Angers University Research Articles

Exavir : mise en place et évaluation de l’acquisition de compétences en pharmacologie expérimentale par des étudiants en pharmacie

With the evolution of European and French regulations on animal experimentation in higher education, taking greater account of animal welfare, the University of Angers has developed a virtual animal experimentation software named Exavir. Used for practical work (PW) in physiology, pharmacology and toxicology in the Health, Sciences, and engineering curricula, Exavir can be used to simulate various experiments for teaching purposes, in vivo or ex vivo. Thanks to an original approach integrating serious games with different scenarios, students gain autonomy and become directly involved in their learning. In addition, Exavir's collaborative and participative development approach fosters inter-university partnerships and the emergence of innovative teaching methods. A hybrid pilot study carried out on a sample of 22 students in the Pharmacy Department of the Faculty of Health showed that Exavir improved students' acquisition of teaching skills in both physiology and pharmacology, compared with practical work only based on animal organs. These encouraging results demonstrate for the first time the pedagogical advantages of Exavir and confirm the interest in developing such a platform. In this context, it appears that Exavir also opens up the possibility of adapting the practical work offered within universities, and thus responding to the changing ethical issues of the coming decades.

Religious Excitement in Ancient Anatolia: Cult and Devotional Forms for Solar and Lunar Gods by Iulian Moga. Translated into English by Alina Piftor

This book is a contribution to the growing body of scholarship on Anatolian cult practice, focusing on the distinctive regional cults that flourished in the interior of Anatolia during the Roman era. The work owes its origins to a doctoral dissertation developed at Alexander Ioan Cuza University in Iaşi, Romania, and defended at the University of Angers, France. The author’s objective is to examine Anatolian cults of the Roman Empire period that use solar and lunar symbolism. The work is divided into two broad sections. The first describes the Anatolian deities that the author identifies as solar and lunar gods and discusses their rituals and the place of their cults in Anatolian society. The second contains a compilation of the literary testimonia and epigraphical texts that furnish the primary data for solar and lunar cults in Anatolia.

Implementation of a MS/MS database for isoquinoline alkaloids and other annonaceous metabolites

This data descriptor reports on the upload to a public repository (GNPS) of the IQAMDB, IsoQuinoline and Annonaceous Metabolites Data Base, comprising 320 tandem mass spectra. This project originated from our in-house collection of isoquinolines. The diversity of compounds included in this database was further extended through the contribution of two additional laboratories involved in isoquinoline alkaloids research: University of Angers and University of Manaus. The generated MS/MS data were processed and annotated on an individual basis to promote their straightforward reuse by natural product chemists interested in either the description of new isoquinoline alkaloids or the dereplication of isoquinoline-containing samples. The interest of the current repertoire for dereplication purposes has been validated based on the molecular networking of the well-investigated plant model Annona montana against the IQAMDB‐implemented GNPS.

The Body in Motion – AIDOC Study Day

The symposium entitled “The Body in Motion” took place on September 10th, 2020 at Maison de la Recherche Germaine Tillion (MRGT) in the University of Angers (France). It was organized by an interdisciplinary organization mainly composed of Ph.D. candidates and young researchers called the AIDOC and chaired by Louise Coueffe at the time of the scholarly event. The latter was supported by various research units (3L.AM, ESO, TEMOS) and federative research structures (IRPaLL, SFR Confluences). As...

Serving and studying during COVID-19 pandemic.

The Clinical TeacherVolume 18, Issue 3 p. 224-225 INSIGHTS Serving and studying during COVID-19 pandemic Cédric Annweiler, Corresponding Author Cédric Annweiler [email protected] orcid.org/0000-0002-7199-8109 Director, School of Medicine, Health Faculty, University of Angers, Angers, France Correspondence Cédric Annweiler, School of Medicine, Health Faculty, University of Angers, F-49100 Angers, France. Email: [email protected]Search for more papers by this authorFrédéric Lagarce, Frédéric Lagarce Director, School of Pharmacy, Health Faculty, University of Angers, Angers, FranceSearch for more papers by this authorNicolas Lerolle, Nicolas Lerolle Dean, Health Faculty, University of Angers, Angers, FranceSearch for more papers by this author Cédric Annweiler, Corresponding Author Cédric Annweiler [email protected] orcid.org/0000-0002-7199-8109 Director, School of Medicine, Health Faculty, University of Angers, Angers, France Correspondence Cédric Annweiler, School of Medicine, Health Faculty, University of Angers, F-49100 Angers, France. Email: [email protected]Search for more papers by this authorFrédéric Lagarce, Frédéric Lagarce Director, School of Pharmacy, Health Faculty, University of Angers, Angers, FranceSearch for more papers by this authorNicolas Lerolle, Nicolas Lerolle Dean, Health Faculty, University of Angers, Angers, FranceSearch for more papers by this author First published: 25 October 2020 https://doi.org/10.1111/tct.13297 FUNDING: None Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL No abstract is available for this article. Volume18, Issue3June 2021Pages 224-225 RelatedInformation

