Depuis de nombreuses années, une approche a été mise en œuvre reposant sur l'identification de l'origine géographique d'un produit agro-alimentaire via la connaissance de ses isotopes du Sr, notamment via l'analyse du rapport 87Sr/86Sr. L'objectif de cette thèse est d'appliquer cette stratégie de reconnaissance aux huiles d'olive, en s'appuyant sur la production des huiles AOP de Nîmes dans le Sud de la France (Gard). La viscosité, la charge organique élevée, la teneur faible en Sr de cette matrice, rendent néanmoins inadaptés les protocoles de purification du Sr existants. La première approche de l'étude correspond donc à la définition et à la validation d'une méthode de traitement des huiles d'olive en vue de la purification du Sr afin de procéder à l'analyse de sa composition isotopique (CI). La seconde partie de l'étude est consacrée à la définition des processus d'assimilation et de transfert du Sr dans l'olivier. Cette approche, menée grâce à une étude détaillée d'un des moulins AOP de Nîmes, a permis de démontrer que le transfert du Sr des sols vers l'olivier et au sein des oliviers se fait sans fractionnement isotopique.La dernière partie de l'étude s'appuie sur la mesure et la caractérisation des rapports isotopiques 87Sr/86Sr des dix huiles d'olive AOP de Nîmes, et une comparaison de cette signature avec celle des formations géologiques sur lesquelles reposent les parcelles de culture. L'identité de la CI huile-territoire de culture a permis de conclure, dans le contexte de production de l'huile d'olive AOP de Nîmes, que les isotopes du Sr constituent un très bon outil de traçage de l'origine géographique des produits oléicoles. / For many years, an approach based on the identification of the geographical origin for food product has been implemented through the knowledge of its Sr isotopes, particularly through the analysis of 87Sr / 86Sr ratio. The objective of this thesis is to develop a similar strategy for the olive oils, from the example of PDO Nimes (Gard), in southern France. A specific methodology is necessary since the existing purification protocols of Sr revealed themselves inadequate because of viscosity, high organic load, low Sr content of this matrix In order to proceed to the analysis of the isotopic composition (IC), the first part of the study highlights the definition and validation of a specific method for the treatment of olive oils and strontium purification. The second part of the study is dedicated to expose the processes of assimilation and transfer of strontium into the olive tree. This approach, conducted through a detailed study of one of Nîmes PDO mills, demonstrated that the transfer of strontium from soils to olive tree, and within the olive tree, occurs without isotope fractionation.The last part of the manuscript studies the isotopic ratios 87Sr / 86Sr of the ten PDO olive oils of Nimes and consists in a comparison of this signature with the geological formations underlying the cultivation soils. This approach allows discussing quality of Sr isotopic tool in the geographical recognition of the olive products. The observed similarity between th IC from oils and soil allow us to conclude that, in this context of production, the Sr isotopes are a efficient tool to trace and certify the geographical origin of the oil.

