Advancements in clinical care have led to a growing cohort of preterm-born individuals now entering adulthood. Before birth, such adults were often exposed to a suboptimal intrauterine environment, and after delivery, key developmental stages that would normally occur in utero during the third trimester had to take place under ex utero physiological conditions. Through detailed cardiovascular phenotyping, this thesis investigates the cardiovascular changes in preterm-born young adults, utilising a cohort of individuals with data collection since recruitment at birth. The detailed perinatal information was first used to design nested case-control studies to investigate the effects of early lipid and glucocorticoid exposure on long-term cardiovascular physiology in individuals born preterm. It was demonstrated that intravenous lipid administration leads to an artificial elevation of total cholesterol levels in immediate postnatal life, which is associated with long-term changes in aortic and left ventricular function proportional to the degree of cholesterol elevation. Additionally, exposure to antenatal glucocorticoids relates to a regional increase in aortic arch stiffness in young adulthood, as well as changes in glucose metabolism. It was then shown that young adults born preterm have increased left ventricular mass, out of proportion to blood pressure, and a unique three-dimensional left ventricular geometry, with reduced systolic and diastolic function compared to term-born controls. Similarly, they also show distinct differences in the right ventricle, with increased right ventricular mass and a proportion having clinically impaired right ventricular systolic function. Finally, it was demonstrated that preterm-born individuals have increased circulating levels of antiangiogenic factors in young adulthood, which relate to capillary rarefaction and blood pressure elevation. These findings are of considerable public health relevance given that nearly 10% of births are now preterm. Understanding whether modification of these variations in cardiovascular structure and function prevent the development of cardiovascular disease in this growing subgroup of the population will be of future interest.

Les simulations numériques des équations d’Euler deux-fluides réalisé sur des maillages grossiers éliminent les structures fins d’écoulement gaz-solide dans les lits fluidisés. Pour précisément estimer l’hydrodynamique globale de lit, il faut proposer une modélisation qui prend en compte les effets de structure non-résolue. Dans ce but, les maillages sont raffinés pour obtenir le résultat de simulation pleinement résolue ce que les grandeurs statistiques ne modifient plus avec un autre raffinement pour le lit fluidisé périodique dilué gaz-particules sur une géométrie 3D cartésienne et ce résultat est utilisé pour tests "a priori". Les résultats de tests "a priori" montrent que l’équation filtrée de la quantité de mouvement est effectuée mais il faut prendre en compte le flux de la fraction volumique de solide de sous-maille en raison de l’interaction locale de la vitesse du gaz et la fraction volumique de solide pour la force traniée. Nous proposons les modèles fonctionnels et structurels pour le flux de la fraction volumique de solide de sous-maille. En plus, les modèles fermetures du tenseur de sous-maille de la phase dispersée sont similaires aux modèles classiquement utilisés en écoulement turbulent monophasique. Tous les modèles sont validés par test "a priori" et "a posteriori" / Eulerian two fluid approach is generally used to simulate gas-solid flows in industrial circulating fluidized beds. Because of limitation of computational resources, simulations of large vessels are usually performed by using too coarse grid. Coarse grid simulations can not resolve fine flow scales which can play an important role in the dynamic behaviour of the beds. In particular, cancelling out the particle segregation effect of small scales leads to an inadequate modelling of the mean interfacial momentum transfer between phases and particulate shear stresses by secondary effect. Then, an appropriate modelling ac counting for influences of unresolved structures has to be proposed for coarse-grid simu-lations. For this purpose, computational grids are