Does 3D stereoscopy support anatomical education?

The teaching of anatomy in medical education has historically been based on lectures, cadaveric dissections, and illustrated books for students. Stereoscopic 3D videos are now easily accessible via smartphone and affordable for students. This study aimed to investigate whether a 3D stereoscopic instruction video could improve learning over 2D video. A prospective controlled study on a single-site was conducted at the University of Angers. Content knowledge was assessed, followed by the presentation of an instructional neuroanatomy video. Participants watched the video in either 3D or 2D format, then they completed an anatomy written test. Pre-video and post-video performances were analyzed with independent t tests on total score, fundamental anatomical knowledge, anatomical relationships and reasoning. 175 subjects completed the study. At baseline, the 3D (n = 91) and 2D (n = 86) groups were similar, in age and class level. 3D and 2D scores were similar in the pre-test session and in the fundamental knowledge post-test (mean 73.2% vs 74.4%, p = 0.37). Average scores for the 3D group were better for the post-test regarding anatomical relationships (mean 86.4% vs. 63.5%, p = 0.004), clinical inference/reasoning (mean 76.8% vs. 67.6%, p = 0.023) and total note (mean 76.8% vs. 67.6%, p = 0.07). Regarding the 3D student's satisfaction questionnaire (n = 91), 70 students (77%) agreed that the stereoscopic video allowed good 3D visualization of anatomical structures. The student enjoyed using the stereoscopic video (n = 75, 82.5%). Most students supported the use of this kind of stereoscopic 3D video in their normal teaching as a complementary tool (n = 78, 85%). The incorporation of 3D videos as ancillary teaching into curricula could be of interest to improve the knowledge of anatomical relationships and reasoning among students.

Helicene Bis(pyrazol‐1‐yl)pyridine Ligands for Luminescent Transition‐Metal Complexes

AbstractInvited for the cover of this issue is Narcis Avarvari from the University of Angers, France. The cover image shows one of the helicene‐based ligands that has been designed and coordinated to transition metal ions for the preparation of luminescent complexes.

Maternal ageing impairs mitochondrial DNA kinetics during early embryogenesis in mice.

