The use of ray tracing in the analysis of certain daytime ionograms recorded at Grahamstown is discussed in this thesis. A computer program has been modified and used to trace rays in the frequency range 1 - 30 MHz. Vertical, short distance oblique, and long distance oblique ionograms have been synthesized from the results and compared with experimental ionograms for Grahamstown, the Alice - Grahamstown transmission path (64 km), and the SANAE - Grahamstown transmission path (4470 km) respectively. Ray paths have been calculated and related in detail to the models of the ionosphere and geomagnetic field. The main features of the vertical and short distance oblique ionograms can, in general, be reproduced using spherically stratified ionosphere models with electron density profiles derived from vertical ionograms. A suitable model for the geomagnetic field is a tilted dipole equivalent to the actual field at Grahamstown. The two-hop mode is shown to be, usually, the lowest on the long distance oblique records. The ionosphere model is the principal limiting factor in reproducing such ionograms, and the most satisfactory results have been those obtained with a model in which electron density is assumed to vary linearly with latitude between the profiles at SANAE and Grahamstown. The promising results obtained by ray tracing with normal ionospheric conditions indicate that the method has further possibilities which could usefully be explored. / KMBT_363 / Adobe Acrobat 9.54 Paper Capture Plug-in

Classiquement le transfert des contaminants dans le milieu souterrain est modélisé par un couplage des processus de transport physiques (écoulements contrôlés par les structures géologiques poreuses) et des processus de dégradation ou d'immobilisation chimiques et biologiques. Tant sur les structures géologiques que sur la chimie et la physique, les modèles sont de plus en plus détaillés mais de plus en plus difficiles à calibrer sur des données toujours très parcellaires. Dans cette thèse, nous développons une approche alternative basée sur des modèles parcimonieux sous la forme d’un simple graphe de compartiments interconnectés généralisant les modèles d’interaction de continuums (MINC) ou de transfert à taux multiples (MRMT). Nous montrons que ces modèles sont particulièrement adaptés aux milieux dans lesquels la diffusion de solutés occupe un rôle prépondérant par rapport à l’advection, tels les sols ou les aquifères très hétérogènes comme les aquifères fracturés. L'homogénéisation induite par la diffusion réduit les gradients de concentration, accélère les mélanges entre espèces et fait de la distribution des temps de résidence un excellent proxy de la réactivité. En effet, ces structures simplifiées reconstituées à partir d’informations de temps de résidence se révèlent également pertinentes pour des réactions chimiques non linéaires (e.g. sorption, précipitation/dissolution). Nous montrons finalement comment ces modèles peuvent être adaptés automatiquement à des observations d’essais de traceurs ou de réactions de biodégradation. Ces approches parcimonieuses présentent de nombreux avantages dont la simplicité de développement et de mise en œuvre. Elles permettent d’identifier les déterminants majeurs des échanges entre zones advectives et diffusives ou entre zones inertes et réactives, et d’extrapoler des processus de réactivité à des échelles plus larges. L’utilisation de données de fractionnement isotopique est proposée pour améliorer la dissociation entre l’effet des structures et de la réactivité. / Modelling of contaminant transfer in the subsurface classically relies on a detailed representation of transport processes (groundwater flow controlled by geological structures) coupled to chemical and biological reactivity (immobilization, degradation). Calibration of such detailed models is however often limited by the small amount of available data on the subsurface structures and characteristics. In this thesis, we develop an alternative approach of parsimonious models based on simple graphs of interconnected compartments, taken as generalized multiple interacting continua (MINC) and multiple rate mass transfer (MRMT). We show that this approach is well suited to systems where diffusion-like processes are dominant over advection, like for instance in soils or highly heterogeneous aquifers like fractured aquifers. Homogenization induced by diffusion reduces concentration gradients, speeds up mixing between chemical species and makes residence time distributions excellent proxies for reactivity. Indeed, simplified structures calibrated solely from transit time information prove to provide consistent estimations of non-linear reactivity (e.g. sorption and precipitation/dissolution). Finally, we show how these models can be applied to tracer observations and to biodegradation reactions. Two important advantages of these parsimonious approaches are their facility of development and application. They help identifying the major controls of exchanges between advective and diffusive zones or between inert and reactive zones. They are also amenable to extrapolate reactive processes at larger scale. The use of isotopic fractionation data is proposed to help discriminating between structure-induced effects and reactivity.