refined to get mesh-independent result where statistical quantities do not change with further mesh refinement for a 3-D peri-odic circulating fluidized bed. The 3-D periodic circulating fluidized is a simple academic configuration where gas-solid flow conducted with A-type particles is periodically driven along the opposite direction of the gravity. The particulate momentum and agitation equations are filtered by the volume averaging and the importance of additional terms due to the averaging procedure are investigated by budget analyses using the mesh independent result. Results show that the filtered momentum equation of phases can be computed on coarse grid simulations but sub-grid drift velocity due to the sub-grid correlation between the local fluid veloc- ity and the local particle volume fraction and particulate sub-grid shear stresses must be taken into account. In this study, we propose functional and structural models for sub- grid drift velocity, written in terms of the difference between the gas velocity-solid volume fraction correlation and the multiplication of the filtered gas velocity with the filtered solid volume fraction. Particulate sub-grid shear stresses are closed by models proposed for single turbulent flows. Models’ predictabilities are investigated by a priori tests and they are validated by coarse-grid simulations of 3-D periodic circulating, dense fluidized beds and experimental data of industrial scale circulating fluidized bed in manner of a posteriori tests

No presente trabalho desenvolve-se um estudo de modelagem matemática e simulação numérica do escoamento bifásico gás-sólido na coluna ascendente de um leito fluidizado circulante. Utiliza-se o modelo euleriano de duas fases separadas considerando dois procedimentos diferentes para a modelagem do tensor das tensões da fase sólida: modelo tradicional e a teoria cinética dos escoamentos granulares (TCEG). As simulações numéricas são conduzidas com a utilização do código MFIX que é um software livre e disponível na rede (Internet). Os resultados da simulação numérica são avaliados por meio da análise da influência dos seguintes parâmetros: malha computacional, correlações para o computo do tensor das tensões da fase sólida e esquemas de discretização dos termos advectivos. Também se desenvolve estudo de caracterização de estruturas coerentes - \"clusters\". De forma complementar foram realizadas duas análises teóricas compreendendo: uma análise da influência das diversas correlações utilizadas na TCEG para o computo da viscosidade dinâmica do sólido; e uma análise enfocando o emprego de diversos esquemas de discretização para os termos advectivos presentes nas equações de conservação (Foup, Muscl, Van Leer, Minmod e Superbee). De todos os estudos e resultados apresentados no trabalho conclui-se que os escoamentos gás-sólido em leitos fluidizados circulantes são muito complexos, sendo necessário a realização de futuras pesquisas para uma melhor compreensão dos fenômenos físicos inerentes a esses escoamentos. / In the present work is described a mathematical model and numerical study simulation of the gas-solid flow in the riser of a circulating fluidized bed. It is used the two fluids eulerian model considering two different procedures for the solid phase stress tensor modeling: the traditional model and the kinetic theory of granular flows (KTGF). The numerical simulation results are evaluated through the influence analysis of the following parameters: computational mesh, correlations for computing the solid phase stress tensor and the discretization of the advective terms. It is also presented a study concerning the characterization coherent structures - \"clusters\". Complementing the above studies were accomplished two theoretical analyses comprehending: an influence analysis of several correlations used in the KTGF for computing the dynamic viscosity of the solid phase; and an analysis concerning several discretization schemes for the advective terms present in the conservative equations. Considering the developed studies and the obtained results it is concluded that the gas-solid flows in circulating fluidized beds are very complex, being necessary future research works for a better comprehension of the inherent physical phenomena to these flows.

