Atomic data for modelling fusion and astrophysical plasmas

Trends and focii of interest in atomic modelling and data are identified in connection with recent observations and experiments in fusion and astrophysics. In the fusion domain, spectral observations are included of core, beam penetrated and divertor plasma. The helium beam experiments at JET and the studies with very heavy species at ASDEX and JET are noted. In the astrophysics domain, illustrations are given from the SOHO and CHANDRA spacecraft which span from the solar upper atmosphere, through soft x-rays from comets to supernovae remnants. It is shown that non-Maxwellian, dynamic and possibly optically thick regimes must be considered. The generalized collisional-radiative model properly describes the collisional regime of most astrophysical and laboratory fusion plasmas and yields self-consistent derived data for spectral emission, power balance and ionization state studies. The tuning of this method to routine analysis of the spectral observations is described. A forward look is taken as to how such atomic modelling, and the atomic data which underpin it, ought to evolve to deal with the extended conditions and novel environments of the illustrations. It is noted that atomic physics influences most aspects of fusion and astrophysical plasma behaviour but the effectiveness of analysis depends on the quality of the bi-directional pathway from fundamental data production through atomic/plasma model development to the confrontation with experiment. The principal atomic data capability at JET, and other fusion and astrophysical laboratories, is supplied via the Atomic Data and Analysis Structure (ADAS) Project. The close ties between the various experiments and ADAS have helped in this path of communication.

An investigation of IAQ, thermal comfort and Sick Building Syndrome symptoms in UK energy efficient homes

Purpose<br/>– Concern of the deterioration of indoor environmental quality as a result of energy efficient building design strategies is growing. Apprehensions of the effect of airtight, super insulated envelopes, the reduction of infiltration, and the reliance on mechanical systems to provide adequate ventilation (air supply) is promoting emerging new research in this field. The purpose of this paper is to present the results of an indoor air quality (IAQ) and thermal comfort investigation in UK energy efficient homes, through a case study investigation. <br/><br/>Design/methodology/approach<br/>– The case study dwellings consisted of a row of six new-build homes which utilize mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) systems, are built to an average airtightness of 2m3/m2/hr at 50 Pascal���s, and constructed without a central heating system. Physical IAQ measurements and occupant interviews were conducted during the summer and winter months over a 24-hour period, to gain information on occupant activities, perception of the interior environment, building-related health and building use. <br/><br/>Findings<br/>– The results suggest inadequate IAQ and perceived thermal comfort, insufficient use of purge ventilation, presence of fungal growth, significant variances in heating patterns, occurrence of sick building syndrome symptoms and issues with the MVHR system. <br/><br/>Practical implications<br/>– The findings will provide relevant data on the applicability of airtight, mechanically ventilated homes in a UK climate, with particular reference to IAQ. <br/><br/>Originality/value<br/>– IAQ data of this nature is essentially lacking, particularly in the UK context. The findings will aid the development of effective sustainable design strategies that are appropriate to localized climatic conditions and sensitive to the health of building occupants.<br/>

Selection of the most appropriate roadside vehicle restraint system – the SAVeRS project

Run Off Road (ROR) crashes are road accidents that often result in severe injuries or fatalities. To reduce the severity of ROR crashes, ���forgiving roadsides��� need to be designed and this includes identifying situations where there is a need for a Vehicle Restraint System (VRS) and what appropriate VRS should be selected for a specific location and traffic condition. Whilst there are standards covering testing, evaluation and classification of VRS within Europe (EN1317 parts 1 to 8), their selection, location and installation requirements are typically based upon national guidelines and standards, often produced by National Road Authorities (NRA) and/or overseeing organisations. Due to local conditions, these national guidelines vary across Europe.<br/>The European SAVeRS project funded by CEDR has developed a practical and readily understandable VRS guidance document and a user-friendly software tool which allow designers and road administrations to select the most appropriate solution in different road and traffic conditions.<br/>This paper describes the main outcomes of the project, the process to select the most appropriate roadside barrier, and the user friendly SAVeRS tool. <br/>

