Les dernières décennies ont vu l’émergence de formes architecturales non standard. Les concepteurs se retrouvent généralement démunis face à la complexité géométrique de ces objets, dont la fabrication rime souvent avec complication. De plus, les outils utilisés dissocient forme et fonctionnement structurel,ce qui complexifie le processus de décision pour ingénieurs et architectes. Ce mémoire prend un point de vue fondé sur la notion d’invariance par transformation géométrique et étudie plusieurs strategies de génération de formes naturellement constructibles pour remédier à ces manques. Trois contraintes constructives ont été identifiées et correspondent à trois contributions indépendantes de cette thèse.La répétition des noeuds d’assemblage est étudiée via les transformations par maillages parallèles. Ces dernières sont utilisées pour créer une généralisation des surfaces de révolution. On retrouve par là un paramétrage particulier des surfaces moulures de Monge avec une grande répétition d’éléments, et notamment de noeuds d’assemblage.Les réseaux de cyclides sont ensuite utilisés pour dessiner des formes parametrées par leurs lignes de courbures. Cela permet la couverture par panneaux plans ainsi que l’offset des éléments structurels sans excentricité. L’apport de cette thèse est l’implémentation de plusieurs améliorations, notamment l’introduction de plis à double courbure, un algorithme permettant de généraliser les réseaux de cyclides à des topologies quelconques, et la génération de surfaces généralisant les surfaces canal à partir de deux courbes rail et une courbe profil.Finalement, une méthode innovante inspirée de la géométrie descriptive permettant la génération de formes courbes couvertes par des quadrilatères plans est proposée. La méthode, baptisée méthode marionnette, réduit ce problème à un système linéaire, ce qui permet une manipulation de ces forms constructibles en temps réel. Une étude comparative montre que cette technique peut être utilisée pour paramétrer des problèmes d’optimisation de forme de coques sans perte de performance par rapport aux paramétrages utilisés de façon classique. L’intégration des contraintes de fabrication dans le processus d’optimisation structurelle ouvre de nouvelles possibilités d’applications, comme des résilles gauches et des coques plissées. La pertinence de ces nouvelles solutions est démontrée par de multiples études de cas / The last decades have seen the emergence of non-standard architectural shapes. Designers find often themselves helpless with the geometrical complexity of these objects. Furthermore, the available tools dissociate shape and structural behaviour, which adds another complication. This dissertation takes the point of view based on invariance under geometrical transformations, and studies several strategies for fabrication-aware shape modelling. Three technological constraints have been identified and correspond to three independent contributions of this thesis.The repetition of nodes is studied via transformations by parallelism. They are used to generalise surfaces of revolution. A special parametrisation of moulding surfaces is found with this method. The resulting structure has a high node congruence.Cyclidic nets are then used to model shapes parametrised by their lines of curvature. This guarantees meshing by planar panels and torsion-free beam layout. The contribution of this dissertation is the implementation of several improvements, like doubly-curved creases, a hole-filling strategy that allows the extension of cyclidic nets to complex topologies, and the generation of a generalisation of canal surfaces from two rail curves and one profile curves.Finally, an innovative method inspired by descriptive geometry is proposed to generate doubly-curved shapes covered with planar facets. The method, called marionette technique, reduces the problem to a linear problem, which can be solved in real-time. A comparative study shows that this technique can be used to parametrise shape optimisation of shell structures without loss of performance compared to usual modelling technique. The handling of fabrication constraints in shape optimisation opens new possibilities for its practical application, like gridshells or plated shell structures. The relevance of those solutions is demonstrated through multiple case-studies

