An international validation study of the EORTC brain cancer module (EORTC QLQ-BN20) for assessing health-related quality of life and symptoms in brain cancer patients.

Aims: The psychometric properties of the EORTC QLQ-BN20, a brain cancer-specific HRQOL questionnaire, have been previously determined in an English-speaking sample of patients. This study examined the validity and reliability of the questionnaire in a multi-national, multi-lingual study. Methods: QLQ-BN20 data were selected from two completed phase III EORTC/NCIC clinical trials in brain cancer (N=891), including 12 languages. Experimental treatments were surgery followed by radiotherapy (RT) and adjuvant PCV chemotherapy or surgery followed by concomitant RT plus temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy and adjuvant TMZ chemotherapy. Standard treatment consisted of surgery and postoperative RT alone. The psychometrics of the QLQ-BN20 were examined by means of multi-trait scaling analyses, reliability estimation, known groups validity testing, and responsiveness analysis. Results: All QLQ-BN20 items correlated more strongly with their own scale (r>0.70) than with other QLQ-BN20 scales. Internal consistency reliability coefficients were high (all alpha0.70). Known-groups comparisons yielded positive results, with the QLQ-BN20 distinguishing between patients with differing levels of performance status and mental functioning. Responsiveness of the questionnaire to changes over time was acceptable. Conclusion: The QLQ-BN20 demonstrates adequate psychometric properties and can be recommended for use in conjunction with the QLQ-C30 in assessing the HRQOL of brain cancer patients in international studies.

Projecte de construcció d’uns magatzems de 1080 m2 TM Isona i Conca Dellà

Es realitza el present projecte a petició de Buñol & Feixa S.L, l’objecte d’aquest projecte és la descripció de les obres previstes per la construcció de la nau per emmagatzemar gra, farina, palla i maquinària, sent aquesta un complement per una granja d’oví.

Optimizing the Testing Process in Module Testing – Functional Testing Interface

Today's business environment has become increasingly unexpected and fast changing because of the global competition. This new environment requires the companies to organize their control differently, e.g. by logistic process thinking. Logistic process thinking in software engineering applies the principles of production process to immaterial products. Processes must be optimized, so that every phase adds value to the customer, and the lead times can be cut shorter to meet the new customer requirements. The purpose of this thesis is to examine and optimize the testing processes of software engineering concentrating on module testing, functional testing and their interface. The concept of logistic process thinking is introduced through production process, value added model and process management. Also theory of testing based on literature is presented, concentrating on module testing and functional testing. The testing processes of the Case Company are presented together with the project models in which they are implemented. The real life practices in module testing and functional testing and their interface are examined through interviews. These practices are analyzed against the processes and the testing theory, through which ideas for optimizing the testing process are introduced. The project world of the Case Company is also introduced together with two example testing projects in different life cycle phases. The examples give a view of how much effort of the project is put in different types of testing.

The caspase-3-p120-RasGAP module generates a NF-κB repressor in response to cellular stress.

The nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) transcription factor is a master regulator of inflammation. Short-term NF-κB activation is generally beneficial. However, sustained NF-κB might be detrimental, directly causing apoptosis of cells or leading to a persistent damaging inflammatory response. NF-κB activity in stressed cells needs therefore to be controlled for homeostasis maintenance. In mildly stressed cells, caspase-3 cleaves p120 RasGAP, also known as RASA1, into an N-terminal fragment, which we call fragment N. We show here that this fragment is a potent NF-κB inhibitor. Fragment N decreases the transcriptional activity of NF-κB by promoting its export from the nucleus. Cells unable to generate fragment N displayed increased NF-κB activation upon stress. Knock-in mice expressing an uncleavable p120 RasGAP mutant showed exaggerated NF-κB activation when their epidermis was treated with anthralin, a drug used for the treatment of psoriasis. Our study provides biochemical and genetic evidence of the importance of the caspase-3-p120-RasGAP stress-sensing module in the control of stress-induced NF-κB activation.

The activity of the anti-apoptotic fragment generated by the caspase-3/p120 RasGAP stress-sensing module displays strict Akt isoform specificity.