Clubes de ci��ncias e o percurso escolar dos alunos

Os factores que levam os alunos, no final da escolaridade obrigat��ria, a escolher o seu percurso escolar s��o v��rios. Neste estudo procurou-se saber em que medida a frequ��ncia de Clubes na ��rea das Ci��ncias influenciam essa decis��o e, ainda, estudar como potenciar a sua organiza����o no sentido de que estes possam contribuir positivamente para as escolhas dos alunos por percursos escolares na ��rea das Ci��ncias. A investiga����o decorreu em duas fases. Na primeira fase, foi avaliada a influ��ncia dos Clubes de Ci��ncias na decis��o do percurso escolar dos alunos, no final da escolaridade b��sica. Nesta fase foram realizados os seguintes procedimentos: -Entrevista semi-estruturada realizada a sete professoras respons��veis de Clubes na ��rea das Ci��ncias F��sicas e Naturais, de 7 Escolas Secund��rias da regi��o de Aveiro. -Administra����o de um question��rio, constru��do com quest��es maioritariamente fechadas, a uma amostra de 106 alunos, do 10��Ano, provenientes de 11 Escolas Secund��rias da regi��o de Aveiro, que frequentaram Clubes na ��rea das Ci��ncias F��sicas e Naturais, no 3�� Ciclo. -Tratamento estat��stico das quest��es do question��rio, com recurso ao programa SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Science) e an��lise de conte��do das quest��es abertas do question��rio e das entrevistas, recorrendose para o efeito �� constru����o de categorias de resposta. Na segunda fase concebeu-se e implementou-se um Clube de Ci��ncias. Nesta fase surgiu a cria����o do Clube: ���Educa����o para o Desenvolvimento Sustent��vel���, no qual foi desenvolvido o projecto: ���Constru����o e dinamiza����o de uma Esta����o Meteorol��gica���, numa Escola B��sica do 2�� e 3�� Ciclos do Concelho de Aveiro. Os resultados obtidos na primeira fase do estudo s��o reveladores da import��ncia que �� atribu��da ��s experi��ncias vivenciadas pelos alunos nos Clubes de Ci��ncias que frequentaram. Os temas/assuntos abordados foram essencialmente conte��dos ligados a ��reas do conhecimento das disciplinas de Ci��ncias. Predominaram as estrat��gias com base em trabalho de projecto e em actividades experimentais. Indicadores nacionais e internacionais t��m evidenciado um decr��scimo no n��mero de jovens que, na sua escolaridade, optam por estudos nas ��reas das Ci��ncias e da Tecnologia. Este decr��scimo tem sido um factor de preocupa����o ao n��vel das pol��ticas educativas, nomeadamente europeias, tornando-se urgente, por um lado, compreender o porqu�� desse facto e, por outro, encontrar formas de o minimizar. Os Clubes na perspectiva das respons��veis entrevistadas: (a) Surgem como uma oportunidade para melhorar as compet��ncias dos alunos ao n��vel do saber fazer; (b) Permitem confirmar e refor��ar a motiva����o e o gosto pelas Ci��ncias; (c) Podem, tamb��m, dar-lhes orienta����es para o futuro, embora esta n��o tenha sido uma preocupa����o expl��cita; (d) S��o do agrado dos alunos devido a apresentarem actividades n��o meramente acad��micas e formais. Os Clubes, na perspectiva dos alunos respondentes: (a) Aumentaram a motiva����o para estudar Ci��ncias; (b) Permitiram relacionar as Ci��ncias com o dia-a-dia; (c) Ajudaram na escolha do curso que frequentam no Ensino Secund��rio; (d) Contribu��ram para querer exercer uma profiss��o na ��rea das Ci��ncias. Na segunda fase do estudo, foi desenvolvido um trabalho de projecto que envolveu alunos do 3�� Ciclo. O tema do projecto, proposto e implementado, coincidiu com os dois temas menos abordados, nos Clubes frequentados pelos respondentes da primeira fase do estudo, Meteorologia e Tem��ticas com Impacto Social. Por outro lado o Clube pretendeu contribuir para a D��cada da Educa����o para o Desenvolvimento Sustentado, institu��da pelas Na����es Unidas, para fazer frente �� actual situa����o de emerg��ncia planet��ria. Uma estrat��gia privilegiada para formar cidad��os capazes de assumir atitudes e valores com vista ao desenvolvimento sustent��vel, passa pela Educa����o em todas as suas vertentes, nomeadamente a do ensino n��o formal, na