Notre thèse, intitulée La dynamique linguistique des relations spatiales en créole réunionnais et sa contribution à la question de l'illettrisme, s'inscrit en linguistique descriptive et choisit d'interroger la problématique de la spatialité avec les outils et les méthodes de la linguistique fonctionnelle en synchronie dynamique pour le créole réunionnais (Martinet : 1989, Staudacher-Valliamée : 1999). Les enquêtes réalisées sur le terrain créolophone réunionnais rassemblent un corpus de 24 idiolectes dans un échantillonnage représentatif de plusieurs classes d'âge, de lieux géographiques et de difficultés de pratique du français (langue officielle). L'analyse syntaxique et prosodique des relations spatiales repose sur un échantillonnage de 607 syntagmes prédicatifs. Cette thèse établit le lien entre les relations spatiales, le programme valenciel (Tesnière : 1965), l'ordre des mots en structures prédicatives. Le modèle fonctionnaliste est complété par les paramètres de la sémantique générale de Pottier (1992). Cette thèse apporte un éclairage nouveau avec l'identification du système spatial créole réunionnais, ce qui permet de le classer parmi les langues à cadre verbal et satellitaire (Talmy : 2008). Par les toponymes, le système spatial est ancré dans la mémoire collective créole et l'Histoire insulaire créolophone. La tradition orale créole implique des situations d'illettrisme spécifiques. Nos informateurs témoignent de leurs situations d'analphabétisme, d'illettrisme et de leurs difficultés d'apprentissage. Les retombées didactiques et pédagogiques de notre recherche contribuent à la remédiation ainsi qu'à l'outillage pour l'apprentissage du système spatial français. / Our thesis, entitled Linguistic dynamic of spatial relationships in Reunion Creole and its contribution to the illiteracy issue, fits in descriptive linguistic questioning the problematic of spatiality with tools and methods of functional linguistic in dynamic synchrony for Reunion Creole (Martinet : 1989, Staudacher-Valliamée : 1999). Surveys conducted in the field of Reunion Creole speakers gather a corpus of 24 idiolects in a representative sampling including several age groups, geographical locations and difficulty to practice French (official language of the department). Syntactic and prosodic analysis of spatial relationships relies on a sampling of 607 predicative phrases. This thesis establishes the link between spatial relationships, valence program (Tesnière : 1965), word order in predicative structures. The functionalist model is completed by Pottier's general semantic parameters (1992). This thesis brings a new perspective with the identification of the Reunion Creole spatial system, which allows its classification among the framework of verbal and satellite languages (Talmy : 2008). By the place of names, spatial system is rooted in Creole collective memory and Reunion Creole speaker insular History. Oral creole tradition involves specific situations of illiteracy. Our informants demonstrate their analphabetism, illiteracy and their learning difficulties. The didactic and educational fallout from our research contribute to the remediation and tooling for the learning of French spatial system descriptive linguistic.

The purpose of the present study was to develop the Descriptive Death Scale (DDS), a brief, descriptive and multidimensional measure that assesses individual perceptions of single death experiences. The DDS has the potential to expand how death experiences are understood in the literature because it can serve as a tool for grievers to quantitatively contextualize their single death experiences instead of indicating only the mode of death. From a constructivist perspective, the adjectives included in the DDS are parcels of meaning that symbolically contextualize grievers’ subjective understanding. Drawing from qualitative research, I compiled a broad list of 65 adjectives that grievers and terminally ill patients have used to describe past and impending deaths. My online recruitment process resulted in a sample of respondents (<i>N</i> = 572) who identified primarily as White/European American, cisgender female and heterosexual (83%, 85%, and 83%, respectively). Their ages ranged from 18 to 80 (<i>M = </i>43.13, <i>SD =</i> 13.40). The results of the EFA indicated a 5-factor structure; however, the CFA analysis/ESEM indicated that a 4-factor model better fit the data. The DDS subscales (i.e., Incomprehensible, Warm, Withering, Ostracized) include a total of 27-items and scores on each subscale displayed good internal consistency and convergent and discriminant validity. The results from the regression analysis indicated that the Incomprehensible, Warm and Withering death subscales contributed significantly and positively to grief distress, beyond closeness to the deceased and age of the deceased. The DDS assesses the nuanced and unique profiles of grievers’ perceptions of single deaths. It can serve as an important and novel tool for researchers and clinicians to capture grievers multidimensional and subjective understanding of their death experiences. With single word items, it is brief, easy to use, and versatile across domains.

Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Human Nutrition / Edgar Chambers IV / Companies introduce new products with the goal of achieving success. However, many products fail. The overall objective of this research was to design processes for determining sensory and market characteristics of food products that could predict success. The first sub-objective was to determine if success could be predicted using information known before launch. The second sub-objective was to describe a process for determining specific sensory characteristics that promote success. Most methods chosen for this research are commonly used. However, previous research has identified a relationship between consumers liking and salivation, without defining a method. Thus, three salivation methods were selected for initial testing: spit, cotton rolls and sensory scale. These were tested on foods with different textures. Although all methods gave similar results, the spit method was chosen for further testing of flavor differences. Differences in salivation measurements were found for snacks where flavors were different but texture was unchanged. Next, flavored snack products from 15 countries were selected that were successful or had failed. Questionnaires were completed for each product and included questions related to authenticity, familiarity, current trends, packaging and marketplace issues such as product competition and pricing, all of which would be known before launch. A discriminant function was developed that correctly identified 75.8% of the successful flavored snack products as successful and 66.7% of the unsuccessful products as unsuccessful. Stepwise comparisons were used to determine that four variables are necessary to correctly categorize these products. The products then were clustered into three groups to select 34 products from 11 countries for further sensory testing. Information from extensive sensory descriptive methods were evaluated individually and in various combinations through stepwise regression and discriminant analysis. The final sensory model correctly predicted all successful and unsuccessful products, had an R-square of 0.84 and included nine regression factors: seven flavor attributes and two flavor attribute ratios. Many of the attributes were base flavor notes necessary for this flavored snack category. A process for selecting key attributes for success was described. For this snack category, creating products with flavors that interact well with base flavor notes can lead to a successful product.

Challenging behaviour poses problems for teachers globally and yet very little research has been done with regard to the teacher-learner relationship and what challenging behaviour does to the teacher. The goal of this study was to explore teachers’ experiences of challenging behaviour within their relationships with learners that display challenging behaviour regarding teacher’s self-configuration. A qualitative approach was pursued in the form of an interpretive descriptive design in order to gain a better understanding of the teachers’ self-configuration experiences. For the purpose of this study the field theory was used as the theoretical framework, viewing teachers in their environment, specifically focusing on the teacher-learner relationship. A total of 12 teachers were purposefully selected from a school in Observatory, Johannesburg. The data were collected through in-depth interviews. Additionally, incomplete sentences were used to enrich data and to enhance trustworthiness. Triangulation was ensured by using two data collection methods to increase the credibility and validity of the results. The interviews and incomplete sentences were recorded via audio recording equipment. The recordings were then transcribed in order to identify emerging themes and subthemes. Thematic analysis was used once the data had been transcribed in order to gain meaningful information. This study revealed teachers’ self-configuration experiences in their relationships with learners with challenging behaviour and experienced their relationships with these children as a foundation for self-configuration. Teachers’ self-configuration is embedded in their different selves at school and their love and passion for teaching are reduced due to negative emotions. Experiences within the relationship escalate to the home environment and challenging behaviour causes stress for teachers. Teachers viewed challenging behaviour as behaviour that is an internal challenge for the learner, but also behaviour that is directed externally towards the teacher and other learners. Trust and respect, class size, individual attention and communication were identified elements contributing to self-configuration within the teacher-learner relationship. This study showed the importance of relationships in the school context and specifically focused on teachers’ self-configuration. / MA (Psychology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Challenging behaviour poses problems for teachers globally and yet very little research has been done with regard to the teacher-learner relationship and what challenging behaviour does to the teacher. The goal of this study was to explore teachers’ experiences of challenging behaviour within their relationships with learners that display challenging behaviour regarding teacher’s self-configuration. A qualitative approach was pursued in the form of an interpretive descriptive design in order to gain a better understanding of the teachers’ self-configuration experiences. For the purpose of this study the field theory was used as the theoretical framework, viewing teachers in their environment, specifically focusing on the teacher-learner relationship. A total of 12 teachers were purposefully selected from a school in Observatory, Johannesburg. The data were collected through in-depth interviews. Additionally, incomplete sentences were used to enrich data and to enhance trustworthiness. Triangulation was ensured by using two data collection methods to increase the credibility and validity of the results. The interviews and incomplete sentences were recorded via audio recording equipment. The recordings were then transcribed in order to identify emerging themes and subthemes. Thematic analysis was used once the data had been transcribed in order to gain meaningful information. This study revealed teachers’ self-configuration experiences in their relationships with learners with challenging behaviour and experienced their relationships with these children as a foundation for self-configuration. Teachers’ self-configuration is embedded in their different selves at school and their love and passion for teaching are reduced due to negative emotions. Experiences within the relationship escalate to the home environment and challenging behaviour causes stress for teachers. Teachers viewed challenging behaviour as behaviour that is an internal challenge for the learner, but also behaviour that is directed externally towards the teacher and other learners. Trust and respect, class size, individual attention and communication were identified elements contributing to self-configuration within the teacher-learner relationship. This study showed the importance of relationships in the school context and specifically focused on teachers’ self-configuration. / MA (Psychology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Human Nutrition / Delores H. Chambers / A green tea descriptive sensory lexicon was developed by a highly trained panel, which identified, defined, and referenced 31 flavor attributes of green tea. The attributes were categorized as “green” (asparagus, beany, Brussels sprout, celery, parsley, spinach, green beans, and green herb-like), “brown” (ashy/sooty, brown spice, burnt/scorched, nutty, and tobacco), “fruity/floral” (fruity, floral/perfumy, citrus, and fermented), “mouthfeel” (astringent and tooth-etching), “basic tastes” (overall sweet and bitter), and other attributes (almond, animalic, grain, musty/new leather, mint, seaweed, and straw-like). Using the green tea lexicon, the flavor differences that exist among a wide range of green teas (n=138) produced in various countries were determined. Roast-processed teas were mostly responsible for brown-related flavors and steam-processed teas were mostly responsible for green-related flavors. Aroma analyses of green tea showed that the concentration of volatile compounds were much lower than stated in the literature. Brown, brown-related attributes, bitterness, and astringency became stronger and green and green-related attributes become weaker as the brewing time lengthened (1, 2, 5, and 20 min) and the water temperature increased (50, 70, 95°C). The flavor characteristics of roast-processed, steam processed, or roast-steam-processed Korean green teas differed only in their characterizing green flavors. The flavor and aroma of green teas change after sequential brewings. Green teas in leaf form can be brewed four times: the first two brews providing stronger flavor and aroma characteristics whereas the third and fourth brews will provide milder flavor and aroma characteristics. The flavor and aroma change in green teas that are stored over two years were observed at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after their original packaging dates. Green tea changes minimally during the first year of storage and only slightly more during the first two years of storage. Consumer studies and descriptive evaluations were conducted to understand what green tea flavor characteristics influence US consumers' liking. Twelve green tea samples were evaluated by three consumer groups from Korea, Thailand, and the United States. The current research suggests that familiarity plays a role in tea acceptance. However, various flavor profiles may be acceptable to consumers who are familiar with other flavors of green tea.

