Centre Technique Cuir Chaussure Maroquinerie (France)

Abstract Biostimulants are increasingly used in agriculture to promote plant growth, improve stress tolerance, and support sustainable farming practices. One common method of production is chemical hydrolysis of protein‐rich waste, such as tannery by‐products, offering an economical and eco‐friendly alternative to conventional raw materials. This approach aligns with the principles of the circular economy by transforming industrial waste into valuable agricultural inputs. This study investigates the first stage of biostimulant production, alkaline hydrolysis at elevated temperatures, by analyzing the interplay between reaction kinetics, conversion efficiency, and operational costs. Through experimental data and kinetic modelling using a first‐order reaction and the Arrhenius equation, key parameters such as activation energy and frequency factor were established. A techno‐economic evaluation was conducted to determine optimal operating conditions, emphasizing the importance of the cost ratio between the reactor and evaporator. The results show that higher conversion rates and shorter reaction times are achievable with optimized temperature and cost parameters. Pilot‐scale validation (100 L) confirmed process scalability, and preliminary field trials on maize demonstrated effects comparable to those of commercial products. These insights contribute to the advancement of scalable and cost‐effective hydrolysis methods for producing biostimulants from waste protein sources.

Lung cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Early-stage lung cancer can be treated surgically with curative intent. This thesis explores three advancements beyond existing European “Enhanced Recovery After Surgery” guidelines to optimize lung surgery outcomes.<br/>First, the adoption of the least invasive surgical approach called uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has shown to be oncologically safe, providing similar or better postoperative outcomes compared to the traditional multiportal VATS approach. Moreover, learning this approach is safe and can be achieved within 26 procedures. Second, three-dimensional lung reconstructions, using both commercial and open-source software, improve surgical planning by identifying anatomical variations and optimizing lung nodule localization. Lastly, a no-chest-drain policy for selected patients undergoing wedge resections reduces the length of hospital stay without compromising safety.<br/>In conclusion, each of the innovations discussed in this thesis can further enhance surgical lung cancer care, offering improved recovery and outcomes for patients.

The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive review of the current literature on test techniques that imitate the contact phase between the shoe and the ground to study shoe wear over time. Scoping review. Peer-reviewed studies were identified from electronic databases using a structured keyword search and a screening process. Relevant characteristics have been classified into three fields: the control of the test machines, the characteristics of the foot-ankle complex machine control and the outputs of the mechanical tests. Eight peer-reviewed studies were retrieved after screening and further analyzed. They described seven different machines and testing arrangements presenting different mechanical designs and controls. The most advanced machines not only controlled the kinematic of shod passive prosthesis, but also included a form of control of the vertical ground reaction forces and the use of an active foot system with two joints. Still, the resulting foot kinematics and ground reaction forces remained far from those of a real human when the machines simulate walking or running at a realistic speed. Moreover, none of the reviewed studies presented results of wear tests for a long period of time. This review summarizes the different mechanical approaches described in existing shoe wear study literature. Although none of the reviewed studies proposed a fully satisfying mechanical solution, they presented encouraging results. The most promising concepts and the remaining research tracks have been identified.