Wine production in rural area of Bekaa - Lebanon

Although wine production has an extremely long history across Lebanon, it is relatively suffering from a loss of identity due to globalization, and the huge rupture that occurred during the Islamic era. A development of a collective strategy that focuses on brand identity and territorial promotion is a must for an identity development. Luckily the rich history and culture of Lebanon, make them great assets to build upon them this identity. Accordingly, in this thesis we are going to seek the current vineyard landscapes, vineyards and the cultural potentials that the wine industry has, having the Bekaa region as our framework, and propose upon these potentials and characteristics a touristic map which could be used in a collective development strategy to guide landscape valorisation and wine identity development; Résumé: Bien que la production de vin ait une histoire extrêmement longue au Liban, elle souffre relativement d'une perte d'identité due à la mondialisation et à l'énorme rupture qui s'est produite pendant l'ère islamique. L'élaboration d'une stratégie collective axée sur l'identité de marque et la promotion territoriale est indispensable au développement de l'identité. Heureusement, la richesse de l'histoire et de la culture du Liban en font de grands atouts pour construire sur eux cette identité. Par conséquent, dans cette thèse, nous allons rechercher les paysages viticoles actuels, les vignobles et les potentiels culturels dont dispose l'industrie du vin, en ayant la région de la Bekaa comme cadre, et proposer sur ces potentiels et caractéristiques une carte touristique qui pourrait être utilisée dans une stratégie de développement collectif pour guider la valorisation des paysages et le développement de l'identité du vin; Resumo: Produção de vinho na zona rural de Bekaa - Líbano Embora a produção de vinho tenha uma história extremamente longa em todo o Líbano, sofre relativamente de uma perda de identidade devido à globalização, e à enorme ruptura que ocorreu durante a era islâmica. O desenvolvimento de uma estratégia colectiva centrada na identidade da marca e na promoção territorial é um imperativo para o desenvolvimento de uma identidade. Felizmente, a rica história e cultura do Líbano, fazem deles grandes trunfos para construir sobre eles esta identidade. Assim, nesta tese, vamos procurar as actuais paisagens vitícolas, vinhas e potenciais culturais que a indústria vinícola tem, tendo a região de Bekaa como quadro, e propor sobre estes potenciais e características um mapa turístico que poderia ser utilizado numa estratégia de desenvolvimento colectivo para orientar a valorização da paisagem e o desenvolvimento da identidade do vinho

Dynamic temperature estimation of power electronics systems

This thesis proposes a method for accurate temperature estimation of thermally-aware power electronics systems. The duality between electrical systems and thermal systems was considered for thermal modeling. High dimensional thermal models present a challenge for online estimation. RC (resistor-capacitor) circuits that create a tradeoff between accuracy and complexity were used to simulate the dynamic thermal behavior of power electronics. The complexity of the thermal network was further reduced by applying a structure-preserving model order reduction technique. The reduced order thermal model was an RC circuit with fewer capacitors. Preserving the physical correspondence between the reduced order model and the physical system allows the user to use the reduced order thermal model in the sensor placement optimization process. The accuracy of the thermal estimates can be easily increased by increasing the number of sensors in the system. However, a large number of sensors increases the cost and complexity of the system. It might also interfere with the circuit design and create packaging problems. An optimal number and optimal placement of temperature sensors was found. The optimal sensor placement problem was solved by maximizing the trace of observability Gramian. The optimal number of temperature sensors was based on the state estimation error obtained from a Kalman filter. The dynamic thermal behavior of the power electronics systems was represented by a linear state space model by applying the conservation of energy principle. Therefore, assuming Gaussian noise, it is well-known that a Kalman filter is an optimal estimator for such systems. A continuous-discrete Kalman filter was used to estimate the dynamic thermal behavior of power electronics systems using an optimal number of temperature sensors placed at optimal locations. The proposed method was applied on 2-D and 3-D power electronics systems. Theoretical results were validated experimentally using IR thermal imaging and thermocouples. It was shown that the proposed method can accurately reconstruct the dynamic temperature profile of power electronics systems using a small number of temperature sensors

