Un des principaux challenges pour prédire la composition, la structure et la dynamique des communautés végétales est de déterminer comment l’environnement biotique et abiotique va modifier la direction et l’amplitude des interactions entre plantes. L’objectif de ma thèse est de mettre en évidence le rôle prépondérant des interactions complexes (impliquant plus de deux compartiments biotiques) dans la dynamique forestière et plus particulièrement dans la dynamique de régénération des ligneux d’intérêt sylvicole tel que le chêne sessile. Les résultats soulignent l’importance de prendre en compte : (i) l’effet des cervidés sur les patrons de réponses des interactions entre plantes le long des gradients de ressources, (ii) les interactions indirectes et notamment la facilitation indirecte, (iii) des paramètres démographiques différents en relation avec la phénologie des espèces en présence, (iv) la séparation des mécanismes sous-jacents à une interaction écologique multiple via un suivi des conditions environnementales. Ainsi, ma thèse appuie l’idée que les gestions se focalisant sur une unique pression et ignorant les autres pressions ne sont pas capables de maintenir des populations d’espèces cibles car elles ne tiennent pas compte des interactions multiples. Ceci souligne l’importance d’utiliser des stratégies complémentaires pour permettre la pérennité des écosystèmes forestiers et notamment une régénération suffisante dans le cadre des changements globaux que sont le changement climatique et la surabondance de cervidés. / One of the main challenges to predict vegetation dynamics and plant community composition is to identify how biotic and abiotic factors modify the nature and magnitude of plant-plant interactions. The objective of my thesis is to highlight the leading role of multiple interactions (involving more than two biotic compartments) in forest understory dynamics and more specifically regeneration dynamics of target species such as sessile oak. The results emphasize the importance of: (i) effects of deer on response patterns of plant-plant interactions along resource gradients, (ii) indirect interactions, in particular indirect facilitation, (iii) demographic parameters in relation to species phenology, (iv) distinguishing among underlying mechanisms of multiple interactions thanks to environmental monitoring. Thus, my thesis supports the idea that management practices focusing on a single pressure, while ignoring others, are unable to conserve populations of target species because they don’t consider multiple interactions. This highlights the importance to use complementary management strategies to achieve sustainability in the context of global changes (climatic change and deer overabundance).

Background Identifying orthologous molecular markers that potentially resolve relationships at and below species level has been a major challenge in molecular phylogenetics over the past decade. Non-coding regions of nuclear low- or single-copy markers are a vast and promising source of data providing information for shallow-scale phylogenetics. Taking advantage of public transcriptome data from the One Thousand Plant Project (1KP), we developed a genome-scale mining strategy for recovering potentially orthologous single-copy markers to address low-scale phylogenetics. Our marker design targeted the amplification of intron-rich nuclear single-copy regions from genomic DNA. As a case study we used Hydrangea section Cornidia, one of the most recently diverged lineages within Hydrangeaceae (Cornales), for comparing the performance of three of these nuclear markers to other "fast" evolving plastid markers. Results Our data mining and filtering process retrieved 73 putative nuclear single-copy genes which are potentially useful for resolving phylogenetic relationships at a range of divergence depths within Cornales. The three assessed nuclear markers showed considerably more phylogenetic signal for shallow evolutionary depths than conventional plastid markers. Phylogenetic signal in plastid markers increased less markedly towards deeper evolutionary divergences. Potential phylogenetic noise introduced by nuclear markers was lower than their respective phylogenetic signal across all evolutionary depths. In contrast, plastid markers showed higher probabilities for introducing phylogenetic noise than signal at the deepest evolutionary divergences within the tribe Hydrangeeae (Hydrangeaceae). Conclusions While nuclear single-copy markers are highly informative for shallow evolutionary depths without introducing phylogenetic noise, plastid markers might be more appropriate for resolving deeper-level divergences such as the backbone relationships of the Hydrangeaceae family and deeper, at which non-coding parts of nuclear markers could potentially introduce noise due to elevated rates of evolution. The herein developed and demonstrated transcriptome based mining strategy has a great potential for the design of novel and highly informative nuclear markers for a range of plant groups and evolutionary scales.

