Nested Explorative Maps: A new 3D canvas for conceptual design in architecture

International audienceIn this digital age, architects still need to alternate between paper sketches and 3D modeling software for their designs. Indeed, while 3D models enable to explore different views, creating them at very early stages might reduce creativity since they do not allow to superpose several tentative designs nor to refine them progressively, as sketches do. To enable exploratory design in 3D, we introduce Nested Explorative Maps, a new system dedicated to interactive design in architecture. Our model enables coarse to fine sketching of nested architectural structures, enabling to progressively sketch a 3D building from floor plan to interior design, thanks to a series of nested maps able to spread in 3D. Each map allows the visual representation of uncertainty as well as the interactive exploration of the alternative, tentative options. We validate the model through a user study conducted with professional architects, enabling us to highlight the potential of Nested Explorative Maps for conceptual design in architecture.En cette ère du numérique, les architectes doivent encore alterner entre le croquis papier et logiciels de modélisation 3D afin de réaliser leurs conceptions. En effet, les modèles 3D permettent d’explorer différentes vues mais leur création à un stade très précoce peut impliquer une perte de la créativité car ils ne permettent pas de superposer plusieurs plans provisoires ni de les affiner progressivement, comme le font les esquisses. Pour permettre la conception exploratoire dans l'espace 3D, nous présentons Nested Explorative Maps, un nouveau système dédié à la conception interactive en architecture. Notre modèle permet de dessiner du grossier aux détails des structures architecturales imbriquées, afin de dessiner progressivement un bâtiment en 3D, du plan à la décoration intérieure, grâce à une série de cartes imbriquées capables de se répandre en 3D. Chaque carte permet de représenter visuellement l’incertitude et d’explorer de manière interactive les différentes options possibles. Une étude utilisateur réalisée auprès d'architectes professionnels nous a permis de valider notre modèle et de mettre en évidence le potentiel des cartes exploratoires imbriquées pour la conception conceptuelle en architecture

COIL: a methodology for evaluating malarial complexity of infection using likelihood from single nucleotide polymorphism data.

International audienceComplex malaria infections are defined as those containing more than one genetically distinct lineage of Plasmodium parasite. Complexity of infection (COI) is a useful parameter to estimate from patient blood samples because it is associated with clinical outcome, epidemiology and disease transmission rate. This manuscript describes a method for estimating COI using likelihood, called COIL, from a panel of bi-allelic genotyping assays. COIL assumes that distinct parasite lineages in complex infections are unrelated and that genotyped loci do not exhibit significant linkage disequilibrium. Using the population minor allele frequency (MAF) of the genotyped loci, COIL uses the binomial distribution to estimate the likelihood of a COI level given the prevalence of observed monomorphic or polymorphic genotypes within each sample. COIL reliably estimates COI up to a level of three or five with at least 24 or 96 unlinked genotyped loci, respectively, as determined by in silico simulation and empirical validation. Evaluation of COI levels greater than five in patient samples may require a very large collection of genotype data, making sequencing a more cost-effective approach for evaluating COI under conditions when disease transmission is extremely high. Performance of the method is positively correlated with the MAF of the genotyped loci. COI estimates from existing SNP genotype datasets create a more detailed portrait of disease than analyses based simply on the number of polymorphic genotypes observed within samples. The capacity to reliably estimate COI from a genome-wide panel of SNP genotypes provides a potentially more accurate alternative to methods relying on PCR amplification of a small number of loci for estimating COI. This approach will also increase the number of applications of SNP genotype data, providing additional motivation to employ SNP barcodes for studies of disease epidemiology or control measure efficacy. The COIL program is available for download from GitHub, and users may also upload their SNP genotype data to a web interface for simple and efficient determination of sample COI