Estimation and fault diagnosis for vehicle energy systems

Driven by a desire to achieve reduced carbon emissions and maintenance costs, along with an increase in efficiency and performance, electrification has become a major trend in modern vehicles. This increase in electrification is accompanied by an increase in thermal power dissipated due to electrical inefficiencies. Consequently, temperature regulation becomes a greater challenge for these safety-critical systems. Electrified vehicles consist of systems of systems that operate over a wide span of energy domains and timescales. To ensure their safe, reliable, and efficient performance, a holistic system perspective for estimation is needed. Accurate dynamic state estimation is critical for two main reasons: 1. Thermal management: This dissertation proposes a system perspective state estimation framework for complex multi-domain and multi-timescale dynamical systems. The framework consists of a multilevel hierarchical network of observers with each level having a unique update rate. To account for the significant interactions between subsystems, a novel bidirectional coordination strategy is developed. Sufficient conditions for the stability and convergence of the hierarchical network are derived. Experimental validation is conducted on a testbed representative of a fluid thermal management system of an electrified aircraft. Closed-loop simulation and experimental results confirm a reduction in computational cost compared to a conventional centralized observer and an increase in estimation accuracy compared to a decentralized observer which ignores coupling between subsystems. 2. Fault diagnosis: This dissertation proposes a robust system-perspective fault diagnosis framework for complex energy systems. Fault detection and isolation is derived from a set of structured residuals obtained from a bank of observers. Robustness is achieved by decoupling the unknown disturbances such as modeling error, linearization error, parameter variation, and noise from the residuals. The proposed approach is validated on a testbed representative of a fluid thermal management system of an electrified aircraft. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate successful fault detection and isolation with no false alarms or missed detections

Secreted Gaussia Luciferase as a Biomarker for Monitoring Tumor Progression and Treatment Response of Systemic Metastases

Currently, only few techniques are available for quantifying systemic metastases in preclinical model. Thus techniques that can sensitively detect metastatic colonization and assess treatment response in real-time are urgently needed. To this end, we engineered tumor cells to express a naturally secreted Gaussia luciferase (Gluc), and investigated its use as a circulating biomarker for monitoring viable metastatic or primary tumor growth and their treatment responses.We first developed orthotopic primary and metastatic breast tumors with derivative of MDA-MB-231 cells expressing Gluc. We then correlated tumor burden with Gluc activity in the blood and urine along with bioluminescent imaging (BLI). Second, we utilized blood Gluc assay to monitor treatment response to lapatinib in an experimental model of systemic metastasis. We observed good correlation between the primary tumor volume and Gluc concentration in blood (R(2) = 0.84) and urine (R(2) = 0.55) in the breast tumor model. The correlation deviated as a primary tumor grew due to a reduction in viable tumor fraction. This was also supported by our mathematical models for tumor growth to compare the total and viable tumor burden in our model. In the experimental metastasis model, we found numerous brain metastases as well as systemic metastases including bone and lungs. Importantly, blood Gluc assay revealed early growth of metastatic tumors before BLI could visualize their presence. Using secreted Gluc, we localized systemic metastases by BLI and quantitatively monitored the total viable metastatic tumor burden by blood Gluc assay during the course of treatment with lapatinib, a dual tyrosine kinase inhibitor of EGFR and HER2.We demonstrated secreted Gluc assay accurately reflects the amount of viable cancer cells in primary and metastatic tumors. Blood Gluc activity not only tracks metastatic tumor progression but also serves as a longitudinal biomarker for tumor response to treatments

Role of surgical hyoid bone repositioning in modifying upper airway collapsibility