This study explores the complex relationship between radical right rhetoric and the genre of apocalyptic rhetoric. The radical right consists of the White Nationalist and Patriot movements, two common "hate group" movements in the United States. The Klanwatch (1998d) explains that the number of hate groups in the United States grew by 20 percent in 1997. They attribute much of this growth to the movement's use of the Internet. Although these hate groups are highly diverse, Christian Identity is a common theology to which many members of the radical right adhere.This study analyzes two artifacts representational of Christian Identity rhetoric. These artifacts were found on the Web site of the Northwest Kinsmen, a radical right group from the Pacific Northwest. Christian Identity is a "pseudo-Christian" theology that claims that white Christians are the true Israelites and that Jews are actually "children of Satan." Christian Identity followers believe that there will be a racial war (i.e., racial apocalypse) in which white Christians will triumph over the forces of evil (Abanes, 1996).This study utilizes the rhetorical method of generic criticism to determine that the Christian Identity rhetoric present on the Northwest Kinsmen's Web site is apocalyptic rhetoric. Generic theory, the theoretical foundation of this study, argues that rhetorical genres have common situational, substantive, and stylistic features and a common "organizing principle" that unifies the genre. Therefore, this study compares the key features of apocalyptic rhetoric to the Northwest Kinsmen artifacts. Through this study, a greater understanding of the social reality, beliefs, attitudes, and values of the radical right, Christian Identity rhetors is obtained.This study discovers that the Christian Identity rhetoric found on the Northwest Kinsmen's Web site is apocalyptic rhetoric. This study illustrates that these Christian Identity rhetors believe that they are living in a chaotic world of inexplicable problems. Through apocalyptic rhetoric, the rhetors help explain the "crises" facing the audience and therefore restore order in their lives. Specifically, this study shows how these apocalyptic rhetors utilize conspiracy theories to restore order. Additionally, it illustrates how the rhetorical strategies associated with apocalyptic rhetoric (i.e., typology, transfer, and style and language) are used to enhance the credibility of the rhetor and the legitimacy of even the most racist assertions. Finally, this study provides insight into the use of the Internet by radical right groups. / Department of Speech Communication

Background Identifying orthologous molecular markers that potentially resolve relationships at and below species level has been a major challenge in molecular phylogenetics over the past decade. Non-coding regions of nuclear low- or single-copy markers are a vast and promising source of data providing information for shallow-scale phylogenetics. Taking advantage of public transcriptome data from the One Thousand Plant Project (1KP), we developed a genome-scale mining strategy for recovering potentially orthologous single-copy markers to address low-scale phylogenetics. Our marker design targeted the amplification of intron-rich nuclear single-copy regions from genomic DNA. As a case study we used Hydrangea section Cornidia, one of the most recently diverged lineages within Hydrangeaceae (Cornales), for comparing the performance of three of these nuclear markers to other 'fast' evolving plastid markers. Results Our data mining and filtering process retrieved 73 putative nuclear single-copy genes which are potentially useful for resolving phylogenetic relationships at a range of divergence depths within Cornales. The three assessed nuclear markers showed considerably more phylogenetic signal for shallow evolutionary depths than conventional plastid markers. Phylogenetic signal in plastid markers increased less markedly towards deeper evolutionary divergences. Potential phylogenetic noise introduced by nuclear markers was lower than their respective phylogenetic signal across all evolutionary depths. In contrast, plastid markers showed higher probabilities for introducing phylogenetic noise than signal at the deepest evolutionary divergences within the tribe Hydrangeeae (Hydrangeaceae). Conclusions While nuclear single-copy markers are highly informative for shallow evolutionary depths without introducing phylogenetic noise, plastid markers might be more appropriate for resolving deeper-level divergences such as the backbone relationships of the Hydrangeaceae family and deeper, at which non-coding parts of nuclear markers could potentially introduce noise due to elevated rates of evolution. The herein developed and demonstrated transcriptome based mining strategy has a great potential for the design of novel and highly informative nuclear markers for a range of plant groups and evolutionary scales.

