de comparer leur manière d’appréhender des espaces familiers et des endroits inconnus. Les résultats obtenus mettent en lumière des traits caractéristiques de la trisomie 21 qui peuvent influencer leur perception de l’espace. Ce travail a également permis de comprendre comment les personnes porteuses du syndrome de Down appréhendent l’espace et en quoi l’architecture peut devenir un facteur aggravant leur handicap. Par ailleurs, la méthodologie proposée fournit des pistes de réflexion quant à la manière d’accéder à l’expérience des personnes trisomiques par rapport à l’espace. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 20 (5 ULg) Synthèse et mise en forme de LiMn2O4 comme materiau pour cathode flexibleJungers, Thomas Master's dissertation (2016)Le sujet de ce mémoire porte sur la synthèse d'un composé pour cathode d'accumulateurs au lithium, le LiMn2O4, dopé adéquatement, et sa mise en forme de film flexible. Un grand nombre de dopants déjà ... [more ▼]Le sujet de ce mémoire porte sur la synthèse d'un composé pour cathode d'accumulateurs au lithium, le LiMn2O4, dopé adéquatement, et sa mise en forme de film flexible. Un grand nombre de dopants déjà utilisés sont comparés afin d'étudier leur influence sur la capacité et la stabilité du composé, en fonction de leur valence et de la force des liaisons qu'ils forment avec l'oxygène. Un dopant potentiellement prometteur est donc choisi sur cette base. Des poudres de précurseurs sont préparées par atomisation et calcinées afin d'obtenir le composé LiMn2O4 dopé. Ces poudres sont ensuite broyées afin d'en faire des suspensions stables, auxquelles sont ajoutés une matrice polymère, du noir de carbone, pour rendre le film conducteur, et un plastifiant afin d'assurer la flexibilité des films. Ces suspensions sont déposées par coulage en bande et permettent après séchage de récupérer un film flexible. Des mesures électrochimiques sur ces poudres dopées et ces films montrent que le dopant choisi apporte en effet une amélioration de la tenue au cyclage du composé et que les films se comportent bien, même après de hautes vitesses de cyclage ; ils peuvent donc être utilisées comme cathodes flexibles pour accumulateurs au lithium. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 32 (6 ULg) Mobilité physique et chimique du 10Be, 137Cs et 210Pb (xs) dans les sols : rôle des caractéristiques pédologiques.de Tombeur, Félix Master's dissertation (2016)Les processus de transferts de matières verticaux dans les sols (bioturbation et lessivage) sont jusqu’à présent mal contraints bien qu’ils soient responsables de l’évolution temporelle des services ... [more ▼]Les processus de transferts de matières verticaux dans les sols (bioturbation et lessivage) sont jusqu’à présent mal contraints bien qu’ils soient responsables de l’évolution temporelle des services écosystémiques rendus par les sols. Afin de mieux contraindre ces processus, une méthode de quantification cinétique basée sur les profils verticaux de 210Pb (xs), 10Be et 137Cs a été développée pour les Luvisols, dans lesquels les transferts solubles peuvent être négligés. Les limites d’applicabilité de ce type d’approche n’ont cependant pas été testées. Dans ce travail, nous avons analysé le 210Pb (xs), 10Be et 137Cs dans des sols présentant des gradients de carbone organique, de pH et de teneurs en < 2 μm (Podzol, Andosol, Ferralsol, Leptosol). Des sols acides et des teneurs en matières organiques importantes ont été considérés. La distribution verticale des isotopes étudiés a été interprétée en fonction de la teneur en matière organique, du pH et de la fraction < 2 μm. Nous démontrons que des pertes de 10Be et de 137Cs sous forme solubles sont présentes dans les Podzols, spécialement sous forêt, plus acide, pour le dernier. Des transferts solubles de 10Be ont également été identifiés dans l’Andosol mais considérés comme négligeables dans le Leptosol. Pour le 210Pb (xs), les transferts solubles sont également probables pour les sols au pH inférieurs à 5.5 (Andosol et Ferralsol) et une forte affinité pour la matière organique a été démontrée. Ainsi, en conditions acides et teneur en particules < 2 μm faible, les transferts solubles ne peuvent plus être négligés. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 15 (1 ULg) Influence du conditionnement et de la déshydratation mécanique sur le séchage des boues d'épurationPambou, Yvon-Bert Doctoral thesis (2016)Wastewater treatment plants generate a byproduct which is found in the form of a colloidal suspension, known under the generic term of sludge. At present time, its valorization after a treatment step is a ... [more ▼]Wastewater treatment plants generate a byproduct which is found in the form of a colloidal suspension, known under the generic term of sludge. At present time, its valorization after a treatment step is a topical environmental issue. This work focuses on the study of the impact of the conditioning step, i.e., the addition of chemicals such as coagulants and flocculants, on the mechanical dewatering and thermal drying steps. The coagulant used (polyaluminum chloride) is combined with a cationic polymer type (flocculant), ranging from linear to complex structures (branched and cross-linked), two of the four flocculants tested with the coagulant are linear structures only differing by their molecular weight. Specifically, the study highlights the role of polyaluminum chloride (PAX-14) as a co-activating agent of the water release during the flocculation stage, when it is combined with the polymer. To better understand the link between this flocculation stage and mechanical dewatering and drying performances, many conditioning ways have been studied and the flocculated sludge obtained was dewatered under a constant pressure using a normalized filtration-expression cell. The dewatered cake obtained after the filtration stage was then characterized in terms of dry solids content, textural properties, desorption isotherms, and finally submitted to a convective drying post-treatment, after