Contribution à la modélisation statistique du comportement énergétique et géométrique de la batterie LMP

Les exigences du milieu manufacturier sont grandissantes : compétitivité accrue, cycle de développement raccourci, niveau de qualité supérieur et contraintes environnementales croissantes. Une entreprise dans un contexte de mondialisation se doit constamment d'investir dans la recherche et développement afin de demeurer concurrentielle. C'est dans ce cadre que le présent mémoire se situe. Il s'agit d'un projet de recherche appliqué dans l'industrie de l'énergie. Plus spécifiquement, notre projet est un apport pour le développement d'une nouvelle génération de batterie. Le présent mémoire se veut une modeste contribution à la modélisation des comportements géométriques et énergétique de la batterie Lithium-Métal-Polymère (LMP) développée par Avestor (Boucherville, Québec). Par modèle, nous désignons une construction mathématique semi-empirique qui vise la reproduction du comportement statistique des caractéristiques critiques de la batterie LMP: la hauteur (contrainte d'assemblabilité), les occurrences de courts-circuits (contraintes environnementales et sécuritaires) et la capacité énergétique (contrainte concurrentielle). L'établissement d'un modèle efficient nous conduira à la phase de 1 'optimisation (contraintes économiques). Durant notre étude, le formalisme statistique sera incorporé et employé. Les résultats seront exprimés par des espérances selon un niveau de confiance préétabli. Nous démontrons que, dans le cas étudié, l'usage des indices de capabilité traditionnels n'est pas suffisant pour maîtriser les variations. Nous démontrons aussi que, selon la méthode d'assemblage retenue, l'effet de l'auto corrélation n'est pas négligeable. Nous développons un nouveau formalisme mathématique pour les inclure. Finalement, nous proposons, pour 1 'usage industriel, l'utilisation de nouveaux indices de capabilité dits de la deuxième génération

Validating intravascular imaging with serial optical coherence tomography and confocal fluorescence microscopy

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases are characterized by the formation of a plaque in the arterial wall. Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) provides high-resolution images allowing delineation of atherosclerotic plaques. When combined with near infrared fluorescence (NIRF), the plaque can also be studied at a molecular level with a large variety of biomarkers. In this work, we present a system enabling automated volumetric histology imaging of excised aortas that can spatially correlate results with combined IVUS/NIRF imaging of lipid-rich atheroma in cholesterol-fed rabbits. Pullbacks in the rabbit aortas were performed with a dual modality IVUS/NIRF catheter developed by our group. Ex vivo three-dimensional (3D) histology was performed combining optical coherence tomography (OCT) and confocal fluorescence microscopy, providing high-resolution anatomical and molecular information, respectively, to validate in vivo findings. The microscope was combined with a serial slicer allowing for the imaging of the whole vessel automatically. Colocalization of in vivo and ex vivo results is demonstrated. Slices can then be recovered to be tested in conventional histology

A collaborative model to implement flexible, accessible and efficient oncogenetic services for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer : the C-MOnGene study

Medical genetic services are facing an unprecedented demand for counseling and testing for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) in a context of limited resources. To help resolve this issue, a collaborative oncogenetic model was recently developed and implemented at the CHU de Québec-Université Laval; Quebec; Canada. Here, we present the protocol of the C-MOnGene (Collaborative Model in OncoGenetics) study, funded to examine the context in which the model was implemented and document the lessons that can be learned to optimize the delivery of oncogenetic services. Within three years of implementation, the model allowed researchers to double the annual number of patients seen in genetic counseling. The average number of days between genetic counseling and disclosure of test results significantly decreased. Group counseling sessions improved participants' understanding of breast cancer risk and increased knowledge of breast cancer and genetics and a large majority of them reported to be overwhelmingly satisfied with the process. These quality and performance indicators suggest this oncogenetic model offers a flexible, patient-centered and efficient genetic counseling and testing for HBOC. By identifying the critical facilitating factors and barriers, our study will provide an evidence base for organizations interested in transitioning to an oncogenetic model integrated into oncology care; including teams that are not specialized but are trained in genetics

Perceptions of emergency medicine residents of multisource feedback : different, relevant, and useful information

Objective Multisource feedback is a process through which different members of the care team assess and provide feedback on residents’ competencies, usually those that are less often addressed by traditional assessment methods (i.e., communication, collaboration, professionalism). Feasibility and reliability of multisource feedback have been addressed in prior research. The present study explored emergency residents’ perceptions of multisource feedback provided by teaching physicians, nurses, and patients they have worked with during a rotation in an emergency department. Methods A multisource feedback intervention was proposed to residents during nine months in the emergency department of a tertiary-care university hospital. Residents distributed feedback questionnaires to physicians, nurses, and patients that focused on competencies (collaboration, communication, and professionalism) from the CanMEDS framework. Responses were compiled and reported to participating residents. To assess residents’ perceptions of multisource feedback, semi-structured group and individual interviews were held three months after the intervention. Transcripts were analyzed qualitatively following Miles and Huberman’s method for intra-site case analysis. Results According to residents (n=10), each source (physicians, nurses, patients) provided relevant comments that differed significantly in their content. Physicians focused primarily on medical expertise, nurses addressed competencies related to leadership, collaboration, and communication, and patients commented on the competencies of professionalism and communication. Residents concluded that obtaining feedback from nurses and patients was acceptable and useful. They reported modifying certain behaviours after receiving the multisource feedback. Conclusion Residents perceived the multisource feedback to be acceptable and useful for the assessment of medical competencies such as communication, collaboration, professionalism, and leadership