This master thesis deals with the implementation of variants of cryptographic libraries containing primitives for elliptic curves. By creating custom metering charts to compare each implementation. The main task was not only the implementation of libraries but also the design and implementation of test scenarios together with the creation of measurement methods for different libraries and hardware platforms. As a result, a number of experimental tests were conducted on different curves and their parameters so that the results of the work included complex problems of elliptic curves in cryptography. The main parameters were power, time and memory consumption.

Cette recherche s’intéresse à comprendre le vécu expérientiel d’intervenant.es de la protection de la jeunesse ayant travaillé auprès d’un groupe sectaire. Le premier objectif est de décrire leur vécu ainsi que les effets perçus de l’intervention aux plans personnel et professionnel. Ensuite, les facteurs ayant influencé leur vécu sont explorés. En dernier, des pistes afin d’améliorer le vécu des intervenant.es sont dégagées en prévision d’intervention dans des contextes similaires. Les contenus d’entrevues individuelles réalisées auprès de douze intervenant.es des équipes de l’évaluation et de l’application des mesures ayant travaillé dans la situation ciblée ont été soumis à une analyse thématique. Les résultats soulèvent plusieurs facteurs influençant la façon dont l’expérience est vécue par les intervenant.es, particulièrement selon l’étape du processus de la protection de la jeunesse. Les deux équipes décrivent une expérience différente. D’un côté, l’équipe de l’évaluation rapporte un vécu lourd et intense. D’un autre côté, les intervenant.es de l’application des mesures décrivent une expérience décevante et frustrante. De plus, selon les répondant.es, l’intervention a eu des effets dans les sphères personnelles (ex. affective) et professionnelles (ex.satisfaction au travail). Les participant.es de l’étude proposent des pistes d’amélioration en lien avec l’organisation et les conditions de travail ainsi qu’avec le soutien psychologique. Le mandat d’intervention différent des deux équipes ainsi que la présence de facteurs de risque associés au développement de difficultés émotionnelles semblent expliquer la distinction entre les vécus. En somme, l’intervention auprès d’un groupe s’apparentant à un mouvement sectaire constitue un contexte de travail exceptionnel et exigeant. Des mesures précoces pour assurer le bien-être ainsi que le soutien psychologique et clinique sont importantes afin d’améliorer le vécu expérientiel. / This research project sought to understand the lived experiences of child protective services caseworkers who intervened with a sect. The primary objective was to describe the CPS caseworkers’ experiences and their perception of the effects of the intervention on their personal and professional lives. Second, the factors that influenced their lived experiences were explored. Last, ways to improve CPS caseworkers’ lived experiences were identified, with a view to future interventions in similar settings. Thematic analysis was performed on the content of the individual interviews conducted with 12 CPS members of the assessment and service provision teams who had worked in the setting in question. The results point to a number of factors that influenced their lived experiences, in particular in relation to specific stages of the child protection process. The two teams described quite different experiences. On the one hand, the assessment team reported an intense, stressful experience. In contrast, the service provision team spoke of a disappointing, frustrating experience. Furthermore, the respondents said that the intervention impacted the personal (e.g., emotional) and professional (e.g., job satisfaction) spheres of their lives. Study participants suggested ways to improve their lived experiences in terms of organization and working conditions, as well as through psychological support. The differences between the lived experiences of the two teams would appear to stem from their different intervention mandates and the presence of risk factors associated with the development of emotional issues. To sum up, CPS intervention with members of a sect-like movement is an exceptional, very demanding work environment. It is essential to take early measures to ensure CPS caseworker well-being and provide psychological support and clinical supervision in order to improve their lived experiences.

