Les entreprises collaborent pour saisir des opportunités, échanger des documents et ressources, cela en suivant des processus métier pouvant évoluer. Les portails collaboratifs sont une solution orientée web à ce besoin de collaboration. Cependant, la conception et la maintenance d'un portail collaboratif métier n'est pas trivial et reste peu accessible aux acteurs de l'entreprise. Cela a comme conséquence la difficulté de maintenir et faire évoluer le portail collaboratif sans que cela ne soit trop coûteux en temps et financièrement. Afin de répondre à cette problématique, une solution consiste à capter les besoins métier de la collaboration dans un modèle, puis générer automatiquement le portail collaboratif correspondant. Le modèle, dans ce cas, doit être accessible aux acteurs métier et expressif décrivant ainsi les aspects les plus complexes d'une collaboration. C'est dans ce contexte que se situent nos travaux. À défaut d'avoir une solution toute faite, nous avons mis en place une approche de conception de portail collaboratif fondée sur l’Ingénierie Dirigée par les Modèles. Pour la description de nos portails, nous avons choisi de privilégier la modélisation des entreprises centrée sur les processus métier comme point de départ. Notre solution repose sur notre métamodèle MACoP (Modeling and Analysis of Collaborative Portal). Dans ce métamodèle nous avons fait cohabiter l'accessibilité et l'expressivité. Cela en proposant de nouveaux concepts permettant ainsi la génération complète des portails collaboratifs. Le métamodèle MACoP est accompagné d'une chaîne de transformations permettant de passer directement d'un modèle MACoP au code Python du portail collaboratif. / Companies collaborate to seize opportunities as well as exchange documents and other types of resources. This is achieved by following business processes that are subject to evolution. Collaborative portals are web oriented solutions aimed at this need of collaboration. However, the development and maintenance of a collaborative portal is non-trivial and remains hardly accessible for many companies. As a consequence, the challenge is controlling the costs of maintenance and implementing new features. To circumvent these issues, it is possible to collect business requirements of the collaboration in a model and then generate automatically the corresponding collaborative portal. The model, in this case, must be accessible by the business actors and must express even the most complex aspects of the collaboration needs. This is the context of our work. Having not found a solution which corresponded to our requirements, we have developed a design approach of collaborative portals founded on the Model Driven Engineering. As for the description of our portals, we have chosen to focus on the business modeling based on the business processes like starting point. Our solution relies on our meta-model MACoP (Modeling and Analysis of Collaborative Portal). In this meta-model we have joined together accessibility and the expressivity, by proposing new concepts allowing the complete generation of collaborative portals. The meta-model MACoP is accompanied by a transformations chain that makes it possible to pass directly from a MACoP model to the Python code of the collaborative portal.

L'objectif de la thèse est d'explorer les comportements mécaniques effectifs des matériaux poreux impliqués dans les problèmes de pores ou d'inclusion, avec pour objectif principal d'homogénéiser un matériau aussi hétérogène que possible, plus d'informations de géométrie physique à une échelle donnée. Nous examinons séparément ici quatre microstructures typiques de matériaux ressemblant à des roches couvrant différents constituants: nous avons cherché à déterminer comment la présence de pores et une inclusion de morphologies différentes influent sur les comportements macroscopiques élastiques, débit plastique et dépendant du temps. Un modèle d'homogénéisation par étapes pour les comportements élastoplastiques et viscoplastiques est proposé, basé sur une méthode d'homogénéisation par transformée de Fourier rapide, afin d'améliorer le comportement local depuis la transition à la micro-échelle vers la méso-échelle, puis vers la macroscopie. Une série de simulations est calculée et comparée. Nous portons une attention particulière au comportement anisotrope des matériaux à la fois pore et inclusion configurée à la même échelle et à différentes échelles Nous fournissons une solution de référence pour ce type de matériaux couvrant l’effet des géométries de pores et d’inclusion en raison de la limitation à l’obtention d’un critère analytique. En plus nous proposons un modèle d’endommagement plastique multi-échelle. les comparaisons entre les résultats numériques et les données expérimentales montrent que ce modèle peut bien caractériser son comportement en défaillance avec des micro-structures complexes. / The objective of this thesis aims to explore the effective mechanical behaviors of porous materials involved with pore or inclusion problem. The key point to this problem is to homogenize such a highly heterogeneous material incorporating more physical geometry information at a given scale. In this work, four typical microstructure of rock-like materials are respectively considered here covering different constituents. We sought to determine how the presence of pores and inclusion with different morphologies influence the macroscopic elastic, plastic flow and time-dependent behaviors. For this propose, a two-step homogenization model for elastoplastic and viscoplastic behaviors is proposed based on a Fast Fourier Transform homogenization method to upscale the local behavior from the micro-scale transition to meso-scale and then to macroscale. A series of simulations are computed and compared. Particular attentions are focused on the anisotropic behavior for the materials with both pore and inclusion configured at same and different scales. We provide a reference solution for this kinds of materials covering the effect of pore and inclusion geometries due to a limitation to obtain an analytical criterion. Moreover, we proposed a damage plastic model with multi-scale characters. Comparisons between numerical results and experimental data show that this model can well characterize its failure behavior with complex micro-structures.