La production de tilapias et surtout celle du tilapia du Nil Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) connaît depuis 30 ans, une impressionnante croissance liée à ses nombreux atouts pour l'aquaculture. Toutefois, le contrôle du sexe conditionne la rentabilité de cette filière. En effet chez le tilapia du Nil le mâle présente une meilleure croissance que la femelle. Depuis les années 70, la production de populations monosexes mâles de tilapia du Nil est pratiquée dans la quasi-totalité des fermes aquacoles afin de bénéficier de la meilleure croissance des mâles par rapport aux femelles et de contrôler la reproduction précoce et continue chez cette espèce. Actuellement, l'inversion hormonale du sexe par la 17α-methyltestosterone (17MT) constitue la technique la plus utilisée pour produire les cohortes monosexes mâles. Toutefois, l'utilisation des hormones pour la production de poissons marchands soulève de nombreuses questions relevant de la sécurité alimentaire comme de la protection des travailleurs piscicoles et de l'environnement. D'autres approches sont donc recherchées. Elles reposent sur des approches génétiques, ou sur les effets masculinisants des fortes températures ou enfin sur l'utilisation d'anti-aromatase. Dans cette thèse, nous avons comparé les effets de trois traitements, utilisant respectivement la 17MT, le fadrozole (un inhibiteur de l'aromatase) et les fortes températures, sur des caractères d'intérêt zootechniques (survie, croissance) et sur l'expression de gènes clés de la différenciation du sexe dans les gonades et dans le cerveau des mâles induits (mâles 17MT, mâles anti-aromatase et thermo-néomâles). Parallèlement les mêmes analyses ont été menées sur des mâles et des femelles génétiques. Les fortes températures produisent des mâles dont la croissance est similaire à celle des mâles génétiques, confortant l'idée que les traitements thermiques pourraient constituer une alternative écologique aux utilisations des hormones pour la production de populations monosexes mâles chez le tilapia, sous réserve de sélectionner des souches à forte thermosensibilité. Le rôle positif des androgènes et/ou l'effet inhibiteur des œstrogènes sur la croissance est discuté. L'analyse des profils d'expression de gènes clés de la différenciation sexuelle suggère des régulations différentes dans le cerveau et dans les gonades. En particulier, l'amh et cyp19a1b sont très fortement stimulées dans le cerveau des mâles traités par la température ; inversement l'amh est inhibée dans le cerveau des individus traités par le fadrozole, suggérant une régulation directe ou indirecte de l'amh par l'aromatase. Dans les gonades des mâles induits, les niveaux de dmrt1 et amh sont surexprimés par rapport à ce qui est observé chez les mâles génétiques. Ce travail mériterait d'être complété par a) des études sur la fertilité des mâles induits b) des dosages des taux circulants de stéroïdes et de protéines dans le plasma c) des analyses histologiques ou immunohistochimiques du cerveau et des gonades et d) l'étude de l'expression d'autres gènes.Mots-clés : Tilapia du Nil / Masculinisation / Température / Hormones / Croissance / Gènes / Due to the genuine advantages of this species (fast growth, spontaneous breeding in captivity), the aquaculture production of tilapias, and especially of the Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (L.), has been growing steadily over the past 30 years. Nevertheless, the success of this production is largely dependent on the sex control efficiency, in order to take advantage of the better growth of males and to avoid uncontrolled breeding that can cause crowding and dwarfism. The use of male monosex populations has thus become a standard in tilapia aquaculture since the 1970s. The dietary administration of 17α-methyltestosterone (17MT) is still the major masculinising procedure used in tilapia farming nowadays. However, it raises issues concerning the environment, fish farmers and consumers'health. More recently, alternatives to hormonal sex reversal have been evaluated, i.e. the use of YY males, treatment using aromatase inhibitors or elevated temperatures during the early life stages. In the present study, the effects of fadrozole (an aromatase inhibitor), elevated temperatures and 17MT have been compared on the survival and growth of XX fish, and as regards to the expression patterns in the brain and gonads of key genes implicated in fish sex differentiation. Comparisons seen in these induced-males were performed with genetic XX females and XY males. The growth rates of fish raised at elevated temperature were similar to those of genetic males, thereby emphasizing the relevance of this method as an alternative to hormonal sex reversal of Nile tilapia, when using highly thermosensitive strains. Whether the growth of tilapia is stimulated by androgens or depressed by estrogens is discussed. The analysis of expression profiles of the genes involved in sexual differentiation reveals different patterns in the brain and in the gonads. Amh and cyp19a1b are strongly stimulated in the brain of XX neomales treated by elevated temperatures. Conversely, amh is inhibited in the brain of fish treated with fadrozole, suggesting that amh is directed or indirectly regulated by aromatase. In the gonads of XX neomales, the levels of dmrt1 and amh are much higher than in genetic XY males. Further studies should analyse a) the fertility of neomales, b) the plasmatic levels of steroids and proteins, c) the histology and immunohistochemistry of the brain and the gonads, and d) the expression of other genes.Keywords : Nile tilapia / Masculinisation / Temperature / Hormones / Growth / Genes