[EN] Over the last years, multiagent systems have been proven to be a powerful and versatile paradigm, with a big potential when it comes to solving complex problems in dynamic and distributed environments, due to their flexible and adaptive behavior. This potential does not only come from the individual features of agents (such as autonomy, reactivity or reasoning power), but also to their capability to communicate, cooperate and coordinate in order to fulfill their goals. In fact, it is this social behavior what makes multiagent systems so powerful, much more than the individual capabilities of agents. The social behavior of multiagent systems is usually developed by means of high level abstractions, protocols and languages, which normally rely on (or at least, benefit from) agents being able to communicate and interact indirectly. However, in the development process, such high level concepts habitually become weakly supported, with mechanisms such as traditional messaging, massive broadcasting, blackboard systems or ad hoc solutions. This lack of an appropriate way to support indirect communication in actual multiagent systems compromises their potential. This PhD thesis proposes the use of event tracing as a flexible, effective and efficient support for indirect interaction and communication in multiagent systems. The main contribution of this thesis is TRAMMAS, a generic, abstract model for event tracing support in multiagent systems. The model allows all entities in the system to share their information as trace events, so that any other entity which require this information is able to receive it. Along with the model, the thesis also presents an abstract architecture, which redefines the model in terms of a set of tracing facilities that can be then easily incorporated to an actual multiagent platform. This architecture follows a service-oriented approach, so that the tracing facilities are provided in the same way than other traditional services offered by the platform. In this way, event tracing can be considered as an additional information provider for entities in the multiagent system, and as such, it can be integrated from the earliest stages of the development process. / [ES] A lo largo de los últimos años, los sistemas multiagente han demostrado ser un paradigma potente y versátil, con un gran potencial a la hora de resolver problemas complejos en entornos dinámicos y distribuidos, gracias a su comportamiento flexible y adaptativo. Este potencial no es debido únicamente a las características individuales de los agentes (como son su autonomía, y su capacidades de reacción y de razonamiento), sino que también se debe a su capacidad de comunicación y cooperación a la hora de conseguir sus objetivos. De hecho, por encima de la capacidad individual de los agentes, es este comportamiento social el que dota de potencial a los sistemas multiagente. El comportamiento social de los sistemas multiagente suele desarrollarse empleando abstracciones, protocolos y lenguajes de alto nivel, los cuales, a su vez, se basan normalmente en la capacidad para comunicarse e interactuar de manera indirecta de los agentes (o como mínimo, se benefician en gran medida de dicha capacidad). Sin embargo, en el proceso de desarrollo software, estos conceptos de alto nivel son soportados habitualmente de manera débil, mediante mecanismos como la mensajería tradicional, la difusión masiva, o el uso de pizarras, o mediante soluciones totalmente ad hoc. Esta carencia de un soporte genérico y apropiado para la comunicación indirecta en los sistemas multiagente reales compromete su potencial. Esta tesis doctoral propone el uso del trazado de eventos como un soporte flexible, efectivo y eficiente para la comunicación indirecta en sistemas multiagente. La principal contribución de esta tesis es TRAMMAS, un modelo genérico y abstracto para dar soporte al trazado de eventos en sistemas multiagente. El modelo permite a cualquier entidad del sistema compartir su información en forma de eventos de traza, de tal manera que cualquier otra entidad que requiera esta información sea capaz de recibirla. Junto con el modelo, la tesis también presenta una arquitectura {abs}{trac}{ta}, que redefine el modelo como un conjunto de funcionalidades que pueden ser fácilmente incorporadas a una plataforma multiagente real. Esta arquitectura sigue un enfoque orientado a servicios, de modo que las funcionalidades de traza son ofrecidas por parte de la plataforma de manera similar a los servicios tradicionales. De esta forma, el trazado de eventos puede ser considerado como una fuente adicional de información para las entidades del sistema multiagente y, como tal, puede integrarse en el proceso de desarrollo software desde sus primeras etapas. / [CAT] Al llarg dels últims anys, els sistemes multiagent han demostrat ser un paradigma potent i versàtil, amb un gran potencial a l'hora de resoldre problemes complexes a entorns dinàmics i distribuïts, gràcies al seu comportament flexible i adaptatiu. Aquest potencial no és només degut a les característiques individuals dels agents (com són la seua autonomia, i les capacitats de reacció i raonament), sinó també a la seua capacitat de comunicació i cooperació a l'hora d'aconseguir els seus objectius. De fet, per damunt de la capacitat individual dels agents, es aquest comportament social el que dóna potencial als sistemes multiagent. El comportament social dels sistemes multiagent solen desenvolupar-se utilitzant abstraccions, protocols i llenguatges d'alt nivell, els quals, al seu torn, es basen normalment a la capacitat dels agents de comunicar-se i interactuar de manera indirecta (o com a mínim, es beneficien en gran mesura d'aquesta capacitat). Tanmateix, al procés de desenvolupament software, aquests conceptes d'alt nivell son suportats habitualment d'una manera dèbil, mitjançant mecanismes com la missatgeria tradicional, la difusió massiva o l'ús de pissarres, o mitjançant solucions totalment ad hoc. Aquesta carència d'un suport genèric i apropiat per a la comunicació indirecta als sistemes multiagent reals compromet el seu potencial. Aquesta tesi doctoral proposa l'ús del traçat d'esdeveniments com un suport flexible, efectiu i eficient per a la comunicació indirecta a sistemes multiagent. La principal contribució d'aquesta tesi és TRAMMAS, un model genèric i abstracte per a donar suport al traçat d'esdeveniments a sistemes multiagent. El model permet a qualsevol entitat del sistema compartir la seua informació amb la forma d'esdeveniments de traça, de tal forma que qualsevol altra entitat que necessite aquesta informació siga capaç de rebre-la. Junt amb el model, la tesi també presenta una arquitectura abstracta, que redefineix el model com un conjunt de funcionalitats que poden ser fàcilment incorporades a una plataforma multiagent real. Aquesta arquitectura segueix un enfoc orientat a serveis, de manera que les funcionalitats de traça són oferides per part de la plataforma de manera similar als serveis tradicionals. D'aquesta manera, el traçat d'esdeveniments pot ser considerat com una font addicional d'informació per a les entitats del sistema multiagent, i com a tal, pot integrar-se al procés de desenvolupament software des de les seues primeres etapes. / Búrdalo Rapa, LA. (2016). TRAMMAS: Enhancing Communication in Multiagent Systems [Tesis doctoral no publicada]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/61765 / TESIS