Cheung Suet Ling. / Thesis (M.Ph.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong. / Bibliography: leaves 110-135.

This work has compared polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays and traditional visual disease assessment to evaluate the severity of Fusarium ear blight (FEB) ofwheat under field and glasshouse conditions. In a field trial, PCR analysis highlighted the problem of diagnosis of FEB of wheat based on visual disease assessment where natural inoculum was present. PCR-based analysis detected F. poae predominantly in the glumes and Microdochium nivale sub-species were predominantly found in the rachis component of ears. M nivale var. majus was more frequently observed than var. nivale (64 and 36 %, respectively). Quantitative PCR analysis and conventional visual disease assessment were used to evaluate fungicide efficacy against FEB of wheat caused by F. culmorum and F. poae in three glasshouse trials (1994/5-1996/7). Prochloraz and tebuconazole significantly decreased both visual symptoms of FEB and fungal DNA content of F. culmorum and F. poae ear blight of wheat. Overall, both fungicides appeared equally effective, although the efficacy ofthese fungicides was consistently greater as measured by PCR analysis rather than by visual disease assessment. Inoculation with F. culmorum significantly reduced yield (1000 grain weight) whereas inoculation with F. poae had no significant effect on yield. Fusarium culmorum was successfully transformed with the GUS reporter gene. GUS activity levels of transformants varied, but transformation did not affect pathogenicity on wheat seedlings. A GUS transformant was used to study the effectiveness of two fungicides against F. culmorum foot rot of wheat. Primers to the Tri5 gene were used to develop a PCR-based assay for the specific detection ofpotential trichothecene-producing Fusarium species. These primers were also used to develop an RT-PCR-based assay for the detection and semiquantification of F. culmorum Tri5 gene expression 'relative to p-tubulin gene expression' in RNA extracts from F. culmorum. This assay was used to show that time and fungicides can affect Tri5 gene expression in liquid culture.

Metastable b-Ti alloys are titanium alloys with sufficient b stabilizer alloying additions such that it's possible to retain single b phase at room temperature. These alloys are of great advantage compared to a/b alloys since they are easily cold rolled, strip produced and can attain excellent mechanical properties upon age hardening. Beta 21S, a relatively new b titanium alloy in addition to these general advantages is known to possess excellent oxidation and corrosion resistance at elevated temperatures. A homogeneous distribution of fine sized a precipitates in the parent b matrix is known to provide good combination of strength, ductility and fracture toughness. The current work focuses on a study of different mechanisms to engineer homogeneously distributed fine sized a precipitates in the b matrix. The precipitation of metastable phases upon low temperature aging and their influence on a precipitation is studied in detail. The precipitation sequence on direct aging above the w solvus temperature is also assessed. The structural and compositional evolution of precipitate phase is determined using multiple characterization tools. The possibility of occurrence of other non-classical precipitation mechanisms that do not require heterogeneous nucleation sites are also analyzed. Lastly, the influence of interstitial element, oxygen on a precipitation during the oxidation of Beta 21S has been determined. The ingress of oxygen and its influence on microstructure have also been correlated to measured mechanical properties.

―Synaesthetic perception as a mode of being: Crossings of the sensuous and the poetic‖ seeks to disclose the harmonious interrelationship between synaesthetic modes of being, wildness, the poetic, and education. Merleau-Ponty (1962) and, more recently, David Abram (1997) have both proposed that synaesthetic perception, characterized by the overlapping and intertwining of the senses, is common to our direct, preconceptual experience in the life-world. Although we often disregard and discount synaesthetic capacities because they are non-linguistic and non-rational, they are an essential and rich characteristic of being human. The inquiry suggests that greater sensorial awareness that comes from awakening a trust in our sensuous embodied selves is promoted by being in the presence of the poetics of everyday circumambient wildness and in engagements with certain poetic writings which are grounded in the natural realm. Synaesthetic perception, a non-linguistic mode of knowing, must be accorded greater respect; it must be acknowledged and encouraged in all areas of education. Nature poetry, which is rooted in the texture of our ordinary sensuous experience amid wild others, can be an ally of education in this endeavour. The study proposes that it is through an awakening of the wisdom of the senses that we might recognize and value the importance of cultivating an ecopoetic rootedness in and reciprocity with the earth. The practice of a synaesthetic mode of being might bring about a positive transformative power, one that inspires a resistance to the encroachment of technocratic, dehumanizing controls on many aspects of our lives, and urges us to create a more wholesome, habitable earthhome for both human and nonhuman. This is a poetizing inquiry, an increasingly accepted form of qualitative arts-based inquiry, that is written in verse, and presented in a poetic dialogic format. This methodology, which is congruent with the central position of the poetic in the study, is informed by the writer‘s background in poetry and literature. Each of the four chapter-long stanzas takes up one of the main themes: synaesthetic perception as a mode of being, the pulse of childhood knowing, a poetic sense of dwelling, and the intertwining of the senses and the poetic. A distinctive feature of the dissertation is that each stanza is fashioned as a polyvocal performative dialogue: an intertwining of poems, poetic fragments and the voices of others with the researcher‘s own verse-voice. The inquiry is offered as an experimental work in process. The reader is invited to engage in the dialogues by bringing her/his own sensuous experiences in the wild and knowledge of poetry to the piece, thus becoming a co-creator of the inquiry. / Graduate