Selon la Société québécoise de la douleur (2005), des milliers de Québécois souffrent actuellement d'un problème de douleur chronique (DC) pour laquelle le traitement et la prise en charge sont souvent inadéquats. L'introduction des Groupes de médecine de famille (GMF) où les infirmières jouent un rôle clé dans le suivi des problèmes de santé chroniques représente un contexte favorable pour un meilleur suivi des personnes aux prises avec de la DC (MSSS, 2002). Objectifs: Cette étude a pour objectifs de décrire les activités réalisées par les infirmières oeuvrant en GMF en rapport avec la gestion de la douleur chez la clientèle souffrant de DC, de décrire leurs connaissances et croyances à ce sujet, les barrières et les facteurs associés aux activités qu'elles effectuent en gestion de la douleur. Méthode: Un dispositif descriptif corrélationnel transversal de type enquête a été utilisé. La population accessible provient d'une liste de l'Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec recensant les infirmières en GMF ayant donné leur autorisation à être rejointes pour des fins de recherche. Deux questionnaires postaux auto-administrés ont été envoyés à 195 infirmières. De ce nombre, 53 ont répondu aux questionnaires. Pour répondre aux trois premiers objectifs, une analyse descriptive des deux questionnaires utilisés a été réalisée. Des corrélations de Spearman ont été effectuées afin de vérifier la présence d'association entre les activités en gestion de la douleur et les autres variables. Résultats : Les trois activités qui ont été le plus souvent réalisées par les infirmières sont d'établir une relation thérapeutique avec le client; de réaliser des discussions avec le médecin sur l'efficacité des mesures thérapeutiques et de faire un enseignement personnalisé au client. Pour le niveau des connaissances et les croyances des infirmières, leur résultat moyen pondéré est de 61,5%. Le nombre moyen de personnes rencontrées par les infirmières qui souffrent de douleur chronique est de 2,68 personnes par semaine. Douze activités infirmières sont aussi corrélées avec le nombre de personnes rencontrées souffrant de la douleur chronique. Les principales barrières que les infirmières en GMF perçoivent sont la méconnaissance des interventions possibles en douleur (71,7%) et la non-disponibilité de l'information sur la gestion de la douleur (52,8%). Conclusion : Les infirmières au sein des GMF font peu d'activités en gestion de la DC, mais elles sont ouvertes à jouer un rôle plus important. Néanmoins, pour cela, il serait nécessaire de mettre en place des mécanismes de formation continue et de soutien pour ces infirmières.

Dans le contexte où plusieurs études démontrent que la relation thérapeutique est l’un des meilleurs prédicteurs des résultats thérapeutiques (Castonguay & Beutler, 2006; Lambert & Barkley, 2001), la présente recherche au design qualitatif s’intéresse aux interventions thérapeutiques relationnelles selon une approche relationnelle contemporaine : La Psychothérapie Gestaltiste des Relations d’Objet (PGRO). Cette approche considère que les interventions relationnelles sont au cœur du processus thérapeutique et un levier essentiel de changement. Elle définit deux champs d’interventions liées à la relation thérapeutique : le champ I, l’ici-et-maintenant de la relation thérapeute client, et le champ II, l’histoire de cette relation thérapeutique. La recherche présente deux niveaux d’objectifs. Le premier vise à décrire les composantes des interventions du travail psychothérapeutique dans les champs I et II selon la PGRO et le deuxième vise à opérationnaliser par illustration les composantes des interventions en champs I et II. Une analyse phénoménologique de réduction descriptive et une analyse de contenu de la description par douze thérapeutes d’expérience formés à la PGRO de leur pratique clinique ont permis de définir des composantes liées 1) à la nature des interventions en champs I et II, 2) aux déclencheurs, 3) aux buts de ces interventions, 4) aux processus en jeu dans l’élaboration de telles interventions par le thérapeute. Les questions, les difficultés et les satisfactions des thérapeutes liées à la pratique de ces interventions ont été ensuite répertoriées. L’analyse de contenu d’exemples d’interventions en champs I et II a également permis de comprendre la nature de ces interventions. Finalement, les résultats ont pu être par la suite opérationnalisés et validés par le biais de verbatim d’entrevues PGRO provenant de l’école de formation à la PGRO (CIG). Les retombées de cette recherche sont avant tout d’ordre clinique. Elles ouvrent sur la possibilité d’activités de formation et de réflexion auprès d’intervenants intéressés à l’approche PGRO.

Software developers adapt to the fast-moving nature of software systems with agile development techniques. However, database developers lack the tools and concepts to keep pace. Data, already existing in a running product, needs to be evolved accordingly, usually by manually written SQL scripts. A promising approach in database research is to use a declarative database evolution language, which couples both schema and data evolution into intuitive operations. Existing database evolution languages focus on usability but did not aim for completeness. However, this is an inevitable prerequisite for reasonable database evolution to avoid complex and error-prone workarounds. We argue that relational completeness is the feasible expressiveness for a database evolution language. Building upon an existing language, we introduce CoDEL. We define its semantic using relational algebra, propose a syntax, and show its relational completeness.