Regression testing is an essential part of developing and maintaining software. It helps verify that changes to the software have not introduced any new bugs, and that the functionality still works as intended. However, for this verification to be valid, the executed tests must be assumed to be deterministic, i.e. produce the same output under the same circumstances. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. A test that exhibits non-deterministic behavior is said to be flaky. Flaky tests can severely inhibit the benefits of regression testing, as developers must figure out whether a failing test is due to a bug in the system under test (SUT) or test flakiness. Moreover, the non-deterministic nature of flaky tests poses several problems. Not only are the failures difficult to reproduce and debug, but developers are more likely to ignore the outcome of flaky tests, potentially leading to overlooked bugs in the SUT. The aim of this thesis was to investigate the applicability of execution tracing techniques as a means of providing root cause analysis for flaky tests in the randomness and network categories. This involved reproducing and studying flakiness, as well as implementing and evaluating a prototype with the ability to analyze runtime behavior in flaky tests. To gain a better understanding of reproducibility and common traits among flaky tests in the selected categories, a pre-study was conducted. Based on the outcome of the pre-study and findings in related literature, the network category was dropped entirely, and two techniques were chosen to be implemented. The implementation process resulted in the FlakyPy tool, a plugin for pytest that provides root cause analysis aimed at randomness flakiness. When run against a dataset of 22 flaky tests, the tool was able to identify potential root causes in 15 of these. This serves as an indication that execution tracing has the potential of detecting possible root causes in flaky randomness tests in Python. However, more research is needed to evaluate how developers perceive the usefulness of such tools.

The master thesis is focused on implementing a module for batch traceability into the existing SCADA system MagmaView. First, the theoretical part is dedicated to the research of ANSI/ISA-95 standard and traceability problematics in the process industry. First, the practical part analyses the design of the data model and model for user interaction. The next topic is the implementation of the mentioned models using several software tools such as the graphical environment of MagmaView, Groovy scripting, and communication with SQL database. Part of the implementation is also a testing project simulating a simple production process and the needs of the operator to work with the batches.

This thesis is focused on the dynamic drawing analysis. It deals with tracing drawing tests that can be applied for the analysis. It also deals with method for temporal segmentation of emerging drawings and also vectorization of resulted segments of drawings.

The use of lasers for diagnosis and treatment in medical and cosmetic applications is increasing worldwide. Not all of these modalities are superficial and many require laser light to penetrate some distance into the tissue or skin to reach the treatment site. Human skin is highly scattering for light in the visible and near infrared wavelength regions, with a consequent reduction of the fluence rate. Melanin, which occurs in the epidermis of the skin, acts as an absorber in these wavelength regions and further reduces the fluence rate of light that penetrates through the epidermis to a treatment site. In vivo fluence rate measurements are not viable, but validated and calibrated computer models may play a role in predicting the fluence rate reaching the treatment site. A layered planar computer model to predict laser fluence rate at some depth into skin was developed in a commercial raytracing environment (ASAP). The model describes the properties of various skin layers and accounts for both the absorption and scattering taking place in the skin. The model was validated with optical measurements on skin-simulating phantoms in both reflectance and transmission configurations. It was shown that a planar epidermal/dermal interface is adequate for simulation purposes. In the near infrared wavelength region (676 nm), melanin (consisting of eumelanin and pheomelanin) is the major absorber of light in the epidermis. The epidermal absorption coefficient is one of the required input parameters for the computer model. The range of absorption coefficients expected for typical South African skin phototypes (ranging from photo-sensitive light skin, phototype I on the Fitzpatrick scale, to the photo-insensitive darker skin phototype V) was not available. Non-invasive diffuse reflectance spectroscopy measurements were done on 30 volunteers to establish the expected range of absorption coefficients. In the analysis it became apparent that the contributions of the eumelanin and pheomelanin must be accounted for separately, specifically for the Asian volunteers. This is a new concept that was introduced in the diffuse reflectance probe analysis. These absorption coefficient measurements were the first to be done on the expected range of skin phototypes for the South African population. Other authors dealing with diffuse reflectance probe analysis only account for the dominant eumelanin. Both the epidermal absorption coefficient and thickness are important in the prediction of the fluence rate loss. The computer model was used to evaluate the effect of the epidermal absorption coefficient (a parameter dictated by an individual’s skin phototype) and the epidermal thickness on the fluence rate loss through the skin. The epidermal absorption is strongly wavelength dependent with the higher absorption at the shorter wavelengths. In the computer model a longer wavelength of 676 nm (typical for a photodynamic treatment (PDT) of cancer) was used. For the darker skin phototypes (V) only about 30% of the initial laser fluence rate reached a depth of 200 ìm into the skin (just into the dermis). For the PDT application, results from the computer model indicated that treatment times need to be increased by as much as 50% for very dark skin phototypes when compared to that of very light phototypes. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Physics / unrestricted