The caspase-3/p120 RasGAP module acts as a stress sensor that promotes pro-survival or pro-death signaling depending on the intensity and the duration of the stressful stimuli. Partial cleavage of p120 RasGAP generates a fragment, called fragment N, which protects stressed cells by activating Akt signaling. Akt family members regulate many cellular processes including proliferation, inhibition of apoptosis and metabolism. These cellular processes are regulated by three distinct Akt isoforms: Akt1, Akt2 and Akt3. However, which of these isoforms are required for fragment N mediated protection have not been defined. In this study, we investigated the individual contribution of each isoform in fragment N-mediated cell protection against Fas ligand induced cell death. To this end, DLD1 and HCT116 isogenic cell lines lacking specific Akt isoforms were used. It was found that fragment N could activate Akt1 and Akt2 but that only the former could mediate the protective activity of the RasGAP-derived fragment. Even overexpression of Akt2 or Akt3 could not rescue the inability of fragment N to protect cells lacking Akt1. These results demonstrate a strict Akt isoform requirement for the anti-apoptotic activity of fragment N.

Análisis del error de medición y variabilidad interespecífica morfométrica de Fourier en M2 de primates Hominoidea

Los análisis de Fourier permiten caracterizar el contorno del diente y obtener una serie de parámetros para un posterior análisis multivariante. Sin embargo, la gran complejidad que presentan algunas formas obliga a determinar el error de medición intrínseco que se produce. El objetivo de este trabajo es aplicar y validar los análisis de Fourier en el estudio de la forma dental del segundo molar inferior (M2) de cuatro especies de primates Hominoidea para explorar la variabilidad morfométrica interespecífica, así como determinar el error de medición a un nivel intra e interobservador. El contorno de la superficie oclusal del diente fue definido digitalmente y con las funciones derivadas del análisis de Fourier se realizaron Análisis Discriminantes y Test de Mantel (correlaciones de Pearson) para determinar las diferencias de forma a partir de las mediciones tomadas. Los resultados indican que el análisis de Fourier muestra la variabilidad de forma en dientes molares en especies de primates Hominoidea. Adicionalmente, los altos niveles de correlación a nivel intra (r>0,9) como interobservador (r>0,7) sugieren que la descripción morfométrica del diente a partir de métodos de Fourier realizados por diferentes observadores puede ser agrupada para posteriores análisis.

Caracterización morfológica del M2 de Primates Hominoidea a partir de análisis de Fourier

Los análisis de Fourier permiten caracterizar el contorno del diente a partir de un número determinado de puntos y extraer una serie de parámetros para un posterior análisis multivariante. No obstante, la gran complejidad que presentan algunas conformaciones, obliga a comprobar cuántos puntos son necesarios para una correcta representación de ésta. El objetivo de este trabajo es aplicar y validar los análisis de Fourier (Polar y Elíptico) en el estudio de la forma dental a partir de diferentes puntos de contorno y explorar la variabilidad morfométrica en diferentes géneros. Se obtuvieron fotografías digitales de la superfi cie oclusal en segundos molares inferiores (M2s) de 4 especies de Primates (Hylobates moloch, Gorilla beringei graueri, Pongo pygmaeus pygmaeus y Pan troglodytes schweirfurthii) y se defi nió su contorno con 30, 40, 60, 80, 100 y 120 puntos y su representación formal a 10 armónicos. El análisis de la variabilidad morfométrica se realizó mediante la aplicación de Análisis Discriminantes y un NP-MANOVA a partir de matrices de distancias para determinar la variabilidad y porcentajes de clasifi cacióncorrecta, a nivel metodológico y taxonómico. Los resultados indicaron que los análisis de forma con series de Fourier permiten analizar la variabilidad morfométrica de M2s en géneros de Hominoidea, con independencia del número de puntos de contorno (30 a 120). Los porcentajes de clasifi cación son más variables e inferiores con el uso de la serie Polar (≈60-90) que con la Elíptica (75-100%). Un número entre 60-100 puntos de contorno mediante el método elíptico garantiza una descripción correcta de la forma del diente.

PeerHood as UMSIC middleware module

The UMSIC project will produce an application for social inclusion of children. This application will run on Nokia N810 internet tablet. PeerHood is an implementation of Peer-to-Peer neighborhood and communication concept, it is going to be used as a part of middleware in the project. PeerHood is responsible for providing neighboring information and connections to nearby devices. This thesis will present the requirements that the project sets to PeerHood including the general state of the art middleware requirements and the requirements set by the target device. These requirements will not be analyzed further. One main focus of this thesis is to analyze PeerHood from the UMSIC project point of view. In this thesis the results of PeerHood analysis are presented, including memory consumption testing, performance testing and testing of networking components of PeerHood. As a result of these tests modifications for PeerHood are introduced. The modifications are related to PeerHood usage in real mobile environment. Based on these requirements a framework was implemented that, when used properly, will enhance the context awareness of PeerHood, especially in mobile devices. The techniques used in framework are presented and instructions about how to use the framework are given. The approaches used in the implemented framework are analysed in this thesis. As an outcome of this thesis the context awareness of PeerHood is improved. As an additional outcome the guidelines for future development of PeerHood are introduced that are based on the results of the analysis of both PeerHood and the implemented framework.

