La problématique de cette thèse se place à l’interface entre le domaine scientifique du contrôle non destructif par ultrasons (CND US) et l’adéquation algorithme architecture. Le CND US comprend un ensemble de techniques utilisées pour examiner un matériau, qu’il soit en production ou maintenance. Afin de détecter d’éventuels défauts, de les positionner et les dimensionner, des méthodes d’imagerie et de reconstruction ont été développées au CEA-LIST, dans la plateforme logicielle CIVA.L’évolution du matériel d’acquisition entraine une augmentation des volumes de données et par conséquent nécessite toujours plus de puissance de calcul pour parvenir à des reconstructions en temps interactif. L’évolution multicoeurs des processeurs généralistes (GPP), ainsi que l’arrivée de nouvelles architectures comme les GPU rendent maintenant possible l’accélération de ces algorithmes.Le but de cette thèse est d’évaluer les possibilités d’accélération de deux algorithmes de reconstruction sur ces architectures. Ces deux algorithmes diffèrent dans leurs possibilités de parallélisation. Pour un premier, la parallélisation sur GPP est relativement immédiate, contrairement à celle sur GPU qui nécessite une utilisation intensive des instructions atomiques. Quant au second, le parallélisme est plus simple à exprimer, mais l’ordonnancement des nids de boucles sur GPP, ainsi que l’ordonnancement des threads et une bonne utilisation de la mémoire partagée des GPU sont nécessaires pour obtenir un fonctionnement efficace. Pour ce faire, OpenMP, CUDA et OpenCL ont été utilisés et comparés. L’intégration de ces prototypes dans la plateforme CIVA a mis en évidence un ensemble de problématiques liées à la maintenance et à la pérennisation de codes sur le long terme. / This thesis work is placed between the scientific domain of ultrasound non-destructive testing and algorithm-architecture adequation. Ultrasound non-destructive testing includes a group of analysis techniques used in science and industry to evaluate the properties of a material, component, or system without causing damage. In order to characterize possible defects, determining their position, size and shape, imaging and reconstruction tools have been developed at CEA-LIST, within the CIVA software platform.Evolution of acquisition sensors implies a continuous growth of datasets and consequently more and more computing power is needed to maintain interactive reconstructions. General purprose processors (GPP) evolving towards parallelism and emerging architectures such as GPU allow large acceleration possibilities than can be applied to these algorithms.The main goal of the thesis is to evaluate the acceleration than can be obtained for two reconstruction algorithms on these architectures. These two algorithms differ in their parallelization scheme. The first one can be properly parallelized on GPP whereas on GPU, an intensive use of atomic instructions is required. Within the second algorithm, parallelism is easier to express, but loop ordering on GPP, as well as thread scheduling and a good use of shared memory on GPU are necessary in order to obtain efficient results. Different API or libraries, such as OpenMP, CUDA and OpenCL are evaluated through chosen benchmarks. An integration of both algorithms in the CIVA software platform is proposed and different issues related to code maintenance and durability are discussed.

La mobilité internationale des étudiants qui souhaitent suivre une formation supérieure en France ou à l’étranger est en augmentation depuis des années. Le domaine du Français Langue Etrangère a évolué en donnant naissance aux nouvelles approches d’enseignement de la langue française, parmi lesquelles le Français sur Objectif Universitaire. Notre problématique de recherche s’inscrit dans cette optique dans la mesure où elle concerne les étudiants arabophones et allophones inscrits dans l’une des filières de droit en France. Notre analyse des copies d’examens de ces étudiants montre qu’ils ont beaucoup de difficultés au niveau de l’écrit juridique sur le plan linguistique et pragmatique. En plus, les réponses sur le questionnaire que nous avons distribué à ce public d’apprenants met en évidence leurs pratiques rédactionnelles, et nous permet d’apporter des solutions pédagogiques adaptées face aux difficultés rencontrées, ce qui constitue l’objectif principal de notre recherche. Outre le problème au niveau de la production écrite, nous proposons des moyens qui favorisent l’interaction entre les étudiants, les enseignants, et les professionnels appartenant au domaine du droit. / The international mobility of students who wish to pursue higher education in France or abroad has been increasing for several years. This movement continues to create specific demands that universities are called upon to meet by adapting their programs to the new demands of teaching and learning French. This is the reason why the domain of the French as Foreign Language has evolved, giving birth to new approaches to teaching the French language, among which the French for Academic Purpose. Our research problem is in line with this point of view insofar as it concerns the foreign non-francophone and Arabic-speaking students enrolled in Law majors in France. Our analysis of the exam copies of these students shows that they have many difficulties in linguistic and pragmatic in writing. In addition, the answers on the survey that we have distributed to this audience of learners highlights their writing practices, and allows us to provide educational solutions adapted to the difficulties encountered, which is the main objective of our research . In addition to the problem of written production, we propose ways to promote interaction between students, teachers and professionals in the field of law.