No presente trabalho desenvolve-se um estudo de modelagem matemática e simulação numérica do escoamento bifásico gás-sólido na coluna ascendente de um leito fluidizado circulante. Utiliza-se o modelo euleriano de duas fases separadas considerando dois procedimentos diferentes para a modelagem do tensor das tensões da fase sólida: modelo tradicional e a teoria cinética dos escoamentos granulares (TCEG). As simulações numéricas são conduzidas com a utilização do código MFIX que é um software livre e disponível na rede (Internet). Os resultados da simulação numérica são avaliados por meio da análise da influência dos seguintes parâmetros: malha computacional, correlações para o computo do tensor das tensões da fase sólida e esquemas de discretização dos termos advectivos. Também se desenvolve estudo de caracterização de estruturas coerentes - \"clusters\". De forma complementar foram realizadas duas análises teóricas compreendendo: uma análise da influência das diversas correlações utilizadas na TCEG para o computo da viscosidade dinâmica do sólido; e uma análise enfocando o emprego de diversos esquemas de discretização para os termos advectivos presentes nas equações de conservação (Foup, Muscl, Van Leer, Minmod e Superbee). De todos os estudos e resultados apresentados no trabalho conclui-se que os escoamentos gás-sólido em leitos fluidizados circulantes são muito complexos, sendo necessário a realização de futuras pesquisas para uma melhor compreensão dos fenômenos físicos inerentes a esses escoamentos. / In the present work is described a mathematical model and numerical study simulation of the gas-solid flow in the riser of a circulating fluidized bed. It is used the two fluids eulerian model considering two different procedures for the solid phase stress tensor modeling: the traditional model and the kinetic theory of granular flows (KTGF). The numerical simulation results are evaluated through the influence analysis of the following parameters: computational mesh, correlations for computing the solid phase stress tensor and the discretization of the advective terms. It is also presented a study concerning the characterization coherent structures - \"clusters\". Complementing the above studies were accomplished two theoretical analyses comprehending: an influence analysis of several correlations used in the KTGF for computing the dynamic viscosity of the solid phase; and an analysis concerning several discretization schemes for the advective terms present in the conservative equations. Considering the developed studies and the obtained results it is concluded that the gas-solid flows in circulating fluidized beds are very complex, being necessary future research works for a better comprehension of the inherent physical phenomena to these flows.

This report describes the process of a thesis implemented in Colombia concerning solar energy. The project was to install a self-circulating solar heating system, as well as creating exchange of knowledge regarding renewable energy. One of the two major goals of the project was to achieve a functioning solar heating system in Timbio, a village outside the city of Popayán in south west Colombia. The purpose was to use the free power from the sun and show people how to use it in a way that is not complicated or too expensive. The second major goal was to hold workshops about renewable energy in general, and solar energy in particular. The preparatory work started in October 2010 by concretizing the project, applying for scholarships and establishing necessary contacts; both in Colombia and Sweden. Research and correspondence continued throughout 2011, along with the search for finance from companies and funds to cover the project costs. The implementation took approximately three months and was finished in April 2012. However, the project was limited due to time scale and financial resources. The project was successful; a functioning solar heater and workshops. The aim to arise interest for renewable energy is fulfilled plus the aim to show how to use solar energy in a practical and useful way. / Denna rapport beskriver processen av ett examensarbete som behandlar solenergi, implementerat i Colombia. Projektet innebar en installation av en självcirkulerande solvärmeanläggning, och även kunskapsutbyte om förnybar energi. Ett av de två huvudmålen var att installera en fungerande solvärmeanläggning i byn Timbio utanför staden Popayán i sydvästra Colombia. Syftet var att använda gratis energi från solen och visa människor hur man kan använda energin på ett inte alltför komplicerat eller dyrt sätt. Det andra huvudmålet var att hålla workshops om förnybar energi i allmänhet och solenergi i synnerhet. Förberedelserna började i oktober 2010 genom konkretisering av projektet, stipendieansökningar och skapandet av nödvändiga kontakter; i Colombia och Sverige. Efterforskningar och korrespondens fortsatte under 2011 samtidigt som finansiering till projektet söktes från företag och fonder. Installationen tog ungefär tre månader och färdigställdes i april 2012. Projektet begränsades av tillgänglig tid och ekonomiska resurser. Projektet blev framgångsrikt; en fungerande solvärmeanläggning och lyckade workshops. Målet att väcka intresse för förnybar energi uppfylldes, även målet att visa hur solenergi kan användas på ett praktiskt och användbart sätt.