qual se incluem os Clubes de Ci��ncias. ABSTRACT: National and international indicators have showed a decrease in the number of youngsters that, during their school course make their choices in the study areas of Science and Technology. This decreasing tendency has been a motive of concern as far as the European educational policies are concerned. Thus, it is urgent to understand the reason behind that situation and find ways to minimize it. There are various factors that make students choose their study areas in the end of their school course. This study aimed to find out how the Science Clubs can influence their decisions as well as to study new ways to improve their organization in such a way that they may contribute positively to the students��� choices of their school careers in the area of Science. The investigation was divided in two parts: in the first part, it was evaluated the level of the influence of the Science Clubs in the students��� school careers at the end of the elementary education. At this stage it was adopted the following procedure: -A semi-structured interview was applied to 7 female teachers that are responsible for the Natural and Physics Science Clubs, in secondary schools, in the region of Aveiro; -A mainly close-question questionnaire was applied to a sample of 106 students, in the 10th grade, in 11 secondary schools, in the region of Aveiro. These students have attended some Natural and Physics Science Clubs, during the 7th, 8th and 9th grades; -Statistical work of the questionnaire was done with the help of the SPSS programme (Statistical Package for the Social Science) as well as the analysis of the contents of the open-questions of the questionnaire and the interviews by means of the answer-category method. In the second part, a Science Club was planned and implemented. At this stage, a club was created - ���Education for the Sustainable Development��� - within which the following project was developed – ���Building and Development of a Meteorological Observatory���, at a 2nd and 3rd Ciclos (Stages) Elementary School, in Aveiro. The results of the first part of this study case have showed clearly the importance given to the experiences of the students while attending the Science Clubs. The themes/subjects studied were mainly science knowledgerelated contents. The strategies adopted were based on project work and experimental activities. A view of the Clubs by the people who are responsible for them: (a)The Clubs mean an opportunity for students to learn the know-how process; (b)They have provided the reinforcement of the motivation and preference for Science; (c)Although it was not the main concern with the clubs, the truth is that they can also give the students a sense of awareness for the future; (d)Students like to make part of the clubs because of their experimental character. A view of the Clubs by the students who make part of them: (a)The clubs have increased the level of motivation to study Science; (b)They have allowed a close perspective of the daily life reality; (c)They have helped with the choice of the Secondary School courses; (d)They have made students want a future professional career in the area of Science. In the second part of this study case, a project work was carried out involving 7th, 8th and 9th grade students. The subject of the project, considered and implemented, coincided with the two less boarded subjects, in the Clubs attended a course for the respondents of the first phase of the study, Meteorology and Thematic with Social Impact. The Club also aimed to contribute to the decade of the ���Education for the Sustained Future��� as settled by the United Nations in order to face the present emergency situation of the planet. The last but not the least, it is believed that, the best strategy to teach future citizens who are able to take the responsibility of their values and attitudes towards a sustainable future, is to provide them a type of Education that can teach them both the formal curriculum aspects and the informal ones, as it is the case of the Science Clubs.