This thesis analyses Germany's commitment to multilateral military operations. Following the research question why Germany participates in some multilateral military operations but not in others, Germany's respective decision-making process regarding troop deployment in the DR Congo in 2006 on one hand and military non-engagement in Libya 2011 on the other hand is traced. By contrasting the concept of strategic culture with a purely rational assessment of the factors of alliance politics, risk-analysis and military feasibility of the operations, the decisiveness of taking into account Germany's strategic culture to explain deployment decisions is stressed. Neither is there a lack of external pressure for German military participation in the case of Libya, nor is the military operation in the DR Congo decisively less risky or militarily more feasible. Rather, Germany's multilateral and anti- militaristic strategic cultural strands affect its decision-making. Next to demanding a thorough justification and legitimization of any military engagement, two red lines for military deployment can be identified. First, Germany refuses to act unilaterally and displays a high reluctance towards military engagement outside the multilateral framework of the UN, NATO or EU. Secondly, Germany rejects to engage in...

Standardmäßig erfolgt die Datenaufbereitung der Neutronenwirkungsquerschnitte für Reaktorkernrechnungen mit 2D-Zellcodes. Ziel dieser Arbeit war es, einen 3D-Zellcode zu entwickeln, mit diesem Code 3D-Effekte zu untersuchen und die Notwendigkeit einer 3D-Datenaufbereitung der Neutronenwirkungsquerschnitte zu bewerten. Zur Berechnung des Neutronentransports wurde die Methode der Erststoßwahrscheinlichkeiten, die mit der Ray-Tracing-Methode berechnet werden, gewählt. Die mathematischen Algorithmen wurden in den 2D/3D-Zellcode TransRay umgesetzt. Für den Geometrieteil des Programms wurde das Geometriemodul eines Monte-Carlo-Codes genutzt. Das Ray-Tracing in 3D wurde auf Grund der hohen Rechenzeiten parallelisiert. Das Programm TransRay wurde an 2D-Testaufgaben verifiziert. Für einen Druckwasser-Referenzreaktor wurden folgende 3D-Probleme untersucht: Ein teilweise eingetauchter Regelstab und Void (Vakuum oder Dampf) um einen Brennstab als Modell einer Dampfblase. Alle Probleme wurden zum Vergleich auch mit den Programmen HELIOS (2D) und MCNP (3D) nachgerechnet. Die Abhängigkeit des Multiplikationsfaktors und der gemittelten Zweigruppenquerschnitte von der Eintauchtiefe des Regelstabes bzw. von der Höhe der Dampfblase wurden untersucht. Die 3D berechneten Zweigruppenquerschnitte wurden mit drei üblichen Näherungen verglichen: Lineare Interpolation, Interpolation mit Flusswichtung und Homogenisierung. Am 3D-Problem des Regelstabes zeigte sich, dass die Interpolation mit Flusswichtung eine gute Näherung ist. Demnach ist hier eine 3D-Datenaufbereitung nicht notwendig. Beim Testfall des einzelnen Brennstabs, der von Void umgeben ist, erwiesen sich die drei Näherungen für die Zweigruppenquerschnitte als unzureichend. Demnach ist eine 3D-Datenaufbereitung notwendig. Die einzelne Brennstabzelle mit Void kann als der Grenzfall eines Reaktors angesehen werden, in dem sich eine Phasengrenzfläche herausgebildet hat.