L'infection au virus de l'hépatite B (VHB) est étroitement liée au métabolisme énergétique hépatique. La réplication du virus est contrôlée en principal par des facteurs de transcription et récepteurs nucléaires tels que PPARa, HNF4a et Foxül, impliqués dans ce métabolisme. Ainsi, la réplication du virus est augmentée par la privation de nutriments et le stress énergétique en modèles cellulaires, et par le jeûne, en modèles murins. PGC-la, un régulateur majeur de la réponse métabolique adaptative au jeûne, est impliqué dans l'augmentation de la transcription du VHB par son interaction avec plusieurs facteurs de transcription. Il est connu que le récepteur des acides biliaires, FXRa, qui est capable d'activer le promoteur de Core du VHB, est co-activaté par PGC-la. Un autre acteur important dans l'adaptation métabolique à la privation d'énergie est la protéine déacétylase SIRTl. Lorsqu'il est activé, SIRTl hépatique est capable de désacétyler et activer autant PGC-la que FXRa. Ces données nous ont amenés à émettre l'hypothèse que SIRTl pourrait coopérer avec FXRa et PGC-la pour augmenter la transcription du VHB. Dans un premier travail, nous avons donc étudié le rôle de la coopération de ces trois facteurs métaboliques dans la réplication du virus. Ça nous a permis de décrire un nouveau réseau métabolique, composé de FXRa, PGC-la et SIRTl, qui régule l'activité transcriptionnelle du VHB. Nous avons montré que SIRTl augmente l'activité du promoteur de Core par l'intermède d'autre facteurs, parmi lesquels, FXRa. Nous avons en outre observé que la fonction de déacétylase de SIRTl était nécessaire pour l'amplification de l'effet de FXRa sur VHB promoteur de Core. Une autre cible de SIRTl, connue pour son activité co-activatrice sur FXRa, est PGC-la. Grâce à une série d'expériences de surexpression et suppression, nous avons montré que non seulement la co-activation de FXRa par PGC-la est potentialisée par SIRTl, mais la présence de PGC-la est nécessaire pour l'effet de SIRTl sur l'activation du promoteur de Core VHB induite par FXRa. Ces données suggèrent que FXRa, PGC-la et SIRTl coopèrent dans la modulation de l'activité transcriptionnelle du promoteur de Core. Nous avons ensuite confirmé nos observations initiales et avons montré que l'activation de l'axe SIRTl/PGC-la/FXRa induit la transcription de l'ARN de VHB dans des lignées cellulaires d'origine hépatique et non-hépatique. Ces résultats renforcent l'idée que la réplication du VHB peut être modulée en fonction de l'état nutritionnel. Les rapports des études précédentes menées in vitro et sur des modèles animaux suggèrent que la transcription du VHB est contrôlée de la même manière que les gènes de la néoglucogenèse. Notre hypothèse a été que chez l'homme, la réplication du VHB montrerait des fluctuations diurnes, selon les périodes de la journée de jeûne et de réalimentation. Le but de la deuxième étude a été donc de déterminer si la charge viral du VHB plasmatique montre des variations importantes tout au long du nichthemeron chez les patients chroniquement infectés par VHB, avec une réplication virale active [etc...] / Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is tightly linked with hepatic fuel metabolism. HBV replication depends on the activity of several liver-enriched nuclear receptors and transcription factors, such as PPARa, HNF4a, and Fox01, involved in the metabolic adaptive response to fasting. In the first part of our work, we identified a metabolic subnetwork that enhances the activity of HBV core promoter. FXRa (NR1H4), PPAR gamma coactivator 1a and SIRT1, the members of this regulatory axis, cooperate to increase HBV transcription. The three molecules are themselves key factors of liver metabolism, linking HBV replication to complex metabolic cues, such as energy status and nutrient availability during the fasting-refeeding cycles. We then observed the existence of a circadian cycle of HBV replication in humans, underlining the role of nutrient availability in the modulation of HBV replication, previously predicted by experimental models. The second part of the work focused on the plasma cell-free nucleic acids as potential biomarkers in chronic viral hepatitis. Due to the multiple links between HBV replication and cellular factors involved in fuel metabolism, we hypothesized that plasma mRNAs corresponding to these factors may constitute potential biomarkers for chronic hepatitis B. We successfully detected more than 30 plasma mRNA sequences corresponding to enzymes, transporters, nuclear receptors and transcription factors involved in fatty acids synthesis and oxidation, cholesterol synthesis, transport and excretion, and energy sensing and expenditure. The