Comunidades de pr��tica online: contributos para a pr��tica letiva: um estudo de caso no ��mbito da educa����o em ci��ncia envolvendo professores e investigadores

As comunidades de pr��tica (CoP), bem como a investiga����o-a����o, t��m vindo a ser apontadas na literatura como formas de promover o desenvolvimento profissional de professores, potenciando a melhoria das suas pr��ticas letivas. Contudo, as evid��ncias emp��ricas relativas ��s pr��ticas letivas desenvolvidas por professores no ��mbito dessas configura����es sociais s��o escassas. Neste estudo procura-se contribuir para colmatar essa lacuna ao analisar uma CoP online, que envolveu professores de ci��ncias e investigadores em Educa����o em Ci��ncia (EC) e se constituiu no ��mbito do projeto ���Investiga����o e pr��ticas lectivas em Educa����o em Ci��ncia: Din��micas de interac����o��� (IPEC), com enfoques distintos, a que se alude abaixo. A investiga����o realizada envolveu uma metodologia de natureza predominantemente qualitativa, descritiva, explorat��ria e do tipo estudo de caso ��nico, sendo o caso as pr��ticas letivas desenvolvidas pelos membros da CoP referida e as din��micas de intera����o entre os mesmos. Como t��cnicas de recolha de dados, recorreu-se principalmente �� observa����o mediada pela plataforma online de apoio ao desenvolvimento do projeto (dados estat��sticos e as mensagens registadas automaticamente) e recolha de documentos. Quanto ��s t��cnicas de an��lise de dados, optou-se principalmente pela an��lise de conte��do e an��lise documental interna, tendo-se triangulado dados de diferentes fontes. Com base no Interconnected Model of Teacher Professional Growth, que Clarke e Hollingsworth propuseram em 2002, e em instrumentos de an��lise resultantes da revis��o de literatura, adaptados aos enfoques definidos, a an��lise da CoP selecionada incidiu sobre: a) os dom��nios externo e das pr��ticas de desenvolvimento curricular (DC), ou seja, as suas din��micas de intera����o durante dois anos letivos; b) o dom��nio das consequ��ncias nas pr��ticas letivas, no que concerne ��s estrat��gias de ensino de ci��ncias desenvolvidas; c) a evid��ncias do seu carater inovador; e d) aos princ��pios de DC operacionalizados atrav��s do m��dulo curricular desenhado, implementado, avaliado e disseminado pelos membros da CoP. Os resultados indicam que a) a participa����o dos membros variou ao longo do per��odo de intera����o e que a sua din��mica se enquadra numa adapta����o das fases de desenvolvimento de CoP proposta por Wenger e colegas em 2002, com dois ciclos de investiga����o-a����o; b) a CoP desenvolveu estrat��gias de ensino diversificadas, pouco exploradas por professores e coerentes com diversas recomenda����es da literatura, de forma consistente; c) as pr��ticas letivas s��o inovadoras, do tipo challenging, tendo inclu��do o envolvimento de professores que lecionavam nas escolas dos professores membros da CoP; e d) a CoP operacionalizou v��rios princ��pios de DC recomendados na literatura, nomeadamente a flexibilidade e diferencia����o. Os resultados emp��ricos permitiram ainda validar as dimens��es do modelo de Clarke e Hollingsworth, assim como adaptar �� especificidade do caso analisado.Pelo acima referido, embora reconhecendo as limita����es do estudo, nomeadamente relativas ��s op����es metodol��gicas efetuadas, foi poss��vel inferir que o trabalho realizado no seio desta CoP online de professores e investigadores contribuiu para a inova����o e melhoria de pr��ticas letivas de EC. Do estudo resultam ainda instrumentos de an��lise que se consideram relevantes, dado poderem vir a ser usados em investiga����es futuras, assim como poderem vir a orientar professores de ci��ncias que desejem alinhar as suas pr��ticas de ensino com recomenda����es da investiga����o em EC. Por fim, s��o apresentadas recomenda����es relativamente ao envolvimento de professores e investigadores em CoP online, no ��mbito da EC, assim como relativamente a possibilidades ao n��vel de investiga����es futuras, nomeadamente a valida����o dos instrumentos e das recomenda����es apresentadas em contextos mais abrangentes e transversais.

Moradia no centro hist��rico do Montijo: reabilita����o vs constru����o nova

Disserta����o para obten����o do grau de Mestre em Engenharia Civil na ��rea de Especializa����o de Edifica����es

The relation of body mass index and abdominal adiposity with dyslipidemia in 27 general populations of the WHO MONICA Project.

The association between adiposity measures and dyslipidemia has seldom been assessed in a multipopulational setting. 27 populations from Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Canada (WHO MONICA project) using health surveys conducted between 1990 and 1997 in adults aged 35-64 years (n��=��40,480). Dyslipidemia was defined as the total/HDL cholesterol ratio &gt;6 (men) and &gt;5 (women). Overall prevalence of dyslipidemia was 25% in men and 23% in women. Logistic regression showed that dyslipidemia was strongly associated with body mass index (BMI) in men and with waist circumference (WC) in women, after adjusting for region, age and smoking. Among normal-weight men and women (BMI&lt;25��kg/m(2)), an increase in the odds for being dyslipidemic was observed between lowest and highest WC quartiles (OR��=��3.6, p��&lt;��0.001). Among obese men (BMI ��� 30), the corresponding increase was smaller (OR��=��1.2, p��=��0.036). A similar weakening was observed among women. Classification tree analysis was performed to assign subjects into classes of risk for dyslipidemia. BMI thresholds (25.4 and 29.2��kg/m(2)) in men and WC thresholds (81.7 and 92.6��cm) in women came out at first stages. High WC (&gt;84.8��cm) in normal-weight men, menopause in women and regular smoking further defined subgroups at increased risk. standard categories of BMI and WC, or their combinations, do not lead to optimal risk stratification for dyslipidemia in middle-age adults. Sex-specific adaptations are necessary, in particular by taking into account abdominal obesity in normal-weight men, post-menopausal age in women and regular smoking in both sexes.