Does ageing affect the kinetics of the mitochondrial pool during oogenesis and early embryogenesis? While we found no age-related change during oogenesis, the kinetics of mitochondrial DNA content and the expression of the factors involved in mitochondrial biogenesis appeared to be significantly altered during embryogenesis. Oocyte mitochondria are necessary for embryonic development. The morphological and functional alterations of mitochondria, as well as the qualitative and quantitative mtDNA anomalies, observed during ovarian ageing may be responsible for the alteration of oocyte competence and embryonic development. The study, conducted from November 2016 to November 2017, used 40 mice aged 5-8weeks and 45 mice aged 9-11months (C57Bl6/CBA F(1)). A total of 488 immature oocytes, with a diameter ranging from 20μm to more than 80μm, were collected from ovaries, and 1088 mature oocytes or embryos at different developmental stages (two PN, one-cell, i.e. syngamy, two-cell, four-cell, eight-cell, morula and blastocyst) were obtained after ovarian stimulation and, for embryos, mating. Mitochondrial DNA was quantified by quantitative PCR. We used quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) (microfluidic method) to study the relative expression of three genes involved in the key steps of embryogenesis, i.e. embryonic genome activation (HSPA1) and differentiation (CDX2 and NANOG), two mtDNA genes (CYB and ND2) and five genes essential for mitochondrial biogenesis (PPARGC1A, NRF1, POLG, TFAM and PRKAA). The statistical analysis was based on mixed linear regression models applying a logistic link function (STATA v13.1 software), with values of P< 0.05 being considered significant. During oogenesis, there was a significant increase in oocyte mtDNA content (P< 0.0001) without any difference between the two groups of mice (P= 0.73). During the first phase of embryogenesis, i.e. up to the two-cell stage, embryonic mtDNA decreased significantly in the aged mice (P< 0.0001), whereas it was stable for young mice (young/old difference P= 0.015). The second phase of embryogenesis, i.e. between the two-cell and eight-cell stages, was characterized by a decrease in embryonic mtDNA for young mice (P= 0.013) only (young/old difference P= 0.038). During the third phase, i.e. between the eight-cell and blastocyst stage, there was a significant increase in embryonic mtDNA content in young mice (P< 0.0001) but not found in aged mice (young/old difference P= 0.002). We also noted a faster expression of CDX2 and NANOG in the aged mice than in the young mice during the second (P= 0.007 and P= 0.02, respectively) and the third phase (P= 0.01 and P= 0.008, respectively) of embryogenesis. The expression of mitochondrial genes CYB and ND2 followed similar kinetics and was equivalent for both groups of mice, with a significant increase during the third phase (P< 0.01). Of the five genes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis, i.e. PPARGC1A, NRF1, POLG, TFAM and PRKAA, the expression of three genes decreased significantly during the first phase only in young mice (NRF1, P= 0.018; POLGA, P= 0.002; PRKAA, P= 0.010), with no subsequent difference compared to old mice. In conclusion, during early embryogenesis in the old mice, we suspect that the lack of a replicatory burst before the two-cell stage, associated with the early arrival at the minimum threshold value of mtDNA, together with the absence of an increase of mtDNA during the last phase, might potentially deregulate the key stages of early embryogenesis. N/A. Because of the ethical impossibility of working on a human, this study was conducted only on a murine model. As superovulation was used, we cannot totally exclude that the differences observed were, at least partially, influenced by differences in ovarian response between young and old mice. Our findings suggest a pathophysiological explanation for the link observed between mitochondria and the deterioration of oocyte quality and early embryonic development with age. This work was supported by the University of Angers, France, by the French national research centres INSERM and the CNRS and, in part, by PHASE Division, INRA. There are no competing interests.

Arylamine Based Photoactive Push-Pull Molecular Systems: A Brief Overview of the Chemistry "Made in Angers".

This mini review aims at taking stock of some arylamine based push-pull chromophores developed in the "Systèmes Conjugués Linéaires" (SCL) group at the University of Angers. Selected examples highlight more than a decade of design principles and strategies implemented to afford simple and accessible soluble molecular donors as active material for organic solar cells (OSCs).

France-Based Scholars Researching Minority Groups in the Field: A Symposium

The editors asked four French scholars specializing in American studies a series of five questions regarding their experience of conducting fieldwork, the challenges they faced, and how they met them. The following is a collaborative contribution, a discussion among the four contributors. The four authors are Yohann Le Moigne (University of Angers), who is a specialist of turf-based gang rivalries in the Los Angeles metropolitan area; Caroline Laurent (University of Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne), who does research on casinos on Indian reservations in the Midwest; Rim Latrache (University of Paris 13 Villetaneuse), who specializes on the construction and expression of Arab and Muslim identities in the United States; and Mathieu Bonzom (University of Orléans), whose work focuses on Latin immigrants and their participation in the labor movement.

Meet the First Authors.

Meet the First Authors.

Comparison of open and closed book test for admission in medical school.

This article was migrated. The article was marked as recommended. Introduction: Students' learning methods are highly influenced by the type of evaluation. Consequently, evaluation is a deciding step in the learning process. Multiple Choice Format Tests (MCQs) are almost exclusive in the admission to Health studies. PluriPASS suggests an educational reform of Health studies. This research aims at analyzing docimological features of Open-book Multiple Choice Format tests (OBT) compared to other usual tests used during the first year in Health studies curriculum (CC). Methods: This educational research took place during PluriPASS year in Health studies curriculum at Angers University, during the academic period 2015-2016. The optional course « Disability and Health » (DH) was partly assessed by open-book tests with complex wording, requiring careful thought from students. Results: Out of the 1161 students enrolled in first year curriculum, 190 have chosen the DH. For the students who followed the DH, the CC and OBT distributions are respectively a Skewness score at -0.11 and -0.12 and a Kurtosis score at -0.9 and -0.22. Bland Altman test or Deming method demonstrate a concordance between both method. Conclusion: Distribution characteristics of OBT are satisfactory and allow to consider introducing this method with the objective of promoting reflection and depth learning.