Background: Surgical hyoid bone repositioning procedures are being performed to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), though outcomes are highly variable. This is likely due to lack of knowledge regarding the precise influence of hyoid bone position on upper airway patency. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of surgical hyoid bone repositioning on upper airway collapsibility.Methods: Seven anaesthetized, male, New Zealand White rabbits were positioned supine with head/neck position controlled. The rabbit’s upper airway was surgically isolated and hyoid bone exposed to allow manipulation of its position using a custom-made device. A sealed facemask was fitted over the rabbit’s snout, and mask/upper airway pressures were monitored. Collapsibility was quantified using upper airway closing pressure (Pclose). The hyoid bone was repositioned within the mid-sagittal plane from 0 to 5 mm (1 mm increments) in anterior, cranial, caudal, anterior-cranial (45°) and anterior-caudal (45°) directions.Results: Anterior displacement of the hyoid bone resulted in the greatest decrease in Pclose amongst all directions (p = 0.002). Pclose decreased progressively with each increment of anterior hyoid bone displacement, and down by −4.0 ± 1.3 cmH2O at 5 mm. Cranial and caudal hyoid bone displacement did not alter Pclose (p > 0.35). Anterior-cranial and anterior-caudal hyoid bone displacements decreased Pclose significantly (p < 0.004) and at similar magnitudes to the anterior direction (p > 0.68).Conclusion: Changes in upper airway collapsibility following hyoid bone repositioning are both direction and magnitude dependent. Anterior-based repositioning directions have the greatest impact on reducing upper airway collapsibility, with no effect on collapsibility by cranial and caudal directions. Findings may have implications for guiding and improving the outcomes of surgical hyoid interventions for the treatment of OSA

Single Versus Multi-Center Surgeons\u27 Risk-Adjusted Mitral Valve Repair Procedural Outcomes

The purpose of this study is to explore strategies to improve mitral valve repair (MVr) outcomes. This research explores postoperative outcomes of patients undergoing MVr surgery by single center surgeons versus patients of multicenter surgeons. Specific outcomes of interest include 30-day operative mortality, major operative complications (e.g., deep sternal wound infection, permanent stroke, renal dysfunction requiring dialysis, reoperation, and prolonged ventilation), length of stay, and 30-day readmissions. In brief, the serisk-adjusted outcome rates for surgeons that perform mitral valve repair procedures will be compared for surgeons that operate at a single center [i.e. SC surgeons] versus multiple centers [i.e. MC surgeons]. The overarching study hypothesis is: H(0) There will be no difference in the risk-adjusted outcome rates between surgeons that operate at a single center [i.e. SC surgeons] versus multiple centers [i.e. MC surgeons]. Based on prior research, however, it is anticipated that single center surgeons may have superior outcomes compared to multi-center surgeons

Transglutaminase 2 at the Crossroads between Cell Death and Survival

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Geoeconomic variations in epidemiology, ventilation management, and outcomes in invasively ventilated intensive care unit patients without acute respiratory distress syndrome: a pooled analysis of four observational studies

Background: Geoeconomic variations in epidemiology, the practice of ventilation, and outcome in invasively ventilated intensive care unit (ICU) patients without acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) remain unexplored. In this analysis we aim to address these gaps using individual patient data of four large observational studies. Methods: In this pooled analysis we harmonised individual patient data from the ERICC, LUNG SAFE, PRoVENT, and PRoVENT-iMiC prospective observational studies, which were conducted from June, 2011, to December, 2018, in 534 ICUs in 54 countries. We used the 2016 World Bank classification to define two geoeconomic regions: middle-income countries (MICs) and high-income countries (HICs). ARDS was defined according to the Berlin criteria. Descriptive statistics were used to compare patients in MICs versus HICs. The primary outcome was the use of low tidal volume ventilation (LTVV) for the first 3 days of mechanical ventilation. Secondary outcomes were key ventilation parameters (tidal volume size, positive end-expiratory pressure, fraction of inspired oxygen, peak pressure, plateau pressure, driving pressure, and respiratory rate), patient characteristics, the risk for and actual development of acute respiratory distress syndrome after the first day of ventilation, duration of ventilation, ICU length of stay, and ICU mortality. Findings: Of the 7608 patients included in the original studies, this analysis included 3852 patients without ARDS, of whom 2345 were from MICs and 1507 were from HICs. Patients in MICs were younger, shorter and with a slightly lower body-mass index, more often had diabetes and active cancer, but less often chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and heart failure than patients from HICs. Sequential organ failure assessment scores were similar in MICs and HICs. Use of LTVV in MICs and HICs was comparable (42\ub74% vs 44\ub72%; absolute difference \u20131\ub769 [\u20139\ub758 to 6\ub711] p=0\ub767; data available in 3174 [82%] of 3852 patients). The median applied positive end expiratory pressure was lower in MICs than in HICs (5 [IQR 5\u20138] vs 6 [5\u20138] cm H2O; p=0\ub70011). ICU mortality was higher in MICs than in HICs (30\ub75% vs 19\ub79%; p=0\ub70004; adjusted effect 16\ub741% [95% CI 9\ub752\u201323\ub752]; p<0\ub70001) and was inversely associated with gross domestic product (adjusted odds ratio for a US$10 000 increase per capita 0\ub780 [95% CI 0\ub775\u20130\ub786]; p<0\ub70001). Interpretation: Despite similar disease severity and ventilation management, ICU mortality in patients without ARDS is higher in MICs than in HICs, with a strong association with country-level economic status. Funding: No funding