the sample was extruded through a circular diameter of 14 mm and cut at a height of a same length, yielding cylindrical samples with a mass of around 2.5 g. Results show that, dual conditioning by applying PAX-14 as a coagulant is an excellent way to improve the cake dryness after the mechanical dewatering step. The interaction between the liquid suspension with polyaluminum chloride and the flocculant offers more attractive yields compared with the use of single conditioning to flocculate the bio-material. Moreover, the efficiency of the two linear flocculants including the use of PAX-14, were shown to produce rather similar performances, while for the same coagulant coupled with trendy or branched macromolecules produce significant differences in terms of increase in dry solids content of the dewatered cake, differences for which the polymer having the highest degree of cross-linking appears to be more beneficial to remove more water contained in the floc after filtration. Sorption isotherms, curves reflecting the hygroscopicity of the product were carried out on the dewatered samples using the DVS equipment (Dynamic Vapor Sorption). Firstly, these experiments confirmed that, curves obtained for wastewater sludge exhibit a sigmoidal shape characteristic of type II, and secondly, an impact of dual PAX-14/polymer conditioning on hydro-textural properties remains difficult to assess. Based on the statistical parameters, GAB equation appears the best formulation to model the sludge sorption isotherms of the Grosses-battes wastewater treatment plant. By studying the texture evolution of sludge for different levels of cake dryness, this work has compared the sludge mechanical properties from the four conditioning types. Globally, results show a more pronounced firmness of the dewatered cake when using the couple PAX-14/polymer in the flocculation stage compared to the single conditioning one. However, from the determined sludge texture parameters it seems difficult to argue that the contribution of both coagulant and cross-linked polymers is better than the association involving aluminum polymerized salt and linear flocculants. Finally, it can be noted that the effects of under or overdosing of chemical can lead to the destruction of material and then, a decrease of sludge cohesion drying rate can be observed. In order to access at the effect of the dual PAX-14/polymer conditioners on drying behavior of sludge samples, some characteristics associated with drying kinetics were compared. According to the statistical analysis, the most significant results were obtained by the association involving PAX-14 and the use of cross-linked flocculants, for which, the polymer which has the highest degree of cross-linking provides a better propensity to remove water contained into flocs after filtration. Linear polymers were shown to produce the same performance. During drying, the texture of the material evolves, including shrinkage and voids development. By X-ray microtomography, this phenomenon has been characterized. The curves of shrinkage volume exhibited a linear decrease with two straight line periods, which the transition seems to be correlated to the sludge water behavior. On the first period, the shrinkage volume can be correlated to the quantity of evaporated water. The texture of the solid material does not hamper the shrinkage process. However, during the second period, the structure of solid stiffens and then influences the shrinkage phenomenon: water is replaced by air and porosity is created. This period corresponds to a phase of decreasing deformation rate (ε) marking the gradual rigidifying of the matrix until no further deformation was observed, the solid was totally rigidified. After drying, the final volume reduction was found to be close to 70% of the initial sample volume for linear and cross-linked flocculants combined with PAX-14, while it was around 75% of the sample initial volume in the case of branched flocculant co-conditioning with the sample coagulant. According to this result, shrinkage depends on both the nature of the sludge and the polyelectrolyte types or dosage. An impact was also found of chemical conditioners on the evolution of porosity. For sludge flocculated by single conditioning, it appears that the porosity was centered on the solid material while for dual conditioning a porosity structured in slats, was identified. This difference in internal structure of the porosity explains the difference in drying kinetics, including the modification of the exchange surfaces available and the average distance of transfer, allowing acceleration or a slow-down of the water removal. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 97 (6 ULg) On Generalized Hölder-Zygmund SpacesKreit, Damien Doctoral thesis (2016)To study the regularity of functions, many functional spaces have been introduced during the 20th century. Among them, let us mention the Hölder-Zygmund spaces \Lambda^{\alpha}(\R^{d}) and the Besov ... [more ▼]To study the regularity of functions, many functional spaces have been introduced during the 20th century. Among them, let us mention the Hölder-Zygmund spaces \Lambda^{\alpha}(\R^{d}) and the Besov spaces B_{p,q}^{\alpha}(\R^{d}) where \alpha>0 somehow indicates the regularity of their elements (p,q\in ]0,+\infty]). The Hölder-Zygmund spaces are particular cases of Besov spaces in the sense that \Lambda^{\alpha}(\R^{d})=B_{\infty,\infty}^{\alpha}(\R^{d}). A generalization of Besov spaces has been introduced in the middle of the seventies and is still studied nowadays. This new type of space allows a deepest study of the regularity of functions. In this thesis, we start from this generalization in order to introduce a generalization of Hölder-Zygmund spaces. The first aim of this thesis is to show that most classical properties of Hölder-Zygmund spaces can be transposed to their generalized version. Among others, a complete characterization of these spaces in terms of wavelet coefficients is proved, which opens their use in the context of the signal analysis. The second aim of this thesis is to introduce a generalized version of the pointwise Hölder spaces similarly to their global version. We then show that most properties of the global spaces can be transposed to their generalized pointwise version. Finally, we study the regularity of some financial stochastic processes. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 71 (10 ULg) Insect pathogenic Aspergillus species in mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) control compared to Metarhizium anisopliaeBawin, Thomas Doctoral thesis (2016)Many mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) species are vectors responsible for the transmission of infectious diseases of medical and veterinary importance. Risk for infection considerably increased during the ... [more ▼]Many mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) species are vectors responsible for the transmission of infectious diseases of medical and veterinary importance. Risk for infection considerably increased during the last decades due to climate changes and increasing global trade. Vector control is essential for public health management. Integrated pest management is now promoted due to harmful side effects of the chemical insecticides classically used for mosquito control and insect resistance development. This PhD thesis takes part in the selection process of insect pathogenic fungi. Three biological models (Aspergillus clavatus Desmazieres, Aspergillus flavus Link, and Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschnikoff) Sorokin) were selected and investigated regarding their spore insecticidal activity, mode of action, and selectivity. Throughout this scheme, the use of agricultural materials and derivatives in fermentation processes was emphasized. Production methods and insecticidal potential of the fungi were first investigated. On the one hand, the two Aspergillus species were compared to M. anisopliae regarding their spore production when cultured on agro-industrial substrates (white rice and wheat bran) and their insecticidal effect on larvae of the southern house mosquito, Culex quinquefasciatus Say. Our results showed that both substrates are suitable to culture the three insect pathogenic fungal species; but wheat bran-based media increased from 3 to 7-fold the spore yields in solid-state compared to white rice-based media. Also, insect pathogenic Aspergillus species were suggested to yield in similar spore levels in such conditions (in a range of 10^9 spores per g of substrate) and be as virulent against mosquito larvae compared to M. anisopliae. On the other hand, a bioreactor design intended to support large-scale production on agricultural materials by combining the technological advantages of submerged and solid-state fermentations was implemented using A. clavatus. This system allowed facility in recuperation and purification of spores (confined on a packed solid substrate) that retained virulence against mosquito larvae; but also metabolites (contained in a circulating liquid medium) that showed insecticidal effect. The mechanisms responsible for the insecticidal effects of the spores, and their selectivity were then investigated. On the one hand, the invasion routes of A. clavatus spores on mosquito larvae were investigated by light and electron microscopy. Histological observations suggest that toxins secreted by active germinating spores of A. clavatus in the digestive tract altered the larval tissues, leading to necrosis and causing larval death. Fungal proliferation and sporulation then occurred during a saprophytic phase. Such action mode also probably occurred in the case of the two other species. On the other hand, the insecticidal activity of the fungi was assessed against the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum Linnaeus. Adult A. pisum aphids were susceptible (increased mortality and decreased reproductive potential) to the three fungal species. As a consequence, these fungi would probably be able to infect a broad spectrum of insect hosts (whatever terrestrial or aquatic) once released in the environment. The implications of the results for mosquito control and application strategies are finally discussed, and perspectives for future works proposed. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 65 (21 ULg) Caractérisation du spectre d’action de la bêta-lactamase de classe C, CHE-1Fernea, AdrianaDoctoral thesis (2016)Detailed reference viewed: 17 (1 ULg) Novel Methods for the Detection of Functional Brain Activity using 17O MRIMöllenhoff, Klaus Doctoral thesis (2016)Detailed quantitative information about metabolic processes plays a crucial role in the potential cure and for treatment of many diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease or brain tumours. In the last decades ... [more ▼]Detailed quantitative information about metabolic processes plays a crucial role in the potential cure and for treatment of many diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease or brain tumours. In the last decades, radioactive tracers such as 15O have been used to quantify CMRO2 with PET imaging and this is regarded as the gold standard. However, such methods are complicated and expensive as a consequence of the short half-life (2 min) of 15O and inherently include radiation exposure and invasive measurements such as blood probes to probe cerebral blood flow (CBF). Fick’s principle of arteriovenous oxygen difference [1] connects CMRO2 and CBF via the measure of oxygen extraction fraction (OEF). The main goal of this work is to achieve non-invasive measures of OEF based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to quantify CMRO2 allowing straightforward and comfortable patient handling. MRI enables studies of large cohorts of healthy volunteers due to noninvasive measurements and a lack of radioactivity. This can be achieved first by quantitative relaxation time mapping of the transverse relaxation