Towards sustainable peace : peace-building and human security

Failed and fragile states that result from intrastate war pose severe threats to the security of both the international system and individual states alike. In the post-Cold War era, the international community has come to recognize the reality of these threats and the difficulty involved in ending violence and building sustainable peace in failed and fragile states. This work focuses upon the development of a comprehensive strategy for sustainable peace-building by incorporating the tenets of the human security doctrine into the peace-building process. Through the use of case studies of The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and East Timor, the development and refinement of the doctrine of human security will occur, as well as, an understanding of how and where human security fits into the sustainable peace-building equation. The end result of the analysis is the development of a hierarchical pyramid formation that brings together human security and peace-building into one framework that ultimately creates the foundation and structure of sustainable peace-building. With the development of a sustainable peace-building structure based upon the human security doctrine, the role of Canada in the support of sustainable peace-building is analyzed in relation to the form and level of involvement that Canada undertakes and contributes to in the implementation and support of sustainable peace-building initiatives. Following from this, recommendations are provided regarding what role(s) Canada should undertake in the sustainable peace-building process that take into consideration the present and likely future capabilities of Canada to be involved in various aspects of the peace-building process. ii This paper outlines the need for a peace-building strategy that is designed to be sustainable in order that failed and fragile states resulting from intrastate conflict do not regress or collapse back into a condition of civil war, and subsequently designs such a strategy. The linking of peace-building and human security creates the required framework from which sustainable peace-building is derived. Creating sustainable peace is necessary in order to increase the likelihood that both present and future generations existing in failed and fragile states will be spared from the scourge of intrastate war.

A systematic observation of hostile aggression in Junior B hockey

Aggressive behaviours within the sport of hockey appear to be increasing in both prevalence and consequence (Biasca, Wirth, & Tegner, 2002). Accordingly, this area of inquiry is currently garnering a considerable amount of attention from society and academics alike. The problem however, is that our current understanding of these behaviours has been deemed both incomplete and unreliable. The inconsistencies inherent within this body of knowledge have been traced back to a variety of methodological shortcomings. The purpose of this investigation was to assess hostile aggression using a more ecologically valid and comprehensive research design. Ten Junior B hockey games were tapped and subsequently coded by three independent observers, using a validated operational list. Two hundred and fifty-nine behaviours were extrapolated and examined according to the score differential, period, position of the aggressor, status of the aggressor's team, and whether the aggressor was a member of the home or visiting team. It was concluded that the frequency of aggressive behaviours significantly differed according to the score differential, and status of the aggressor's team (p < .01). However, these hostile acts did not differ according the aggressor's position, period, and the home versus away status of the aggressor's team (p > .01). It was also determined that the majority of aggressive acts (69.1 1%) across these ten games went unsanctioned. This highlights the profound influence that "positive misses" have on penalty measures of aggression, while concurrently highlighting the ecological validity present with observational designs. Consequently, by assessing aggressive behaviour in a more inclusive and ecologically valid manner, a more accurate picture of the frequency and distribution of hostile aggression may be provided.

Conceptualizing Institutional Capacity Building Through a Learning Process Set in Motion by a Foundation

Employing critical pedagogy and transformative theory as a theoretical framework, I examined a learning process associated with building capacity in community-based organizations (CBOs) through an investigation of the Institutional Capacity Building Program (ICBP) initiated by a Foundation. The study sought to: (a) examine the importance of institutional capacity building for individual and community development; (b) investigate elements of a process associated with a program and characteristics of a learning process for building capacity in CBOs; and (c) analyze the Foundation���s approach to synthesizing, systematizing, and sharing learning. The study used a narrative research design that included 3 one-on-one, hour-long interviews with 2 women having unique vantage points in ICBP: one is a program facilitator working at the Foundation and the other runs a CBO supported by the Foundation. The interviews��� semistructured questions allowed interviewees to share stories regarding their experience with the learning process of ICB and enabled themes to emerge from their day-to-day experience. Through the analysis of this learning process for institutional capacity building, a few lessons can be drawn from the experience of the Foundation.