Standardmäßig erfolgt die Datenaufbereitung der Neutronenwirkungsquerschnitte für Reaktorkernrechnungen mit 2D-Zellcodes. Ziel dieser Arbeit war es, einen 3D-Zellcode zu entwickeln, mit diesem Code 3D-Effekte zu untersuchen und die Notwendigkeit einer 3D-Datenaufbereitung der Neutronenwirkungsquerschnitte zu bewerten. Zur Berechnung des Neutronentransports wurde die Methode der Erststoßwahrscheinlichkeiten, die mit der Ray-Tracing-Methode berechnet werden, gewählt. Die mathematischen Algorithmen wurden in den 2D/3D-Zellcode TransRay umgesetzt. Für den Geometrieteil des Programms wurde das Geometriemodul eines Monte-Carlo-Codes genutzt. Das Ray-Tracing wurde auf Grund der hohen Rechenzeiten parallelisiert. Das Programm TransRay wurde an 2D-Testaufgaben verifiziert. Für einen Druckwasser-Referenzreaktor wurden folgende 3D-Probleme untersucht: Ein teilweise eingetauchter Regelstab und Void (bzw. Moderator mit geringerer Dichte) um einen Brennstab als Modell einer Dampfblase. Alle Probleme wurden zum Vergleich auch mit den Programmen HELIOS (2D) und MCNP (3D) nachgerechnet. Die Abhängigkeit des Multiplikationsfaktors und der gemittelten Zweigruppenquerschnitte von der Eintauchtiefe des Regelstabes bzw. von der Höhe der Dampfblase wurden untersucht. Die 3D berechneten Zweigruppenquerschnitte wurden mit drei üblichen Näherungen verglichen: linearer Interpolation, Interpolation mit Flusswichtung und Homogenisierung. Am 3D-Problem des Regelstabes zeigte sich, dass die Interpolation mit Flusswichtung eine gute Näherung ist. Demnach ist hier eine 3D-Datenaufbereitung nicht notwendig. Beim Testfall des einzelnen Brennstabs, der von Void (bzw. Moderator geringerer Dichte) umgeben ist, erwiesen sich die drei Näherungen für die Zweigruppenquerschnitte als unzureichend. Demnach ist eine 3D-Datenaufbereitung notwendig. Die einzelne Brennstabzelle mit Void kann als der Grenzfall eines Reaktors angesehen werden, in dem sich eine Phasengrenzfläche herausgebildet hat.

Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) constitutes one suitable solution for exploiting solar resources for power generation. In this context, parabolic dish systems concentrate the solar radiation onto a point focusing receiver for small-scale power production. Given the modularity feature of such system, the scale-up is a feasible option; however, they offer a suitable solution for small scale off-grid electrification of rural areas. These systems are usually used with Stirling engines, nevertheless the coupling with micro-gas turbines presents a number of advantages, related to the reliability of the system and the lower level of maintenance required. The OMSoP project, funded by the European Union, aims at the demonstration of a parabolic dish coupled with an air-driven Brayton cycle. By looking at the integrated system, a key-role is played by the solar receiver, whose function is the absorption of the concentrated solar radiation and its transfer to the heat transfer fluid. Volumetric solar receivers constitute a novel and promising solution for such applications; the use of a porous matrix for the solar radiation absorption allows reaching higher temperature within a compact volume, while reducing the heat transfer losses between the fluid and the absorption medium. The aim of the present work is to deliver a set of optimal design specifications for a volumetric solar receiver for the OMSoP project. The work is based on a Multi-Objective Optimization algorithm, with the objective of the enhancement of the receiver thermal efficiency and of the reduction of the pressure drop. The optimization routine is coupled with a detailed analysis of the component, based on a Computational Fluid Dynamics model and a Mechanical Stress Analysis. The boundary conditions are given by the OMSoP project, in terms of dish specifications and power cycle, whilst the solar radiation boundary is modelled by means of a Ray Tracing routine. The outcome of the analysis is the assessment of the impact on the receiver performance of some key design parameters, namely the porous material properties and the receiver geometrical dimensions. From the results, it is observed a general low pressure drop related to the nominal air mass flow, with several points respecting the materials limitations. One design point is chosen among the optimal points, which respects the OMSoP project requirements for the design objectives, i.e. a minimum value of efficiency of 70%, and pressure losses below 1%. The final receiver configuration performs with an efficiency value of 86%, with relative pressure drop of 0.5%, and it is based on a ceramic foam absorber made of silicon carbide, with porosity value of 0.94.  Moreover, the detailed analysis of one volumetric receiver configuration to be integrated in the OMSoP project shows promising results for experimental testing and for its actual integration in the system.