time (T2) of venous blood only in proton (1H) MRI or by a measurement following inhalation of 17O gas and recording the signal curve of directly detected 17O signal. Unfortunately, the most abundant isotope of oxygen (16O) has a zero spin system, and cannot be detected with NMR experiments. In contrast, 17O, a stable isotope with a half-integer spin (I=5/2), can be detected by MR. Fortuitously, however, in MRI it is only visible in the form of metabolically generated H17 2 O and not as a gas. The low natural abundance of 17O, of only 0.037% (of the oxygen atoms) and the low NMR sensitivity (2.9% that of 1H) gives rise to the need for ultra-high-field MRI to reach a significant SNR per unit time. Natural abundance images of a healthy male volunteer were acquired in vivo after having gained written consent within a clinical trial of a 9.4T MRI system (Siemens AG, Erlangen, Germany) [2, 3]. These natural abundance images, which reflect the 17O bound to protons as H17 2 O and thus, the amount of water, are compared to 1H-based quantitative water content imaging. For further studies, the voxelwise knowledge of the quantitative water content is necessary to quantify CMRO2 based on the 17O signal behaviour. To achieve that, methods which were originally used on 1.5T scanners had to be adapted for the use at higher field strengths to overcome RF field inhomogeneities [4–11]. New correction methods were developed based on a well known correlation between tissue T1 and proton density (PD) to estimate the receive bias field properly. These methods were tested for quantitative water content determination. Averaged results in grey (GM) and white matter (WM) respectively of 10 healthy volunteers are H2OWM=70.3 1.4 %, H2OGM=84.7 1.5 %„ T1WM=918 24 ms and T1GM=1509 14 ms. Further, 1H-based imaging methods called QUIXOTIC [12–14] and TRUST [15] appeared in the literature. These methods are based on changes of the proton transverse relaxation rate T2 with different oxygen saturation levels. Quantitative values of venous blood T2 were acquired using a so-called T2prep module or a multi-echo spin echo readout. While the first method suffers from long acquisition times the latter one from large echo-spacing of the spin echoes and stimulated echo effects. Both disadvantages were overcome using an adiabatic multi-shot multi-echo spin echo sequence, which does not suffer from stimulated echo effects and due to the multi-shot capabilities, the echo-spacing is reduced [16]. Mean values in GM of four healthy volunteers are found to be venous oxygenation Yv=0.61 0.03, T2=54 4 ms, CMRO2=174 13 mol/100g min and CBF=53 3 ml/100g min. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 57 (4 ULg) ETUDE DE LA DYNAMIQUE DE LA DESERTIFICATION DANS LE BASSIN VERSANT DE LA MOULOUYA EN INTEGRANT LES DONNEES ISSUES DE LA TELEDETECTION ET LES DONNEES SOCIO-ECONOMIQUESMokhtari, Noureddine Doctoral thesis (2016)La recherche sur la désertification et la dégradation de l’environnement est très complexe et vise la mise en relation entre les ressources de l’environnement, leurs limites de durabilité et des usages ... [more ▼]La recherche sur la désertification et la dégradation de l’environnement est très complexe et vise la mise en relation entre les ressources de l’environnement, leurs limites de durabilité et des usages qui se font de ces ressources par l’homme en tant qu’agent économique qui vise à améliorer son bien-être. Dans le bassin versant de la Moulouya caractérisé par un climat essentiellement aride à semi-aride, une augmentation sensible de la population et une forte hausse de la demande en ressources naturelles, le problème de la désertification se pose en termes d’adaptation des besoins de la population aux contraintes du milieu en vue de maintenir la durabilité des ressources. Dans ce sens, le challenge consiste en un double objectif, premièrement l’évaluation de la désertification à travers l’analyse de l’état de dégradation du milieu et deuxièmement, l’étude des causes de cette dégradation moyennant des enquêtes axées sur les pratiques agricoles et la formulation de propositions d’actions à entreprendre pouvant être utilisés de manière opérationnelle par les acteurs locaux et les pouvoirs publics. Ainsi, le suivi de la dynamique des phénomènes biophysiques liés à la désertification s’est fait essentiellement à travers l’étude de l’évolution du climat et de la qualité de la végétation à l’échelle de l’ensemble de la zone étudiée (NDVI) et au niveau d’une zone d’intérêt pour la recherche (occupation du sol). Pour la végétation, le suivi spatio-temporel de la végétation a montré pour les trois sources de données à basse résolution utilisées (GIMMS, MEDOKADS et SPOT) des évolutions similaires de l’indice de végétation NDVI. Malgré les différences entre les amplitudes de variation du NDVI, liées essentiellement aux spécificités des algorithmes de traitement, les trois séries données conservent la même tendance stationnaire au cours du temps. D’une manière générale, les fluctuations du NDVI mises en évidence à l’aide des données NDVI à basse résolution reflètent principalement les variations spatio-temporelles en quantité et en qualité des précipitations d’une année par rapport à une autre et ne montrent aucune tendance particulière concernant la qualité de la végétation. L’identification des zones sensibles à la désertification, réalisée sur la base de l’approche MEDALUS, a montré que les zones fragiles et critiques totalisent 61% de la superficie du bassin versant, soit une superficie d’environ 3,25 millions d’Ha. Spatialement, les zones sensibles à la dégradation se trouvent aussi bien dans la Basse Moulouya que dans les Hauts Plateaux et la vallée de Missour constitués essentiellement de parcours steppiques. L’analyse de la dynamique d’occupation du sol à travers l’utilisation des images satellites (LANDSAT) pour la commune de Tissaf, choisie comme zone d’intérêt pour la recherche, a révélé une dégradation qualitative de la végétation. En effet, de grandes superficies