Recently, intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) have adopted policies that engage the private sector in the implementation of their development mandates. Despite the implications of these changes, the subject is among the least conceptualized. By applying a theory-guided process-tracing (TGPT) methodology, this paper examines the process of change at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It advances a constructivist argument and evaluates whether this change could be viewed as a norm-driven change, where norms of corporate social responsibility (CSR), in the process of interaction and learning, have obtained an intersubjective quality and redefined the role of the private sector in the context of organization’s objectives. The paper evaluates this argument in light of the alternative assumptions of the principal-agent model, the bureaucratic culture literature, and rational choice institutionalism. It highlights the implications of this research in empirical, analytical, and theoretical terms for further studies and concludes that, without a due assessment of the intervening effect of norms on policies, the causal claims of other theories are seriously challenged.

Imaging techniques have become much more in demand in modern medicine, especially in fields of disease prognosis, diagnosis and therapeutics. This is because a better understanding of different diseases, characteristics of each patient and further optimizing treatment planning, are all enhanced by advanced imaging techniques. Since each imaging modality has its own merits and intrinsic limitations, combining two or more complementary imaging modalities has become an interesting research area. In this study, gadolinium (Gd3+) doped CdTe quantum dots (QDs) were synthesized and used as multimodal imaging probes of two highly complementary imaging modalities: optical imaging and magnetic resonance imaging. The new imaging probes were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-vis absorbance spectra, fluorescence spectra (FL) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The optical / MRI imaging probes were further functionalized by conjugating with the axonal tracer dextran amine (10 kDa) for non-invasive axonal tracing observations. Biocompatibility and MRI contrast effect of prepared multimodal imaging probes were investigated by in vitro cell experiments and MRI scanner. Ultimately, it is hoped that this imaging probe will help us better understand the regeneration mechanisms in real time without sacrificing animals at intervening time-points.

The following thesis analyzes why is the democratic rule of law stronger in Uruguay than in Mexico? This work focuses on the state of the democratic rule of law in Mexico and Uruguay. The premise of this thesis is that there is a gap in the literature on causes that have historically made Uruguay the country with the strongest democratic rule of law in Latin America and Mexico one with the weakest democratic rule of law. Historical institutionalism is used to see how the evolution of the sequencing of political regimes as well as the evolution of civil-military relations in the two countries may explain the divergent outcomes. Emphasizing path-dependency, this analysis is conducted using a methodology of process-tracing. This research serves to put forward propositions in the form of a testable hypothesis on the causes that have led Mexico and Uruguay down different paths when it comes to the democratic rule of law. It also serves to fill a gap in the literature as cross-national differences on rule of law in Latin America have not been sufficiently well-explained.