Guidelines for the use and interpretation of assays for monitoring autophagy (3rd edition)

In 2008 we published the first set of guidelines for standardizing research in autophagy. Since then, research on this topic has continued to accelerate, and many new scientists have entered the field. Our knowledge base and relevant new technologies have also been expanding. Accordingly, it is important to update these guidelines for monitoring autophagy in different organisms. Various reviews have described the range of assays that have been used for this purpose. Nevertheless, there continues to be confusion regarding acceptable methods to measure autophagy, especially in multicellular eukaryotes. For example, a key point that needs to be emphasized is that there is a difference between measurements that monitor the numbers or volume of autophagic elements (e.g., autophagosomes or autolysosomes) at any stage of the autophagic process versus those that measure fl ux through the autophagy pathway (i.e., the complete process including the amount and rate of cargo sequestered and degraded). In particular, a block in macroautophagy that results in autophagosome accumulation must be differentiated from stimuli that increase autophagic activity, defi ned as increased autophagy induction coupled with increased delivery to, and degradation within, lysosomes (inmost higher eukaryotes and some protists such as Dictyostelium ) or the vacuole (in plants and fungi). In other words, it is especially important that investigators new to the fi eld understand that the appearance of more autophagosomes does not necessarily equate with more autophagy. In fact, in many cases, autophagosomes accumulate because of a block in trafficking to lysosomes without a concomitant change in autophagosome biogenesis, whereas an increase in autolysosomes may reflect a reduction in degradative activity. It is worth emphasizing here that lysosomal digestion is a stage of autophagy and evaluating its competence is a crucial part of the evaluation of autophagic flux, or complete autophagy. Here, we present a set of guidelines for the selection and interpretation of methods for use by investigators who aim to examine macroautophagy and related processes, as well as for reviewers who need to provide realistic and reasonable critiques of papers that are focused on these processes. These guidelines are not meant to be a formulaic set of rules, because the appropriate assays depend in part on the question being asked and the system being used. In addition, we emphasize that no individual assay is guaranteed to be the most appropriate one in every situation, and we strongly recommend the use of multiple assays to monitor autophagy. Along these lines, because of the potential for pleiotropic effects due to blocking autophagy through genetic manipulation it is imperative to delete or knock down more than one autophagy-related gene. In addition, some individual Atg proteins, or groups of proteins, are involved in other cellular pathways so not all Atg proteins can be used as a specific marker for an autophagic process. In these guidelines, we consider these various methods of assessing autophagy and what information can, or cannot, be obtained from them. Finally, by discussing the merits and limits of particular autophagy assays, we hope to encourage technical innovation in the field

Dynamic GABAergic afferent modulation of AgRP neurons

Agouti-related peptide (AgRP) neurons of the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARC) promote homeostatic feeding at times of caloric insufficiency, yet they are rapidly suppressed by food-related sensory cues prior to ingestion. Here we identify a highly selective inhibitory afferent to AgRP neurons that serves as a neural determinant of this rapid modulation. Specifically, GABAergic projections arising from the ventral compartment of the dorsomedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (vDMH) contribute to the pre-consummatory modulation of ARCAgRP neurons. In a manner reciprocal to ARCAgRP neurons, ARC-projecting leptin receptor (LepR)-expressing GABAergic DMH neurons exhibit rapid activation upon availability of food that additionally reflects the relative value of the food. Thus, DMHLepR neurons form part of the sensory network that relays real-time information about the nature and availability of food to dynamically modulate ARCAgRP neuron activity and feeding behavior