MAST3 : facteur de risque g��n��tique aux maladies inflammatoires de l���intestin et modulateur d���inflammation

La maladie de Crohn (MC) et la colite ulc��reuse (CU) sont des maladies inflammatoires chroniques du tube digestif qu���on regroupe sous le terme maladies inflammatoires de l���intestin (MII). Les m��canismes mol��culaires menant au d��veloppement des MII ne sont pas enti��rement connus, mais des ��tudes g��n��tiques et fonctionnelles ont permis de mettre en ��vidence des interactions entre des pr��dispositions g��n��tiques et des facteurs environnementaux - notamment la flore intestinale – qui contribuent au d��veloppement d���une d��r��gulation de la r��ponse immunitaire menant �� l���inflammation de la muqueuse intestinale. Des ��tudes d���association pang��nomiques et cibl��es ont permis d���identifier plusieurs g��nes de susceptibilit�� aux MII mais les estimations de la contribution de ces g��nes �� l���h��ritabilit�� sugg��rent que plusieurs g��nes restent �� d��couvrir. Certains d���entre eux peuvent se trouver dans les r��gions identifi��es par des ��tudes de liaison g��n��tique. L���objectif de mon projet de doctorat ��tait d���identifier un ou des facteurs de risque g��n��tique dans la r��gion chromosomale 19p (identifi��e comme r��gion de liaison IBD6) et de le/les caract��riser au niveau fonctionnel. Nous avons d���abord entrepris une cartographie d���association de la r��gion 19p. �� la suite du g��notypage successif de deux cohortes ind��pendantes, nous avons identifi�� un SNP intronique et quatre SNP codants dont un non-synonyme, rs8108738, tous localis��s dans le g��ne microtubule associated serine threonine kinase gene-3 (MAST3) et associ��s aux MII. Peu d���information fonctionnelle sur MAST3 ��tait disponible. Par contre MAST2, une prot��ine encod��e par un g��ne de la m��me famille, r��gule l���activit�� du facteur de transcription inflammatoire NF-kappaB. Nous avons confirm�� l���implication de MAST3 dans l���activit�� de NF-kappaB via un knockdown de MAST3 et des essais g��ne-rapporteur. Pour poursuivre la caract��risation fonctionnelle de MAST3, nous avons choisi une approche non cibl��e pour ��tudier les effets de la variation des niveaux d���expression de MAST3 sur la cellule. C���est-��-dire que nous avons cr���� un 1er mod��le cellulaire de surexpression du g��ne MAST3 dans les cellules HEK293 et analys�� l���expression pang��nomique endog��ne. La validation de l���expression g��nique dans un 2e mod��le cellulaire de knockdown et de type cellulaire diff��rent (THP1), nous a permis d���identifier et de contrer les effets non-sp��cifiques dus aux niveaux non-physiologiques. Notre ��tude d���expression a men�� �� l���identification d���un groupe de g��nes dont l���expression est r��gul��e par MAST3. Ces g��nes sont majoritairement impliqu��s dans des fonctions immunitaires (cytokines pro-inflammatoires, r��gulateurs de NF-kappaB, migration cellulaire, etc.) et une forte proportion est r��gul��e par NF-kappaB. Nous avons ��valu�� l���importance du groupe de g��nes r��gul��s par MAST3 dans la pr��sentation clinique des MII �� travers des ��tudes d���expression dans des biopsies intestinales de patients atteints de CU. Nous avons constat�� que l���expression de ces g��nes est significativement sup��rieure dans les r��gions enflamm��es par rapport aux r��gions saines de la muqueuse intestinale des patients atteints de CU. Globalement, les r��sultats de nos ��tudes sugg��rent que le facteur de risque aux MII MAST3 agit via la voie du facteur de transcription NF-kappaB pour influencer l���expression d���un groupe de g��nes impliqu��s dans l���inflammation intestinale typique des MII. Chaque ��tude g��n��tique sur les MII a le potentiel d���orienter les recherches fonctionnelles vers de nouvelles voies biologiques causales. Le d��voilement des m��canismes mol��culaires sous-jacents �� ces voies permet d���augmenter les connaissances sur le d��veloppement de ces maladies vers une compr��hension plus compl��te de la pathogen��se qui permettra d���optimiser le diagnostic et le traitement de ces maladies.