d’Alfa dense à très dense (végétation climacique) se sont dégradées pour se retrouver dans la classe d’Alfa faiblement dense, soit une diminution de l’ordre de 16.199 Ha sur 20 ans. L’analyse des causes de la dégradation des parcours au niveau de la commune de Tissaf à travers l’étude de la productivité des parcours et du système d’élevage pastoral a révélé que le capital, en tant que facteur de production, joue un rôle important dans les stratégies d’utilisation des ressources fourragères « gratuites » issues des parcours collectifs. Ainsi, les grands éleveurs sédentaires ou semi-nomades disposant d’importants fonds propres et grâce à une utilisation plus opportuniste des parcours collectifs paraissent profiter davantage de ces ressources (46.478,15 UF) par rapport aux petits éleveurs sédentaires et transhumants (5.148,70 UF et 18.714,40 UF). Les petits éleveurs qui adaptent l’effectif de leur cheptel en fonction des conditions du milieu (décapitalisation en période de sécheresse) semblent profiter moins en quantité et en qualité des ressources pastorales disponibles. En guise de conclusion, la thèse propose des scénarios d’adaptation des systèmes de production agricoles qui peuvent être utilisés d’une manière opérationnelle par les acteurs locaux et les pouvoirs publics en vue d’orienter les stratégies de développement et d’investissement vers les secteurs rentables économiquement et qui respectent en même temps l’environnement. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 143 (18 ULg) Les itinéraires cliniques en support aux mesures transversales d’organisation des soins au patient : expérience de gestion de projet bottom-upERPICUM, Marie Doctoral thesis (2016)Our work contributes to the study of the health care organization’s evolution, by an integrating approach of clinical, research and teaching fields, in a bottom-up project management which aims ... [more ▼]Our work contributes to the study of the health care organization’s evolution, by an integrating approach of clinical, research and teaching fields, in a bottom-up project management which aims integration of multidisciplinary and transversal care processes. From a research project was born a service project for the development of a blood management program in cardiac surgery. This project led to the development of a clinical pathway in cardiac surgery. The methodology of clinical pathways has been integrated in the new institutional strategic plan; the concept of “Care pathways” is developed to reinforce the implementation of "patient's pathway" and "Integrated Care" measures. This concept also finds an echo in the legislative and accreditation standards. Our researches and projects highlight the value of nurses for the integration of research and clinical care process. This approach is taught to Public Health Science Master’s students through educational missions in the Advanced Practice Nursing Science. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 53 (9 ULg) Ecological and Evolutionary Processes in the Pantropical Moss Genus PelekiumNik Norhazrina Binti Nik Mohd Kamil, Doctoral thesis (2016)Detailed reference viewed: 43 (10 ULg) Interferences between non-proliferation and science: ‘exporting’ dual-use know-how and technology in conformity with security imperativesCharatsis, Christos Doctoral thesis (2016)Chapter 1 introduces the reasoning underpinning the study: what are the main drivers and the overall objective for undertaking this intellectual endeavour. It also sets the main questions to be answered ... [more ▼]Chapter 1 introduces the reasoning underpinning the study: what are the main drivers and the overall objective for undertaking this intellectual endeavour. It also sets the main questions to be answered and a hypothesis to be verified. Chapter 2 sets the scene where the study evolves. What is the role of research and what is the mission of different types of research organisations in today’s environment? The chapter discusses also the definitions of related terms such as Research and Development as these are entrenched in texts with universal applicability. Chapter 3 illuminates the role of knowledge from a proliferation point of view. What are the obligations stemming from legally binding treaties for industry and academia? The chapter also offers a comparative analysis of the multilateral export control regimes including main principles, control lists and terminology used. The concluding section attempts to explain the dual-use problem by providing a definition of dual-use research. Chapter 4 explains the main policies applying for EU funded research by focusing on the dissemination and use of research results for practical and commercial purposes. The chapter offers an analysis of the EU legal framework governing technology transfers of dual-use items. Following that, the main scenarios where trade controls come into play in a research context are discussed. Finally, the chapter offers an analysis of a case study exemplifying the interpretation and implementation of provisions and terms discussed all over the study. The H5N1 case study brings to the fore the differences between the EU and US in the oversight of dual-use research. Chapter 5 presents an assessment of the US trade controls towards academia. How do the US authorities interpret the fundamental research exemption? What is a ‘deemed export’ and how does it affect academic research? How the term ‘publicly available information’ should be understood? Chapter 6 sheds light on the role of internal controls in complying with the law and their nature as discretionary measures. The chapter provides a summary of the main principles and key elements of an Internal Compliance Programme (ICP). Then, it highlights the main steps required for designing and implementing ICPs. Chapter 7 examines the export compliance practices followed by firms, universities and public research organisations. In doing so, it identifies challenges encountered and compliance mechanisms used in different research environments. Chapter 8 sets forward a method for identifying export controls risks in the initial phase of development of an internal compliance structure. The risk identification method builds on international standards and previous experience for tackling export control concerns in a research setting. To that effect, an international public research organisation, the European Commission Joint Research Centre is used as a test case. Finally, chapter 9 compiles the main findings of the study responding also to the main questions set forth in the introductory chapter. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 60 (3 ULg) Gestion des stupéfiants au bloc opératoireLOMMEL, Isabelle Master of advanced studies dissertation (2016)La gestion des stupéfiants est une obligation légale. Dans le travail quotidien de l’infirmier de salle d’opération, la redondance d’écritures et le manque de disponibilités entrainent une banalisation de ... [more ▼]La gestion des stupéfiants est une obligation légale. Dans le travail quotidien de l’infirmier de salle d’opération, la redondance d’écritures et le manque de disponibilités entrainent une banalisation de cette obligation. On oublie que ce médicament ‘différent’ est source de danger, d’addiction, de deal et qu’il peut être mortel. Ce travail est le résultat d’une analyse de la situation existante et de son adéquation avec la loi et la littérature scientifique. Sa conclusion permet de mettre en évidence que les participants au flux des stupéfiants doivent être conscientisés que leurs actions doivent être guidées par une logique. Cette logique de processus doit être institutionnelle. La philosophie Lean est d’application dans ce travail. Par la publication d’une synthèse des pistes de perfectionnement sous forme de délivrable ‘A3’, cette étude sera remise aux dirigeants du bloc opératoire Selon cette philosophie, il faut impérativement implémenter des méthodes de brainstorming consistant à mettre en évidence, entre collègues, les raisons de mal-fonctionnement. C’est également en équipe que des moyens d’amélioration de la situation doivent être élaborés, ce sans bouleversement majeur, c’est la méthode des petits pas. L’équipe du bloc doit mettre en place: 1. Un descriptif de la situation existante. 2. La pose en groupe d’indicateurs de bon fonctionnement. 3. L’étude collégiale de méthodes d’optimalisation des processus existants via des standards de travail. 4. Le suivi des indicateurs pour constater les améliorations et les amplifier par ajustement des processus. 5. Le bénéfice doit être visible tant au niveau de la sécurité du patient et du personnel que du stress ambiant. Cette philosophie doit perdurer dans le temps et s’intégrer dans le LEAN institutionnel. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 40 (6 ULg) An efficient and flexible software tool for genome-wide association interaction studiesVan Lishout, François Doctoral thesis (2016)Humans are made up of approximately 3.2 billion base pairs, out of which about 62 million can vary from one individual to another. These particular base pairs are called single nucleotide polymorphisms ... [more ▼]Humans are made up of approximately 3.2 billion base pairs, out of which about 62 million can vary from one individual to another. These particular base pairs are called single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). It is well known that some particular combination of SNP values increase dramatically the risk of contracting certain type of disease, like Crohn's disease, Alzheimer, diabetes and cancer, just to name a few. However, there are still a lot of new discoveries to make and specialized software is required for this task. It has been shown that individual SNPs cannot account for much of the heritability on their own. Therefore, this PhD thesis is dedicated to interaction studies, the purpose of which is to identify pairs of SNPs and/or environmental factors that might regulate the susceptibility to the disease under investigation. Model-Based Multifactor Dimensionality Reduction (MB-MDR) is a powerful and flexible methodology to perform interaction analysis, while minimizing the amount of false discoveries. Before this thesis, the only available implementation was an R-package taking days to analyze a dataset composed of just hundred of SNPs. However, a typical dataset contains hundreds of thousands or millions of SNPs, even after data cleaning and quality control. The aim of this thesis is to write a software able to analyze such datasets within a few days with the MB-MDR methodology. In other words, the goal is to get 10^8 times faster than the R-package, while still remaining powerful, flexible and keeping the amount of false discoveries low. Several contributions were needed to reach this goal and are presented in this thesis. First, a new software was written from scratch in C++, in order to be able to optimize every single computation, instead of relying on too generic functions as was the case for the R-package. Second, the methodology itself was improved, irrespective of the programming language. Indeed, MB-MDR is based on the maxT algorithm (introduced by Westfall&Young in 1993) to assess significance of the results and it can be customized for interaction analysis. A first major contribution of this PhD work, called Van Lishout's implementation of maxT, was introduced in 2011. The parallel version of this algorithm enables to analyze a dataset composed of hundred thousands of SNPs within a few days. The most important contribution of this thesis, called the gammaMAXT algorithm, was introduced in 2014. The parallel version enables to analyze a dataset composed of one million SNPs within one day. In this thesis, we also propose a new viewpoint to handle population stratification and correct for covariates. Many simulated and real-life data analysis are provided, to highlight the flexibility of the software and its ability to find interesting results from a biological point of view. The latest version, called mbmdr-4.4.1.out, can be downloaded freely at http://www.statgen.ulg.ac.be with the corresponding documentation. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 101 (22 ULg) La question urbaine revisitée. Analyse socio-politique comparée de la régulation publique des inégalités environnementalesLejeune, Zoé Doctoral thesis (2016)Les inégalités environnementales forment un relatif « impensé » de la plupart des politiques publiques qui sont aujourd’hui mises en place dans nos villes. S’il apparaît qu’il y a une sous-estimation de ... [more ▼]Les inégalités environnementales forment un relatif « impensé » de la plupart des politiques publiques qui sont aujourd’hui mises en place dans nos villes. S’il apparaît qu’il y a une sous-estimation de cet enjeu de la part des autorités politiques au sens large, il nous a semblé utile de mieux comprendre les processus socio-politiques à l’œuvre. C’est un double mouvement que nous interrogeons dans la thèse. D’une part, quels sont les processus « sociétaux », collectifs qui contribuent à la production de phénomènes inégalitaires en matière environnementale ? D’autre part, quels sont les dispositifs socio-politiques qui se dessinent afin d’y trouver une solution collective et politique ? La première approche privilégiée pose la question des conditions sociétales de la formation et de l’émergence des inégalités environnementales : distribution des charges environnementales, inégale participation dans la vie publique et collective et inégalités socio-spatiales. Cette première question nous a conduit à mobiliser les données du Baromètre social de la Wallonie 2012 et son module de questions sur l’environnement. La seconde grande question interroge les modalités de la gestion collective et publique des inégalités environnementales, à savoir les solutions mises en place aujourd’hui pour y faire face. Cette analyse se propose dès lors d’étudier les modalités de la régulation publique des inégalités environnementales dans une perspective comparative internationale face à la transformation de l’action collective et publique urbaine. Pour ce faire, nous avons réalisé des enquêtes de terrain qualitatives (entretiens semi-dirigés) dans plusieurs villes, en Angleterre (Sheffield) et en Belgique (Liège). Celles-ci nous ont conduit à proposer un modèle conceptuel de lecture de la régulation publique des inégalités environnementales en milieu urbain. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 56 (19 ULg) Rhodococcus erythropolis T902.1 as a bioaugmentation starter: mechanisms, constrains and potentialities for the hydrocarbon degradationMasy, Thibaut Doctoral thesis (2016)Since the advent of the industrial revolution in the 19th century, anthropogenic activities and lack of environmental concern gave birth to numerous contaminated areas. Amongst released pollutants ... [more ▼]Since the advent of the industrial revolution in the 19th century, anthropogenic activities and lack of environmental concern gave birth to numerous contaminated areas. Amongst released pollutants, hydrocarbons (HC) are the most widespread in the environment but they can also constitute a carbon source for numerous microorganisms. Therefore, bioremediation (i.e. the use of microorganisms to degrade pollutants) appears as an ecologically- and cost-effective technique compared to chemical or physical treatments. This biotreatment technology often relies either on stimulating indigenous microorganisms already present in soil (biostimulation) or on adding specific microbial degraders (bioaugmentation) to enhance the natural attenuation of contaminants. However, there is a need for improved understanding of the causes that can lead to its failure or its low efficiency, such as diverse environmental constraints or poor adaptation ability of laboratory-cultivated microorganisms. Amongst bacteria studied, Rhodococcus sp. has been previously described as a potential candidate for bioaugmentation due to its ability to degrade a broad range of organic pollutants, to produce biosurfactants, which improves pollutant bioavailability, and to rapidly adapt to many environmental stresses (e.g. desiccation, low temperature, high salinity). The main objective of this work is thus to assess the potentiality and limitations in the use of a specific strain, Rhodococcus erythropolis T902.1, to degrade HC (from simple n-alkanes to polyaromatic) in diverse field conditions. The factors limiting such a process have to be identified and, as much as possible, overcome. A first bioaugmentation experiment in microcosms aimed at identifying these constrains in carbon and clay-rich soils contaminated with heating oil. This treatment was successful in strongly polluted soil, since the addition of the strain T902.1 helped in redirecting the limited quantity of available oxygen towards a higher HC degradation and also correlated with a higher proportion of degrading genes in bioaugmented soils, compared to biostimulated and control ones. However, this effect decreased with time as T902.1 development was curtailed by competition and potentially predation from the endogenous flora. In addition, HC were heterogeneously distributed and this hampered the detection of a real degradation in lowest polluted soils. As a result, inoculation should be targeted to highly polluted areas (e.g. contaminant source zones), but it requires controlling soil heterogeneity.   