Happaman hydrometallurgisen PLS-liuoksen puhdistaminen kiintoaineesta kalvosuodatustekniikalla

Tässä diplomityössä tutkittiin keraamisten mikrosuodatuskalvojen soveltuvuutta kiintoaineen erottamiseen happamasta PLS-liuoksesta eri huokoskoon omaavilla mikrosuodatuskalvoilla. Koelaitteistolla suodatettiin puhdasta vettä, kaoliinipitoista vesiliuosta sekä hapanta kuparia, kalsiumia ja kaoliinia sisältävää malliliuosta. Koeajojen tavoitteena oli saada tietoa permeaattivuon maksimimäärästä eri mikrosuodatuskalvoilla sekä tuotteen puhtaudesta. Näiden lisäksi saatiin tietoa kalvojen likaantumisesta ajon aikana. Teoriaosassa käsiteltiin yleisesti kalvosuodatusta, esitettiin yleiset kalvotekniset menetelmät ja sovellukset sekä käytiin läpi tutkimuksia samankaltaisiin kalvoihin ja sovelluksiin liittyen. Lisäksi teoriaosuudessa pohdittiin mahdollisuutta käyttää myös muita, kuin putkimoduulisia mikrosuodatuskalvoja. Myös työhön oleellisena taustana kuuluvaa hydrometallurgiaa tarkasteltiin teoreettiselta kannalta. Puhtaan veden suodatuskoetuloksista havaittiin, että kaikki kalvot jäivät selvästi valmistajan ilmoittamista arvoista. 1,0 µm CoMetas CoMem® kalvon teoreettinen vesivuo on 10 m3/(h bar) ja 3,0 µm CoMetas CoMem® teoreettinen vesivuo on yli 50 m3/(h bar). Näistä parhaimman vuon arvon sai 1,0 µm CoMetas CoMem® mikrosuodatuskalvo. Tämä kalvo oli paras sekä veden suodatuksissa että malliliuoksella tehdyillä suodatuksilla. Malliliuoksella saavutettiin n. 2000 L/(m2 h) paineen ollessa 2,0 bar ja virtausnopeuden ollessa 4,4 m/s. Vastaavat vesiajon tulokset olivat n. 1100 L/(m2 h) paineen ollessa 1,0 bar ja virtausnopeuden 2,9 m/s. Kaikki kolme käytettyä kalvoa pidättivät kaoliiniliuoksen 81–100 %:sesti. Kuparipitoista malliliuosta suodatettaessa pystyttiin vastaavasti erottamaan 77–99 % kiintoaineesta. Koeajoissa kuitenkin havaittiin huomattava vuon arvojen putoaminen, joka johtui kalvon likaantumisesta. Huomioitavaa oli kuitenkin, että hapanta malliliuosta suodatettaessa permeaattivuon arvot olivat kaoliiniliuoksen suodatuksessa saatuja vastaavia arvoja korkeammat.

Usability Centered Implementation of a Web Based Value Added Module

Customer specific functionalities are a challenging part of procurement and invoice automation environments. In Basware Enterprise Purchase to Payment product family the customer specific reports are supported only in a basic level without any seamless interface between all EPP products. Also other customer specific functionalities are not supported as there is no customizable interface between the applications and only the most common features are implemented to the products themselves. In this thesis foundations are created for a new web based value added module where it is possible to create seamless customer specific functionalities throughout the whole EPP product family. The work is implemented in a Proof of Concept type of piloting. The system is created in user centered way where the users are able to explain their requests and determine their needs. The result is an excellent foundation for a module that can be developed further.