Targeted metabolomics reveals reduced levels of polyunsaturated choline plasmalogens and a smaller dimethylarginine/arginine ratio in the follicular fluid of patients with a diminished ovarian reserve.

Does the metabolomic profile of the follicular fluid (FF) of patients with a diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) differ from that of patients with a normal ovarian reserve (NOR)? The metabolomic signature of the FF reveals a significant decrease in polyunsaturated choline plasmalogens and methyl arginine transferase activity in DOR patients compared to NOR patients. The composition of the FF reflects the exchanges between the oocyte and its microenvironment during its acquisition of gametic competence. Studies of the FF have allowed identification of biomarkers and metabolic pathways involved in various pathologies affecting oocyte quality, but no large metabolomic analysis in the context of ovarian ageing and DOR has been undertaken so far. This was an observational study of the FF retrieved from 57 women undergoing in vitro fertilization at the University Hospital of Angers, France, from November 2015 to September 2016. The women were classified in two groups: one including 28 DOR patients, and the other including 29 NOR patients, serving as controls. Patients were enrolled in the morning of oocyte retrieval after ovarian stimulation. Once the oocytes were isolated for fertilization and culture, the FF was pooled and centrifuged for analysis. A targeted quantitative metabolomic analysis was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry, and the Biocrates Absolute IDQ p180 kit. The FF levels of 188 metabolites and several sums and ratios of metabolic significance were assessed by multivariate and univariate analyses. A total of 136 metabolites were accurately quantified and used for calculating 23 sums and ratios. Samples were randomly divided into training and validation sets. The training set, allowed the construction of multivariate statistical models with a projection-supervised method, i.e. orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), applied to the full set of metabolites, or the penalized least absolute shrinkage and selection operator with logistic regression (LASSO-LR), applied to the ratios and sums of the metabolites. Both multivariate models showed good predictive performances when applied to the validation set. The final penalized model retained the three most significant variables, i.e. the total dimethylarginine-to-arginine ratio (Total DMA/Arginine), the sum of the polyunsaturated choline plasmalogens (PUFA ae), and the patient's age. The negative coefficients of Total DMA/Arginine and PUFA ae indicated that these FF variables had lower values in DOR patients than in NOR patients. N/A. This study presents two limitations. First, with this targeted metabolomics analysis, we have explored only a limited portion of the FF metabolome. Second, although the signature found was highly significant, the mechanism underlying the dysfunction remains undetermined. The understanding of the mechanisms implied in ovarian ageing is essential for providing an adequate response to affected women desiring pregnancy. Our study proposes an incoming signature that may open new paths towards this goal. This study was supported by the University Hospital of Angers, the University of Angers, and the French national research centers, INSERM and the CNRS. There were no competing interests.

Haunted readings of female gothic short stories

Abstract This article deploys a cut-up technique borrowed from the haunted, fictocritical writing of Anna Gibbs. Taking descriptions from parts of different haunted houses found in short stories of the female gothic, it reconstitutes a new house, that is both an architectural assemblage and a reading of the figure of the haunted house as it relates to both gothic studies and feminism. The article has been divided according to passages describing different rooms as they appear in stories by thirteen women writers of the Gothic era: Charlotte Riddell, Mary Wilkins-Freeman, Charlotte Perkins Gilman, Elizabeth Gaskell, Edith Nesbit, Emma Frances Dawson, Madeline Wynne, Florence Marryat, Mrs Oliphant, Amelia Edwards, Elizabeth Bowen, Ellen Glasgow and Edith Wharton. The original paper, delivered at the 2015 Conference Haunting in Short Fiction and Its Adaptations at the University of Angers, was accompanied by a hypertext, choose-your-own-adventure-style Powerpoint presentation in which conference participants could select different doors and passageways, each leading to a different route, reading their way through the collaged house in an itinerant fashion. The rooms and architectural features, with their accompanying passages and readings, are here presented in a linear fashion.