We thus resorted to electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), to describe this heterogeneity and to monitor bacterial HC degradation activity. This geophysical tool could discriminate lithological heterogeneities that were artificially introduced in a 2 m³ pilot. Compared to a first insufficient biostimulation phase, the introduction of R. erythropolis T902.1 in this pilot led to a HC depletion of almost 80% (6900 to 1600 ppm) in 3 months in the injection zone, where pollutants were less bioavailable. Simultaneously, HC mineralization and biosurfactant production were deduced from the monitoring of ERT, biological and physicochemical parameters. In another study, R. erythropolis T902.1 could form stable biofilms on the materials constituting draining pavement structures, which allowed its long-term survival in a real parking lot and improved the decontamination of runoff water drained through this structure during pollution tests carried out at a pilot scale. This indicates that the strain could be widely used in other decontaminating systems and not only in soil. Furthermore, this biofilm formation could be triggered by an appropriate pre-adaptation of the cells before their injection in the polluted environment, to ensure a higher ecological robustness of the inoculum, compared to the one observed in the microcosm experiment. A third constrain is the poor or slow degrading activity toward some recalcitrant compounds, such as polyaromatic HC (PAH). Metallic nanoparticles synthesized by a sol-gel process were considered as potential catalysts for the improvement of degradation kinetics. Iron nanoparticles boosted the bacterial catalytic activity of the strain T902.1 in liquid cultures containing biphenyl as the sole carbon source. Following results suggested that the iron encapsulated in the porous silica matrix, was progressively attracted by siderophores (heterobactins) produced by the strain. However, this hypothesis has still to be confirmed by further analyses. From these experiments, R. erythropolis T902.1 globally proved to compete and improve degradation rates in highly polluted soils compared to biostimulation, even under low oxygen and nutrient contents. Notably, the production of trehalolipidic biosurfactants enhances HC bioavailability for their further uptake by the strain and surrounding microorganisms. Furthermore, this strain forms stable biofilms on several supports, which increases its lifespan and paves the way for many applications in bioremediation systems. Finally, it can also be used in synergy with sol-gel iron nanoparticles to treat recalcitrant compounds such as PAH and some chlorinated aromatics, but this combination needs to be further tested in more complex media, such as soil or waste water. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 94 (10 ULg) Three Essays on Market Liquidity in Equity MarketsBazgour, Tarik Doctoral thesis (2016)Over the past decades, market liquidity has been a major issue for stock market participants and even becomes one of the most important challenges since the recent financial crisis. In this context, this ... [more ▼]Over the past decades, market liquidity has been a major issue for stock market participants and even becomes one of the most important challenges since the recent financial crisis. In this context, this dissertation is centered on this topic and presents three empirical essays incorporating liquidity considerations in three different subfields of Finance, namely, asset pricing, portfolio allocation and mutual fund timing. The first essay (Chapter 2) is related to asset pricing and demonstrates that liquidity and quality are priced characteristics in the stock market, but their pricing is conditional on market volatility conditions. The second essay (Chapter 3) is devoted to portfolio allocation and shows that aggregate market liquidity shocks has a significant influence on optimal portfolio allocations. In addition, it emphasizes that liquidity-responsive strategies could be a valuable tool for investors and portfolio managers to actively manage risks and capture return opportunities. The third essay (Chapter 4) focuses rather on mutual fund timing and examines what style liquidity timing skills may mutual fund managers possess. This study highlights that, in anticipation of aggregate market liquidity changes, mutual funds do not switch their investments between stocks and cash but they rather switch between only small and large stocks. Overall, the main message to take away from this research is that investors and portfolio managers should take into consideration both the liquidity of their individual stocks and the liquidity of the market as a whole. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 56 (6 ULg) « Analyse de l’implantation d’un protocole d’entraînement de la vitesse da ns une équipe de football »Lombard, Gilles Master's dissertation (2016)L’organisation défensive des équipes de football et la densité des joueurs ont significativement augmenté depuis 40 ans (Wallace et Norton, 2014). Ceci influence les qualités physiques des joueurs qui se ... [more ▼]L’organisation défensive des équipes de football et la densité des joueurs ont significativement augmenté depuis 40 ans (Wallace et Norton, 2014). Ceci influence les qualités physiques des joueurs qui se doivent d’être plus rapides pour faire la différence. Aujourd’hui, la filière anaérobie alactique, bien que minoritaire au niveau quantitatif (Mohr et al., 2003), est la déterminante principale de la performance sur le plan physique (Cometti et al., 2001). Etant donné l’importance de cette qualité physique, nous avons voulu examiner si l’introduction d’un travail spécifique de la vitesse durant 8 semaines aurait un impact significatif sur la performance fonctionnelle du joueur de football. Méthodologie L’échantillon de 18 joueurs est réparti dans des groupes contrôle et expérimental. Trois tests de terrain sont utilisés pour mesurer l’évolution du paramètre anaérobique avant et après le protocole de 8 semaines : un test de vitesse sur 10 mètres (Wilson et al., 1993), un test de zigzags sur 20 mètres (Little et Williams, 2005) et un counter movement jump avec les bras (Slinde et al., 2008). Durant 8 semaines, le groupe expérimental bénéficie, en plus de l’entraînement normal, de deux séances hebdomadaire de 30 minutes visant le développement de la vitesse. A la fin de l'étude, aucun résultat significatif n'a été trouvé que ce soit au niveau de la vitesse sur courte distance, en course brisée ou de la détente en squat jump et counter movement jump. [less ▲]Detailed reference viewed: 115 (7 ULg)