La compréhension des mécanismes de corrosion du fer à très long terme en milieu anoxique intéresse le domaine du stockage des déchets radioactifs à haute activité. En France, il est prévu de mettre en place un dispositif de stockage comprenant une matrice vitreuse enveloppée dans un conteneur en acier inoxydable, lui-même dans un surconteneur en acier doux en formation géologique profonde. Le dispositif devrait être imperméable dans cet environnement anoxique pendant plusieurs millénaires. Afin de prévoir les mécanismes d’altération des matériaux ferreux à très long terme, un axe de recherche s’est développé autour de l’étude d’analogues archéologiques de corrosion. Dans cette étude, les mécanismes de corrosion sont appréhendés à partir d’un corpus de clous âgés de 400 ans provenant du site de Glinet, choisi comme site de référence. Le premier axe de ce travail a consisté à caractériser finement le système de corrosion métal / produits de corrosion / milieu, en combinant des techniques multiéchelles. Les premiers résultats montrent que les échantillons ont été corrodés en milieu anoxique dans de l’eau riche en carbonate. De plus, le couplage de la microdiffraction des rayons X, de la microspectroscopie Raman et de la spectroscopie dispersive en énergie a mis en évidence trois types de faciès composés de carbonate de fer, sidérite et chukanovite, et de magnétite. Selon l’agencement de ces phases, la résistance électronique des produits de corrosion varie d’un pôle isolant à un pôle très conducteur. Dans le second axe de cette étude, des expériences de remise en corrosion en milieu synthétique représentatif du milieu d’enfouissement ont été menées. Dans un premier temps, des mesures de chronoampérométrie ont montré que la réaction de réduction de l’eau à la surface du métal est négligeable. Par ailleurs, un marquage de la réaction au cuivre et au deutérium a permis d’identifier respectivement les sites de consommation des électrons localisées en zone externe de la couche et les sites de précipitation des phases néoformées en zone interne proche de l’interface méta l/ produits de corrosion. L’ensemble de ces résultats a conduit à proposer des mécanismes de corrosion du fer à très long terme en milieu anoxique. L’un s’appuie sur la présence d’une couche non poreuse nanométrique formée à l’interface méta l/ produits de corrosion. L’autre suppose la formation d’un gel sur quelques micromètres de la zone interne de la couche de produits de corrosion. Cette étude sur les analogues archéologiques a permis de proposer des données concernant les mécanismes de corrosion des alliages ferreux à très long terme. Celles-ci devront être intégrées dans les modélisations du comportement des matériaux ferreux enfouis / Understanding the long term corrosion mechanisms of iron in an anoxic environment is essential in the field of the radioactive waste storage. In France, it is planned to store high level nuclear wastes in a multibarrier system containing a glassy matrix surrounded by a stainless steel container, embedded in a low-carbon steel overcontainer. This system would be placed in a deep geological repository, which would impose anoxic conditions. As it must be efficient for a period of several thousands of years, one should understand the alteration mechanisms that are expected to occur in such a long time. To this purpose, a specific approach is developed on ferrous archaeological analogues with thick corrosion layer formed in natural conditions. In this study, the corrosion mechanisms have been assessed by examining nails aged of 400 years coming from the archaeological site of Glinet, selected as a reference site. The first point was a fine characterisation of the entire corrosion system metal / corrosion products / medium, through the use of coupled multiscale analytical tools. The first results showed that the samples were corroded in an anoxic calco-carbonated environment. Moreover, the coupling of X-ray microdiffraction, Raman microspectroscopy and dispersive energy spectroscopy has enabled to identify three corrosion systems composed of iron carbonates, siderite and chukanovite, and magnetite. Depending on the phase’s layout in the system, the electronic resistance of the corrosion layers has been established, from resistive to conductive. In a second stage, recorroding experiments in laboratory were performed. Firstly, the electrochemical behaviour of the corrosion system has shown that water reduction at the metallic interface is negligible. Furthermore, reaction tracing with copper and deuterium has allowed identifying the electron consumptions sites mainly localised on the external part, and the precipitation sites on the internal part of the corrosion layer. From the obtained results, long term corrosion mechanisms in anoxic media have been proposed. One is based on the occurrence of a nanometric non porous layer located at the metallic interface. The other one is based on a gel-like phase’s formation. This study has enabled to propose new data on the corrosion processes occurring in anoxic media; these last must be integrated in the behaviour models of buried ferrous materials

京都大学 / 0048 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(理学) / 甲第22297号 / 理博第4611号 / 新制||理||1661(附属図書館) / 京都大学大学院理学研究科生物科学専攻 / (主査)教授 高田 昌彦, 教授 中村 克樹, 教授 濱田 穣 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Science / Kyoto University / DGAM

京都大学 / 新制・論文博士 / 博士(医学) / 乙第13427号 / 論医博第2231号 / 新制||医||1053(附属図書館) / 京都大学大学院医学研究科医学専攻 / (主査)教授 松田 道行, 教授 渡邊 直樹, 教授 川口 義弥 / 学位規則第4条第2項該当 / Doctor of Medical Science / Kyoto University / DFAM

<div>Today, machine learning models and Deep Neural Networks (DNNs) are prevalent in various areas. Also, educational Artificial Intelligence (AI) is drawing increasing attention</div><div>with the rapid development of online learning platforms. Researchers explore different types of educational AI to improve students’ learning performance and experience in online classes. Educational AIs can be categorized into “interactive” and “predictive.” Interactive AIs answer simple course questions for students, such as the due day of homework and the final project’s minimum page requirement. Predictive educational AIs play a role in predicting students’ learning states. Instructors can adjust the learning content based on the students’ learning states. However, most AIs are not evaluated in an actual class setting. Therefore, we want to evaluate the effects of a state-of-the-art educational AI model, BKT (Bayesian Knowledge Tracing)-LSTM(Long Short-Term Memory), on students’ learning performance in an actual class setting. Data came from the course CNIT 25501, a large introductory Java program?ming class at Purdue University. Participants were randomly separated into the control and experimental groups (AI-group). Weekly quizzes measured participants’ learning performance. Pre-quiz and base quizzes estimated participants’ prior knowledge levels. Using BKT-LSTM, participants in the experimental group had questions from the knowledge that they were most lacking. However, participants in the control group had questions from randomly picked knowledge. The results suggested that both the experimental and control groups had lower scores in review quizzes than in base quizzes. However, the score difference between base quizzes and review quizzes for the experimental group was more often significantly different (three quizzes) compared to the control group (two quizzes), demonstrating the predictive capability of BKT-LSTM to some extent. Initially, we expected that BKT-LSTM would enhance students’ learning performance. However, in post-quiz, participants in the control group had significantly higher scores than those in the experimental group. The result suggested that continuous complex questions may negatively affect students’ learning initiatives. On the contrary, relatively easy questions may improve their learning initiatives.</div>