No description available.

This research explored health decision-making processes among people recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Our analysis suggested that diagnosis with type 2 was followed by a period of intense emotional and cognitive disequilibrium. Subsequently, the informants were observed to proceed to health decision-making which was affected by three separate and interrelated factors: knowledge, self-efficacy, and purpose. Knowledge included cognitive or factual components and emotional elements. Knowledge influenced the degree of upset or disequilibrium the patient experienced, and affected a second category, agency: the informants’ confidence in their ability to enact lifestyle changes. The third factor, purpose, summarized the personal and deeply held reasons people gave as they made decisions concerning their health, eating and exercising. We propose this model, grounded in informant stories, as a heuristic, to guide further inquiry. From these stories, the patient is seen as more active and the interrelated influences of knowledge, agency, and purpose, synergistically interact to explain changes in health behaviors.

政治代表著一種權威性的價值分配，政府的工作便是在制訂與執行這些價值分配的政策，其間必然牽涉到權力的形成、分配與運用，而菁英往往比一般人更有權力，因此菁英如何影響政策制訂是一個值得關注的問題。 而「國民身分健保合一智慧卡（簡稱國民卡）計畫」，從相關的報導中，筆者發現國民卡一案的決策過程乃是以菁英決策的方式出現，主要涉及行政菁英、立法菁英、知識菁英與企業菁英間的互動，因而希望藉由國民卡個案的探討，進一步對菁英理論如何應用於政策制訂過程有較為深入的了解。 本文係採文獻探討法與深度訪談法，首先對政策制訂過程與菁英理論進行探討，並將菁英分為行政菁英、立法菁英、知識菁英與企業菁英四類，進而就其角色、影響政策的策略進行說明，在獲得菁英理論如何應用於政策制訂過程的大致輪廓後，接著對國民卡政策制訂過程進行說明，並對國民卡方案中各類菁英運用策略進行分析，最後作出結論。 本文研究發現如下：一、國民卡方案的制訂，深受菁英理念之影響；二、社會大眾對國民卡方案制訂之影響有限；三、少數菁英對於政策有重大影響；四、權力由一元轉為多元。 在研究建議方面，本文除對菁英理論作出建議外，對於實務上亦提供相關政策建議，包括：一、政策綠皮書的公布；二、建立完善諮詢制度，善用吸納策略；三、採取漸進策略；四、強化政黨協商，適度滿足各方需求；五、健全資訊政策相關立法。

馬庫色 (Herbert Marcuse) 在《愛欲與文明》(Eros and Civilization) 一書中，引用康德 (Immanuel Kant) 《判斷力批判》(Critique of the Power of Judgment) 的第一部分〈審美判斷力批判〉(“Critique of the Aesthetic Power of Judgment”) 所提出之美學概念作為非壓抑性新文明的準繩。不過，馬庫色對美學概念的引用十分簡單扼要，本論文將從解析《愛欲與文明》一書對壓抑性文明的省思，以及闡述康德的美學概念著手，試圖探討美學概念在新型態文明願景中之作用為何、其落實可能性與應用的難處。 本論文除前言與結語，共分四章：第一章為導論；第二章循《愛欲與文明》之理論脈絡，以佛洛伊德 (Sigmund Freud) 的文明觀及馬克思 (Karl Marx) 的異化 (alienation) 概念為理論背景，帶出馬庫色所認為的宰制性文明及其顛覆的可能性；第三章闡述作為理想文明指導原則的康德與席勒 (Friedrich Schiller) 的美學概念；第四章先提要馬庫色所認為的非壓抑性文明，以及新感性 (the new sensibility) 發揮希望與顛覆力量的藝術領域，再行探討康德美學概念與愛欲 (eros) 得以自由抒發的理想生命型態之間的關係，並試圖討論美學概念的應用問題。文末，以結語總結以上研究工作。

