Skeletonization, thinning and thickening algorithms and their applications to Arabic characters.

Dept. of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Paper copy at Leddy Library: Theses & Major Papers - Basement, West Bldg. / Call Number: Thesis1988 .T455. Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 40-07, page: . Thesis (M.A.Sc.)--University of Windsor (Canada), 1988

Linear lexicographic optimization and preferential bidding system

Some airlines use the preferential bidding system to construct the schedules of their pilots. In this system, the pilots bid on the different activities and the schedules that lexicographically maximize the scores of the pilots according to their seniority are selected. A sequential approach to solve this maximization problem is natural: the problem is first solved with the bids of the most senior pilot; then it is solved with those of the second most senior without decreasing the score of the most senior, and so on. The literature admits that the structure of the problem somehow imposes such an approach. The problem can be modeled as an integer linear lexicographic program. We propose a new exact method, which relies on column generation for solving its continuous relaxation. To design this column generation, we prove that bounded linear lexicographic programs admit "primal-dual" feasible bases and we show how to compute such bases efficiently. Another contribution on which our exact method relies consists in the extension of standard tools for resource-constrained longest path problems to their lexicographic versions. This is useful in our context since the generation of new columns is modeled as a lexicographic resource-constrained longest path problem. Numerical experiments show that this new method is already able to solve industrial instances provided by Air France, with up to 150 pilots. By adding a last ingredient in the resolution of the longest path problems, which exploits the specificity of the preferential bidding system, the method achieves for these instances computational times that are compatible with operational constraints

The integration of photovoltaic panels system in net-zero energy buildings under Mediterranean climate

From an ecological perspective, sustainability alternatives require, on the one hand, the reduction ofenergy consumption and, on the other hand, taking advantage of so-called renewable primary energiessuch as: solar, wind, hydraulic, geothermal energy., biomass, etc. Among these so-called clean energyresources, solar energy is available at all levels of the earth. Through this study, we will try to highlight the importance and effectiveness of solar energy as arelevant alternative to integrate into the net zero energy architectural design process that aims to use solar energy to power the energy needs of a building while ensuring that the latter only consumes the energy it produces. The goal is to minimize dependence on external energy sources and maximize the use of renewable energy sources to obtain a self-sufficient, net-zero energy building. The aim of this research is firstly to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of integrating these systems, and secondly to evaluate the economic and environmental benefits of using them. This paper carried out an experimental study on the integration of a photovoltaic system within a cultural centre. The objective is to study the impact of this installation on the building's annual energy consumption, and the possibility of making the building a zero-energy building by installing a photovoltaic system. This was done using Retscreen clean energy awareness software. According to the results, the photovoltaic system integrated into the project generates 961,847.20 kWh of electricity per year, covering 74.33% of the building's annual electricity consumption. This reduces the annual electricity bill by 25%

Contribution to the study of some aspects of pollination in six varieties of apricot in the region of M'sila (Algeria)

The present work consists in contributing to the study of pollination. Field observations and tests were carried out on six varieties of apricot in the region of M'sila, "Pavit", "Boulida" "Alarbi","Tounsi","Ben sarmouk" and "Louzi rouge". For natural self-pollination, the branches were covered to avoid cross-pollination, and the fruit set was determined. Controlled pollination was carried out using pollen and pollen from the other trees that bloom at about the same time. The fruit set rate was determined after counting the fruits in relation to the number of blooming flowers. The rate of fruit set varies from one variety to another. Alarbi with 62.5%, Louzi with 69.7%, Tounssi with 56.5%, Bulida with 50.7%, Ben Sermouk with 23.2% and Pavit with 45.8%. The bagging rate of the bagged branch obtained at the end of the physiological fall did not show any significant differences between the varieties and ranged between 77.50% for Alarbi and 41.22% for Pavit. The results show that the number of fruits after manual crossing is zero for all crops. All varieties tested are self-compatible and no cross-compatibility group has been guessed on the tested growths, from self-pollination and inter-pollination

Etude expérimentale de la rupture ostéoporotique du col fémoral

L'ostéoporose est une maladie qui affaiblit la structure de l'os par la détérioration de l'architecture trabéculaire et par la diminution de l'épaisseur corticale et l'augmentation de sa porosité. Malgré le coût de santé public, son dépistage n'est pas systématique, et n'est basé que sur l'évaluation de la minéralisation d'un volume osseux à partir de sa projection plane. Aucune information directe sur la structure n'est donnée. Dans le but d'étudier la contribution de la structure osseuse dans la résistance de la partie proximale du fémur, un protocole expérimental simulant la phase d'appui monopodal de la marche, a été développé. Ces essais ont permis de mesurer l'effort à la rupture nécessaire pour provoquer des fractures au niveau du col fémoral semblables aux observations cliniques. Les résultats expérimentaux, serviront à développer un modèle numérique basé sur la théorie des poutres, pour étudier la contribution de l'enveloppe cortical et des faisceaux trabéculaires dans la résistance de la partie proximale du fémur

Modélisation numérique d'un fémur ostéoporotique: avant et après implantation d'une prothèse totale de hanche

International audienceNot availableLa résistance de l'os dépend de son état de minéralisation et de sa géométrie, qui eux même dépendent des sollicitations supportées. Ainsi l'os optimise sa masse et sa géométrie à travers le processus de remodelage et améliore sa portance. Ce phénomène peut être altéré par des déséquilibres métaboliques comme l'ostéoporose ou par des traumatismes. Il en résulte en général des fractures, dont les plus importantes sont celles qui touchent la partie proximale du fémur. La conséquence directe de ce type de fracture est le remplacement de l'articulation par une Prothèse Totale de Hanche (PTH). Le nombre d’implantations prothétiques ne cesse d’augmenter compte tenu de l’allongement de l’espérance de vie des patients. Dans la pathologie de l'ostéoporose, la résistance osseuse est essentiellement altérée par des mécanismes de dégradation de la structure. La résistance est ainsi altérée et conduit à une fracture. De même, la mise en place d'une PTH pour remplacer l'articulation, perturbe le régime des sollicitations physiologiques et mécaniques. Ainsi l'os est soumis à un nouvel environnement mécanique qui se traduit localement par des variations de champs de contraintes perturbants ainsi le remodelage osseux déjà touché par l'ostéoporose. L'objectif de ce travail est d'étudier la répartition des contraintes au sein du tissu osseux et l'influence de la perturbation des zones de sollicitations dans un fémur ostéoporotique