Building a Canadian Virtual Health Library Database / Cr��ation de la Biblioth��que virtuelle canadienne de sant��

Introduction: Avec l���abondance d���information gratuite disponible en ligne, la t��che de trouver, de trier et d���acheminer de l���information pertinente �� l���auditoire appropri�� peut s���av��rer laborieuse. En d��cembre 2010, la Biblioth��que virtuelle canadienne de sant�� / Canadian Virtual Health Library (BVCS) a form�� un comit�� d���experts afin d���identifier, d�����valuer, de s��lectionner et d���organiser des ressources d���int��r��t pour les professionnels de la sant��. M��thodes: Cette affiche identifiera les d��cisions techniques du comit�� d���experts, incluant le syst��me de gestion de contenus retenu, l���utilisation des ��l��ments Dublin Core et des descripteurs Medical Subject Headings pour la description des ressources, et le d��veloppement et l���adaptation de taxonomies �� partir de la classification MeSH. La traduction fran��aise des descripteurs MeSH �� l���aide du portail CISMeF sera ��galement abord��e. R��sultats: Au mois de mai 2011, le comit�� a lanc�� la base de donn��es BVCS de ressources en ligne gratuites sur la sant��, regroupant plus de 1600 sites web et ressources. Une vari��t�� de types de contenus sont repr��sent��s, incluant des articles et rapports, des bases de donn��es interactives et des outils de pratique clinique. Discussion: Les b��n��fices et d��fis d���une collaboration pancanadienne virtuelle seront pr��sent��s, ainsi que l���inclusion cruciale d���un membre francophone pour composer avec la nature bilingue de la base de donn��es. En lien avec cet aspect du projet, l���affiche sera pr��sent��e en fran��ais et en anglais. Introduction: With the abundance of freely available online information, the task of finding, filtering and fitting relevant information to the appropriate audience, is daunting. In December 2010 the Canadian Virtual Health Library / Biblioth��que virtuelle canadienne de sant�� (CVHL) formed an expert committee to identify, evaluate, select and organize resources relevant to health professionals. Methods: This poster will identify the key technical decisions of the expert committee including the content management system used to manage the data, the use of Dublin Core elements and Medical Subject Headings to describe the resources, and the development and adaptation of taxonomies from MeSH classification to catalog resources. The translation of MeSH terms to French using the CiSMeF portal will also be discussed. Results: In May 2010, the committee launched the CVHL database of free web-based health resources. Content ranged from online articles and reports to videos, interactive databases and clinical practice tools, and included more than 1,600 websites and resources. Discussion: The benefits and challenges of a virtual, pan-Canadian collaboration, and the critical inclusion of a Francophone member to address the bilingual nature of the database, will be presented. In keeping with the nature of the project, the poster will be presented in French and English.

Implication de la voie alternative NF-kappa B dans le cancer de la prostate

Le cancer de la prostate (CaP) est le plus diagnostiqu�� chez les hommes au Canada et repr��sente le troisi��me cancer le plus meurtrier au sein de cette population. Malgr�� l���efficacit�� des traitements de premi��re ligne, de nombreux patients finiront par d��velopper une r��sistance et, le cas ��ch��ant, verront leur CaP progresser vers une forme plus agressive. Plusieurs param��tres, essentiellement cliniques, permettent de pr��dire la progression du CaP mais leur sensibilit��, encore limit��e, implique la n��cessit�� de nouveaux biomarqueurs afin de combler cette lacune. Dans cette optique nous nous int��ressons au facteur de transcription NF-��B. Des ��tudes r��alis��es au laboratoire et ailleurs, associent RelA(p65) �� un potentiel clinique dans le CaP, soulignant ainsi l���importance de la voie classique NF-��B. L���implication de la voie alternative NF-��B dans la progression du CaP a aussi ��t�� sugg��r��e dans une de nos ��tudes illustrant la corr��lation entre la distribution nucl��aire de RelB et le score de Gleason. Alors que la voie classique est largement document��e et son implication dans la progression du CaP ��tablie, la voie alternative, elle, reste �� explorer. La pr��sente th��se vise �� clarifier l���implication de la voie alternative NF-��B dans le CaP et r��pond �� deux objectifs fix��s dans ce but. Le premier objectif fut d�����valuer l���impact de l'activation de la voie alternative NF-��B sur la biologie des cellules canc��reuses prostatiques. L�����tude de la surexpression de RelB a soulign�� les effets de la voie alternative NF-��B sur la prolif��ration et l'autophagie. ��tant ainsi impliqu��e tant dans la croissance tumorale que dans un processus de plus en plus associ��e �� la progression tumorale, quoique potentiellement l��tal pour les cellules canc��reuses, son impact sur la tumorig��n��se du CaP reste encore difficile �� d��finir. Il n'existe, �� ce jour, aucune ��tude permettant de comparer le potentiel clinique des voies classique et alternative NF-��B. Le second objectif de ce projet fut donc l'analyse conjointe de RelA(p65) et RelB au sein de m��mes tissus de patients atteints de CaP afin de d��terminer l'importance clinique des deux signalisations NF-��B, l'une par rapport �� l'autre. Le marquage immunofluorescent de RelA(p65) et RelB en a permis l'analyse quantitative et objective par un logiciel d'imagerie. Nos travaux ont confirm�� le potentiel clinique associ�� �� RelA(p65). La variable RelA(p65)/RelB s���est, elle, av��r��e moins informative que RelA(p65). Par contre, aucune corr��lation entre RelB et les param��tres cliniques inclus dans l'��tude n���est ressortie. En d��finitive, mon projet de th��se aura permis de pr��ciser l'implication de la voie alternative NF-��B sur la biologie du CaP. Son impact sur la croissance des cellules canc��reuses prostatiques ainsi que sur l'autophagie, d��note l���ambivalence de la voie alternative NF-��B face �� la tumorig��n��se du CaP. L�����tude exhaustive de la signalisation NF-��B souligne davantage l'importance de la voie classique dont l���int��r��t clinique est principalement associ�� au statut de RelA(p65). Ainsi, bien que RelB n���affiche aucun potentiel en tant que biomarqueur exploitable en clinique, l���analyse de l���intervention de la voie alternative NF-��B sur la biologie des cellules canc��reuses prostatiques reste d���int��r��t pour la compr��hension de son r��le exact dans la progression du CaP.