Characterization and Investigation on Material Compatibilities of Building Integrated Photovoltaic Module Components

Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) are considered as the future of photovoltaic (PV) technology. The advantage of BIPV system is its multi-functionality; they fulfil the functions of a building envelope with the added benefit of generating power by replacing the traditional roofing and façade materials with PV that generate power. In this thesis, different types of PV cells and modules have been described in detail with their efficiencies and usage trends in the last decade. The different BIPV products for roof and façade are discussed in detail giving several examples. The electricity generation potential of BIPV in selected countries is compared with their actual electricity consumption. Further, the avoided greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with electricity generation from traditional sources and transportation and distribution (T&D) losses are calculated. The results illustrate huge savings in GHGs. In BIPV different types of façade and backsheets are used. In this thesis, selected backsheets and façade were characterized in terms of their surface structure identification using infrared spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR), scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) and physical characterization using surface energy measurements. By using FTIR-ATR, surface polymeric materials were identified and with SEM-EDX, identification of the surface elements was possible. Surface energy measurements were useful in finding the adhesives and knowing the surface energies of the various backsheets and façade. The strength of adhesion between the facade and backsheets was studied using peel test. Four different types of adhesives were used to study the fracture pattern and peel tests values to identify the most suitable adhesive. It was found out that pretreatment increased the adhesive strength significantly.

Une ontologie des savoirs lexicologiques pour l'élaboration d'un module de cours en didactique du lexique

L'amélioration de la maitrise du français langue première chez les élèves du primaire au Québec dépend de plusieurs facteurs. L'enseignant peut jouer un rôle dans ce processus, sa formation universitaire lui fournissant les connaissances nécessaires afin d'encadrer le développement des compétences langagières de l'élève. Une de ces compétences joue un rôle privilégié dans l'utilisation et la maitrise de la langue, il s'agit de la compétence lexicale, la capacité à comprendre et à utiliser les unités du lexique, aussi bien à l'oral qu'à l'écrit. Afin d'encadrer le développement de la compétence lexicale en français langue première des élèves du primaire, les enseignants doivent eux-mêmes posséder un bon niveau de compétence lexicale, mais aussi détenir un certain nombre de connaissances sur le fonctionnement du lexique lui-même, c'est-à-dire des connaissances métalexicales. Le référentiel québécois de la profession enseignante (MEQ, 2001b) ne détaille pas les connaissances métalexicales que doit posséder l'enseignant pour mener les tâches associées à ses activités d'enseignement/apprentissage du lexique. En outre, la plupart des universités québécoises n'offrent pas de cours dédiés explicitement à la didactique du lexique. Pourtant, ce sont dans les cours de didactique que sont dispensées les connaissances théoriques et pratiques nécessaires au futur enseignant pour assumer les tâches de planification et de pilotage des activités d'apprentissage et d'évaluation des compétences des élèves. La relative absence de cours de didactique du lexique en formation initiale pourrait s'expliquer par le fait qu'il s'agit d'une discipline encore jeune dont les fondements théoriques et pratiques sont en cours de développement. Cette thèse en didactique du français langue première s’intéresse donc aux contenus linguistiques de référence de la didactique du lexique, ainsi qu’à la formation des maitres au primaire dans cette même discipline. Le travail de recherche effectué afin de tenter de remédier au problème soulevé a permis la réalisation de deux objectifs complémentaires. Le premier a consisté en la construction d’une ontologie des savoirs lexicologiques, qui permet de représenter à l’intérieur d’une hiérarchie de notions l’ensemble des connaissances disciplinaires de référence de la didactique du lexique. Cette représentation a ensuite été utilisée pour spécifier et structurer les contenus d’un module de cours en didactique du lexique visant le développement des connaissances métalexicales chez les futurs enseignants du primaire au Québec. L’ontologie et le module de cours produits ont été évalués et validés par des experts de chacun des domaines concernés. L’évaluation de l’ontologie a permis de vérifier la méthode de construction de celle-ci, ainsi que différents aspects relatifs à la structuration des concepts dans l’ontologie. L’évaluation du module de cours a quant à elle montré que les contenus de cours étaient pertinents, les méthodes pédagogiques employées appropriées et le matériel de cours développé bien conçu. Cela nous permet d'affirmer que le module de cours en didactique du lexique se présente comme un apport intéressant à la formation des futurs enseignants du primaire en français langue première au Québec. La recherche dans son ensemble présente enfin une contribution pertinente à la didactique du lexique, son caractère original résidant entre autres dans le fait d’avoir développé un mécanisme d’exploitation d’une base de connaissances (ontologie des savoirs lexicologiques) pour la conception didactique (module de cours en didactique du lexique).