The cyborg’s house : learning, transmitting, inhabiting a digital world

Le contexte numérique, à comprendre dans sa double dimension technique et culturelle, produit des nouvelles relations au savoir ; la tradition « livresque » de transmission d’un contenu explicite laisse place à un régime documentaire revalorisant la capacité de l’usager à se saisir d’un système inachevé. Les architectures conçues pour l’apprentissage sont, dans ce contexte, remises en question.Une analyse des relations entre architecture et informatique dans les dernières décennies apporte des éléments de compréhension : l’architecture a été prise comme modèle pour construire l’environnement informatique et, au-delà des emprunts sémantiques, c’est sa responsabilité – la prise en charge de la mémoire – qui semble avoir été déplacée vers l’(architecture) informatique. Le modèle du « théâtre de la mémoire », immobilisant son occupant pour lui donner à voir une signification prédéterminée du monde, s’est alors vu concurrencé par d’autres pensées organisant le déplacement et l’apprentissage.Mais cette grille de lecture est insuffisante, et la problématique est à reformuler dans le cadre proposé par Alan Turing. Le modèle computationnel, mis en relation avec le système logique de Ludwig Wittgenstein, produit des relations renégociées entre calcul et pensée, entre humain et machine. Dans un monde co-occupé par des machines apprenantes, les pratiques de l'apprentissage sont reformulées dans un rapport renouvelé entre un modèle et son usage. Surtout, le déplacement numérique de la notion de signification – de l’explicite vers l’implicite – pourrait constituer alors une fondation pour proposer quelques hypothèses constitutives d’une pensée numérique de l’architecture.The digital context, understood as both a technical and a cultural phenomenon, produces new relationships to knowledge. The “bookish” paradigm of transmission is being challenged by documentary practices enabling the user to take hold of an uncompleted knowledge structure. Within this framework, there is a strong need for reevaluating physical buildings conceived for learning.The situation can be apprehended by looking at the interactions between architecture and computer sciences during the last decades. Architecture was taken as a model to build the virtual environment and, most importantly, we believe that the historical responsibility of architecture – taking charge of memory – was displaced towards (computer) architecture. But this shift does not replicate the pattern of « the theater of memory » that organizes the transfer of a set of predetermined meanings into the mind of a sedentary inhabitant. Instead, incoming models foster movement and learning.The hypothesis of a « digital caesurae » requires then a further reading : the problematic needs to be rephrased within the computational framework built by Alan Turing. We have chosen to embed our argument into Ludwig Wittgenstein’s logical system in order to disclose the main features of the computational thinking : renewed relations between thinking and calculating, between human and machine. Learning relies on a new kind of balance between the logical model and the use we make of it. Most of all, we will focus on the shift of the concept of meaning, from an explicit existence to an implicit one : this may constitute a relevant « foundation » to build hypotheses for a digital thinking of architecture

La maison du cyborg. Apprendre, transmettre, habiter un monde numérique.

The digital context, understood as both a technical and a cultural phenomenon, produces new relationships to knowledge. The “bookish” paradigm of transmission is being challenged by documentary practices enabling the user to take hold of an uncompleted knowledge structure. Within this framework, there is a strong need for reevaluating physical buildings conceived for learning. The situation can be apprehended by looking at the interactions between architecture and computer sciences during the last decades. Architecture was taken as a model to build the virtual environment and, most importantly, we believe that the historical responsibility of architecture – taking charge of memory – was displaced towards (computer) architecture. But this shift does not replicate the pattern of « the theater of memory » that organizes the transfer of a set of predetermined meanings into the mind of a sedentary inhabitant. Instead, incoming models foster movement and learning. The hypothesis of a « digital caesurae » requires then a further reading : the problematic needs to be rephrased within the computational framework built by Alan Turing. We have chosen to embed our argument into Ludwig Wittgenstein’s logical system in order to disclose the main features of the computational thinking : renewed relations between thinking and calculating, between human and machine. Learning relies on a new kind of balance between the logical model and the use we make of it. Most of all, we will focus on the shift of the concept of meaning, from an explicit existence to an implicit one : this may constitute a relevant « foundation » to build hypotheses for a digital thinking of architecture.Le contexte numérique, à comprendre dans sa double dimension technique et culturelle, produit des nouvelles relations au savoir ; la tradition « livresque » de transmission d’un contenu explicite laisse place à un régime documentaire revalorisant la capacité de l’usager à se saisir d’un système inachevé. Les architectures conçues pour l’apprentissage sont, dans ce contexte, remises en question. Une analyse des relations entre architecture et informatique dans les dernières décennies apporte des éléments de compréhension : l’architecture a été prise comme modèle pour construire l’environnement informatique et, au-delà des emprunts sémantiques, c’est sa responsabilité – la prise en charge de la mémoire – qui semble avoir été déplacée vers l’(architecture) informatique. Le modèle du « théâtre de la mémoire », immobilisant son occupant pour lui donner à voir une signification prédéterminée du monde, s’est alors vu concurrencé par d’autres pensées organisant le déplacement et l’apprentissage. Mais cette grille de lecture est insuffisante, et la problématique est à reformuler dans le cadre proposé par Alan Turing. Le modèle computationnel, mis en relation avec le système logique de Ludwig Wittgenstein, produit des relations renégociées entre calcul et pensée, entre humain et machine. Dans un monde co-occupé par des machines apprenantes, les pratiques de l'apprentissage sont reformulées dans un rapport renouvelé entre un modèle et son usage. Surtout, le déplacement numérique de la notion de signification – de l’explicite vers l’implicite – pourrait constituer alors une fondation pour proposer quelques hypothèses constitutives d’une pensée numérique de l’architecture

Architecture et numérique, deux ontologies solidaires : D'une mémoire visible à une mémoire convertie