Operational Flexibility: A Model for Effective Project Management

The aim of this study is to investigate the role of operational flexibility for effective project management in the construction industry. The specific objectives are to: a) Identify the determinants of operational flexibility potential in construction project management b) Investigate the contribution of each of the determinants to operational flexibility potential in the construction industry c) Investigate on the moderating factors of operational flexibility potential in a construction project environment d) Investigate whether moderated operational flexibility potential mediates the path between predictors and effective construction project management e) Develop and test a conceptual model of achieving operational flexibility for effective project management The purpose of this study is to findout ways to utilize flexibility inorder to manage uncertain project environment and ultimately achieve effective project management. In what configuration these operational flexibility determinants are demanded by construction project environment in order to achieve project success. This research was conducted in three phases, namely: (i) exploratory phase (ii) questionnaire development phase; and (iii) data collection and analysis phase. The study needs firm level analysis and therefore real estate developers who are members of CREDAI, Kerala Chapter were considered. This study provides a framework on the functioning of operational flexibility, offering guidance to researchers and practitioners for discovering means to gain operational flexibility in construction firms. The findings provide an empirical understanding on kinds of resources and capabilities a construction firm must accumulate to respond flexibly to the changing project environment offering practitioners insights into practices that build firms operational flexibility potential. Firms are dealing with complex, continuous changing and uncertain environments due trends of globalization, technical changes and innovations and changes in the customers��� needs and expectations. To cope with the increasingly uncertain and quickly changing environment firms strive for flexibility. To achieve the level of flexibility that adds value to the customers, firms should look to flexibility from a day to day operational perspective. Each dimension of operational flexibility is derived from competences and capabilities. In this thesis only the influence on customer satisfaction and learning exploitation of flexibility dimensions which directly add value in the customers eyes are studied to answer the followingresearch questions: ���What is the impact of operational flexibility on customer satisfaction?.��� What are the predictors of operational flexibility in construction industry? .These questions can only be answered after answering the questions like ���Why do firms need operational flexibility?��� and ���how can firms achieve operational flexibility?��� in the context of the construction industry. The need for construction firms to be flexible, via the effective utilization of organizational resources and capabilities for improved responsiveness, is important because of the increasing rate of changes in the business environment within which they operate. Achieving operational flexibility is also important because it has a significant correlation with a project effectiveness and hence a firm���s turnover. It is essential for academics and practitioners to recognize that the attainment of operational flexibility involves different types namely: (i) Modification (ii) new product development and (iii) demand management requires different configurations of predictors (i.e., resources, capabilities and strategies). Construction firms should consider these relationships and implement appropriate management practices for developing and configuring the right kind of resources, capabilities and strategies towards achieving different operational flexibility types.