This thesis concerns the contribution of Buddhism to sustainability. It explores the impacts of Buddhism on the lives of nine individuals and the implications of these impacts for a sustainable world. This thesis regards sustainability as the most pressing issue at this junction in human history. It believes that the shift to sustainability requires profound individual and social transformations throughout the world and that such transformations necessitate the involvement of the spiritual traditions of the world. As one such tradition, Buddhism has the ability to impart principles and practices that have been applied in daily living for over 2,500 years to contemporary sustainability discourse. The modern idea of sustainability first became prominent in the international arena in 1980s when the Brundtland Commission enunciated its vision of the path to sustainability and referred to it as 'sustainable development'. However, this thesis contends that the concept of sustainable development was flawed from the beginning because it was founded on the idea of perpetual economic growth as the solution to environmental and social problems. Instead, the thesis forwards a holistic, systems approach to sustainability that regards human well-being as the ultimate goal. It adopts two theoretical conceptions of sustainability developed by Donella Meadows - the pyramidal framework for sustainability and the scheme of leverage points - as tools to analyse the contribution of Buddhism to sustainability. This thesis examines the literature on Buddhism and sustainability. It finds that Buddhism espouses many ecological and social values conducive to a sustainable philosophy of life. In addition, Buddhist economics has experienced rich theoretical developments in recent years and provides an alternative to mainstream economics based on growth. Buddhist economics has helped propel two Buddhist developmental paradigms - Bhutan's Gross National Happiness and Thailand's Sufficiency Economy - to the forefront of national agendas in their respective countries, thus demonstrating the renaissance of the application of Buddhist thinking in society. At the micro level, many communities around the world are attempting to translate the most fundamental principles of Buddhism into ways for harmonious living and in an attempt to combat the tide of environmental and social degradation. Thus, Buddhism is making an impact on sustainability at many levels around the world. However, this thesis finds little empirical evidence to demonstrate the effect of Buddhism on forms of personal transformation that leads to sustainable behaviour. This is despite the importance of the idea of transformation and personal growth in Buddhism. This empirical void leads to the aim of the thesis, which is to explore the ways in which the beliefs, practices and transformational tools within Buddhism can contribute to living sustainably. To achieve this aim, the methodology of mindful inquiry was employed. Mindful inquiry is a methodological union of East and West and integrates four perspectives: critical theory, hermeneutics, phenomenology and Buddhism. It is appropriate for a values-based research such as this one where the orientation of the researcher is critical to the outcome of the research. A method consistent with mindful inquiry is the basic interpretive qualitative study. The basic interpretive qualitative study used in this study combines elements from ethnography, case study, phenomenology and critical research. It was used to explore the lifeworlds of nine Buddhist participants in order to understand the impact of Buddhism on their lives. The major data gathering technique was in-depth interviews although participant observation and document collection were also used. Analysis of data proceeded through the constant comparative method. The findings from this thesis are divided into three themes. Firstly, the idea of personal sustainability is forwarded as a concept to help understand the impact of Buddhism. Personal sustainability concerns the psychological 'integratedness' of individuals to enable the achievement of higher levels of well-being. The findings suggest that Buddhism has significantly enhanced the personal sustainability level of all nine participants. Secondly, Meadows' ideas of paradigm shift and paradigm transcendence are explored. The findings suggest that paradigm shifts or paradigm transcendence have occurred among the participants through the adoption of Buddhist principles and meditative practices. Thirdly, the notions of happiness and purpose in life are investigated. The findings highlight radical changes in the participants' understandings of these notions and the nature of these understandings that are significantly different from conventional views. As a result of these findings, the thesis argues that the contribution of Buddhism to sustainability can be considerable because Buddhism contributes to the protection of natural capital, the enrichment of social and human capitals, and a deepened understanding of well-being, which is divorced from simplistic ideas such as material accumulation and sensual gratification. The thesis concludes by highlighting the potentials of Buddhism to instigate profound personal and social transformations that could lead to a sustainable world.

Zugl.: Rostock, Univ., Diss., 2006

Die Studie befasst sich mit der Entwicklung der Landwirtschaftsverwaltung in Polen im Zeitraum 1989/90 bis 2003. Die Darstellung konzentriert sich auf Veränderungen von Organisationsstrukturen und Personal in der polnischen Landwirtschaftsverwaltung im Prozess der Transformation und der europäischen Integration.

<p>This research is an evaluative case study of transformation in a Historically White University in South Africa. The research occurs within the context of redress against the inequality and exclusion created by the legacy of apartheid. The research is a qualitative and quantinative study. it is based on based on desk research and include a literature review. Internet search as well as an analysis of key organisational and policy context documents such as reports, projects and surveys are used. semi-structured interviews was held with a sample of staff.</p>