This study will validate several key results from previous studies of bank loan announcement effects by using the data from Hong Kong market following the 1997 Asian crisis. Banks are believed to play a unique role in financial market which could effectively reduce the problem of information asymmetry and moral hazard. Banks could access borrowers’ inside information which is not available to other participants. Thus bank loan announcements convey valuable information to the market, and market response of the stock price should be positive. However, because of the significant reform in both financial market and information market, the valuation of bank loan announcement conveyed need to be reconsidered. This study investigates whether banks are still “unique” in the financial market or whether they are like middlemen between borrowers and investors. Data used in this study is collected from the Hong Kong Stock Exchange Index, and a standard event study with the market model is applied in the research to conduct the empirical analysis. The results suggest bank loan announcements are associated with significantly higher positive abnormal returns than non-bank loan announcements. Based on the market model of event study, market response is found to be significantly positive for loan syndication, short maturity loan and borrower’s debt ratio, and negatively related to firm size and loan size. Bank loans with refinancing and capital expenditure and no specific purpose have significantly higher positive abnormal returns, and borrowers with property and industrial industry type have more significant positive abnormal returns compared to other industry type. The findings also suggest the Hong Kong stock market is efficient in both strong and semi-strong form for bank loan announcements. A strong evidence of information leakage problem is found for non-bank loan announcements. The results are generally consistent with the existing literature.

The research was aimed at addressing the challenge of evaluating a large scale change intervention in a large organisation and in a complex environment. Finding robust, meaningful yet realistic methodologies from among the array of possible approaches, methods and techniques has proved problematic, for both organisational practitioners and academics alike. The research explored this issue of choice from the perspective of ¿fit for purpose¿ and suggests a multi-faceted approach, using a range of evaluation methods and techniques, which were applied to an ongoing example at the BBC. It was also planned to use structural equation modelling (SEM) techniques to examine the relationships between variables critical to the study. The approach described represents a ¿pilot¿ evaluation exercise, which drew on data collected from early cohorts going through the BBC Leadership Programme, a key element of the ¿Making it Happen¿ change strategy initiated by the then Director General, Mr. Greg Dyke. As a second level of research, an evaluation of the primary evaluation itself, i.e. of the BBC Leadership Programme, was also undertaken to assess the effectiveness of the primary evaluation strategy and its implementation. Three hypotheses were examined in terms of programme impact: It was proposed that participation in the programme would bring about collective improvements in individual leadership behaviour (Ho1), leading to improved departmental performance across the business (Ho2), in turn, resulting in improved organisational performance (Ho3). Due to limitations in the application of the methodology it was not possible to use SEM analyses on the data collected. Alternative analyses failed to demonstrate conclusive support for all three hypotheses and, while other factors besides programme attendance appear to influence leadership performance the afore-mentioned limitations restrict the ability to draw firm conclusions. Following evaluation of the primary evaluation it was evident that, as a pilot exercise, important outcomes from the programme evaluation give rise to ¿lessons learned¿ and changes are suggested for any future evaluation exercise of this kind.