Au milieu du siècle dernier, une période fondatrice de relations entre architecture et informatique a donné lieu à la production d’espaces déracinés, conçus pour permettre le mouvement des usagers et leur apprentissage dans le monde. Mais quelques décennies plus tard, d’autres propositions architecturales semblent reposer la question de la transmission et de l’autochtonie. Pour saisir ce que nous dit la reformulation numérique de ces enjeux, il faut observer que le déplacement de l’architecture vers l’architecture informatique est surtout le déplacement d’une responsabilité : celle de la prise en charge de la mémoire, qui, dans ce glissement, quitte le champ de la visibilité. Avons-nous dès lors à penser une nouvelle responsabilité architecturale ?During the middle of the 20th century, architecture and computing science shared a common and seminal history that led to the production of uprooted spaces made for users’ learning through nomadism. A few decades later though, another type of projects seems to bring back the idea of architecture as rooted and transmitting something to the inhabitant. To fully understand what is at stake here, one may notice that the shift from architecture to computer architecture is mainly a displacement of a historical responsibility towards memory. In this process, memory leaves the realm of the visible and becomes something more of a recognizable. Then do we have to think of a new responsibility for architecture

Outbreaks of Disease Possibly Due to a Natural Avian Herpesvirus Infection in a Colony of Young Magnificent Frigatebirds (Fregata magnificens)in French Guiana

International audienceThe Ile du Grand Connétable nature reserve is a rocky island off the Northern Atlantic coast of South America that hosts a unique population of Magnificent Frigatebirds (Fregata magnificens, Pelecaniformes). A high chick mortality, associated with nodular proliferative lesions, involving featherless areas, such as legs, neck, eyelids, and beak, was recorded during a consecutive 2 yr and affected almost half of the generation. Investigations were, therefore, conducted to determine the cause of these epidemics. Although histopathologic investigations suggested that malnutrition, because of fewer resources in the Frigates' fishing area, could be the cause of the epidemic, a novel alphaherpesvirus, tentatively called Fregata magnificens herpesvirus, was detected in cutaneous crusts on the diseased birds. Although in this study, we do not prove the causal link of this new virus to the symptoms observed, it can nevertheless be suggested that in debilitated hosts, a productive herpesvirus infection might accelerate, and/or be accelerated by, population declines. These results emphasize the need to take into consideration the possible role of herpesviruses in weakened populations of wild birds in conservation management plans

Emerging infectious diseases and new pandemics: dancing with a ghost! Lessons in inter- and transdisciplinary research in French Guiana, South America

In light of current international public health challenges, calls for inter- and transdisciplinary research are increasing, particularly in response to complex and intersecting issues. Although widely used under the One Health flag, it is still unclear how inter- and transdisciplinary science should be applied to infectious disease research, public health, and the different stakeholders. Here, we present and discuss our common scientific and biomedical experience in French Guiana, South America to conduct and enrich research in vector-borne and zoonotic infectious diseases, with the aim to translate findings to public health and political stakeholders. We highlight the successful progressive dissolution of disciplinary boundaries that go beyond One Health positive-driven assumptions and argue that specific local conditions, as well as strong support from research and medical institutions, have facilitated an emulsion toward inter- and transdisciplinary science. This argument is intended to improve responses to public health concerns in French Guiana and other countries and regions of the world

Recent demographic history and present fine-scale structure in the Northwest Atlantic leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) turtle population.

The leatherback turtle Dermochelys coriacea is the most widely distributed sea turtle species in the world. It exhibits complex life traits: female homing and migration, migrations of juveniles and males that remain poorly known, and a strong climatic influence on resources, breeding success and sex-ratio. It is consequently challenging to understand population dynamics. Leatherbacks are critically endangered, yet the group from the Northwest Atlantic is currently considered to be under lower risk than other populations while hosting some of the largest rookeries. Here, we investigated the genetic diversity and the demographic history of contrasted rookeries from this group, namely two large nesting populations in French Guiana, and a smaller one in the French West Indies. We used 10 microsatellite loci, of which four are newly isolated, and mitochondrial DNA sequences of the control region and cytochrome b. Both mitochondrial and nuclear markers revealed that the Northwest Atlantic stock of leatherbacks derives from a single ancestral origin, but show current genetic structuration at the scale of nesting sites, with the maintenance of migrants amongst rookeries. Low nuclear genetic diversities are related to founder effects that followed consequent bottlenecks during the late Pleistocene/Holocene. Most probably in response to climatic oscillations, with a possible influence of early human hunting, female effective population sizes collapsed from 2 million to 200. Evidence of founder effects and high numbers of migrants make it possible to reconsider the population dynamics of the species, formerly considered as a metapopulation model: we propose a more relaxed island model, which we expect to be a key element in the currently observed recovering of populations. Although these Northwest Atlantic rookeries should be considered as a single evolutionary unit, we stress that local conservation efforts remain necessary since each nesting site hosts part of the genetic diversity and species history

Sampling sites and haplotype distribution of the control region (mitochondrial DNA) in the leatherback turtle, <i>Dermochelys coriacea.</i>

<p>Sampling sites and haplotype distribution of the control region (mitochondrial DNA) in the leatherback turtle, <i>Dermochelys coriacea.</i></p