Deep sequencing shows that oocytes are not prone to accumulate mtDNA heteroplasmic mutations during ovarian ageing.

Does ovarian ageing increase the number of heteroplasmic mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) point mutations in oocytes? Our results suggest that oocytes are not subject to the accumulation of mtDNA point mutations during ovarian ageing. Ageing is associated with the alteration of mtDNA integrity in various tissues. Primary oocytes, present in the ovary since embryonic life, may accumulate mtDNA mutations during the process of ovarian ageing. This was an observational study of 53 immature oocyte-cumulus complexes retrieved from 35 women undergoing IVF at the University Hospital of Angers, France, from March 2013 to March 2014. The women were classified in two groups, one including 19 women showing signs of ovarian ageing objectified by a diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), and the other, including 16 women with a normal ovarian reserve (NOR), which served as a control group. mtDNA was extracted from isolated oocytes, and from their corresponding cumulus cells (CCs) considered as a somatic cell compartment. The average mtDNA content of each sample was assessed by using a quantitative real-time PCR technique. Deep sequencing was performed using the Ion Torrent Proton for Next-Generation Sequencing. Signal processing and base calling were done by the embedded pre-processing pipeline and the variants were analyzed using an in-house workflow. The distribution of the different variants between DOR and NOR patients, on one hand, and oocyte and CCs, on the other, was analyzed with the generalized mixed linear model to take into account the cluster of cells belonging to a given mother. There were no significant differences between the numbers of mtDNA variants between the DOR and the NOR patients, either in the oocytes (P = 0.867) or in the surrounding CCs (P = 0.154). There were also no differences in terms of variants with potential functional consequences. De-novo mtDNA variants were found in 28% of the oocytes and in 66% of the CCs with the mean number of variants being significantly different (respectively 0.321, SD = 0.547 and 1.075, SD = 1.158) (P < 0.0001). Variants with a potential functional consequence were also overrepresented in CCs compared with oocytes (P = 0.0019). N/A. Limitations may be due to the use of immature oocytes discarded during the assisted reproductive technology procedure, the small size of the sample, and the high-throughput sequencing technology that might not have detected heteroplasmy levels lower than 2%. The alteration of mtDNA integrity in oocytes during ovarian ageing is a recurring question to which our pilot study suggests a reassuring answer. This work was supported by the University Hospital of Angers, the University of Angers, France, and the French national research centers, INSERM and the CNRS. There are nocompeting interests.

The mitochondrial DNA content of cumulus granulosa cells is linked to embryo quality.

Could the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content of cumulus granulosa cells (CGCs) be related to oocyte competence? The quality of embryos obtained during IVF procedures appears to be linked to mtDNA copy numbers in the CGCs. Oocyte quality is linked to oocyte mtDNA content in the human and other species, and the mtDNA copy number of the oocyte is related to that of the corresponding CGCs. Moreover, the quantification of CGC mtDNA has recently been proposed as a biomarker of embryo viability. An observational study was performed on 452 oocyte-cumulus complexes retrieved from 62 patients undergoing ICSI at the ART Center of the University Hospital of Angers, France, from January to May 2015. The average mtDNA content of CGCs was assessed by using a quantitative real-time PCR technique. The relationship between CGC mtDNA content and oocyte maturity and fertilizability, on one hand, and embryo quality, on the other, was investigated using univariate and multivariate generalized models with fixed and mixed effects. No relationship was found between CGC mtDNA content and oocyte maturity or fertilizability. In contrast, there was a significant link between the content of mtDNA in CGCs surrounding an oocyte and the embryo quality, with significantly higher mtDNA copy numbers being associated with good quality embryos compared with fair or poor quality embryos [interquartile range, respectively, 738 (250-1228) and 342 (159-818); P = 0.006]. However, the indication provided by the quantification of CGC mtDNA concerning the eventuality of good embryo quality was seriously subject to patient effect (AUC = 0.806, 95%CI = 0.719-0.869). The quantity of CGC mtDNA was influenced by BMI and smoking. N/A. The quantification of CGC mtDNA may indicate embryo quality. However, since it is affected by patient specificity, it should be used with caution. It remains to be seen whether this marker could directly predict the implantation capacity of the embryo, which is the main objective in IVF practice. Our study suggests that the quantification of CGC mtDNA may be a novel biomarker of embryo viability. However, patient specificity makes it impossible to establish a general threshold value, valid for all patients. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to determine whether the quantification of CGC mtDNA may, in combination with the morpho-kinetic method, offer an additional criterion for selecting the best embryo for transfer from a given cohort. This work was supported by the University Hospital of Angers, the University of Angers, France, and the French national research centres INSERM and the CNRS. There were no competing interests.