circadian variation and the multiple correlations in the expression patterns of these plasma transcripts are similar to those previously described in cells both in vitro and in vivo. This suggests that cell- free mRNAs may provide a "virtual biopsy" of the transcriptional status of the organism. Moreover, we found significant differences in the plasma mRNA profiles of HBV carriers compared with healthy controls, similar to those found in experimental models of infection, suggesting that these transcripts may also serve as biomarkers of liver disease. Further research is warranted to shed new light on the complex relationship between HBV life cycle and host lipid-carbohydrate-fuel metabolism and may lead to the identification of both actionable targets in antiviral therapy, and putative biomarkers in chronic hepatitis B

Les sûretés sur les biens du professionnel constituent un instrument central d'accès au crédit. Malgré de nombreuses initiatives, le dispositif permettant l'affectation en garantie des biens voués à circuler, ainsi notamment des stocks, reste inadapté. L'édifice légal, complexe et contraire aux objectifs poursuivis, s'oppose à l'utilisation de ces biens circulants comme assiette de sûreté. La présente thèse identifie les améliorations nécessaires à la modernisation du droit des sûretés réelles et, ce faisant, esquisse les contours d'une institution nouvelle de garantie de nature à faciliter les concours aux entreprises, la sûreté globale. / Securities on the professional's properties form a significant way of accessing to credit. Despite many initiatives, means that enable to hold estates as security, such as stocks of goods, are not fully satisfying. The legal edifice, complex and opposed to the aim expected, prevents from using circulating assets as the basis of guarantee.This thesis identifies how to make required improvements to modernize the real security law, and so as to outline a new guarantee tool that makes the access to credit easier for companies, the global security.

Background Obesity, in particular abdominal adiposity, is associated with elevated fatty acids and pro-inflammatory adipokines, which are linked to ectopic fat storage and insulin resistance. During menopause, there is a redistribution of fat from the peripheral to abdominal depots. This transition is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. We hypothesized that a Paleolithic diet, with high proportions of lean meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, and oils, but devoid of dairy products and cereals, might have long-term beneficial effects on inflammation, fat metabolism, and circulating fatty acids. These effects might potentially reduce the risk of metabolic complications in postmenopausal women that are obese.  Methods Postmenopausal women with obesity were studied before, after six months, and after 24 months of one of two specified ad libitum diets. One diet was a Paleolithic diet, in which approximately 30% of the total energy (E%) was protein, 30 E% was fat, and 40 E% was carbohydrate. The other diet was a prudent control diet, consistent with Nordic Nutrition recommendations of 15 E% protein, 25 E% fat, and 55 E% carbohydrate. Dietary intakes of polyunsaturated fatty acids and protein were validated objectively by measuring circulating and urinary biomarkers. Anthropometrics and diet reports were analyzed, and abdominal subcutaneous fat samples were evaluated for the expression of proteins key in inflammation and fat metabolism and for lipoprotein lipase mass and activity. In addition, blood samples were analyzed to determine concentrations of specific serum proteins, serum lipids, and the fatty acids carried in cholesterol esters. Results The Paleolithic diet group reported reduced intakes of saturated fatty acids and carbohydrates and elevated intakes of protein and unsaturated fatty acids, compared to baseline. The elevated intakes of polyunsaturated fatty acids and protein were objectively verified for this group. After 24 months, both diets were found to have beneficial effects on the expression of inflammation-related genes in adipose tissue and pro-inflammatory factors in the circulation. Compared to the control group, the Paleolithic diet group exhibited more pronounced reductions of circulating cardiometabolic risk factors, including the ratio of triglycerides to high density lipoprotein, lipogenic index, specific fatty acids, and indices of desaturase activities. After six months, the Paleolithic group also exhibited more pronounced reductions in lipogenesis-promoting factors, including the expression of key proteins in fat synthesis, the activity of lipoprotein lipase, and the activity of stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1, compared to the control group. Conclusion Long-term weight loss in postmenopausal obese women was accompanied by reductions in low-grade inflammation in adipose tissue and in the circulation. In addition, a Paleolithic diet, with a high content of unsaturated fatty acids and a low content of refined carbohydrates, appeared to provide greater reductions in cardiometabolic risk factors associated with insulin resistance and lipogenesis, compared to a prudent control diet. / Bakgrund De senaste decennierna har förekomsten av övervikt och fetma ökat kraftigt i stora delar av världen. Detta beror på en kombination av olika faktorer såsom specifika gener vilka främjar fettinlagring, men kanske främst ett överintag av energirik mat i kombination med minskad fysisk aktivitet. Fetma och specifikt bukfetma, vilket tilltar hos kvinnor efter klimakteriet (postmenopausala), ökar risken för höjda blodfettsnivåer och låggradig inflammation, vilket kan leda till utveckling av typ 2-diabetes samt hjärt- och kärlsjukdomar. Kost och viktnedgång är avgörande för bibehållen hälsa och av stort intresse är att urbefolkningar runt om i världen har låg förekomst av fetma, diabetes, hjärt- och kärlsjukdom, troligtvis kopplat till olika livsstilsfaktorer som högre fysisk aktivitet samt kostfaktorer.  Syfte Vårt syfte var att undersöka metabola förändringar i fettväv och cirkulation hos postmenopausala kvinnor med fetma kopplat till en 24 månaders paleolitisk kostintervention. Den paleolitiska kosten, som ingick i studien består av en hög andel magert kött, fisk, grönsaker, frukt, nötter, oliv- och rapsolja och där mjölkprodukter och spannmål är uteslutna. Vår hypotes var att en paleolitisk kost med hög andel protein och omättade fettsyror har fördelaktiga långtidseffekter på inflammation, fettmetabolism och cirkulerande fettsyror jämfört med en kost baserad på Nordiska näringsrekommendationer med ett högt intag av kolhydrater. Metoder Postmenopausala kvinnor med fetma studerades före, vid sex månader och efter 24 månaders intag, utan energirestriktioner, av antingen en paleolitisk kost eller en kost enligt Nordiska näringsrekommendationer. Kroppsmätningar, kostregistreringar, genuttryck av nyckelproteiner i inflammation och fettmetabolism i fettväv samt koncentrationer av blodfetter, specifika proteiner och fettsyror bestämdes i plasma. Resultat I linje med rekommendationerna så rapporterade gruppen som åt den paleolitiska kosten ett minskat intag av mättat fett och kolhydrater samt ett ökat intag av protein och omättat fett jämfört med baslinjenivåerna. Det ökade intaget av fleromättade fettsyror och protein bekräftades med objektiva mätmetoder. Efter 24 månaders intervention uppvisade båda grupperna en jämförbar viktnedgång och en minskning av flertalet proinflammatoriska faktorer i såväl fettväv som i cirkulation. Den grupp som åt paleolitisk kost uppvisade en kraftigare reduktion av cirkulerande kardiometabola riskfaktorer som index för fettsyntes och desaturaser, specifika fettsyror samt kvoten triglycerider till HDL (high density lipoprotein). Efter sex månader bidrog den paleolitiska kosten också till en mer påtaglig minskning av faktorer involverade i fettinlagring, som uttryck av specifika nyckelproteiner i fettsyntes, aktivitet för lipoprotein lipas och stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 index jämfört med kontrollkosten. Slutsatser En långvarig viktminskning hos postmenopausala kvinnor med fetma åtföljs av en minskad låggradig inflammation i fettväv och i cirkulation. En paleolitisk kost med hög andel omättade fettsyror och låga halt kolhydrater är kopplat till en kraftigare minskning av riskparametrar för insulinresistens och nyckelfaktorer för fettinlagring jämfört med en kontrollkost enligt Nordiska näringsrekommendationer.

The goal of this thesis is to design a heating system for a building of an elementary school in Polešovice. The thesis is divided into three parts. The first, theoretical, part discusses heat pumps with the main focus on gas absorption heat pumps. The se-cond part addresses the design of the school heating as well as the design of an ecological heat source. The part consisting calculations introduces the calculation of heat losses, the optimal choice of temperature gradient, the design of heating surfaces, the design of heat sources including the design of the bivalent source, the way of hot water preparation, dimensioning, the security equipment and other calculations. The last part deals with the drawing documentation, the technical report and also some economical questions such as return on investment based on measured efficiency of the heat source.

Only in English.