Text in Afrikaans / Vanuit sekere kwalitatiewe navorsingsmetodes, word literatuurstudie van Kwa Sizabantoe Sending gedoen (KSB). Die rede is om 'n gefundeerde antwoord te vind vir die verskille in opinies oor KSB. In Hoofstuk 1 word die probleem geskets en na die verslag van die Evangeiiese Atiiansie gekyk. Dan volg iniigting oor die navorser sowel as die werkswyses wat gevolg word. Hoofstuk 3 gee 'n samevatting van die geskiedenis van KSB en die Stegen-famiiie. Hoofstuk 4 behandel die unieke literatuurbronne waaroor die navorser beskik. Die Evangeiiese Alliansie beweer dat daar 'n misbruik van bonatuurlike geestelike ervarings op KSB is, Die gevolg is elitistiese en paternalistiese optredes. Dit gee aanleiding tot interne spanninge en probleme. Hierdie bewering word in bespreek in Hoofstukke 5 - 7 . Hoofstuk 8 gee opsomming en bespreking van die bevindinge. In Hoofstuk 9 word gepoog om 'n basisteorie te formuleer en om 'n oplossing voor te stel. / Using certain qualitative methods, a literature study is done on Kwa Siza Bantu Mission (KSB). The reason is to come to a conclusive answer to the difference in opinions with regards to KSB. Chapter 1 gives an overview of the problem as well as the result of the inquiry of the Evangelical Alliance into KSB. Information on the researcher as well as his research methods follow. Chapter 3 is a summery of the history of KSB and the Stegen family. In Chapter 4 a review is made of the unique literature. From Chapter 5 - 7 a statement of the Evangelical Alliance is discussed. The statement implies that the misuse of supernatural experiences, iead to paternalistic or elitistic methods resulting in tensions and divisions. Chapter 8 discusses the findings and Chapter 9 tries to formulate a base-theory and suggests some solutions to the problems of KSB, / Practical Theology / M.Th. (Practical Theology)

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This master's thesis is focused on negative effects of sects on one's life and on ways a social worker can help with this. The thesis accents profession ethics of social workers. The thesis explains the term sect and problems surrounding its use. Using professional literature, it describes how a social worker should proceed when working with former sect or new religion members.

Text in Afrikaans / Vanuit sekere kwalitatiewe navorsingsmetodes, word literatuurstudie van Kwa Sizabantoe Sending gedoen (KSB). Die rede is om 'n gefundeerde antwoord te vind vir die verskille in opinies oor KSB. In Hoofstuk 1 word die probleem geskets en na die verslag van die Evangeiiese Atiiansie gekyk. Dan volg iniigting oor die navorser sowel as die werkswyses wat gevolg word. Hoofstuk 3 gee 'n samevatting van die geskiedenis van KSB en die Stegen-famiiie. Hoofstuk 4 behandel die unieke literatuurbronne waaroor die navorser beskik. Die Evangeiiese Alliansie beweer dat daar 'n misbruik van bonatuurlike geestelike ervarings op KSB is, Die gevolg is elitistiese en paternalistiese optredes. Dit gee aanleiding tot interne spanninge en probleme. Hierdie bewering word in bespreek in Hoofstukke 5 - 7 . Hoofstuk 8 gee opsomming en bespreking van die bevindinge. In Hoofstuk 9 word gepoog om 'n basisteorie te formuleer en om 'n oplossing voor te stel. / Using certain qualitative methods, a literature study is done on Kwa Siza Bantu Mission (KSB). The reason is to come to a conclusive answer to the difference in opinions with regards to KSB. Chapter 1 gives an overview of the problem as well as the result of the inquiry of the Evangelical Alliance into KSB. Information on the researcher as well as his research methods follow. Chapter 3 is a summery of the history of KSB and the Stegen family. In Chapter 4 a review is made of the unique literature. From Chapter 5 - 7 a statement of the Evangelical Alliance is discussed. The statement implies that the misuse of supernatural experiences, iead to paternalistic or elitistic methods resulting in tensions and divisions. Chapter 8 discusses the findings and Chapter 9 tries to formulate a base-theory and suggests some solutions to the problems of KSB, / Philosophy, Practical and Systematic Theology / M.Th. (Practical Theology)