University: a collaborative platform for knowledge? The example of ESTHUA - Tourism and Culture faculty at the University of Angers

Description: ESTHUA, Tourism Faculty at the University of Angers, is considering the establishment of an economic intelligence system. This would allow it to resolve its issues surrounding data collection and the production and distribution of information, but would also allow it to respond to demand from the emerging tourism cluster, which has taken on an economic intelligence project to support its members. This reflection article considers possible options to answer this problem. Point of view: In the first phase of our research-action work we suggest analyzing the issues surrounding an economic intelligence system as a prospective target for ESTHUA, both for the collection but also for the distribution of information from a conception of knowledge for the common good. Description: Via a modeling test, we will try to demonstrate the importance and roles of an economic intelligence network administrator. We will outline the steps involved in the implementation of the system, with the importance of raising user awareness, registering contributors and starting with easily available tools. Conclusions: Finally, we will suggest separating the distribution of information depending on the involvement of each member of the network.

Personal, Biomechanical, Organizational and Psychosocial Risk Factors for Neck Disorders in a Working Population

The aim of the study was to assess both personal and occupational risk factors for non-specific neck disorder (ND) in a representative working population characterized by various levels of exposure to work-related constraints. ND during the preceding 7 days was assessed in 3,710 workers surveyed by 83 occupational physicians between 2002 and 2005. Personal risk factors and work exposure were assessed by a standardized examination and a self-administered questionnaire. Associations between ND and personal and occupational factors were analyzed using logistic regression modeling separately in men and in women. The personal risk factors for ND were age (OR for 1-year increment 1.02, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.03 in men and 1.03 [1.01-1.04] in women) and previous history of arthritis disease (OR 2.39 [1.17-4.91] in men and 3.95 [1.92-8.12] in women). The risk of ND increased with previous history or upper limb musculoskeletal disorders in men (OR 1.58 [1.17-2.13]) and decreased with BMI in women (OR for 1-kg/m(2) increment 0.96, [0.93-0.99]). The work-related risk factors of ND were sustained or repeated arm abduction (OR 2.08 [1.35-3.21] in men and 2.22 [1.27-3.86] in women) and neck flexion (OR 1.64 [1.26-2.12] in women). Work pace dependent on customers (OR 1.42 [1.10-1.83]) and psychological demand of the task (OR 1.49 [1.15-1.92]) increased the risk of ND in men. Work pace dependent on quantified targets (OR 1.37 [1.05-1.79]) and low supervisor support (OR 1.68 [1.30-2.17]) increased the risk of ND in women. This study highlighted the multifactorial nature of ND.

Report from the 2nd annual RICiFa meeting (International Meeting on Pharmaceutical Sciences 2012)

Report from the 2nd annual RICiFa meeting (International Meeting on Pharmaceutical Sciences 2012)

Preamble: new development on advanced materials for photonics, sensing and energy applications

The international conference devoted to newdevelopment onAdvancedMaterials for Photonics, Sensing and Energy Conversion Applications AMPSECA’2012 was supported initially by the newly created SMPM2A “Moroccan Association of Physics of Advanced Materials and their Applications” and organized jointly with this scientific association in El Jadida, Morocco by the University of Chouaib Doukkali, The University of Angers, The INSA of Lyon, The University of Valenciennes, the University of Lyon I. This International Conference brought together leading researchers from different disciplines on one platform. This large gathering of academic and industrial researchers have provided in depth information on particular properties of materials and their potential applications. This event have focused on energy related issues and brought eminent scientists and program managers from various funding agencies in the form of plenary speakers and panel discussions.