On the 1st of January 2009, a new regulation regarding interest deduction limitations was enforced. The aim was to prevent tax structure with interest deductions in a community of interest. The changes meant that intra-group share transfers, which generates an intra-group loan structure, can lead to borrower losing their right to deduct interest expenses. Except from the main rule two exceptions were also introduced. These eliminates the limitations, and accept the deductibility despite the above conditions. The exceptions are named ten-percent rule and “ventilen”. It was found that Swedish municipal communities also engaged in such arrangements. As a result of this discovery the Swedish Tax Authority was delegated the task to investigate companies that are in a community of interest with a fully or partially exempted taxpayer in general and its relationship to the tax structure of interest deductions in particular. The application of “ventilen” creates problems regarding the definition of business purpose as well as the relationship between business and organizational purposes. The assessment of organizational purposes is of particular importance for municipal communities of interest where transparency, control and quality assurance are of great importance. Needs of rationalization and organizational changes occurs continually within municipal community groups. Unclarity due to organizational purpose makes these changes, within the municipal communities, problematic. Both municipal communities as well as experts regard the deduction limitations due to municipal community interest unclear. Due to the unclarity a few municipal communities have chosen to switch their internal loans to ones through Kommuninvest. This to avoid the rising risk-taking as any interest deductibility limitations may entail. The Swedish High Administrative Court has in their judgements expressed their support for this kind of loan structure. It is unclear how the law concerning “ventilen” should be applied in regards to municipal communities interest, which also raises questions about “ventilens” compatibility with the principle of legality. The High Swedish Administrative Court has solved the problem, at least for now, by approving an alternative approach, the one including Kommuninvest, which thereby reduces the stress for the Court to come to a conclusion regarding “ventilens” proper functioning and application. / Den 1 januari 2009 trädde en ny lagstiftning i kraft gällande ränteavdragsbegränsningar. Syftet var att förhindra skatteupplägg med ränteavdrag inom en intressegemenskap. Förändringarna innebar att koncerninterna andelsöverlåtelser, som genererar en koncernintern upplåning hänförlig till lånet, kan resultera i att låntagaren förlorar sin avdragsrätt för ränteutgifterna. Till huvudregeln infördes två undantag som undanröjer begräsningen, och godtar avdragsrätt trots ovan förutsättningar. Undantagsreglerna betecknas tioprocentsregeln samt ventilen. Syftet med ränteavdragsbegränsningarna är att förhindra skatteupplägg med ränteavdrag inom intressegemenskaper, och då främst inom privata internationella sådana. Det har dock framkommit att även svenska kommunala intressegemenskaper ägnar sig åt dylika upplägg. Med anledning av denna upptäckt fick SKV i uppdrag att utreda bolag som befinner sig i intressegemenskap med helt eller delvis skattebefriade skattesubjekt i allmänhet samt dess relation till skatteupplägg med ränteavdrag i synnerhet. Tillämpningen av ventilen, i förhållande till kommunala intressegemenskaper, genererar problem gällande såväl definitionen av affärsmässigt samt relationen mellan affärsmässiga och organisatoriska skäl. Bedömning kring organisatoriska skäl blir av stor vikt för kommunala intressegemenskaper där insyn, kontrollutövande och kvalitetssäkring är betydelsefullt. Det uppkommer ständigt behov av effektivisering och förändring för att kunna uppnå en acceptabel nivå av kontroll och inblick i bolagen som kommunen äger och förvaltar.  Då rättsläget enligt kommuner och sakkunniga är oklart har flertalet kommunala intressegemenskaper lagt om sina interna lån via Kommuninvest. Det har gjorts för att undvika det ökade riskatagande som en eventuell förlorad ränteavdragsrätt kan komma att innebära. HFD har i praxis uttryckt sitt stöd för denna typ av omläggning. Gällande rätt bör dock anses vara oklar gällande ventilens tillämpning inom kommunala intressegemenskaper, vilket även väcker frågor kring ventilens kompatibilitet med legalitetsprincipen. HFD kan dock ha ansetts finna en, om än en provisorisk sådan, lösning på problematiken genom att godkänna en omläggning till Kommuninvest som därmed minskar stressen för HFD att komma till en slutsats gällande ventilens korrekta tolkning och tillämpning.

The research was aimed at addressing the challenge of evaluating a large scale change intervention in a large organisation and in a complex environment. Finding robust, meaningful yet realistic methodologies from among the array of possible approaches, methods and techniques has proved problematic, for both organisational practitioners and academics alike. The research explored this issue of choice from the perspective of 'fit for purpose' and suggests a multi-faceted approach, using a range of evaluation methods and techniques, which were applied to an ongoing example at the BBC. It was also planned to use structural equation modelling (SEM) techniques to examine the relationships between variables critical to the study. The approach described represents a 'pilot' evaluation exercise, which drew on data collected from early cohorts going through the BBC Leadership Programme, a key element of the 'Making it Happen' change strategy initiated by the then Director General, Mr. Greg Dyke. As a second level of research, an evaluation of the primary evaluation itself, i.e. of the BBC Leadership Programme, was also undertaken to assess the effectiveness of the primary evaluation strategy and its implementation. Three hypotheses were examined in terms of programme impact: It was proposed that participation in the programme would bring about collective improvements in individual leadership behaviour (Ho1), leading to improved departmental performance across the business (Ho2), in turn, resulting in improved organisational performance (Ho3). Due to limitations in the application of the methodology it was not possible to use SEM analyses on the data collected. Alternative analyses failed to demonstrate conclusive support for all three hypotheses and, while other factors besides programme attendance appear to influence leadership performance the afore-mentioned limitations restrict the ability to draw firm conclusions. Following evaluation of the primary evaluation it was evident that, as a pilot exercise, important outcomes from the programme evaluation give rise to 'lessons learned' and changes are suggested for any future evaluation exercise of this kind.